Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
Our Mission
Degree Awarded
Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Delivery
New Hampshire-based, Hybrid
Locations Available
Manchester, New Hampshire
Franklin Pierce University is a leader in innovative teaching and experiential learning. Dedicated to having a positive social and economic impact on its communities, Franklin Pierce University has established the Clinical Masters in Mental Health to support and prepare students to thrive as leaders and caregivers in the field of mental health treatment. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), over 47 million American adults battle mental illness problems annually. You will play an important role in improving the mental health of individuals and reducing the suffering it causes in our communities by earning your online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Franklin Pierce University.
Apply to This Program NowMental Health Counselors are In-Demand
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs) are uniquely educated and licensed in ways that make us distinct from the other mental health professions. Like members of the other mental health professions (Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy), we have either a master's or doctoral degree. In our graduate studies, we become qualified in psychopathology and in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. But philosophically, we are distinctly trained to be holistic and strength-based in working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. In addition, we strive to focus on treating both the symptoms and causes of mental and emotional concerns.
LCMHCs offer a remarkable combination of holistic focus, rigorous training, and advanced practice experience that prepares them for careers that promote public health.
LCMHCs provide a full range of services, including:
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Psychotherapy
- Treatment planning and utilization review
- Trauma informed care
- Solution-focused therapy
- Alcoholism and substance use treatment
- Treatment for multiple mental disorders (e.g., addiction and PTSD)
- Integrated behavioral health coordinated with Primary Care Physicians and other medical providers (e.g., psychiatric medication monitoring, diabetic life-style management, etc.)
- Psychoeducational and prevention programs
- Crisis Management
Admissions Requirements
Coursework (with a grade of 3.0 or better preferred) comparable to the following courses:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Statistics
- Research Methods in Psychology/Social Sciences
- Abnormal Psychology (preferred not required)
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Three letters of recommendation
- Essay: Answer one of the four questions below. Tell us not only what you did but also
how you did it. What was the outcome? What was the response? Only describe experiences
that have occurred within the last three years (250-500 words).
- A time when you made a lasting impact on your organization
- A major accomplishment
- A major setback you have faced
- A time when you exceeded expectations
- Interview with Program Director
- Current resume or CV including any clinical experience
What Makes Our Mental Health Program Different?
Our Hybrid program, new for 2023, blends online learning sessions and intensive, 3-5 day in-person labs at least twice each 12-week term and 30 weeks of clinical work.
The program features a combination of coursework and fieldwork and provides a comprehensive framework in counseling theory and clinical methods. It is everything you need to advocate for clients facing addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health challenges.
Where Can My Dregree in Mental Health Counseling Take Me?
adults experience mental illness
in the U.S.
adults in the U.S. experience serious mental illness
each year
youth age 6-17 experience a mental health disorder in the U.S.
each year
Who Should Study Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
You will find this major a good fit if you have or want to develop:
- Effective communication and clinical intervention skills
- A strong working alliance with the clientele being served
- Advanced counseling skills and techniques that promote change
- Presentation skills to effectively collaborate in a professional setting
What You Will Learn?
- Elements of the counseling process
- Session planning and longer-term goal setting
- How to provide outcome assessments
In accordance with CACREP Standards, the Clinical Masters in Mental Health curriculum will cover these core areas:
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Social and Cultural Diversity
- Human Growth and Development
- Career Development
- Counseling and Helping Relationships
- Group Counseling and Group Work
- Assessment and Testing
- Research and Program Evaluation
|
|
Part-Time Planned Program of Study |
|
Core Requirements: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
|
Fall 2024 |
|---|
|
COUN 501: Ethics and Orientation to the Counseling Profession |
|
COUN 502: Skills and Techniques in Counseling |
|
Spring 2025 |
|
COUN 504: Multicultural Counseling |
|
COUN 506: Advanced Counseling Skills |
|
Summer 2025 |
|
COUN 507: Counseling Children and Adolescents |
|
COUN 508: Developmental Theories and Applications |
|
Fall 2025 |
|
COUN 503: Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy |
|
COUN 509: Group Process and Dynamics |
|
Spring 2026 |
|
COUN 505: Crisis, Trauma Theory, and Counseling |
|
COUN 512: Substance Use and Treatment |
|
Summer 2026 |
|
No Summer Classes |
|
Fall 2026 |
|
COUN 510: Mental Health Diagnosis |
|
COUN 517: Career Development and Life Planning |
|
Spring 2027 |
|
COUN 513: Appraisal and its Application in Counseling |
|
COUN 514: Treatment Planning and Advanced Interventions |
|
Summer 2027 |
|
COUN 515: Practicum |
|
COUN 516: Applied Research Methods for Counselors |
|
Fall 2027 |
|
COUN 511: Counseling Families |
|
COUN 518: Internship I |
|
Spring 2028 |
|
COUN 519: Internship II |
|
COUN 520: Human Sexuality and Counseling Interventions |
ONLINE CAMPUS
The online delivery of curriculum uses both synchronous and asynchronous methods for
the learner to encourage rich discussion, critical thinking, and problem-based learning.
Connect with your professors and peers during live chats.
Breakout sessions enhance learning by keeping groups of students in small numbers.
Educational platforms include innovative technology to view pre-recorded lectures,
patient simulations, interactive content, work through case studies, and practice
question banks.
YOU, AS A STUDENT, HAVE ACCESS 24/7 TO...
- Study groups INSEERT
- Social hangouts
- Special interest groups
- Coursework and assignments
- Instructional videos
- Online library
STUDENT SUPPORT
You will be assigned a faculty coach. The faculty coach is more than an academic advisor
and provides guidance and mentorship throughout the program to ensure student success.
Virtual office hours increase access to faculty at convenient times. Responsive faculty
provide feedback and answers to emails within 24 hours.
INPERSON RESIDENCY
There are in-person clinical rotations
Practicum – 100 hours with 40 of those to be direct service hours
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship I – 200 hours with 60 hours to be direct service hours
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship II – 200 hours with 60 hours to be direct service hours
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship III – 200 hours with 60 hours to be direct service hours
ON-CAMPUS IMMERSIONS
Practice skills labs
Standardized patient experiences
Validation skills testing
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
Guest speakers
Workshops
CONTACT XYZ H3 HEADER
Address Line
Building Name
Room Number
OPTIONAL H4 HEADER
Name
Title
603-000-0000
email@franklinpierce.edu
