The University of Providence’s graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers students the opportunity to learn, practice, and, apply clinical mental health skills required of today’s mental health professionals. Designed for completion as a part- or full-time student, the program provides optional concentrations in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Addiction Counseling alongside the CORE clinical mental health counseling curriculum, totaling 60 semester credits.
Explore questions about UP’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program today.
How long will it take to complete the clinical mental health counseling program?
Completion of the program varies depending on enrollment. Enrollment for the clinical mental health counseling program takes place each fall (August) semester, with students progressing through the program as cohorts. On average, students complete the program in 3-years. The program does not conduct any intakes during the spring or summer enrollment cycles.
Does the program require any in-person courses?
No. All didactic coursework for the clinical mental health counseling program is completed online.
Can I get paid for the clinical mental health counseling internship?
Payment for internship/practicum hours is dependent on the site location. In previous cohorts, most of the selected internship/practicum sites did not provide payment for student completion of hours.
Does the clinical mental health counseling program assist with internship placements?
Yes. Clinical mental health counseling program faculty advises students on how to find internship/practicum sites where they are located. Some examples include counseling centers, hospitals, schools, and addiction rehabilitation centers.
How many classes are in each semester and how long are they each?
The program is designed for completion in 3-years. Students will complete six, 15-week semesters alongside two, three-credit summer courses as part of the CORE curriculum. In total, students complete eight total semesters consisting of 20 total courses or 60 semester credits. On average students will complete nine-semester credits (three courses) in the fall and spring, and three semester credits (one course) in the summer.
What is the difference between asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid courses?
While all courses in the clinical mental health counseling program are completed virtually, the delivery of courses varies. Courses that are delivered asynchronously, are completed on the students own time with set deadlines. Synchronous courses are completed online through scheduled courses and set deadlines. Hybrid courses are face-to-face online courses at a set time.
What can students expect to learn in this program?
Students can expect to learn the foundations, fundamentals, and techniques of counseling. Specific competencies include counseling techniques, psychopathology, research, testing and theories of counseling, spirituality in counseling and various courses on multicultural competence.
Does the University of Providence offer student support services?
Yes. Students can find up-to-date information, resources, and more on the Academics Homepage of UP’s website. Eligible students can take advantage of student support services such as academic support, tutoring, and more. Students can also take advantage of library resources as well.
Is financial aid available?
Students in the clinical mental health counseling program are eligible for FAFSA. Currently-employed healthcare professionals can have the Healthcare Professional Tuition Incentive applied toward the program. Providence Caregivers and their dependents can access information on tuition discounts and other benefits through the Human Resources Caregiver Service Portal.
Who is an ideal candidate for the clinical mental health counseling program?
An ideal candidate for the program is someone passionate about the mental health field. The program offers a comprehensive framework to prepare aspiring clinical mental health professionals to deliver quality, compassionate, and sensitive mental health services.
What certification will I be prepared for after completion of the program?
Clinical mental health counseling students will be prepared to sit for accreditation of counseling or licensure as professional counselors (LPC/LCPC) through the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
Is national certification required to become a clinical mental health counselor?
Yes. Graduates of the program are prepared students for the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) offered through the National Board for Certified Counselors. The certification is accepted in all 50 states and is a crucial step in being able to practice as a mental health counselor following graduation.
What will a typical day-to-day look like after graduating from the program?
Successful completion and licensure can open exciting doors for clinical mental health counselors. Some occupation fields include substance abuse rehabilitation and recovery counseling, behavioral disorder counseling, wellness coaching, counseling administrator, researcher, and more.
Do I need an existing bachelor’s degree to enroll?
Yes. As a master’s level program, students enrolled in the program should hold a bachelor’s degree in a similar or relevant mental health field. Possible degrees include but are not limited to, psychology, social work, education or a similar field.
Will I be able to complete this program while working full-time?
Yes. The program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Before enrolling, students should assess their responsibilities at home, work, and school to determine the pace and duration at which they will complete the program.
Is the clinical mental health counseling program accredited?
Yes. The program is accredited through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The program is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which is also recognized by the CHEA.
How much will I make as a clinical mental health counselor?
Salaries for clinical mental health counselors vary depending on the level of degree earned, certifications obtained, and specific job positions. In a 2022 report released by U.S. News and World Report, mental health counselors can make from between $39,730 to $73,050.
Does the program accept transfer credits?
Yes. Up to twelve (12) post-baccalaureate semester credits can be accepted from a regionally and CACREP-accredited institution. Transfer credits may be transferred and applied toward the 60-credit clinical mental health counseling program. For specific information on credit transfers and eligibility, students should connect with the admissions department or the program director.
Which concentrations are offered as part of the program?
There are two concentrations offered as part of the program. The first concentration is in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and the second is in Addiction Counseling. Both concentrations offer competencies in the highly specialized fields of addiction and rehabilitation counseling. Concentrations are completed with the clinical mental health counseling CORE curriculum.
Where can I find more information about the clinical mental health counseling program?
Additional information about the program can be found on the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program page while information regarding curriculum and course layouts can be found on the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Courseleaf page. Furthermore, those who have questions regarding the program can request more information or contact an admissions representative.
