Advanced Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Bridge Program)

About our Advanced Certificate/Bridge Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Advanced Certificate/Bridge program in clinical mental health counseling is designed for students with a master's degree in a related field (school counseling, school psychology, counseling psychology, etc.) who are interested in pursuing Mental Health Counseling licensure. The Advanced Certificate/Bridge program in clinical mental health counseling will satisfy New York State's regulations for licensure and will prepare students to take the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination for licensure in New York state.

The change in the licensure laws for mental health practitioners resulted in many certified and non-certified masters-level clinicians (i.e. CASAC, NCC, CRC, school counselors) who need to pursue a course of continued study that will lead to eligibility to sit for NYS licensure. The Advanced Certificate in clinical mental health counseling is designed to provide advanced courses and clinical experiences in clinical mental health counseling that will meet New York state educational requirements.

All Advanced Certificate/Bridge program applicants will take a minimum of 15 credit hours. Depending on courses completed toward a master's degree, some applicants may be required to take additional courses due to the curriculum of their previous master's in order to meet New York state licensure requirements. State counselor licensure is New York is called licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). The courses listed below have been approved by the New York Department of Education as the Niagara University bridge program.

Who is the Advanced Certificate/Bridge Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed for?

Our Advanced Certificate in mental health counseling is designed for students with a master's degree in a related field (school counseling, school psychology, counseling psychology, etc.) who are interested in pursuing mental health counseling licensure.

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 Advanced Certificate/Bridge program 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 (CCMHC) (Additional years of experience are required for the certification).

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 Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104).

Professional Counseling Organizations

• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
• Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)