Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS

Developed by faculty who are practitioners and experts in their field, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS degree meets Pennsylvania requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification, the primary certification of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Saint Joseph's University's MS in clinical mental health counseling can primarily be completed online, with the exception of the hands-on practicum and internship experiences, and two 2-day on-campus residencies. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as two years, while working professionals can opt to enroll part-time, taking classes at their own pace.

Saint Joseph's Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS program covers a range of topics that will help enhance your career in mental health counseling. As part of the program, you will complete a practicum and two internships, allowing you to earn the 700 hours of supervised experience needed to earn your credentials.

Courses in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS program include:

• Ethical, legal and professional issues in counseling
• Counseling across the lifespan
• Cultural diversity, identity and social justice issues in counseling
• Crisis counseling for trauma, violence and abuse
• Addiction counseling

Saint Joseph's faculty are experts in their fields, bringing theory, practice and relevancy to the classroom. Our small, dynamic classes allow for discussion, reflection and collaboration.

We’ve designed our Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS program for the working professional. Flexibility and choice are built-in so you can balance work, family and all the other commitments of a busy life.

View required courses for this program in the academic catalog along with program learning outcomes. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Affordable tuition options start at $905 per credit.*

*This rate applies to all students accepted by Saint Joseph's University after June 1, 2023. Tuition and fee rates for students accepted prior to June 1, 2023, differ. Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page or contact us for more information.

Financial aid may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

Discount Eligibility

Have you completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.

Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.

Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. 

Note: discounts cannot be combined.

CMHC degree program meets the Pennsylvania Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Counselors education requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential and the National Board Certified Counselors education requirements for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) and the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors (CCMHC) credentials.

Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits.

To be considered for admission you must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have earned an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

• Apply online.
• Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Submit a personal statement.
• Submit resume.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.

Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.

• March 1

Select applicants are invited to a group interview in mid-March. Applicants are typically notified of admissions decisions in April.

We accept international students who are based in the United States during the course of the program and plan to pursue licensure in the United States. If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. Check the Undergraduate Admission page for more information about the application process and additional requirements for international students.

Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS program will gain valuable skills including:

• Empathic listening and interviewing skills
• Advocating for clients' career and educational development
• Designing and implementing group counseling activities and understanding group dynamics
• Identifying and eliminating bias and prejudices that impact mental health
• Conducting, interpreting and reporting research and program evaluation

In addition to a student support coordinator, we have a variety of other tools and resources that make it easy for you to get technical assistance, chart your course and focus your career search. Check out our online learning resources.

The average salary of a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the United States is $70,537.