What Is a Master's in Mental Health Counseling?

A master’s in mental health counseling is a graduate-level program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the mental health field and counseling. This advanced counseling degree equips individuals with the clinical expertise, ethical grounding, and interpersonal skills necessary to support clients dealing with emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges.

Whether you're drawn to working in schools, hospitals, community centers, or private practice, a mental health counseling master’s can open the door to several professional paths. Students gain in-depth knowledge of counseling theories, diagnostic tools, therapeutic techniques, and cultural competency—key components for addressing a wide range of mental health concerns.

As mental health awareness continues to grow, so does the demand for trained professionals. Earning a mental health therapist degree not only helps meet this demand but also provides a deeply meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.

Bellevue University offers a CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited master’s degree program for students interested in becoming clinical counselors.

– Dr. Renea Gernant, Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bellevue University

Understanding the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree

The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online program aligns with the rigorous standards set by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), ensuring a high-quality, comprehensive education. These standards help shape a curriculum grounded in current research, ethical practices, and real-world application.

Additionally, supervised clinical internships allow students to gain firsthand experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Students are responsible for evaluating whether the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets the licensure requirements particular to the state in which they plan to practice.

*Please review Bellevue University’s state-by-state offerings and licensure disclosures for more information on where this program is offered and whether it meets educational requirements for licensure in your state.

What You’ll Learn in the MS CMHC Program: Core Curriculum

The Bellevue University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is a 60-credit-hour, CACREP-accredited program that prepares individuals to deliver direct mental health services. Additionally, it assists students who are pursuing mental health licensure to deliver these types of mental health counseling services. Like all Bellevue University programs, it is designed for busy professionals.

Through courses in psychopathology, human development, group counseling, and multicultural competence, you’ll build a strong foundation for licensure* and professional practice. Bellevue’s program coursework may be taken on campus, or primarily online when it’s convenient for you, combined with some same-time class video and webcam activities. Some coursework may be best facilitated face-to-face, and your instructors and syllabus will provide the necessary direction for you to complete this. Practicum and clinical internship requirements offer hands-on practice and mentorship at an approved site of your choice, in many cases, where you'll gain invaluable experience in the field—building your resume, your confidence and your network along the way.

Through coursework and face-to-face residency, practicum, and internship experiences,** you’ll develop the key skills of a clinical mental health counselor:

• Assessment: Gather information necessary for evaluating client mental health issues
• Case Conceptualization: Understand a client's issues in light of physical, environmental and relational factors
• Diagnosis: Understand the client's symptomatology and formulate a clinical impression
• Treatment Planning: Collaboratively create treatment steps with your client for optimal outcomes

*Please review Bellevue University’s state-by-state offerings and licensure disclosures for more information on where this program is offered and whether it meets educational requirements for licensure in your state.

**Two introductory, noncredit Residency classes––MCC 698 & 699––must be completed in person, on campus, per rules set forth by CACREP, the program accrediting organization, as of June 2026. (See Bellevue’s MS-CMHC program page for details or contact an admissions counselor for more information.)

Licensure Requirements for Mental Health Counselors

To practice independently as a licensed counselor, graduates of a mental health counseling degree program must meet their state's licensure requirements.* While specifics vary by location, most states follow a similar pathway:

1. Graduate from a CACREP-accredited program: This ensures you’ve completed the coursework and clinical hours required for licensure.* Most masters in clinical mental health counseling online, hybrid, or in-person programs meet these standards.
2. Complete supervised clinical hours: After graduation, you’ll need to complete a period of post-master’s supervised practice (typically 2,000–3,000 hours).
3. Pass a national licensing exam: Common exams include the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), depending on your state.
4. Apply for state licensure*: Requirements and application processes differ by state, so it’s important to consult your state’s board of professional counseling.

Some programs offering a mental health therapist degree online help students prepare for exams and navigate the post-graduation licensure process. Whether you're pursuing a traditional, in-person, or hybrid master's counseling path, make sure your chosen program aligns with your state’s licensing criteria.*

For those looking for flexibility, many institutions like Bellevue University offer an online master’s in mental health counseling primarily online, making it easier than ever to balance education with personal and professional commitments. However, depending on the rules of the specialized accrediting organizations, such as CACREP, the residencies, practicum and internship experiences may need to be completed face-to-face or fully in person. Check the specific program’s requirements, confirm with the accrediting bodies concerning online programs, and understand your state and local agencies' regulations and licensing rules.*

The MS CMHC is inclusive of 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship. Students are responsible for completing practicum and internship hours under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

*Please review Bellevue University’s state-by-state offerings and licensure disclosures for more information on where this program is offered and whether it meets educational requirements for licensure in your state.

Careers with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Earning a master’s in mental health counseling opens the door to a wide range of fulfilling career paths. Graduates of an online master’s in counseling or an on-campus program may become qualified* to work in a variety of settings, including:

• Community mental health centers
• Private practices
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Substance abuse treatment facilities
• Schools and universities
• Correctional facilities and rehabilitation programs

To work as a therapist or counselor in many settings, you must go on to become a licensed* counselor or therapist. Others may choose roles in program administration, advocacy, or policy development, helping shape the future of mental health care.

Common job titles for graduates with clinical experience and a license** include:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Practitioner (LMHC or LMHP)
• Clinical Mental Health Counselor
• Behavioral Health Specialist
• Substance Abuse or Addiction Counselor
• School-Based Mental Health Counselor
• Clinical Supervisor
• Residential Counselor

With the rising demand for accessible mental health care, especially through telehealth services, the job outlook for those with a mental health counseling master’s or mental health therapist degree is strong—and growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for mental health counselors is expected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations over the coming decade. However, employability for these occupations varies depending on factors such as level of education, location, experience, and specific job role and this data is not intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate employability.

*Please review Bellevue University’s state-by-state offerings and licensure disclosures for more information on where this program is offered and whether it meets educational requirements for licensure in your state.

**This list is presented as informational only. Bellevue University’s MS CMHC program had been designed to prepare students for a primary counseling license as disclosed in the state-by-state licensure information at https://www.bellevue.edu/about/state-authorization/state-authorizations/. The MS CMHC program is not designed to meet the educational requirements of other specialized license types.

Your Questions, Answered By The Experts

Q: How long does it take to earn a master’s in clinical mental health counseling?
A: The Bellevue University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is a 60-credit-hour CACREP-accredited program. Students can complete this master’s degree in 3-4 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits they take per term (part-time students will take longer). In Bellevue’s MS-CMHC program, if you successfully complete two classes per term (3 credits each), all four terms per year (fall, winter, spring and summer terms), you can finish this degree in 10 terms, or about 2 ½ years. Students will also need to take the National Board for Certified Counseling exam as part of their state’s licensure requirements. (Please review Bellevue University’s state-by-state offerings and licensure disclosures for more information on where this program is offered and whether it meets educational requirements for licensure in your state). For Nebraska students, Bellevue University is an NBCC testing site as well as an ACEP (Approved Continuing Education Provider).

Q: What are the requirements to enroll in a master’s in clinical counseling program?
A: Depending on the school, you may need to submit scores from the GRE or GMAT exam. (Bellevue University does not require test scores.) You will typically be required to 1 ) Apply, 2) submit all official transcripts from your previous, accredited colleges, and 3) submit grades from your most recent 60 credit hours from a conferred bachelor’s degree or from a completed master’s degree. 4) Programs such as this one may require a resume, letters of recommendation, background checks, or other documentation. 5) As a prerequisite in some schools, including Bellevue University, interested students need to have completed six credit hours of behavioral sciences at either the undergraduate or graduate level for acceptance into a program. See Bellevue University’s degree-specific admission requirements for the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Q: Are there any additional certifications or licensing that are required to be a mental health counselor?
A: Yes. To practice as a therapist, you must obtain licensure in the state where you plan to work. (*Please review Bellevue University’s state-by-state offerings and licensure disclosures for more information on where this program is offered and whether it meets educational requirements for licensure in your state.) This typically involves passing a licensing exam, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for licensed professional counselors or the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) for clinical psychologists. These exams test your knowledge of counseling theories, ethics, assessment techniques, and other essential aspects of the profession. You must also apply for and receive a license in the state where you practice.

Q: Can I earn a master’s in clinical mental health counseling online?
A: You can earn a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, such as the program at Bellevue University, with coursework that is primarily online. However, as of June 2026, updated CACREP standards require students to complete 2 residencies (noncredit) fully in-person, on campus. Students are expected to complete the first residency in the first available term after admission to the MS in CMHC program and must complete the second residency prior to beginning the internship.

In addition, required practicum and clinical internship experiences are considered face-to-face. The MS in CMHC is inclusive of 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship. Students are responsible for completing practicum and internship hours under the supervision of a licensed counselor. See the MS in CMHC program page for more detailed information on the residencies, practicum, and clinical experience.

Q: Are there scholarships available for master’s in counseling students?
A: Yes. Graduate students in the clinical counseling and therapy fields are eligible for various scholarships and federal student aid. Apply for scholarships here.

Explore a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University

Whether you're pursuing a career shift or enhancing your current role in the helping professions, an online master’s counseling program offers the flexibility and depth needed to advance your goals. With various degrees in counseling online available today, students can find programs that fit their schedule, learning style, and career aspirations.

In short, a mental health therapist degree online is more than just a credential—it's a gateway to a career rooted in compassion, clinical expertise, and the power to transform lives.

Learn more about the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling today.

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