
Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Prepare to make a difference in your community and meet the growing demand for licensed counselors with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. There is a growing demand for counseling professionals to help clients through a variety of mental and emotional issues that crop up in their lives. As more Americans recognize the benefits of counseling to improve mental health, strengthen relationships and remove barriers to achieving goals, this field will only continue to flourish.
At University of the Cumberlands, we stand ready to help you achieve your personal and professional goals for the well-being and health of your community and career. Our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to help you take the next step, whether that’s part of a counseling group or private practice, to give others the care they need.
COUNSELING DEGREE PROGRAM INFORMATION
In your clinical mental health counseling program, coursework covers the foundational knowledge you need to build a career in the field. In addition to exploring the fundamentals and undergoing practicums and internships needed to pursue relevant licensures, you’ll build a set a skills invaluable to a career in mental health counseling. Goals for your clinical mental health counseling program include helping you:
- Develop a professional counselor identity aligned with the ACA Code of Ethics
- Prepare to be a culturally competent counselor for service to diverse populations
- Better understand developmental theory and persons in context across the lifespan
- Effectively apply career development theory while acknowledging related life-work roles and factors
- Demonstrate effective counseling skills and techniques to groups and individuals
- Become more effective with assessment, diagnosis, and intervention planning
- Successfully use research in clinical practice and program evaluation
- Promote the attitudes and dispositions that facilitate academic success and effective counseling
- Be equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills to seek licensure as a professional counselor
TUITION INFORMATION
At University of the Cumberlands, we do everything we can to ensure our programs remain competitive and affordable year in and year out. That effort extends to our online graduate programs, including this online clinical mental health counseling degree. Click here for more information regarding tuition rates and fees.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Mental health, as an issue in the public consciousness, has become incredibly important in recent years. At University of the Cumberlands, we take our role in helping prepare professionals for the field very seriously. In that regard, we take admission to the program equally as seriously. We are here to help you achieve your educational goals with us so you can achieve your career goals in clinical mental health counseling. If you’re interested in this program, view admission requirements, admission cycles, and application deadlines today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A MASTER’S IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING?
With a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, you can make a positive impact as a counselor in a number of settings, including:
- Private Practice
- Clinical Mental Health Centers
- Community Agencies
- University Counseling Centers
- Hospitals
- Correctional Facilities
A master's in clinical counseling is a branch of psychology concerned with treating people for mental health as well as emotional and relationship issues. A master’s in clinical mental health counseling program covers the skills needed to assess patients, diagnose mental disorders—like anxiety and depression—and deliver effective treatment. You’ll learn both the theory and practice of working closely with patients in individual, group, and family settings. You’ll also explore counseling strategies for diverse populations, from children to the elderly.
Many counseling roles require a master’s degree. This is especially true if you intend to provide certain kinds of services, like one-on-one counseling sessions. In addition, all states require mental health counselors to earn a license. Check with your state to learn more about education requirements for licensure.
An educational background in mental health counseling could also prepare you for a variety of other career paths in the human services field. These may include:
- Health Educator
- Community Health Worker
- Social Administrator
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Regulatory Affairs Director
- Postsecondary Teacher
HOW CAN I EARN A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING DEGREE ONLINE?
Online learning offers a flexible way to pursue your graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling on your own schedule. Here’s how to get started:
- Map your career path. Don’t wait too long to decide you want to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC). The amount and type of education needed for counseling roles varies based on where you plan to work. So, you’ll need to choose a mental health counseling program that fulfills your state’s licensure requirements.
- Choose your program. Not every online mental health counseling program covers the in-person experience you need to gain expertise as a counselor and pursue licensure in your state. Look for a program that includes practicum and internship experiences in your community. In addition, consider choosing a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accredits programs that meet national standards of quality and relevance to the counseling profession. University of the Cumberlands is one of the only higher education institutions to offer CACREP-accredited programs online.
- Pursue your studies. Students can earn a master’s in clinical mental health counseling in as few as two years of full-time study. If you plan to pursue licensure, don’t forget to factor in time to fulfill a period of post-degree supervised clinical work, a time requirement that varies by state.
IS A MASTER’S IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING WORTH IT?
For many students, earning a master’s in clinical mental health counseling is an investment in a rewarding career helping others live their best lives. Consider the following reasons to earn your master’s in this growing field:
- High demand. In coming years, jobs should be plentiful for licensed mental health counselors. Projected growth for this career path (together with substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors) should reach 23 percent by 2030—much faster than average for all professions. This is due to an increase in the number of people seeking counseling, including populations like military veterans. In addition, rural and underserved communities also need mental health counselors.
- A career to build a life around. In 2021, the top 10 percent of mental health counselors earned over $77,980 per year, and the median salary for this role was $48,520. Some counselors may go on to start a private practice, pursue roles in leadership or even teach at the postsecondary level.
- Job satisfaction. Counseling is a chance to guide patients through difficult times, such as grief, mental illness or relationship problems. For the right person, helping patients improve their mental health and happiness is the greatest reward.
ACCREDITATION
University of the Cumberlands is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It is our pleasure and honor to award those candidates who complete this online program with a relevant and accredited graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling.
CACREP ASSESSMENT
The CACREP Council accredits the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Addiction Counseling program, PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision, and the related Doctorate of Educational Leadership Online (EdD) 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.
FACULTY
Click here to view a list of the clinical mental health faculty.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PURSUING YOUR COUNSELING DEGREE ONLINE
When you’re ready to help others overcome emotional and mental health issues, make sure you maximize your counseling abilities with this online mental health counseling degree. Discover why University of the Cumberlands is one of the best test-optional colleges in KY for your degree-seeking educational dreams. Fill out the form on this page for more information about your online mental health counseling program.
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