Master of Science - Counseling - Clinical Mental Health

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration prepares students to work in a variety of community agency settings and/or eventual private practice. Specific types of settings may include outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, individual and family services, in-patient treatment and hospital settings, residential mental health and substance abuse facilities, prisons and juvenile detention centers, and employee assistance programs. Mental health counselors provide treatment to individuals, families, couples, and groups. Counselors can also choose to specialize and work with specific groups such as older adults, college students, children, or veterans. Mental health counselors treat clients with a variety of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress, and suicidal impulses. They also help with mental and emotional health concerns and relationship difficulties.

While students in this program come from a variety of educational backgrounds, many students have a background in psychology, sociology, or social work. Other qualities that can benefit students interested in school counseling include analytical skills, compassion, interpersonal skills, listening skills, and speaking skills.

Faculty in the Counseling program have a variety of areas of research interest and clinical expertise including diverse populations and cultural competency, mental health and wellness in African American communities, African American students in the school setting, school counseling, LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness, trauma counseling, play therapy, expressive arts in therapy, and child and adolescent counseling.