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.
About Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
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 MS degree in clinical mental health counseling is designed for persons seeking employment in an agency counseling setting. The 60-credit-hour program qualifies students for license eligibility in New York State - 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).
Canadian graduates of the CMHC program qualify for to become Registered Psychotherapists (RP) through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (https://www.crpo.ca/)

Highlights of the Program / Strengths of the Program
- CACREP Accredited
- History of 100% program employment within 3-6 months of graduation.
- Small cohorts allow for extensive opportunities for interaction and collaboration
- Total of 1,000 hours of clinical experience over the course of 4 semesters - exceeding CACREP, New York State Department of Education, and requirements of competing programs.
Canadian Students
Candidates completing this program are eligible for review by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
Also Offered
Accelerated Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 4+2
Bridge Program: Advanced Certificate in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling
Professional Counseling Organizations Guiding the Program