February 24, 2026
Prepare for Professional Counseling Practice
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS-CMHC) program at UWS packages the educational depth and rigorous training required of licensed counselors into a flexible, online learning model ideal for working professionals and those who cannot relocate to a traditional campus. Grounded in our whole-person health philosophy, the MS-CMHC program prepares future counselors to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health concerns through trauma-informed and social justice–informed approaches that acknowledge the many systemic, cultural, and contextual factors influencing mental wellness. Extending beyond traditional counselor education, our MS-CMHC program prepares you to understand mental health across diverse performance, health, and disability contexts.
The curriculum prepares graduates to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), which are required for licensure in most states.
Take Your CMHC Training Further
Rehabilitation Counseling Concentration
Specialize your training with an optional concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling. The Rehabilitation Counseling Concentration teaches you to apply specialized theories and policies to your assessment and treatment planning, helping you serve a wider range of individuals struggling with disabilities and injuries.
Aligned with the requirements from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, this concentration qualifies and prepares you to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam.
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology
Want to expand beyond direct clinical practice while earning two degrees at once? Consider the Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology with M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization program.
This integrated doctoral pathway allows you to build on your current counseling training while developing advanced expertise in performance psychology, leadership, and applied research. You will earn your M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling once you have completed the first 90 quarter credits in the Ed.D. program.
Flexible Online Learning
All coursework in the MS-CMHC program can be completed 100% online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning within structured course timelines. The only in-person elements come in the form of supervised clinical field training, which takes place at approved training sites in your local community.
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Curriculum
Core Courses
- Counseling Methods and Practices
- Ethics and Professional Identity
- Psychopathology and Appraisal
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
- Personality and Counseling Theories
- Group Counseling
- Tests and Assessments
- Human Growth and Development
- Pre-Practicum
- Career Counseling
- Multicultural Counseling and Advocacy
- Clinical Counseling Practicum
- Psychopharmacology
- Approved Elective 1 (see list below)
- Approved Elective 2 (see list below)
- Research Methods and Program Evaluation
- Addiction Counseling
- Approved Elective 3 (see list below)
- Clinical Internship
- Capstone-CMHC
(Capstone requires prior or concurrent completion of all core coursework)
Elective Courses
- Eating Disorder Treatment
- Business Basics for Clinicians and Consultants
- Play Therapy
- Ethical Use of Telehealth Platforms
- Trauma-Informed Treatment
- Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning
- Human Sexuality Counseling
- Assistive Technology Supporting Mental Health Treatment
- Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities
- Case Management and Community Partnerships
- Performance Psychology in High-Risk Occupation
- Sport Psychology
- Psychology of Performing Arts
A Rigorous Curriculum with Training in Your Community
Our clinical mental health counseling master’s program provides an exceptional academic experience combined with multiple opportunities for hands-on learning.
Accredited by the MPCAC
Our MS-CMHC program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), ensuring a rigorous educational experience.
Standardized Patient Program
Practice face-to-face clinical reasoning and communication skills with trained actors in a controlled, supportive, and supervised setting.
Clinical Training in Your Community
Five quarters and 800 hours of supervised clinical training are conducted at an approved clinical site in your own community, in alignment with accreditation and licensure standards.
Admissions Requirements
University of Western States admits new students into the MS-CMHC program in fall (October) and spring (April) academic quarters. You should carefully review the program’s selection criteria to ensure you are making the best possible presentation of your qualifications.
In addition to the general entry requirements for the College of Graduate Studies, you must also meet the following specific entry requirements for the MS-CMHC program.
- Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. 3.0 undergraduate GPA preferred
- Submit a well-written personal statement responding to a provided prompt
- Submit all undergraduate and graduate official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an academic reference
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Complete a successful interview (videoconference or face-to-face) with the director or designee (interview will only be scheduled after applicant has submitted a completed university application meeting the minimum requirements including fee payment)
- Successful completion of a comprehensive criminal history background check (required at admission)
- Application fee of $50
Applicants to the MS-CMHC program must be either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Due to student visa restrictions, currently international applicants are not eligible for admission.
Students may not be simultaneously enrolled in a program in clinical mental health counseling and a program in sport and performance psychology.
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Western States is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for the period of March 2025 through March 2033.
For more information, visit the MPCAC website at mpcacaccreditation.org, contact the council via email at [email protected], call 518-764-7581 or write to 595 Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110.
Licensure
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to sit for the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCHMCE). Passing the NCE or NCHMCE, or both, may be required for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) depending on the state you intend to practice. It is your responsibility to review, understand, and comply with all state licensure requirements.
State licensing boards do not review program curricula prior to an individual’s application for licensure, and requirements vary by state. Therefore, UWS cannot guarantee that completion of its programs will result in licensure in every jurisdiction. However, 100% of MS-CMHC graduates who have applied for state licensure have successfully become registered associates, interns, or have obtained full LPC licensure. Students are encouraged to review the specific requirements of the state in which they intend to practice. Learn more about licensure by state on our professional licensure disclosure page.
Enrollment, Retention, Graduation, and Outcome Data
| Academic Year of Entry | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Applications* | NA | 125 | 53 | 44 | 57 |
| Number Accepted* | NA | 40 | 31 | 34 | 45 |
| % | NA | 32% | 58.5% | 77.3% | 78.9% |
| Number Matriculated* | 35 | 29 | 19 | 32 | 31 |
| % | NA | 72.5% | 61.3% | 94.1% | 68.9% |
| Retained into 2nd year* | 24 | 20 | 16 | 28 | NA |
| % | 68.6% | 69% | 84.2% | 87.5% | NA |
| Graduated in three years* | 19 | 12 | 2 | NA | NA |
| % | 54.3% | 41.4% | 10.5% | NA | NA |
| Total Graduated* | 22 | 14 | 3 | NA | NA |
| % | 62.9% | 48.3% | 15.8% | NA | NA |
| Still in Progress* | 0 | 0 | 10 | 28 | 29 |
| % | 0% | 0% | 52.6% | 87.5% | 93.5% |
| Admissions Information | |||||
| Mean undergrad GPA* | 3.25 | 3.42 | 3.33 | 3.46 | 3.18 |
| Program Outcomes | |||||
| Obtained state licensure* | 2 | 10 | 3 | NA | NA |
| % | 9.1% | 71.4% | 100% | NA | NA |
| Enrolled in doctoral program | 3 | 3 | NA | NA | NA |
| % | 13.3% | 21.4% | NA | NA | NA |
| Transferred to another UWS program | 5 | 5 | 2 | NA | NA |
| % | 14.3% | 17.2% | 10.5% | NA | NA |
*Note: 2021-22 applications received data is based on a previous strategy for counting applications that over-inflated the rate of actual completed applications. Data from FY23 forward is accurate and reliable.
Tuition & Fees
Visit our Tuition and Fees page to learn more.
UWS Whole Health
At University of Western States, whole health means caring for the whole person, not just the symptoms. This approach recognizes how physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors shape overall well-being.
In the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, this philosophy is reflected through an integrative counseling framework that emphasizes root causes, cultural context, and the interconnected systems that influence mental health. You will learn to support clients through evidence-based, trauma-informed, and strengths-focused care that treats individuals as whole people, not isolated diagnoses.
Financing Your Future
University of Western States remains committed to keeping higher education affordable and accessible. Our Financial Aid Department is ready to offer guidance and support in determining suitable financial assistance tailored to your needs, including potential scholarship opportunities, grants, and more.
Catalog
Please refer to our Academic Catalog for more information on the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical mental health counseling?
Clinical mental health counseling is a therapy-based field that is focused on
assessing, diagnosing, treating, and improving mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders through counseling or therapy. Counselors can address issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, stress, and more.
What do clinical mental health counselors do?
Clinical mental health counselors are trained to develop individual treatment plans for each patient, support clients through life changes and struggles, assess mental conditions, and provide a variety of therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), crisis management, and more.
What can I do with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
With a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the career options and pathways available depend on licensure. Once you are approved for your state licensure, you will be able to be a Licensed Mental Health Professional and pursue more of the careers listed above.
It is your responsibility to check your state's education requirements for licensure to make sure your academic credentials allow you to pursue license.
How much do clinical mental health counselors make?
On average, clinical mental health counselors make $59,100 a year as of 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is 17% growth expected in the field from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for other occupations.
How long does it take to complete a clinical mental counseling master's program?
This online M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can be completed in two years. UWS allows students to learn at their own pace if needed, with the university's policy allowing students up to five years to complete the program. To pick the right path for you, faculty and student success advisors can help choose the best order of courses.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Career Pathways
The online M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at UWS prepares you to sit for the exams required to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), depending on the state you intend to practice.
Whether you envision yourself in a hospital system, community clinic, nonprofit organization, or private practice, this program is designed to help you build the clinical skills and professional identity needed to make a meaningful impact as a mental health counselor.
Potential Job Titles for CMHC Graduates
Whether you envision yourself in a hospital system, community clinic, nonprofit organization, or private practice, this program is designed to help you build the clinical skills and professional identity needed to make a meaningful impact as a mental health counselor.
Potential Job Titles for CMHC Graduates
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP)
- Crisis Behavioral Skills Therapist
- Clinical Coordinator
- Behavioral Health Program Administrator
- Mental Health Counselor
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow
17%
from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“The CMHC program trains counselors who think systemically and refuse to separate clinical skill from social responsibility. We prepare students to meet clients where they are, advocate for what they need, and practice in ways that honor the whole person. We believe that our work never happens in isolation from the world around us — and we prepare counselors accordingly.”
Karena Heyward, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
