Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Join a Growing, Respected Field of Clinical Mental Health Professionals
Earn your master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Spalding University
At Spalding, we value learning and the promotion of peace and justice. Our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling employs a cohort model that collaborates with students in safe learning spaces. You’ll use your knowledge, skill and creativity to develop a place in mental health that’s in line with your professional interests and goals. You’ll be ready to meet the behavioral and mental health needs of your clients from a wellness perspective, focusing on personal strengths rather than negative behaviors.
Inclusive & Supportive
You’ll benefit from working within a small, diverse cohort of students. We welcome students from all backgrounds and differences, including race, ethnicity, gender, identity, ability, and faith. Together, you’ll progress through the program, taking the same classes, and develop a network of friends and future colleagues.
You’ll also benefit from working with our faculty of scholars, practitioners and counselor educators. They’ll mentor and assist you as you develop your specialty and help you connect with other professionals along the way.
We train students on various approaches to clinical mental health counseling.
Excellent Clinical Training
Through teaching, training and modeling observed in the classroom and in the field, you’ll discover how to serve the individual mental health needs of diverse clients and communities. Our courses are offered face to face.
- Earn your master’s in two years (60 credit hours).
- Gain knowledge of preventive strategies that promote mental health.
- Benefit from a program of study that is fully-aligned with the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards.
- Engage in field experiences (practicum and internships) that enhance your clinical education, including opportunities at our on-campus clinic, Center for Behavioral Health.
- Build your resume with opportunities for research and publication.
- Be prepared to sit for the National Counselor Exam (NCE).
Join a Growing Profession
Whether you are a recent college graduate or a professional looking to make a career change, you are looking at a profession that’s actively growing. In fact, the demand for mental health counselors projected to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
See our professional licensure disclosure.
In addition to an affordable tuition rate, we also offer a 10% tuition discount to alumni of Spalding University.
How to Apply
You’ll apply to our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) by filling out an online application to our College of Education.
Applications are currently closed, applications for Fall 2024 will open on January 1st, 2024.
Please review our CMHC admission requirements before you begin the application process.
Program syllabi are available through the CMHC office by request or visit our office at the Mansion West 201.
Quick Facts
- 2 years to earn your master’s degree
- 60 credit hours
- 51 credit hours of counseling courses
- 3 credit hours of practicum
- 6 credit hours of internship
- Up to 20 students per cohort
- Research and publication opportunities
Accreditation & Reports
Spalding University’s fully-accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets or exceeds CACREP quality standards, reflecting our commitment to providing the highest level of professional preparation for all students. Accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the recognized gold standard for mental health counseling training.
Students graduating from the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at Spalding University are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the certification exam required to become a licensed counselor.
Contact Us
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Call (502) 873-4469
At Spalding, we value learning and the promotion of peace and justice. Our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling employs a cohort model that collaborates with students in safe learning spaces. You’ll use your knowledge, skill and creativity to develop a place in mental health that’s in line with your professional interests and goals. You’ll be ready to meet the behavioral and mental health needs of your clients from a wellness perspective, focusing on personal strengths rather than negative behaviors.
Spalding University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was most recently accredited in August 2023 and received the maximum of eight (8) years CACREP accreditation.
Why should I attend a CACREP-accredited program?
Benefits to graduating from a program accredited by CACREP, include:
- A wider range of employment opportunities
- A streamlined state counseling licensing application process
- An advantage when applying to doctoral degree programs
Additionally, completing a CACREP-accredited program can fulfill the education requirements to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the certification exam to become a licensed counselor.
Since the program’s inception in 2020, there have been 14 students to graduate with a degree in clinical mental health counseling.