Clinical Mental Health CounselingMaster of Arts

Learn to work in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health and emotional problems and how to promote mental health and wellness. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, including counseling/substance abuse centers, schools, hospitals, and social service agencies.

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Provide Professional Help for Life's Challenges

As a mental health counselor, you’ll help individuals, groups, and families overcome challenges by providing them emotional and psychological support and assist them in improving their well-being.

As part of our innovative M.A. program in clinical mental health counseling, you'll study theories and skills related to mental health, substance use, and trauma interventions and learn how to apply them to connect with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.

Our 60-credit program is designed to meet the program requirements to be a Connecticut Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). You will gain extensive fieldwork experience through counseling practicum opportunities and internships that match your interests and professional goals while developing the skills and knowledge to enhance and enrich individuals, families, groups and communities.

As part of our program, you can also supplement your education with the unique opportunity to pursue a concentration in forensic mental health or community development.

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

Meet Our Faculty

Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development

All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.

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Selected Courses and Programs
  • Counseling Skills & Techniques

    This course examines traditional theories of personality and counseling, as well as how to translate theory into effective practice. Students will develop basic counseling skills that include an awareness of self and a capacity to use one’s self in the counseling process. The course is designed to teach students to select wisely from various theories and psychotherapeutic techniques, learn basic counseling skills, and begin to develop a personal style of counseling.

  • Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling

    This course will introduce students to the variety of theoretical approaches to the development and persistence of substance use disorders and addiction. It will address the co-occurrence of other mental illnesses that may occur in conjunction with substance use disorders. Students will develop conceptual knowledge, practical skills, and self-awareness of the etiology of addiction, assessment strategies, and diagnosis and treatment planning.

  • Personality Assessment

    A critical survey of the theories and issues of personality assessment. Includes intelligence, achievement, and ability assessment. Personality tests and ethical questions associated with psychological testing.

  • Counseling Practicum

    The practicum involves placement in a practicum setting as well as an in-class seminar. The practicum provides an opportunity for the student to develop basic individual and group counseling skills under supervision. The student receives a grounding in the broader role of professional counselor with the site selected. The seminar portion of the class provides an opportunity for practicum students to meet together weekly to integrate field experiences and discuss topics of professional interest.

  • Full List of Courses and Learning Outcomes for Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, check out the Academic Catalog:

    Concentrations:

    Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - General Concentration

    Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Community Development Concentration

    Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Forensic Mental Health Concentration

  • NEW! Online Program

    Earn your degree from the convenience of home with our new 100% online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

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Charger Advantage

Get an inside look at what differentiates the University of New Haven and how your experiences as a student will prepare you for success.

News

Upcoming Events

Thursday, April 29

Community Psychology Scene

The latest issue of "CP Scene," the official newsletter of the University’s master’s degree programs in community psychology and clinical mental health counseling, features spotlights on current students, profiles on alumni and faculty, and an overview of a course on family therapy that was taught by Melissa Whitson, Ph.D. at the University's campus in Prato, Italy.

View Fall 2019 PDF


Next Steps
  • Admission Requirements

    An advanced degree from the University of New Haven will help you take your career to the next level. Each program offers convenient scheduling, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities.

    View Application Requirements

  • Financial Aid Opportunities

    The University of New Haven Graduate School is an excellent value with reasonable tuition. Of course, you will still have bills to pay and the Financial Aid office can help.

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Licensure and Certification Information

In the University’s M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program

  • Our curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in AL, AK, AZ, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY.
  • Our curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure in AR, FL, IN, KY, NH, NC, and UT.
  • We have not yet made a determination if our curriculum meets the licensure requirements in CA, CO, GU, IL, MO, OH, and PR

Please note that we are currently working through the states’ requirements and will update this information as we make the determinations. Students who are interested in working in any of these states should also contact the appropriate state board.

Click the link below for contact information on State licensure boards.

Licensure Information

Click here for more information on Licensure & Professional Certification Disclosures.