Landing Counseling Psychology - Saybrook University

M.A. Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

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The job outlook for Mental Health Counselors is estimated to grow 19% between 2014 and 2024 (much faster than average) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Depending on location and specialization, the demand may even exceed these national estimates. Practitioners who are able to incorporate integrative treatments will be able to set themselves apart from the rest and deliver a more holistic level of care, which has been shown to increase positive client outcomes.

Learn more about our M.A. Counseling Program

Sample Courses

Basic Counseling Skills

Cultural Humility and Responsiveness

Internship 1

Degree Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Completion Time: 3 years (full-time)

Earned Credits: 60

Residential Orientation

All new students in the MA Counseling program begin their studies with a one-time, virtual Orientation. The Orientations will be a combination of Canvas orientation and virtual meeting ahead of the academic term start date.

Residential Conferences

All students participate in two five-day-long required residential conferences per year for the duration of the program. Activities during the required residential conferences are designed to expand further on the knowledge from coursework to practice clinical skills, and to participate in professional development through lectures, workshops, courses, and seminars as well as formal and informal meetings and discussions with faculty, advisers, and peers.

Licensure

In order to become licensed as a professional counselor, professional clinical counselor, or mental health counselor candidates must complete the degree, program, and/or coursework required by their chosen state. During the first semester, all Counseling students complete a curriculum map to assure that they complete the coursework requirements for their state. State professional licensing requirements are subject to change at any time. Students should contact the specific state licensing board directly to verify information regarding professional licensure. A list of state board contact information is available via the American Counseling Association.

Putting compassion to work

To do this effectively, we offer a training program that aligns with national training standards for the counseling program.

Saybrook’s hybrid online M.A. Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Through a hybrid online learning format that includes 700 hours of field experience, our M.A. Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization program focuses on preparing students for career opportunities in the broad field of clinical mental health counseling. In this low-residency program, students become part of a cohort, interacting online and meeting at the beginning of each semester at residential conferences. This 60-credit program includes three semesters of fieldwork: Practicum, Internship I, and Internship II.

“The Saybrook University CACREP accredited MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is committed to training counselors for work with clients within their broader social and cultural context, and with a full appreciation of the inseparable nature of spirit, body, and mind.”

—Jennifer Preston, Ph.D., NCC, LPC, Department of Counseling Chair