Become a competent, licensed counselor or therapist through flexible online training.

The online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program at Houston Christian University (HCU) transforms your passion for helping others navigate mental health challenges into a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas in an engaging online format with in-person experiences.

As you complete the master’s in clinical mental health counseling online program in around two to three years, you’ll learn how to provide effective therapy, put theories and context into practice through in-person practicum and internship field experiences, and gain a foundation in psychopathology, diagnosis, and treatment approaches for further research and education endeavors.

Whether you envision yourself implementing treatments as a therapist or managing mental health programs that support communities, pursue your unique path in the mental health field through concentrating on issues like marriage and couples, families, grief, and sexual addiction counseling.

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Tuition & Fees

Overview of the Mental Health Counseling Program

Program Highlights

  • 60 Credits
  • Two to Three Years
  • Online Format with On-Location Engagements
  • Faith-Connected Counseling
  • Leads to Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Bachelor’s Degree Required

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Online Course Format

You can complete required courses and clinical practicums online from anywhere, aligning with your personal and professional schedule. However, state regulations require online mental health counseling master’s programs in Texas to include some on-campus training engagements, where you may need to travel to Houston.

Courses you’ll take include:

  • Clinical Psychopathology
  • Counseling Skills and Techniques
  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
  • Spirituality, Theology and Counseling
  • Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Clinical Practicum

The online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling integrates an approved counseling practicum, where you gain real experience in the day-to-day projects and tasks in a clinic, hospital, private practice, or another setting, all under the guidance and close supervision of a licensed psychologist or licensed professional counselor-supervisor (LCP-S).

Counseling Internship

Supervised internships in the online mental health counseling program contribute to state requirements for an in-field learning experience and practically prepare you to apply knowledge of mental health and counseling techniques to improve the lives of clients seeking help. Through our community relationships in Houston, we can help you find an internship location.

Online Mental Health Counseling Program Requirements

Requirements of the online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program span counseling topics, theories, and techniques, from therapy for individuals and groups to psychotherapy, clinical diagnosis, treatment, assessment, and testing.

The 60-credit online master’s degree prepares you for clinical careers through a counseling practicum and two internship semesters, which can be completed in an accessible and convenient location to you, even your current workplace. Shape the program to your desired specialization through available electives in areas including grief and loss, marriage and family counseling, crisis and trauma care, practice management, human sexuality, and addiction counseling.

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Program Benefits and Opportunities

Whether you aim to work as a licensed mental health counselor who can clinically diagnose and treat a variety of mental health challenges, or you desire a stepping stone to a life of engaged research and education through doctoral programs in psychology or counseling, HCU’s online mental health counseling master’s transforms your passion for mental well-being with an active alumni network and top clinical practicum and internship locations in the region.

Career Outcomes in Clinical Counseling

Your online Clinical Mental Health Counseling education equips you to provide impactful therapy and counseling services to clients who need help managing mental health challenges. It’s fulfilling work to provide guidance and improve the well-being of humans in settings like hospitals, private practices, faith or community centers, and schools or to enter the marriage and family counseling profession.

The rigor of the academics also ensures your preparedness to deepen your expertise with specialized certifications, to work with new populations, and to pursue doctoral degrees in counseling or psychology such as a PsyD or PhD.

Path to Counseling Licensure in Texas

Graduates of our MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online program are equipped with the educational background necessary to qualify to sit for state licensure exams to apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. Completing this online degree may also meet the academic requirements for an LPC-S-supervised internship and prepare students academically to take the required National Counselor Exam or state exams. Students in the program interested in licensure in other states should verify the exact requirements.

Engaged Online Learning

HCU’s community sensibility and dedication to student, faculty, and local engagement extends to all of our fully online degree programs. From interactive coursework to in-depth virtual discussions with classmates and professors to in-person opportunities to connect with clinical supervisors, established educators, and researchers in mental health counseling, our online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers the flexibility to learn from home (or anywhere) while fostering practical face-to-face skills.

Admissions and Aid

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Explore next steps:

Online Admission Requirements

Students are required to submit transcripts showing they achieved a high school general or advanced diploma or a GED with passing scores. (Waived if student has 32 credit hours or more of transfer credit.)

Students must submit all college transcripts from any previously attended institutions. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree to be considered official. Transcripts from any additional coursework since that time should also be submitted including postbaccalaureate or graduate-level transcripts.

You may be accepted with unofficial transcripts by emailing copies to OnlineVerification@HC.edu; however, you must submit the official transcripts in a sealed envelope from the school or through an approved electronic service by your second semester.

Mailing Address

Houston Christian University
Attention: Online Admissions Verification
7502 Fondren Road
Houston, TX 77074-3298

Earn a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online at Houston Christian University

For more information about this program or its courses, please contact your program coordinator.
Michael Cook, PhD
Michael Cook, PhD
Associate Professor of Counseling
Director, Gideon Institute of Christian Psychology and Counseling
281-649-3748
Accreditation

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees.