Program Curriculum
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program consists of six 15-week semesters and two three-credit summer courses. All courses in the mental health counseling program are delivered through an asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid face-to-face format.**
**Starting Fall 2024, students will be required to attend on-campus meeting blocks during three (3) courses in compliance with upcoming accreditation changes issued by CACREP, the certifying board for the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. During the following courses, students will be required to attend mandatory in-person sessions:
- MSC 517: Techniques of Counseling
- MSC 607: Group Counseling
- MSC 617: Advanced Techniques of Counseling
In total, students complete 60-credit hours of course material specific to clinical mental health counseling, including required practicum and internship experiences, which may be offered in person or remote.
The clinical mental health counseling program can be completed self-paced in either a part- or full-time capacity. On average, students can complete the program in three years.
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides a strong foundation for professional counseling. Students enrolling in the program can expect to take courses in counseling techniques, psychopathology, research and the theories of counseling.
Learn More: University of Providence Academic Catalog
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
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.
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 Masters of Science with a specialty Clinical Mental Health Counseling accreditation at the University of Providence has been reaffirmed by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), February 2026. The accreditation cycle for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty area runs through April 30, 2034.
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.
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
- University of Providence Accreditation Information
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Quick Links
Program Costs
The University of Providence is committed to affordability and providing pricing transparency for all healthcare programs. Pricing transparency at UP includes:
- Accessible and up-to-date information on tuition, fees, deposits, and more.
- Healthcare programs price table outlining charges per credit hour and total tuition costs.
- 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.
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 healthcare programs 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.
