Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor
22-Month* Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
Clinical Mental Health Counselors (CMHCs) play a vital role in promoting mental wellness, helping individuals overcome challenges, and facilitating personal growth and self-discovery. Professionals in this field help guide their clients toward improved mental health and a higher quality of life.
If you’re a compassionate person with a genuine interest in helping others, Beal University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS-CMHC) program could be an excellent opportunity for you.
Students can enroll from anywhere!** Local preceptorships can be completed in your home state, and your online classes can be completed from the comfort of home.
Program Delivery
The MS-CMHC program was specifically designed to serve the needs of busy working adults. All classes online!
Accelerated Learning
Our classes run year-round, with 8-week Mods that allow you to complete the accelerated program in as little as 22 months*.
Since 1891
Located in Bangor, Maine, Beal University has been providing exceptional, career-focused education for more than 130 years.
Join the Growing Field of Qualified Mental Health Professionals
The demand for mental health services has never been stronger, and there is a growing need for qualified mental health professionals. As people continue to seek mental health counseling services, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22% job growth increase through 2031.
Take the first steps today
Explore the Program
Learn more about our MS-CMHC program to find out if a career as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor is right for you.
Get More Details
Request more information about our MS-CMHC program, financial aid and more.
Is a Career in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Right for You? Take the Beal University Clinical Mental Health Counseling Career Readiness Quiz
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Education Readiness score now.
Earn Your MS-CMHC Degree
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery Method: Online
Length: 22 months*
Credential: Master’s Degree
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS-CMHC) introduces students to counseling skills and the application of intervention skills to working with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
The program recognizes the need to provide counselors with the essential knowledge and ability necessary to perform ethically and effectively as skilled professionals in a variety of settings with diverse client populations.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for certification exam and could seek or obtain advanced employment in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling related field(s).
Throughout this program, students will have the opportunity to:
- Analyze research, statistics, and programmatic evaluation methods and apply them to clinical-best
practices in counseling - Practice, recognize, and respond professionally and appropriately to ethical dilemmas that apply to the
practice of counseling - Apply the principles of human development, human sexuality, psychopathology, and
psychopharmacology to the practice of counseling - Utilize the various theories and techniques of counseling in clinical practice
- Conceptualize cases from a mental health perspective
- Develop meaningful therapeutic relationships that contribute to the well-being of counseling clients
- Counseling and Helping Relationships
- Psychopathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Group Counseling
- Addictive Disorders
- Existing Counselors looking to pursue greater employment opportunities and expand their knowledge in advanced clinical mental health counseling practice.
- Those seeking careers as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor or related counseling roles.
Take a short quiz to find out. Our Career Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete. You’ll get a personalized report identifying your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Start the quiz now to see your career readiness score.
Get more details about our Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counselor program.
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Transfer Credits Accepted
Have you already taken courses at other universities in the past? You may be able to transfer the credits you have earned and graduate sooner. Request more information today to learn if you qualify.
Jobs & Statistics
Why consider a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s degree? As more people recognize the importance of seeking professional help to address their mental health needs, the demand for mental health professionals has been on the rise. Here are some of the latest figures from this rewarding field.
22% Increase in Jobs
Careers for mental health counselors are projected to grow at a rate of 22% between now and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
#2 of the Best Social Services Jobs in 2023
The U.S. News and World Report has ranked Mental Health Counseling as the second-best job in the social service industry, with above-average job satisfaction and future growth potential.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Work in a Variety of Settings
Mental Health Counselors may find employment in a variety of facilities, including mental health centers, prisons, probation or parole agencies, and juvenile detention facilities.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
77,500 New Jobs on the Way
Labor experts estimate that more than 77,500 new jobs for mental health counselors will be created between 2021-2031.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
In the News
There has been a significant increase in awareness about mental health issues in recent years. Browse some of the recent stories covering this essential field.
As the Mental Health Crisis Grows, More Doors Open to Care
There is an accelerating mental health crisis in the United States, leaving treatment providers racing to keep up with the growing demand for care. To match the demand, new psychiatric hospitals, addiction recovery centers and other behavioral health clinics are continuing to be built.
Read more via NY Times
More Americans Have Gotten Mental Health Treatment Since 2019, Especially Younger Adults and Women
The percentage of adults getting mental health treatment increased from 19.2% in 2019 to 21.6% in 2021. The percentage of young adults aged 18-44 who sought treatment grew at a faster rate than the rate of all adults seeking treatment.
Read more via USA Today
About Beal University
Founded in 1891 as Bangor Business College, Beal University has evolved into a comprehensive institution with diverse academic offerings that serve a wide range of students in the state of Maine and beyond. From the beginning, Beal has remained focused on providing programs that give students real-world skills for careers in high-demand fields. Today, Beal offers programs from diploma to graduate-level degrees facilitating all levels of academic pursuits.
History
Based in Bangor, Maine, Beal University was first established in 1891 as Bangor Business College by Mary Beal.
Mission
To become partners with our students in their journey to improve their career opportunities through the contemporary academic programs offered at Beal University.
Vision
To become the most prominent educational institution in the region by providing exceptional academic programs, in a student-centered environment, empowering our graduates to excel in relevant career fields.
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Is a Rewarding Career as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Right for You? Get More Info…
The best way to see if Beal is right for you is to contact us. We can get you the answers you need about our Clinical Mental Health Counselor program, so you can make the right choice for your future.
Complete this short form to request more information. Afterward, a friendly Beal Career Advisor can answer questions, guide you to our virtual tour, and get you helpful financial aid information.
For immediate questions, call 207-307-3900
* Program length when completed in normal time. Must hold Bachelor’s degree in related field.
** Does not include California