Become a clinically competent counselor equipped for licensure and quality mental health care.

The MACMHC program prepares students for careers in mental health counseling and related fields by offering advanced preparation in mental health counseling, testing, and research methods. The program also includes completion of three semesters of clinical experience (practicum, and two internships) in an approved counseling setting under the supervision of a licensed and experienced mental health professional.

The program is designed to meet requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate in the state of Texas (students seeking licensure in other states should consult the state’s requirements for licensure). The MACMHC program consists of 60 credit hours and is offered in both online and residential venues.

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Program Overview and Admissions Requirements

This comprehensive 60-credit hour program prepares graduates for licensure as professional counselors. The curriculum integrates foundational counseling theory with practical clinical skills through coursework in professional identity, ethics, human development, multicultural counseling, assessment, psychopathology, and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Students develop expertise in individual, group, family, and career counseling while exploring specialized topics like substance abuse, clinical diagnosis, and treatment planning. The program culminates in supervised practicum and internship experiences providing direct client contact hours required for licensure.

Elective options allow for specialization in areas such as resilience counseling, human sexuality, couples and family work, or grief counseling. Graduates emerge ready to provide ethical, culturally responsive mental health services in diverse clinical settings.

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Course Requirements

Course Name Hours
COUN 5309: Counselor Professional Identity and Function 3
COUN 5310: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling 3
COUN 5316: Human Growth and Development 3
COUN 5317: Multicultural Counseling 3
COUN 5318: Counseling Skills and Techniques 3
COUN 5319: Spirituality, Theology, and Counseling 3
COUN 5320: Theories of Counseling 3
COUN 5321: Group Counseling and Psychopathology 3
COUN 6309: Assessment and Testing 3
COUN 6310: Clinical Psychopathology 3
COUN 6320: Research Design and Program Evaluation 3
COUN 6321: Career Counseling and Lifestyle Development 3
COUN 6322: Marriage and Family Counseling 3
COUN 6324: Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders 3
COUN 6325: Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 3
COUN 6391: Counseling Practicum 3
COUN 6392: Counseling Internship I 3
COUN 6393: Counseling Internship II 3
COUN 5311: Advanced Ethics and Practice Management OR
COUN 6319: Resilience and Coping OR
COUN 6326: Human Sexuality OR
COUN 6327: Pornography and Sexual Addiction Counseling OR
COUN 6328: Premarital Counseling and Marital Enrichment OR
COUN 6329: Assessment and Counseling with Couples and Families OR
COUN 6331: Grief and Loss Counseling		 3
Total Hours 60

Top Reasons to Attend HCU’s MACMHC Program

  1. Every course in our program is geared specifically for creating highly skilled professional counselors
  2. Dedicated, full-time faculty who believe in the open-door policy
  3. Wide range of adjunct faculty whose jobs are practicing in the fields our students want to join – instant networking and real-life experiences to share
  4. Practicum and internship sites across the city and across the spectrum of possible careers (e.g., churches, private practices, hospitals, prisons, community mental health, counseling centers)
  5. Small classes – 5 to 25 students – so there’s always time and space for us to prioritize your learning
  6. Classes are offered in the evenings to accommodate full-time workers
  7. You’re never just a number – every student is individually advised and individually valued!

Admissions Requirements

For unconditional admission to the program, applicants must indicate the following:

  • A completed application file, including transcripts.
  • An undergraduate degree
  • A 3.0 undergraduate GPA or higher.

For students seeking certification or licensure inside the State of Texas: Programs offered at HCU designed to fulfill the educational requirements for a specific professional licensure or certification do meet the educational requirements for the State of Texas.

For students seeking certification or licensure outside the State of Texas: Students seeking certification or licensure from any state other than Texas should check with their state licensing board to determine eligibility. Houston Christian University has not determined whether their program of study meets the students state licensure requirements.

Additional Application Requirements

In accordance with best practices in the field of mental health counseling, applicants who meet the requirements specified by the graduate school will be invited to an interview and orientation. These interviews are typically held about once per month, and may take up to three hours depending on the applicant pool. Interview spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, we encourage you to apply early. We remind you to turn in your application before the deadline set for the semester to which you are applying.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling students acquire the following student learning outcomes:

Professional Identity– Students will understand and value all aspects of professional functioning, including history, roles, organizational structures, ethics, legalities, standards, and credentialing.

Social and Cultural Diversity – Students will apply core theory and research regarding the cultural context of relationships, including current issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society, to the practice of professional counseling.

  • Human Growth and Development – Students will apply core theory and research regarding the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels to their work as professional counselors.
  • Career Development – Students will apply core theory and research pertaining to career development, the psychology of work, and related life factors to the practice of professional counseling.
  • Helping Relationships – Students will exhibit the knowledge base and skills needed to deliver a range of professional counseling and consultation services ethically and effectively.
  • Group Work – Students will understand the theoretical and experiential foundations of group purpose, development, and dynamics and will apply group counseling methods and skills to the practice of professional counseling.
  • Assessment – Students will understand principles of testing and measurement and will apply both individual and group methods of assessment and evaluation to their work as professional counselors.
  • Research and Program Evaluation – Students will understand how research methods, statistical analysis, needs assessment, and program evaluation are conducted and the role of these practices in the counseling profession
  • Christ-Centered Counseling Approaches – Students will learn explicit Christian counseling approaches and interventions for working with Christian clients and will discern secular counseling approaches from a Christian worldview. Students will also learn how to image Christ to clients through the demonstration of Christian virtues in counseling.

What Can I Do With My Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

The following examples represent professional settings in which graduates with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling may be hired:

  • Private practices
  • Universities
  • Clinics and hospitals
  • Mental health agencies
  • Churches
  • Schools
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Integrative healthcare
  • Community senior centers
  • Prisons
  • Wellness programs and organizations
  • Business organizations

The following examples represent career paths graduates with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling may pursue:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
  • Sports Counselor
  • Rehabilitation Counselors
  • Health Educator
  • Family and Relationship Therapist
  • Employee Assistance Program Counselor
  • Geriatric Counselor

 

Admissions and Aid

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in clinical mental health counseling, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Get started today:

Start your MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Houston Christian University today

For more information about the Clinical Mental Health Master's degree, please contact Dr. Aleksandar Drobnjakovic.
Aleksandar Drobnjakovic, EdD
Aleksandar Drobnjakovic, EdD
Assistant Professor of Counseling