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Learn More – M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

This CACREP-accredited M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program helps you become a licensed therapist or counselor, combining comprehensive coursework with supervised practicum and internship hours.

Available in Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Online.

Take Your Next Step Toward Licensure

Fill out the form to receive information about tuition, admissions, upcoming start dates, and other program details.

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

Find the CMHC Experience That’s Right For You

Each M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and offers a distinct training experience designed to prepare you to pursue professional counselor licensure.

Chicago
Community-Based Counseling Training in a Major Metro Area
Immerse yourself in one of the most vibrant U.S. cities at our flagship campus in downtown Chicago. Our Chicago Campus offers:
• Training grounded in ethical practice, multiculturalism/social justice, and advanced clinical practice
• Preparation for counseling roles in social service agencies, mental health agencies, college counseling centers, nonprofits, private practice, and other settings
• A transformational, community-based counseling experience focused on serving underserved communities
Online
Flexible Online Learning with Hands-On Training
Benefit from our flexible program that combines convenient online coursework with in-person networking opportunities and supervised field experiences, making it an ideal option for working professionals balancing graduate study with career and personal commitments. Our online program offers:
• Online coursework designed to support working professionals
• Two mandatory in-person residencies that prepare you for practicum and internship experiences
• A student-centered learning experience that supports personal and professional growth
Dallas
HyFlex Learning for Busy Professionals
Study within one of the nation’s fastest growing and most diverse metro areas. Our Dallas Campus offers:
• Preparation for trauma-informed counseling in interdisciplinary team environments
• A focus on serving diverse communities and mental health provider shortage areas
• Hybrid learning with online coursework and in-person Saturday classes
Washington, D.C.
Counseling Training for Community Impact
Study in the heart of the nation’s capital. Here, policy, culture, and global perspectives converge to create a unique environment for learning and professional growth. Our Washington, D.C., Campus offers:
• Exposure to diverse communities and advocacy opportunities
• Emphasis on wellness, prevention, advocacy, and holistic care
• Training to support individuals, families, and groups across a wide range of community settings

Develop the Clinical Skills Today’s Counselors Need

Preparation Across Counseling Settings

Because counseling takes place across a range of settings, the program prepares you for in-person, hybrid, and telehealth care. Guided by faculty who are board-certified telebehavioral health practitioners, you will develop the practical skills and ethical awareness needed to provide effective counseling in today’s evolving clinical environment.

Flexible Learning and Personalized Advising

Choose from full-time and part-time study options to fit your schedule. You will also receive personalized guidance from a dedicated faculty member who will 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
Your Path to LPC Licensure

These CACREP-accredited programs are designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and follow the eight core content areas recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). That means the supervised hours you earn before graduation will count toward becoming an LPC.

Chicago Campus
The Chicago Campus program meets the educational requirements for LPC licensure in Illinois, Washington, D.C., and all other U.S. states except California.

Washington, D.C., Campus
The Washington, D.C., Campus program meets the educational requirements for LPC licensure in Washington, D.C., and all U.S. states except California, Michigan, and Oklahoma.

Dallas Campus
The Dallas Campus program meets the educational requirements for LPC licensure in Texas, Washington, D.C., and all other U.S. states except Alabama, California, Florida, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

Online Campus
The Online Campus program meets the educational requirements for LPC licensure in Washington, D.C. and all U.S. states except California.

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

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, 20 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.

Take Your Next Step Toward LPC Licensure

Use the button below to find out more about the M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs, including tuition information, start dates, and admissions requirements.

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