MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP-Accredited)

Help others find hope, healing, and recovery with our online master’s in clinical mental health counseling program.

CACREP LogoWhy choose Walden’s CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program?

Unlock your potential as an impactful, compassionate counselor with Walden's CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. One of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S., our program equips you with the confidence and practical skills.

  • Master key counseling skills through virtual simulations, pre-practicum labs, and supervised field experience.

  • Personalize your path by choosing one of five specializations, based on your interests and goals.

  • Learn from dedicated, doctorally prepared faculty who are experts in their field.

  • Be supported and stay connected through bonus learning opportunities and active student organizations.

Fast Facts

Next Start Date: January 8, 2024

Transfer Credits: Up to 45 credits

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Specializations

Gain focused skills and insights on how to treat the unique emotional challenges that patients face from addiction.
Build your knowledge on topics such as juvenile justice, conflict resolution, and mental health law in this specialization.
Examine empirically supported treatments and techniques in promoting the well-being of marriages, couples, and families.
Coursework in this specialization focuses on recognizing and treating the complex emotional challenges faced by active military personnel or veterans and their spouses and children.
Master the theory, intervention strategies, and treatment models needed to treat individuals and families who have been through trauma or crisis.

Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

In our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, you will:

  • Employ various techniques of assessment, prevention, and intervention related to mental health counseling
  • Study theories of human growth and development that can be applied to culturally diverse clients
  • Utilize major research methods that are most commonly used in the counseling profession

Through role-playing and case studies in class and at residencies, you are given opportunities to practice counseling skills and concepts. Then, through supervised field work and a practicum, you can apply your skills to help others lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

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Expand Your Opportunities With a Dual Degree

Walden’s MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling allows you to earn two distinct degrees simultaneously—in less time and at a lower cost than earning both separately.

Explore Our Program

More about our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program

Depending on your specialization, your career options may include a role as a licensed professional counselor in settings such as:*

  • Child and family service agencies
  • Churches and other places of worship and communal gathering
  • Community mental health centers
  • Correctional facilities
  • Courts
  • Domestic violence, emergency, and homeless shelters
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Inpatient or outpatient facilities
  • Marriage and family clinics
  • Public or private hospitals and healthcare settings
  • Social service agencies
  • Wellness centers

*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Program Admission Considerations: All specializations require a bachelor's degree or higher.

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.

 
Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are committed to helping you identify and leverage opportunities to save money on your education. Get in touch with an Enrollment Specialist today at 888-968-5331 to learn more.
Our Enrollment Specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted or call 855-203-5779.
CACREPWalden's MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation attests that the content and quality of our programs have been evaluated and meet standards set by the profession. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs are prepared with the skills and knowledge to maximize their impact on the field.

Why earn your MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden?

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Learn With Cutting-Edge Technology

Comprehensive learning tools, such as i-Human, simulate case scenarios and complement the course content.

exceptional-student-services

Engaging Field Experience

Gain real-world knowledge as you learn on site from practicing professionals.

relevant-curriculum

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

learn-with-leaders-small

Learn With Cutting-Edge Technology

Comprehensive learning tools, such as i-Human, simulate case scenarios and complement the course content.

exceptional-student-services

Engaging Field Experience

Gain real-world knowledge as you learn on site from practicing professionals.

relevant-curriculum

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

"Walden provides working professionals with the necessary education to transform themselves."

Angela Corley | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate

**Walden's Believe & Achieve Scholarship™ is available for new students starting on February 6, 2023, and later. For a full list of eligible programs and details on award amounts and eligibility visit www.waldenu.edu/financial-aid/grants-and-scholarships-details. Tuition-free coursework must be applied to the final courses in the program of enrollment prior to graduation.

Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as a mental health counseling program under the 2001 standards. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and CACREP accreditation is a requirement for licensure in many states.

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for licensing exams and to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards. Walden enrollment specialists can provide guidance on licensure issues, however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.

ONGOING MILITARY OFFER:

A 15% tuition reduction for servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their spouses.*

*A 15% tuition reduction is available to new students who are servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a servicemember, veteran, or employee of the VA. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.

Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, https://www.hlcommission.org/.