Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science
Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides eligibility to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State and license-eligibility in all 50 states and 3 territories. Canadian graduates are eligible to become Registered Psychotherapists (RP) in Ontario and other provinces.
Mental health counseling is a growing specialty in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the job outlook for Clinical Mental Health Counselors is estimated to grow 22% between 2021 to 2031. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Niagara University helps you master skills in 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 CACREP accredited M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for service as licensed eligible professional counselors working in public agencies, hospitals, mental health clinics, and in private counseling practice.
The 60-credit-hour program qualifies students for license eligibility in 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.)
Canadian graduates of the CMHC program qualify for to become Registered Psychotherapists (RP) through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
With the working professional in mind, courses are offered in the early evening. Students follow a set curriculum plan, and will take courses in a variety of formats, which include on-campus, on-line and hybrid settings.
Graduate assistantships, scholarship opportunities, and over 60 different awards for well-qualified matriculated graduate students exist to make graduate school more affordable.
Award-winning faculty, and small class sizes allow for individual attention and a personal connection. Students benefit from faculty advising throughout the program.
Students must maintain a B average in course work and successfully complete a comprehensive examination and all practicum and internship placements. They must also pass all New York state certification exams.
Students will be assigned a faculty advisor upon completion of the application for admission. Students should meet with the assigned advisor prior to beginning their program of study and periodically thereafter. The advisor will assist the student in planning his/her program.
Decisions for admittance into the graduate program are based upon a comprehensive system, which includes multiple measures to assess the personal characteristics, communications and basic skills proficiency of candidates.
Yes. If you are matriculated (accepted) student you may qualify for a Stafford Student Loan, a Federal Perkins Loan, a TAP award (New York state residents) or an OSAP Loan (Canadians).
Clinics
Healthcare
Law Enforcement
Government
Rehab Centers
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)
Assessment data used for CACREP Accreditation
2021-2022 Annual Report
