Program Overview
The University of Providence’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program prepares students for exciting careers as professional mental health counselors. The graduate program’s specialty is clinical mental health counseling with concentrations in Addictions Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, providing students with the tools they need to become licensed professional counselors (LPC).
The content and clinical hours of the mental health counseling master’s degree program are structured to prepare students for the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) and to provide the necessary educational courses and supervision required for licensure in the State of Montana. The NCE is accepted for licensure in all 50 states.
Upon completion of the M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program, students are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam (NCE) through the National Board for Certified Counselors. Students may explore various avenues of employment as professional counselors ranging from private practice and clinical practice to licensed mental health counselors in a hospital setting.
Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Program Highlights
- Career Ready
Students will complete the clinical mental health master’s program prepared to function as professional, ethical and culturally competent mental health counselors and learn the proper competencies to prepare for the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) in order to receive their accreditation of counseling or licensure as professional counselors (LPC/LCPC) through the NCE.
- Optional Certificates
Tailor your education to your interests. If supported by enrollment, the University of Providence offers a specialized course sequence that you can complete in order to achieve certification in Addictions Counseling or Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
- Cohort Model
The University of Providence’s cohort model means that master’s in mental health counseling students will gain a sense of community and individual attention as they progress through the program with the same group of students.
- 100% NCE Exam Pass Rate
All students who took the NCE exam immediately upon graduating during the 2017-2018 academic year passed the exam. Recent changes in the rules governing eligibility to take the licensure exam at the state level in Montana have also made it possible for students to take the exam at the end of their final year in the program.
- 90% Retention Rate
The University of Providence is proud to share that our mental health counseling master’s degree program has a 90 percent student retention rate.
- Providence Partnership Tuition Discount
Providence St. Joseph employees can receive up to 50 percent off tuition with our partnership rate.
Program Curriculum
The mental health counseling master’s degree program consists of six 15-week semesters and two three-credit summer courses. All courses in the mental health counseling program are delivered online through either an asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid face-to-face format.
There are three face-to-face online clinical skill development courses in blocks of four days during each of the first four semesters. In addition, there are 60-credit hours of courses specific to clinical mental health counseling, including required practicum and internship experiences, which may be offered in person.
The program can be completed at your own pace in a part- or full-time capacity. On average, students can complete the program in three years.
Students in the clinical mental health counseling degree program will take courses in counseling techniques, psychopathology, research, testing and theories of counseling, all of which are designed to build a solid understanding of the fundamentals of psychology and counseling treatments.
New cohorts begin in August of each year and annual Fall enrollment is 24 students (new and continuing).
For more details on the curriculum, review the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program curriculum.
MSC Curriculum – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Year 1
|
3 credits |
ASY |
|
| MSC 512 Theories of Counseling | 3 credits | ASY |
| MSC 517 Techniques of Counseling | 3 credits | HYB (4 days) |
After successfully completing this semester, student applies for full candidacy in the program.
| Spring: |
3 credits |
ASY |
| MSC 553 Counseling the Addicted Client | 3 credits | ASY |
| MSC 617 Advanced Techniques of Counseling | 3 credits | HYB (4 days) |
Summer:
| MSC 505 Spirituality and Counseling | 3 credits | ASY |
Year 2
| Fall: |
3 credits |
ASY |
| MSC 508 Psychopathology | 3 credits | ASY |
| MSC 606 Multicultural Competence | 3 credits | ASY |
| Spring: |
3 credits |
ASY |
| MSC 695 Counseling Practicum | 3 credits | ASY |
| MSC 607 Group Counseling | 3 credits | HYB (4 days) |
During the spring semester, the student applies for advanced candidacy.
Summer:
| MSC 515 Standardized Testing & Individual Assessment | 3 credits | ASY |
Year 3
| Fall: |
3 credits |
ASY |
| MSC 696 Internship I | 3 credits | ASY |
| MSC 625: Medical aspect of disability
|
3 credits | ASY |
| Spring: |
3 credits |
ASY |
| MSC 697 Internship II | 3 credits | ASY |
| MSC 630- Medical Info for Counselors | 3 credits | ASY |
Total credits: 60
Concentrations
The M.S. in clinical mental health counseling program provides a strong foundation for professional counseling. The program offers two concentrations for students who seek advanced training and skill development in more focused areas. In past semesters, students have completed intensive coursework and specialized fieldwork in our Addictions Counseling Certificate and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Certificate programs.
Students typically apply for these specializations and commit to taking six additional semester hours as they work toward completing their Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum. Although the University of Providence does not offer these concentrations on a regular basis, 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.
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Concentration Curriculum
Summer Year 1, 2, or 3 (depending on enrollment)
| MSC 507 Intro to Rehab Counseling | 2 credits | ASY |
| MSC 518 Rehabilitation Services Delivery Setting | 1 credit | ASY |
After successfully completing this semester, the student applies for full candidacy in the program.
Fall Year 1, 2, or 3 (depending on enrollment)
| MSC 621 Psychosocial Aspects of Disability | 2 credits | ASY |
| MSC 635 Job development and placement in Rehabilitation Counseling | 1 credit | ASY |
Addiction Counseling Concentration Curriculum
Summer Year 1, 2, or 3 (depending on enrollment)
| MSC 511 Alcohol and Drug Studies | 3 credits | ASY |
After successfully completing this semester, the student applies for full candidacy in the program.
Fall Year 1, 2, or 3 (depending on enrollment)
| MSC 620 Gambling and Gambling Disorders | 3 credits | ASY |
Skills You’ll Learn
In this master’s in clinical mental health counseling program, you will learn invaluable counseling skills such as:
- Competencies in diagnosis and assessment
- Evaluating the mental health needs of clients and patients
- Evidence-based counseling techniques
- Communication and listening skills
- Interpersonal skills
- The development of therapeutic relationships
- The development of mental health diagnoses and treatment plans
- Interacting in a culturally sensitive context
- Applying a broad range of mental health knowledge in a professional, ethical and culturally sensitive way
Careers in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
A career in mental health counseling can be both rewarding and challenging. The University of Providence works to ensure that all graduates of the M.S. in mental health counseling program are prepared for both licensure examinations and the realities of workplace demands.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors are projected to see a growth in job outlook at a rate of 23 percent from 2020-2030, which is much faster than the average of eight percent for all occupations. This means that careers in this field will be highly in demand over the next 10 years.
Salaries for mental health counselors can range from $48,520, according to the BLS, and $55,000 to $58,000, as reported by PayScale, with compensation rising according to degree type (bachelor’s or master’s) and certification level (LPC or LCPC).
Application and Admission Requirements
Program Application: Applicants must complete an online graduate application.
Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcript(s) that show completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution(s).
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required, and applicants with a grade point average below this number may be required to complete the GRE exam at the discretion of the program coordinator.
Personal Essay: A one-page essay is required in your application to the program.
Curriculum Vitae or Résumé: Applicants must submit a current CV or résumé reflecting work, volunteer or extra curricular experience.
Application Fee: Starting Fall 2023, the application fee will be $38 (required by GradCAS).
Mission Statement
The master’s in mental health counseling program is motivated by the mission of the Sisters of Providence to provide healing, education and service to all, with a special concern for those who are poor and vulnerable, and to make the world a more just, peaceful and loving place for all.
This mission is applied by program faculty as they use teaching, scholarship and supervision to cultivate in students the standards for ethical conduct, the integration of scholarship and practice, interpersonal openness, lifelong learning, and respect for and value of all individuals.
The M.S. in mental health counseling program is welcoming of a diverse student body and is inclusive to all students regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.
Accreditation
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), granted accreditation to the Department of Counseling at University of Providence: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) effective July 31, 2017.
The graduate program is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education.
The counseling program has successfully completed the review from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Graduate students in the Counseling program (Clinical Rehabilitation concentration) at the University of Providence qualify for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) exam under Category 3.
Additional Resources
Your Counseling Career Begins With a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling At UP
Start your journey to becoming a licensed professional counselor in a mental health counseling master’s program that offers you the support and quality of education you need to reach success. Our 90 percent retention rate speaks for itself – at UP, our students find access to the resources that will help them achieve their goals and excel in their studies.
Find out more about the program by Requesting Information.
