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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

A Specialization Within the Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling

Transform lives. Strengthen communities. Advance mental health for all.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization is one of two focused tracks offered within our MEd in Counseling degree – designed for students called to support the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, groups, and organizations across today’s diverse society.

If you’re passionate about clinical practice, advocacy, and making a lasting difference in people’s lives, this specialization equips you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to do exactly that.

What You’ll Learn

Built on the strong foundation of the MEd in Counseling curriculum, the CMHC specialization prepares you for professional, ethical, and culturally responsive practice through in-depth training in:

• Social justice, advocacy, and diversity
• Human growth and development
• Career and lifestyle development
• Assessment, research, and program evaluation
• Diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical intervention

You’ll graduate not only with clinical skills, but with the ethical grounding and cultural competence today’s clients and communities deserve.

Where Your Degree Can Take You

Graduates of our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization are prepared to make an impact in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Community mental health agencies
• Family counseling centers
• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Residential treatment centers
• Correctional and forensic settings
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Private practice

Whether you envision yourself supporting families in crisis, guiding individuals through recovery, or building your own practice, our CMHC program gives you the credentials, clinical experience, and confidence to get there.

Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18 percent from 2025 to 2035. – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Please note that completion of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track automatically satisfies Missouri’s educational requirements for LPC licensure.

Curriculum Overview

Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration meets the educational requirements set forth by the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors to qualify for the Professional Counselor license (PLMHP/LPC). The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, including three semesters/nine (9) credit hours of practicum and internship coursework/field experience. CMHC concentration requirements are subject to change based on revisions to state license requirements and/or accreditation.

Full-Time, 3-Year Plan of Study

Credit Summary:

• Year 1 Total: 24 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 9, Summer: 6)
• Year 2 Total: 24 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 9, Summer: 6)
• Year 3 Total: 12 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6)
• Total Degree Credits: 60 Credit Hours

Part-Time, 4-Year Plan of Study

Credit Summary:

• Year 1 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6, Summer: 6)
• Year 2 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6, Summer: 6)
• Year 3 Total: 12 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6)
• Year 4 Total: 12 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6)
• Total Degree Credits: 60 Credit Hours

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