Learn More – M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Embark on a transformative journey in the mental health field with our immersive, hands-on training, meticulously designed to equip you with the necessary skills for effective practice.

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Accreditation

Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)*

Time to Completion

3-4 years, depending on campus

Fieldwork Opportunities

Practicum and internship offer hands-on training

Program Description


Advance your career with The Chicago School’s M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, offering immersive and practical training. Our comprehensive curriculum intertwines academic study with hands-on clinical training, preparing you to effectively address various mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, grief, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal ideation.

Flexible Learning and Personalized Advising
Tailor your education to your personal commitments as you pursue your M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Our program provides personalized advising, assigning you a dedicated faculty member to guide you throughout your academic journey.

Equip Yourself with Key Competencies
Upon graduation, you will possess a broad toolkit of competencies, including:

  • Counselor Identity
  • Ethical and Professional Issues
  • Diversity and Multiculturalism
  • Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment Planning
  • Research Methods and Program Evaluation
  • Advocacy and Social Justice

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation across a range of areas, from institutional settings to self-evaluation. Furthermore, we incorporate the eight content areas outlined by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), priming students who seek professional counselor licensure and aim to start professional practice at the master’s level.

Begin your journey to become a transformative mental health professional with our M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

*Accredited locations: Chicago, Dallas, Online, and Washington, D.C.

Career Pathways

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at The Chicago School is committed to educational experiences that provide training in mental health counseling for a variety of clinical settings, such as:

  • Couples/family counseling
  • Social service and mental health agencies
  • College counseling centers
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Private practice

Focusing on three core areas of ethical practice, multiculturalism/social justice, and advanced clinical practice, the program prepares students to work with a range of diverse clientele, including those within underserved communities.

Locations

testimonial

Leigh Holman, Ph.D.

Chair of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department
“Our adaptable program covers a diverse range of therapeutic areas, so that we are developing counselors who will go out into the community and be prepared to respond to diverse needs.”

Our Approach

The Chicago School Approach is an immersive, applied learning model focused on developing professionals who can address present challenges and anticipate future needs. It combines four core elements of The Chicago School experience—Education, Innovation, Community, and Impact—to give students a practical and solutions-oriented education.

Education

Preparing tomorrow’s integrated health professionals.

Highly regarded by academic leaders, 14 programs at The Chicago School have earned programmatic accreditation.

Innovation

Embracing next-gen learning and practice.

Several programs offer Immersive Residencies for skill building and professional guidance.

Community

Creating connection, inclusion, and belonging.

52% of students identify as first-gen, prompting us to build the First Generation Student Success Program.

Impact

Supporting individuals, organizations, and communities.

500+ community partners offer internships, practicums, and community service opportunities.