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 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 (CCMHC). (Additional years of experience are required for the certification.)