Program Overview
Completion Time: 9-12 Months
Credits: 21 credits
Flexibility: 100% online (Full or Part-Time)
Start Terms: Fall, Spring or Summer
Licensure: Leads to Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure in NYS
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate GPA – 3.0
- Must have an earned Master’s degree in a closely related field
- Letters of recommendation: 2
- Statement of Intent
The Advanced Certificate/Bridge Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and is designed to meet New York State educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). The program prepares eligible students to sit for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) Examination, a required component of LMHC licensure in New York State.
In response to changes in New York State licensure laws, the program provides the required coursework and supervised clinical experiences for master’s-level clinicians (e.g., CASAC, NCC, CRC, school counselors) seeking LMHC eligibility. Students complete a minimum of 15 credit hours, with additional coursework required as needed based on prior graduate study to fully satisfy NYS licensure requirements.
Canadian Students: Licensure and certification are evaluated by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and/or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Students should consult these agencies directly. Niagara University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Flexibility
Students can complete the Bridge Program/CAS in clinical mental health counseling in one year.
Individual Advisement
Students will be assigned a faculty advisor upon completion of the application for admission. Students 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.
Experience
Opportunity to work in clinics, healthcare, public and private agencies, career centers, rehabilitation centers, law enforcement, addictions, government and college and university settings.
Prepare to Soar
Academic, Experiential, and Career Pathways
Careers
Health Care
Rehab Centers
Clinics
Mental Health Counselor
Ready to Apply?
Filling out an application is easy!
NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in 3-4 weeks. What’s stopping you?
Apply NowMain Contact
Molly McDermott, M.S., MHC-P
Faculty Fellow of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Coordinator of the CMHC Bridge Program
Program Faculty
Molly McDermott, M.S., MHC-P
Faculty Fellow of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Coordinator of the CMHC Bridge Program