{"id":7752,"date":"2016-09-20T16:47:18","date_gmt":"2016-09-20T21:47:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.thechicagoschool.edu\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T12:15:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T18:15:20","slug":"become-a-clinical-mental-health-counselor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thechicagoschool.edu\/insight\/career-development\/become-a-clinical-mental-health-counselor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to become a clinical mental health counselor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people who study psychology are motivated by an innate desire to help people. Luckily, a psychology degree can help launch multiple care-driven careers that positively impact the world around you.<\/p>\n

One of the most versatile and multifaceted careers available to psychology students is the certified clinical mental health counselor, or CCMHC. Here we take a look at what this profession entails and why becoming a CCMHC could be the perfect fit for you.<\/p>\n

What is clinical mental health counseling?<\/h3>\n

Clinical mental health counseling\u00a0<\/strong>is the process of methodically applying interventions and high-quality mental health services to a diverse clientele in a variety of community settings.<\/p>\n

CCMHC training focuses primarily on how to offer counseling and methodology, but many clinical mental health counselors also diagnose and treat mental illness as well as provide any number of other services to clients.<\/p>\n

As a certified clinical mental health counselor, you provide\u00a0evidence-based treatments\u00a0for clients. The most common type of treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy<\/a>, but depending on the population and the type of job, a CCMHC might use any number of other therapies or clinical practices.<\/p>\n

Review the following steps to learn more about what it takes to become a licensed mental health counselor.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Earn a master\u2019s degree<\/h3>\n

The first step to becoming a certified clinical mental health counselor is a master\u2019s degree. Generally, a bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology or a related field is sufficient for entry into master\u2019s counseling programs.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to ensure that your master\u2019s program is accredited<\/a> and includes a curriculum that aligns with certified clinical mental health counselor requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Most master\u2019s programs take two years to complete (as a full-time student), with classroom learning providing a broad foundation of psychological knowledge. Part-time or online clinical mental health counseling programs<\/a> may distribute class hours over a longer period of time.<\/p>\n

Online clinical mental health counseling degree programs<\/h3>\n

For individuals hoping to become a clinical mental health counselor, finding a high-quality program that offers opportunities for distance learning can be a great opportunity to take the next step in their career.<\/p>\n

With an online degree, you can still gain the manifold professional opportunities afforded to CCMHCs without needing to transplant your entire life to a new location.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Apply for certification<\/h3>\n

According to the National Board for Certified Counselors, \u201cCertified Clinical Mental Health Counselors (CCMHC) have earned their board certification and offer the highest standards of practice in clinical mental health counseling because they have met stringent education, examination, supervision, experience, and ethical requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to earning a graduate degree, to become a certified clinical mental health counselor you must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).<\/a><\/p>\n

Passing this exam is just one part of the CCMHC licensure application. Other application requirements include:<\/p>\n