Program Overview
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 offered have been approved by the New York Department of Education as the Niagara University bridge program.
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).
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
Accreditations
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?
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