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Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Learn the key information – and gain the critical experience – you need for a career as a licensed professional counselor.

counseling student
counseling student

Types

Master

Location

Online

Credits

60

Cost

$449/credit hour

Make a lasting difference in the lives of others!

Now more than ever, there is a growing demand for licensed counseling professionals. Everyone needs someone they can trust to help them when mental health and emotional issues disrupt their lives. As more Americans become aware of the benefits of mental health counseling – whether the underlying issues are mental, emotional, relational, or a mix of all three – this swiftly growing field will only continue to flourish. And with it, more people’s lives will flourish too.

Anchor: Stats

By the numbers

$48,520

Average Salary

22%

Industry Growth

No. 1

Online Counseling Degree

100%

Student Focused
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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. There’s no limit to the number of lives you’ll have the chance to influence for the better with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling!

Cumberlands’ online Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling covers the foundational knowledge you need. You will undergo the practicums and internships needed to pursue relevant licensures. In short, you will gain invaluable experience and skills to help prepare you to give others the wellness care they need. Our master’s in clinical mental health counseling online program is designed to serve both recent baccalaureate graduates and professionals desiring to broaden their expertise as mental health counselors.  

The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online program is considered one of the top mental health counseling graduate programs, and requires completion of 60 hours of graduate-level work. A maximum of 18 semester hours of credit may be transferred from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. These transfer credits must be in courses determined to be equivalent to courses required in the counseling psychology online program. All transfer credits must be approved by the program director and the registrar.

Course Requirements

COUN 529 - CMHC Program Orientation 
This course introduces new Clinical Mental Health Counseling students to graduate level study at the University of the Cumberlands and to the Counseling Profession. Students will learn basics to support the early formation of counselor identity as well as the academic resources that support their success across the Clinical Mental Health Program at the University of the Cumberlands. 

Course Objectives: 

  • Students will be able to identify key academic resources that support their success across the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (CACREP 2016 1.M) (Assessment: Student Handbook Quiz) 
  • Students will be able to articulate ethical and professional obligations associated with becoming a Professional Counselor (CACREP 2016 1.M) (Assessment: Ethics Case Quiz) 
  • Students will be able to describe personal growth expectations for counselors-in-training in the CMHC program (CACREP 2016 1.M) (Assessment: CARE Quiz) 
  • Students will be able to locate information related to eligibility for licensure/certification in their state of residence (CACREP 2016 1.M) (Assessment: Licensure Eligibility Quiz) 
  • Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in navigating digital delivery platforms used by the CMHC program at the University of the Cumberlands (Assessment: Technology Module Quiz) 

COUN 551 - CMHC Comprehensive Exam
This course provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the content learned across the Clinical Mental Health Program curriculum. Each student is required to pass the Department of Counseling comprehensive examination, which is called the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), in order to graduate. Students will take the exam while concurrently registered for COUN 646 or COUN 647. This exam will take place online and is proctored via the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE). Students must achieve a passing score as set by the program and the CCE to pass this course and complete their program of study. Students who do not pass this exam after three attempts will be dismissed from the program.  

Course Objectives: 

  • Students will be able to identify theories and models of multicultural counseling, cultural identity development, and social justice and advocacy (CACREP 2016 2.F.2.b) 
  • Students will be able to identify theories of individual and family development across the lifespan (CACREP 2016 2.F.3.a) 
  • Students will be able to identify theories and models of career development, counseling, and decision-making (CACREP 2016 2.F.4.a) 
  • Students will be able to identify theories and models of counseling (CACREP 2016 2.F.5.a) 
  • Students will be able to identify theoretical foundations of group counseling and group work (CACREP 2016 2.F.6.a) 
  • Students will be able to identify the use of assessments for diagnostic and intervention planning purposes (CACREP 2016 2.F.7.e) 
  • Students will be able to identify evidence-based counseling practices (CACREP 2016 2.F.8.b) 

Department of Counseling Sample Syllabi
*The syllabi in this folder are samples and may not reflect the most current syllabus content

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.

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and 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.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Mental Health Counselor: $48,520

Mental Health Counselor: $48,520

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.

Substance Abuse Counselor: $48,520

Substance Abuse Counselor: $48,520

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.

Behavioral Disorder Counselor: $48,520

Behavioral Disorder Counselor: $48,520

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.

Clinical Counselor (School Setting): $60,510

Clinical Counselor (School Setting): $60,510

School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. Career counselors and advisors help people choose a path to employment.

Rehabilitation Counselor: $38,560

Rehabilitation Counselor: $38,560

Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently.

Postsecondary Teacher: $79,640

Postsecondary Teacher: $79,640

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A master's in psychology focuses on research and theoretical aspects of human behavior, while a master's in mental health counseling emphasizes practical skills for assessing and treating mental health issues.

A student holds textbooks outside on Cumberlands campus.

Our One Price Promise

What's included in your tuition? Everything! We were founded on the notion that a college education should be accessible for all. We're making good on that.

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Counseling

Get to know about your future counseling professors.

Dr. Sola Kippers

Dr. Sola Kippers

Adjunct Professor
Counseling

Dr. Sola Kippers

Contact Information

225.678.0844
sola.kippers [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Torrenzo Moore

Dr. Torrenzo Moore

Adjunct Professor
Counseling

Dr. Torrenzo Moore

Contact Information

torrenzo.moore [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Cherieda Washington

Dr. Cherieda Washington

Adjunct Professor
Counseling

Dr. Cherieda Washington

Contact Information

cherieda.washington [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
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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 https://www.cacrep.org. 

CACREP Outcomes for the Department of Counseling at University of Cumberlands:

Vital Statistics: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
*Starting AY 2021 vital statistics are included in the Program Evaluation Outcomes Report.

Program Evaluation Outcomes Report: 2015-2018, 2021, 2022, 2023

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