Clinical Mental Health Counseling Core Curriculum
Year 1: Fall
MSC 500: Professional Orientation and Ethics | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 512: Theories of Counseling | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 517: Techniques of Counseling | 3 Semester Credits (Hybrid)
Students Complete a required 4 Days On Campus Block
After successful completion of this semester, students apply for full candidacy
Year 1: Spring
MSC 516: Graduate Research Methods and Statistics| 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 553: Counseling the Addicted Client| 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 617: Advanced Techniques of Counseling | 3 Semester Credits (Hybrid)
Students Complete a required 4 Days On Campus Block
Year 1: Summer
MSC 505: Spirituality and Counseling| 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
Year 2: Fall
MSC 529: Development Across the Lifespan | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 508: Psychopathology | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 606: Multicultural Competence | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
Year 2: Spring
MSC 604: Career Counseling | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 695: Counseling Practicum | 3 Semester Credits (Synchronous)
MSC 607: Group Counseling | 3 Semester Credits (Hybrid)
Students Complete a required 4 Days On Campus Block
During the spring semester, students apply for advanced candidacy.
Year 2: Summer:
MSC 515: Standardized Testing & Individual Assessment | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
Year 3: Fall
MSC 527: Evidence-Based Practices and Outcome Evaluation | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 696: Internship I | 3 Semester Credits (Synchronous)
MSC 625: Medical Aspect of Disability | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
Year 3: Spring
MSC 520: Crisis Planning | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 697: Internship II | 3 Semester Credits (Synchronous)
MSC 630: Medical Info for Counselors | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
Total Semester Credits: 60
Concentrations
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers two concentrations for students who seek advanced training and skill development in more focused areas of clinical mental health. These areas include Addictions Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
Students seeking enrollment in one of the concentrations are required to complete the Advanced Specialization Request Form by February 1 of their first year in the program. Both the Addictions Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling programs are not offered on a recurring basis and are contingent upon enrollment supporting each offering at the time of the programs start.
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Concentration Curriculum
Summer Year 1, 2, 3 (Enrollment Specific)
MSC 507: Into to Rehab Counseling | 2 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 518: Rehabilitation Services Delivery Setting | 1 Semester Credit (Asynchronous)
After successful completion of this semester, students apply for full candidacy.
Fall Year 1, 2, 3 (Enrollment Specific)
MSC 621: Psychosocial Aspects of Disability | 2 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
MSC 635: Job Development & Placement in Rehabilitation Counseling | 1 Semester Credit (Asynchronous)
Addictions Counseling Concentration Curriculum
Summer Year 1, 2, 3 (Enrollment Specific)
MSC 511: Alcohol & Drug Studies | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
After successful completion of this semester, students apply for full candidacy.
Summer Year 1, 2, 3 (Enrollment Specific)
MSC 620: Gambling & Gambling Disorders | 3 Semester Credits (Asynchronous)
Careers in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
A career in mental health counseling can be both rewarding and challenging. The University of Providence works diligently 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.
In a report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected to see a 19 percent rate of growth in job outlook from 2023-2033, a rate which is much faster than the average of four (4) percent for all occupations.
Salaries for mental health counselors vary based on the field of work, licensure earned, and the area of specialization. In a 2024 analysis of nationwide salary data compiled by ZipRecruiter, clinical mental health counselors can expect to make from $39,000 to $104,500 – with the average national salary being $72,203. Individual salaries vary by location, experience, and more.
Application and Admission Requirements
The University of Providence’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program accepts applications for fall enrollment, with application deadlines in August of each year. For updated information on undergraduate application requirements, deadlines, and program-specific requirements, please visit the University of Providence admissions page.
Program Application: Applicants must complete a graduate application through GradCAS.
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. Lower GPAs 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
Application Fee: Students must submit an application fee of $38 (required by GradCAS).
Additional Program Information
Skills You’ll Learn
Explore the Master of Science in 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
- 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
Mission Statement
Explore the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Mission Statement:
The Master of Science in Clinical 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 Master of Science in Clinical 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.
Learning Outcomes
Explore the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Learning Outcomes:
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice – By the end of this program, students will be able to evaluate ethical practice according to the counseling profession; describe ethical practice according to the counseling profession; and synthesize elements of ethical practice in counseling.
- Social and Cultural Diversity – By the end of this program, students will be able to analyze the impact of social and cultural diversity on served clientele; determine multicultural theories to describe cultural identity development; and integrate this knowledge to provide examples of multicultural counseling competencies.
- Human Growth and Development – By the end of this program, students will be able to determine theories of individual and family development across the lifespan; and describe factors that affect human development, functioning, and behavior.
- Career Development – By the end of this program, students will be able to analyze theories and models of career development related to counseling; describe strategies for career development program planning and implementation; and identify approaches for conceptualizing the interrelationships among work, relationships, and mental well-being.
- Counseling and Helping Relationships – By the end of this program, students will be able to analyze theories and models of counseling; identify relevant counseling interventions suitable to a specific population; and integrate gained knowledge and formulate a personal model of counseling.
- Group Counseling and Group Work – By the end of this program, students will be able to determine theories of group counseling and group work; identify dynamics related to group process and development; synthesize gained knowledge to demonstrate relevant strategies to facilitate groups.
- Assessment and Testing – By the end of this program, students will be able to define basic concepts of assessment procedures in counseling; identify relevant strategies for selecting appropriate tests in counseling; and evaluate assessment results to diagnose developmental, behavioral, and mental disorders.
- Research and Program Evaluation – By the end of this program, students will be able to indicate the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession; identify evidence-based counseling practices; analyze various methods used in research and program evaluation; and evaluate statistical methods used in conducting research and program evaluation.
Goals
Explore the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Goals:
- To provide participants with a broad theoretical base that serves as the basis of a personal model of counseling.
- To expose participants to historical, current, and emerging counseling methods that provide options for the best counseling practice.
- To provide participants with knowledge and skills that serves as a basis for critically consuming data-based professional literature and informs data-based counselor practice.
- To provide participants with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills necessary for self-growth and self-care for continued exemplary practice through time.
- To provide participants with clinical experience that serves as the basis for the practice of emerging counseling skills.
- To prepare students for passage of the state licensure exam as a basis for entering a professional counselor role.
- To prepare students to assume leadership positions in their professions and their communities.
- To provide students with a capstone experience that integrate all of the goals from above.
CACREP Accreditation
Explore the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Info:
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 UP: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) effective July 31, 2017.
The graduate program is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. 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 Links & Resources
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Annual Report (2024)
University of Providence Quick Links
- Tuition & Fees at the University of Providence
- How to Apply to the University of Providence
- University of Providence Mission & Catholic Identity
- School of Health Professions News & Announcements
- University of Providence Accreditation Information
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Quick Links
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Estimated Cost Breakdown
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Handbook (2024-2025)
- Frequently Asked Questions: M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Program Curriculum: M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling State Licensure Information (2024)
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Comprehensive Assessment Plan (2023)
Program Costs
The University of Providence is committed to affordability and providing pricing transparency for all School of Health Professions programs. Pricing transparency at UP includes:
- Accessible and up-to-date information on tuition costs, university fees, application and admission fees, deposit amounts, and additional program costs.
- Cost of attendance worksheets outlining specific tuition layouts by program and semester.
- Information about scholarship opportunities and tuition discounts for specific groups.
- Information about the financial aid process.
Visit our Tuition and Fees page to access the latest pricing information. Access the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Estimated Cost Breakdown sheet to view pricing information for this degree program, including a cost breakdown by semester and associated program costs. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about the financial aid process.
Healthcare Professionals Tuition Incentive
The University of Providence is committed to supporting the healthcare workforce by empowering current healthcare professionals to start, enhance, or advance their career in healthcare. The Healthcare Professionals Tuition Incentive (HPTI) Program provides currently employed healthcare professionals with the opportunity to apply tuition discounts to in-demand programs offered through our School of Health Professions catalog.
Visit the Healthcare Professionals Tuition Incentive Program page to learn more.
Providence Health & Services Partnership
Our unique partnership with Providence Health allows eligible Providence Caregivers and their dependents to receive an exceptional education from an accredited, faith-based, university. Caregivers and their dependents who enroll at the University of Providence may receive many possible benefits, such as discounted tuition rates and preferred admission, as part of their education benefits. Visit the Providence Human Resources Service Portal to learn more about caregiver education benefits, the application process for our programs, and tuition discounts.
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.
