Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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.
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
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.
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
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 Requirements
The online Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program at HCU welcomes all who desire to become a fixture of stability and improved well-being in the lives of others, whether or not you have a background in psychology and mental health.
Requirements to apply to the online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling include:
- Completed online application
Official transcripts from the institution that awarded your bachelor’s degree - Contact information for two professional or academic references (no family or friends should be listed as references)
- A current résumé or CV
- 500-800 word response to the following prompt: “What is the purpose of being a mental health practitioner? What are the characteristics that make you a good counselor? In which of these do you excel? How do you know? Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree in Counseling, and why here? Given your history and circumstances, describe any challenges that could prevent you from completing this degree and how you might address them should they arise.”
Program Costs and Aid
Online graduate tuition is competitive to make our programs as accessible as possible. Review detailed online program cost information and calculate your total tuition before financial aid.
To apply for financial aid, you may fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and pursue other forms of financial aid from sources like outside scholarships. Learn about graduate financial aid at Houston Christian University.
Program Costs and Aid
Online graduate tuition is competitive to make our programs as accessible as possible. Review detailed online program cost information and calculate your total tuition before financial aid.
To apply for financial aid, you may fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and pursue other forms of financial aid from sources like outside scholarships. Learn about graduate financial aid at Houston Christian University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earn a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online at HCU
Take the step to become a meaningful guide and a leader in making mental health care accessible and effective with Houston Christian University’s online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Ready to become an LPC through a flexible online program that fits into your life? Start your application today.
