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Over the last ten years, the focus on mental health has created an increased demand for mental health counselors, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statists reporting that jobs in substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counseling are projected to grow 23% by 2030.¹

In 2020, an estimated 41-million Americans received some form of mental health treatment or counseling – almost double the 27-million in 2002. While mental health awareness campaigns and the destigmatization of mental health disorders have made it easier for people to seek treatment, available resources and licensed counselors are still struggling to meet the growing number of patients³.

With a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Providence, not only will you learn the skills required to help treat and address the nation’s growing mental health crisis⁴, but do so with the help of dedicated faculty, comprehensive classes, and targeted concentrations.

UP’s unique offerings can help you start your journey toward a rewarding career in Mental Health Counseling. Here are some key facts you should know.

You can choose from two concentrations.

UP offers a general degree in clinical mental health counseling with the option to specialize in clinical rehabilitation or addiction counseling⁵. Choosing a concentration will allow you to narrow your course studies, internship, and clinical hours to your specific field of study. Regardless of your whether you choose a concentration, you will still learn critical clinical mental health counseling skills:

• Competencies in diagnosis and assessment
• Evaluating the mental health needs of clients and patients
• Evidence-based counseling techniques
• Communication and listening skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Develop therapeutic relationships
• Develop mental health diagnoses and treatment plans
• Interact in a culturally sensitive context
• Apply a broad range of mental health knowledge in a professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive way

You’ll be licensed in all 50 states.

Graduates of the program and the National Councilor Exam (NCE) are accepted for licensure in all 50 states – although some states may have additional requirements. It is important to check your state’s requirements before enrollment.

UP’s clinical mental health counseling program is accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. (NWCCU)

You can expect to find employment in one of the field’s growing markets. Jobs for mental health counselors are in high demand, with more and more places looking to hire, including Community mental health settings, schools, inpatient units, intensive outpatient units, crisis counseling, and private practice.

You’ll be part of a cohort model.

UP’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program falls under the cohort model– one enrolling class will take the same courses from admission to graduation. The use of the cohort model not only creates a more immersive environment but encourages “interaction,” “collaboration,” and “accountability” among students. With an average run-time of three years, students get to know each other, build lasting bonds, and learn to rely on each other for coursework.

Sources

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Statista
3. HealthLine
4. Pew Research Center
5. The University of Providence does not offer clinical rehabilitation or addiction counseling concentration programs regularly. If enrollment supports it, we can schedule a specialization course sequence. Interested students seeking advanced specializations should complete the Advanced Specialization Request form by February 1.
6. Forbes