M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Earn Your Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Online or Evening Classes

Clinical mental health counselors enter the field because they feel called to help others overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. If you feel that God has called you to serve those who are struggling with psychological, social or behavioral issues, you can earn your Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. A master’s degree in counseling is a required stepping stone toward licensure in all 50 states.

This master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree is offered in both online and in-person evening classes by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is an intensive survey of the evidence-based theories and practical applications of counseling, including the development of preventive, interventional, and rehabilitative plans. Students are trained to develop a greater awareness of social and cultural trends and equipped to serve diverse populations. Furthermore, students examine legal and professional standards, and think critically about current ethical issues that they may encounter in future practice as a clinical mental health counselor.

GCU’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program was designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

Study How to Help Others Maintain Healthy Lives

Effective clinical mental health counselors are strong communicators, active listeners and empathetic, compassionate people who are able to make genuine connections with their clients. In this master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree program, you will explore the client-counselor relationship and learn to establish appropriate boundaries. You will learn how to evaluate scientific research and apply evidence-based information to your practice. Students in the program also complete the career counseling course, which provides a broad understanding of career development and decisions as a clinical mental health counselor.

Additionally, in courses such as Substance Use Disorders and Addictions, Counseling the Culturally Diverse, and Group Counseling, students will study these key topic areas:

    The stages, processes and effects of substance use disorders, including the social and psychological dynamics of these disorders.
    
    Theories of multicultural counseling and identity development.
    
    Group counseling dynamics, theories and ethical standards.
    
    Scientifically sound assessment procedures for determining a client’s mental or emotional status.
    
    The basic principles of psychopharmacology and the effects of psychoactive substances.

Students in the clinical mental health counseling program will complete the Counseling Practicum and two internship experiences. These provide hands-on, supervised experience in the field.

What Type of Career Can I Have With a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree?

The master’s in clinical mental health counseling covers a variety of topics so you can work with diverse clients and prepares you to pursue a meaningful and impactful career helping others reach their full potential. As a future clinical mental health counselor, you could devote your practice to providing clients substance abuse, trauma or depression counseling. Clinical mental health counselors practice in settings such as community-based organizations, nonprofit entities, hospitals, clinics and private practices. Some professionals decide to practice telemedicine, which enables them to serve a wider audience.

GCU’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree prepares students to pursue professional licensure. The program meets the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Students who wish to practice in another state should check that state’s specific requirements.