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MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Description

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is an intensive two-year, 60-credit degree program designed to provide students with the educational components required for licensure in some states as an independently practicing clinical mental health counselor.

The program is delivered over a minimum of nine academic terms and culminates with a clinical field experience (i.e., practicum and internship) that is a minimum of 700 hours. Under the close guidance and supervision of program faculty and on-site licensed clinicians, students will engage in direct service with clients during their clinical field experience. The CMHC program is carefully curated to connect students with the world of clinical mental health counseling through coursework infused with research; scientifically based best practices; hands-on, supervised clinical learning; and the application of professional ethics embedded in social justice.

The CMHC program at ÌìÑÄÉçÇø¹ÙÍø recognizes that educating clinical mental health counselors demands a deep understanding of oneself in relation to others. It is essential for developing the self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and ethical grounding necessary to navigate the cognitive complexities of therapeutic work with competence, compassion, and integrity. As such, the program faculty are committed to cultivating an atmosphere of acceptance for students’ deliberate, in-depth, self-exploration of the qualities, attitudes, and behaviors that influence the formation of effective therapeutic relationships.

1. It is the sole responsibility of the student to ensure fulfillment of state licensing law requirements.
2. The exact number of clinical training hours may vary according to state licensing laws.

Program Mission

New England College’s CMHC program cultivates and prepares compassionate, competent clinical mental health counselors who actively engage in reflective, ethical, culturally responsive, and scientifically based clinical practices that promote personal growth, resilience, empowerment, and effectiveness among individuals, groups, families, and communities.

Licensure

New England College’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets current educational requirements for initial licensure in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

New England College has not determined if the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling meets educational requirements for initial licensure in other states.

In addition to educational requirements, all states have additional requirements for professional licensure in clinical mental health counseling. Additional requirements for licensure may include but are not limited to supervised post-degree clinical hours and licensure exam.

Information on educational and additional requirements for professional licensure is available from the licensure board in the state where you plan to practice as a clinical mental health counselor. Here is a link to a comprehensive , which includes counseling licensure boards.

Students are encouraged to reach out to Brian Driscoll, Program Director for Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Human Services, at bdriscoll@nec.edu with questions.

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Highlights

Why Earn Your Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

Mental health counselors benefit from specialized training in assessment techniques, group counseling, and counseling theory, which they can gain through a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at ÌìÑÄÉçÇø¹ÙÍø builds the clinical skills and counseling knowledge students need to pursue careers as professional counselors.

Students take courses in relationship counseling, addiction counseling, and career counseling. The coursework prepares students for careers as marriage and family therapists, substance use counselors, or career counselors. Clinical placements strengthen students’ counseling skills through supervised practice. Faculty mentors and site supervisors provide feedback to help learners develop their abilities as counselors.

After completing the MS-CMHC program, graduates pursue licensure as professional counselors through their state licensing boards.

MS-CMHC Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the CMHC Program will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Foster professional, interdisciplinary, and therapeutic relationships.
2. Assess the clinically relevant social determinants of health for individuals, groups, and systems.
3. Integrate ethical, socially just, and culturally relevant decision-making into the clinical practice.
4. Synthesize developmental, biopsychosocial-spiritual research into clinical practice.
5. Create comprehensive clinical case conceptualizations.
6. Develop an identity and theoretical orientation as a professional clinical mental health counselor.

What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

Master’s programs in clinical mental health counseling prepare students to become professional counselors. After completing the MS-CMHC program, graduates pursue careers as mental health counselors, helping clients manage issues such as depression and anxiety. Mental health counselors also work with individuals, couples, and groups on their relationship problems, stress, and emotional well-being.

In addition to a career as a mental health counselor, earning a clinical mental health counseling master’s degree can also lead to a career as a marriage and family therapist, behavioral disorder counselor, or substance use counselor.

Recognition and Rankings

ÌìÑÄÉçÇø¹ÙÍø Ranked Top Online College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best Online Colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

ÌìÑÄÉçÇø¹ÙÍø Ranked Top Online Degree Program

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading online college in NH, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

ÌìÑÄÉçÇø¹ÙÍø Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.