Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Build the skills to assess and treat mental health concerns while supporting well-being across diverse communities.
What Is Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
Clinical mental health counseling is a profession focused on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental and emotional health concerns. Clinical mental health counselors work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal impulses, trauma, grief, and relationship issues.
In practice, clinical mental health counselors conduct assessments, develop and implement treatment plans, and help clients build coping strategies that lead to meaningful change.
About Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs
At University of Western States, clinical mental health counseling is grounded in a whole-person approach. You’ll learn to consider how factors like relationships, environment, culture, life experience, and beyond shape mental health, while developing the skills to provide thoughtful, evidence-informed care.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology with M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Certificate
Sport and Performance Psychology Programs
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology with M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
What Can You Do With a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree?
A degree in clinical mental health counseling opens the door to meaningful work across a wide range of settings, from direct client care to program leadership and community-based support. Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure and build careers that support individuals, families, and communities through life’s challenges.
Career Settings
- Private practice
- Hospitals and health care systems
- Community mental health clinics
- Nonprofit organizations
- Educational institutions
- Government-funded community agencies
- Rehabilitation service organizations
- Vocational agencies
- Military and veteran support programs
Potential Career Paths
- Clinical mental health counselor
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed mental health professional
- Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor
- Crisis behavioral skills therapist
- Clinical coordinator
- Behavioral health program administrator
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Vocational counselor
- Disability services provider
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Is the master’s program fully online?
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is delivered online, with face-to-face internship requirements that can be completed in your own community.
Does the master’s program prepare students for licensure?
Yes. The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum prepares you to sit for the National Counselor Examination and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. You should confirm specific licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice.
Can I transfer into the master’s program?
Yes. If you are transferring from another school, your application will be considered for the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Does the master’s program accept international students?
No. While UWS welcomes international students into many of its academic programs, the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare students for counseling licensure within the U.S., and UWS cannot guarantee that it meets international licensure requirements.
Can I use my VA benefits for the master’s program?
Yes. If you are a veteran, active military personnel, in the Reserves, or a National Guard member, you may be eligible to apply your Veterans Benefits to the clinical mental health online programs.
Can I dual major with a Doctor of Education in Sport and Performance Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
Yes. Clinical mental health counseling is available as a specialization within the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Sport and Performance Psychology, allowing you to pursue both paths in a streamlined way.
What is the difference between counseling and clinical psychology?
Counselors typically support individuals with life stressors and common mental health concerns using relational, strengths-based approaches. Clinical psychologists receive more extensive training in assessment and testing and often work with more complex conditions using an evaluation model.
To become a counselor, you must minimally earn a master’s degree; clinical psychologists must earn a doctoral degree. Both professionals must obtain professional licensure in their respective state of practice.