Saint Joseph’s healthcare management stackable certificate will prepare you to develop healthcare organizations and lead in an effective, compelling manner. The certificate can be completed as a standalone certificate or as part of Saint Joseph's stackable MBA.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS
Offered primarily online, Saint Joseph's University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will prepare you to work as a licensed counselor serving clients, including individuals and families who struggle with addiction, relational difficulties, self-harm, thoughts of suicide and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The 60-credit program includes 700 hours of supervised fieldwork and an optional built-in certificate in addiction counseling.
The United States is seeing a rise in demand for mental health counselors and addiction specialists throughout the country. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 5.5 percent of adults aged 18 or older were diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI) in 2021. Now more than ever, it’s important that the individuals who fill counseling roles approach their work with an empathic, human-centered and ethical approach.
At Saint Joseph’s University’s School of Education and Human Development, this is the core of our philosophy and the foundation for our program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Home of the Center for Addiction Recovery and Education (CARE), the School of Education and Human Development prepares practitioners to earn the credentials, experience and skills necessary to provide care for communities in need.
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
What Sets Our Program Apart
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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).
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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. 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.
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The 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.
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Saint Joseph's faculty are experts in their fields and bring theory, practice and relevance to the classroom. Our small, dynamic classes allow for discussion, reflection and collaboration.
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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.
What Can You Do with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
A graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling will give you the knowledge and experience to move into an in-demand counseling profession. Clinical mental health counselors and addiction counseling specialists work in a variety of settings including private practice, education, healthcare and community agencies.
Positions include:
- Counselor
- College counselor
- Family counselor
- Addiction counselor
- Mental health specialist
Nearly 100,000 new counseling jobs are projected to be added through 2028. This is a projected growth rate of over 20%, far outpacing the 5.2% for all other occupations.
Program Details
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View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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Affordable tuition options start at $941 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 EligibilityHave 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.
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Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. Please contact the program director for availability.
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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.
Why Study a Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS in Philadelphia?
Home of the Center for Addiction Recovery and Education (CARE) in Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s School of Education and Human Development prepares practitioners to earn the credentials, experience and skills they need to provide care for communities in need.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS Admissions Information
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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 higher.
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- 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.
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- March 1
*Select applicants are invited to a group interview in mid-March. Applicants are typically notified of admissions decisions in April
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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 graduate admission page for more information about the application process and additional requirements for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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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.
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The average salary of a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the United States is $70,537.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Related Programs
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) MS program at Saint Joseph’s University helps professionals develop a deeper understanding of diverse behavioral health needs.
Social and emotional (SEL) learning is the process by which children and adults acquire the skills necessary for managing emotions, showing empathy, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and setting and achieving positive goals. These skills must be practiced in social contexts, including classroom and school environments. This graduate certificate will prepare you to help students develop these skills.