Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.

(60 credits)

Program Description

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a rigorous 24 month, 60-credit, degree program that provides the educational preparation for licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is available to students using two delivery models.  The first delivery model involves a hybrid approach where students participate in face to face classes as well as asynchronous Blackboard course work.  The second delivery model involves a completely online program that includes asynchronous classes as well as synchronous classes identified within the curriculum as residency classes.  Both delivery models provide classes over four terms during the academic year.  In addition, the program involves an intensive internship program, in which students are placed according to their talents and career ambitions, and mentored by the host organization, and New England College faculty member and with support from Core program faculty assigned to support student practice. 

Learning Outcomes/Program Objectives

• Establish and exhibit a professional counselor identity by displaying dispositional comportment; utilizing wellness, prevention, and strength-based models; and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Develop an integrated theoretical orientation. 
• Integrate cultural diversity, equity, and social justice into counseling practice. 
• Thoughtfully and intentionally apply advocacy competencies to participate in (a) case, (b) class, and (c) professional social justice actions.
• Consult scholarly literature and diverse perspectives to make ethical, socially justice, and culturally relevant professional and legal decisions. 
• Assess crises, trauma, and addictions and utilize interventions to increase stabilization and decrease suffering. 
• Utilize trauma informed models and practices that attend to a range of trauma histories and experiences including historical trauma, injustice, interpersonal violence, and military service. 
• Collaborate with clients and apply creativity and adaptability to select counseling delivery methods (e.g., telehealth, in-person sessions, modified session lengths), goals, and interventions to best meet the needs of diverse clients.

Course Map

Students are encouraged to use the following program maps to guide their degree completion strategy. There are two available recommended pathways, a standard full-time pathway to complete in 2.5 years and an accelerated pathway for students who wish to complete their program in 2 years.

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. Course Map  
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. Accelerated Course Map