Program Overview

Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Overview

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that prepares students to become licensed professional counselors. The program focuses on developing skills to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders in diverse populations through individual, group, and family counseling sessions.

Types

• Master

Location

• Online

Credits

• 60

Cost

• $449/credit hour

Programs & Requirements

Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The University of the Cumberlands' master's in clinical mental health counseling program covers the skills you'll need as a licensed counseling professional to assess patients, diagnose mental disorders, and effectively deliver treatment. You'll learn how to work closely with patients in individual, group, and family settings and explore professional counseling strategies for diverse populations, from children to the elderly.

Course Requirements

• Counseling Core Courses (48 hours)
  • COUN 530 - Introduction to the Counseling Profession
  • COUN 533 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
  • COUN 534 - Lifestyle and Career Development
  • COUN 535 - Psychological Assessment in Clinical Practice
  • COUN 536 - Human Growth and Development
  • COUN 537 - Etiology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders
  • COUN 539 - Theories in Counseling
  • COUN 632 - Advanced Clinical Assessment
  • COUN 633 - Counseling during Grief and Crisis
  • COUN 636 - Theory and Practice of Multicultural Counseling
  • COUN 637 - Group Counseling
  • COUN 638 - Research Methods and Program Evaluation
  • COUN 639 - Theories & Techniques for Treatment of Process Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • COUN 645 - Counseling Practicum
  • COUN 646 - Counseling Internship
  • COUN 647 - Counseling Internship II
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization Courses (12 hours)
  • COUN 630 - Process and Techniques in Counseling
  • COUN 631 - Private Practice and Clinical Supervision
  • COUN 634 - Marriage and Family Counseling
  • COUN 635 - Child and Adolescent Counseling
• COUN 529 CMHC Program Orientation (0 Credits)
  • COUN 529 - CMHC Program Orientation
• COUN 551 CMHC Comprehensive Exam
  • COUN 551 - CMHC Comprehensive Exam

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling must submit the following materials to the Graduate Admissions Office:

• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from all colleges and universities attended. The conferred bachelor's degree must be from a regionally accredited school. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for their bachelor's degree is required for full acceptance.
• Submit a 1000 – 1500-word writing sample according to the prompt provided.
• Submit two recommendations from professional sources (e.g., supervisors, employers, professors) commenting on the applicant's academic and professional potential.
• Complete interview conducted by admissions committee if determined necessary.

Mission & Goals

Our mission is to develop counselors with a strong professional identity who demonstrate specialized knowledge, skills, and dispositions focused on serving diverse populations.

• Facilitate professional counselor identity development aligned with the ACA Code of Ethics.
• Prepare culturally competent counselors to serve diverse populations.
• Develop an understanding of developmental theory and persons in context across the lifespan.
• Prepare students to effectively apply career development theory, acknowledging related life-work roles and factors.
• Prepare counselors who demonstrate effective counseling skills and techniques.
• Prepare counselors who demonstrate effective group counseling skills and techniques.
• Develop counselors who are effective with assessment, diagnosis, and intervention planning.
• Prepare counselors to effectively utilize research in clinical practice and program evaluation.
• Promote the attitudes and dispositions that facilitate academic success and effective counseling.

Career Outcomes

• Mental Health Counselor: $48,520
• Substance Abuse Counselor: $48,520
• Behavioral Disorder Counselor: $48,520
• Clinical Counselor (School Setting): $60,510
• Rehabilitation Counselor: $38,560
• Postsecondary Teacher: $79,640

FAQs

• What is a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling?
  • A master's degree in clinical mental health counseling prepares students to become licensed professional counselors. It focuses on developing skills to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders in diverse populations through individual, group, and family counseling sessions.
• How long does a master's in clinical mental health counseling take?
  • Typically, a master's in clinical mental health counseling takes about two to three years to complete. The program usually requires 60 credit hours, including core and specialization courses.
• Can I get a master's in clinical mental health counseling online?
  • Yes, you can earn a master's in clinical mental health counseling online. Many universities offer accredited online programs that provide the same rigorous training and coursework as traditional on-campus programs.
• Is a master's in clinical mental health counseling worth it?
  • A master's in clinical mental health counseling is worth it for those passionate about helping others with mental health challenges. The degree opens doors to various counseling careers, with growing demand and competitive salaries in the field.
• What can I do with a master's in clinical mental health counseling?
  • With a master's in clinical mental health counseling, you can work as a mental health counselor, substance abuse counselor, behavioral disorder counselor, school counselor, rehabilitation counselor, or postsecondary teacher.
• How to get a master's in clinical mental health counseling?
  • To get a master's in clinical mental health counseling, you need to apply to an accredited program, complete the required coursework, participate in clinical practicums and internships, and pass a comprehensive exam.

Faculty

• Dr. Michael Verona
• Dr. Angelica Woods-Smith
• Dr. Mary Hermann

CACREP Assessment

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and the PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision program. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that accredits counselor-preparation graduate degree programs. For more information, visit CACREP website.