Clinical mental health counseling is the provision of professional counseling services, involving the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families and groups for the purposes of treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health.

The master of science degree in clinical mental health counseling is designed for persons seeking employment in an agency counseling setting. The program qualifies students for New York State Licensure - Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Individuals can also apply for national certification as a professional counselor (NCC) and as a clinical mental health counselor (CMHC). (Additional years of experience are required for the certification.)

Why Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

Clinical mental health counselors work in clinics, healthcare, public and private agencies, career centers, rehabilitation centers, law enforcement, addictions, government and college and university settings.

• Listed in Money magazine as one of the “best jobs.”
• Among the 20 fastest growing careers in the United States
• All 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico license mental health counselors
• All undergraduate degrees can apply

Canadian Students

The Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association and/or the Ontario College of Psychotherapy evaluate and approve certification; please check with these agencies regarding certification requirements. Niagara University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education.

Professional Counseling Organizations