Online clinical mental health counseling masters programs

Master of Science

Prepare to help clients in need when you graduate from this CACREP-accredited program.

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Highlights

A practical path to becoming a licensed mental health counselor.

Empower others in their mental health journey by preparing to become a clinical therapist. In this CACREP-accredited master’s in clinical mental health counseling program—modeled on licensing standards for clinical mental health counselors—you’ll graduate prepared to take the licensure exam in Nebraska or your home state.

Essential skills for the real world of counseling.

Develop the four 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

Ready to start the path to licensure? Reach out to admissions >>

Graduate with hands-on supervised experience.

Through 100 practicum hours (40% direct client contact) and 600 clinical internship hours (40% direct client contact), as well as two on-campus residencies in the clinical mental health counseling master’s program, you’ll gain invaluable experience in the field—building your resume, your confidence and your network along the way.

And, if you live outside of our area, you can complete those required clinical internship hours close to home. Just work with our Clinical Coordinator to get your chosen site approved.

Curriculum

What You’ll Learn

• Demonstrate professional counseling skills and techniques.
• Master core content and foundational areas of knowledge in the counseling profession.
• Integrate professional counselor identity.

• Incorporate multicultural awareness and diversity issues into personal and professional activities.
• Integrate ethical principles and standards into personal and professional activities.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Historical Curriculum

• 07.01.2019 thru 09.01.2020 ›

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Major Courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.

Degree Information

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS CMHC) is a 60 credit CACREP accredited graduate program modeled on national licensing standards for individuals who are preparing to deliver direct mental health services and are pursuing mental health licensure to deliver those services. The MS CMHC is inclusive of 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship. Students are responsible to complete practicum and internship hours under the supervision of a licensed counselor. Students who are admitted for summer 2016 and beyond must complete two on-campus residency experiences. Students are expected to complete the first residency in the first available term after admission to the MS CMHC program and must complete the second residency prior to beginning internship.

Education requirements for licensure vary from state to state. It is the responsibility of the student to evaluate whether the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling meets the licensure requirements particular to the state in which they plan to practice. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm with the Department of Human Services (or similar agency) in his/her respective state to guarantee necessary coursework meets the state’s current licensure requirements.

The counseling field is constantly changing. For instance, practices are being updated, ethical codes are evolving, and mental health diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches are changing. Our courses are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the field. It is important that our graduates are up to date and practicing with the most current level of knowledge and skill. For this reason students who take longer than 5 years (calendar years) to complete the program will need to repeat all coursework that is older than 4 years (calendar years), unless otherwise approved by the Program Director.

Graduate Professional Master Program Curricular Requisites (60 credit hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

Foundation (24 credit hours)

MCC 501

Helping Relationships and Orientation to the Counseling Profession

(3 Credits)

This course assists the student in obtaining and demonstrating proficiency in basic helping skills associated with the practice of professional counseling and helping relationships. In addition, the course will address the history, philosophy, and trends associated with the field of professional counseling. Personal characteristics influencing the helping process, as well as self-care strategies of the professional counselor are explored in this course. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 502

Introduction to Counseling Theories

(3 Credits)

This course surveys major conceptual and theoretical perspectives and practices commonly associated with the field of professional counseling. Students explore psychoanalytic, Adlerian, existential, person-centered, Gestalt, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, reality, feminist, post-modern, and general family systems theories. This course addresses the historical and philosophical development of counseling theories, and how they impact current practice. Students are provided opportunities to reflect upon how to best match counseling theories based upon specific client issues, concerns, and characteristics for case conceptualization. Students identify how their own personal experiences, biases, and preferences impact theory selection, while developing their own personal style of counseling. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 503

Statistics and Quantitative Research Methods

(3 Credits)

This course orients the student to statistical concepts and measurements including scales of measurements, distributions, central tendency, validity, and reliability. Quantitative research method design is addressed. Students explore the role of research as it relates to evidenced-based practice as professional counselors. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director. For students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Human Services, the prerequisite is none. For students enrolled in the Master of Science in Human Service Administration, the prerequisite is none.

MCC 504

Qualitative Research Methods and Program Evaluation

(3 Credits)

This course integrates and expands upon the content in MCC 503, while further expanding the discussion of research methods to include qualitative research, mixed-methods design, and program evaluation. Grounded theory research; single-case study design; phenomenological principles; and qualitative interviewing techniques, data collection, coding, and analysis are addressed. Students explore program evaluation concepts, including needs assessment, study design, outcome measures, and integration of data into program modification and improvement. Prerequisites: Completion of MCC 503 or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 520

Human Development Throughout the Lifespan

(3 Credits)

This course surveys theories, scholarship, and research on human development throughout the lifespan. Students examine biological, neurological, cognitive, emotional, and social-cultural factors influencing individual development within a multicultural framework. The reciprocal influences of crises; transitions; normal and abnormal development; psychopathology; and familial and community relationships are addressed. Particular attention on the application of these concepts to the work of professional counselors is explored. Prerequisite: MCC 501 or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 530

Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in the Practice of Counseling

(3 Credits)

This course addresses ethical, legal, and professional issues commonly associated with the practice of professional counseling consistent with Council on Accreditation for Counselor and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards and the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) Code of Ethics. National, regional, state licensure, and credentialing issues are addressed. This course identifies the systematic processes of identifying, implementing, and resolving ethical dilemmas mindful of various stakeholder concerns, including acting in the best interests of the client. The course explores personal and professional value systems, standards of practice, and legal issues in terms of how they impact decision-making processes and professional behavior. Prerequisite: MCC 501 or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 540

Assessment

(3 Credits)

This course explores the history, development, and effective use of various types of assessment tools for evaluation and diagnosis purposes within a variety of professional counseling settings and applications. Students explore the ethical use and interpretation of standardized and non-standardized assessment tools including conducting behavioral observations, clinical interviewing, mental status examinations, symptom inventories, suicidal assessments, and personality assessments. Students further examine various factors influencing the use of assessment tools with multicultural and diverse populations. Prerequisites: MCC 501, MCC 502, MCC 503, and MCC 520

MCC 550

Theories of Psychopathology

(3 Credits)

An examination of the evidence-based understanding of both normal and disordered mental states are conducted. The etiology, development, manifestation, and potential treatment of mental disorders in infants, children, adolescents, and adults are emphasized. Current theoretical and evidence-based models are explored including bio-medical, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, humanistic, interpersonal, psychoanalytic, and trait models. Prerequisite: MCC 540

Advanced Courses (24 credit hours)

MCC 600

Diagnosis of Mental and Behavioral Disorders

(3 Credits)

The taxonomy and nosology of psychopathology are reviewed using the structure and guidelines of the current editions of both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Manual. This course examines the disorders of infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Emphasis is placed upon differential diagnosis for the purposes of case formulation and treatment planning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 605

Counseling Practicum

(3 Credits)

This course assists the student in obtaining and demonstrating proficiency in basic helping skills associated with the practice of professional counseling and helping relationships. In addition, the course addresses the history, philosophy, and trends associated with the field of professional counseling. Personal characteristics influencing the helping process, as well as self-care strategies of the professional counselor are also explored in this course. Prerequisites: Completion of all Foundational Coursework in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (24 hours), Permission of the Clinical Coordinator or designee, and proof of professional liability insurance.

MCC 610

Group Processes and Facilitation

(3 Credits)

This course provides students with grounding in the principles of group dynamics, group facilitation styles and approaches, and theories and methods of group counseling essential for a professional counselor in a multicultural society. In a workshop environment, students develop the ability to assess how their own methods and the dynamics of group interaction facilitate cognitive, emotional and behavioral change. Students are provided with a minimum of ten hours of group experience, with at least one hour of group facilitation experience. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 638

Social and Cultural Diversity

(3 Credits)

This course explores how cultural factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, and disability status, shape, inform, and impact minority populations, marginalized populations, diverse groups, and dominant culture. Experiential methods of learning are emphasized, including the development of self-awareness in the counselor, along with an appreciation for the experiences of others from different backgrounds and experiences. Traditional counseling theories, as well as more recent approaches to counseling diverse groups, are analyzed for ethical and practical implications including their integration into assessment, diagnosis, and treatment issues. The counselor’s role in addressing advocacy and justice is explored including issues of power and privilege. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 642

Foundations of Addictions Counseling

(3 Credits)

This course provides counselors in training with an overview of the addictive process and the practice of addiction counseling. Students develop conceptual knowledge, practical skills, and self-awareness concerning the etiology of addiction and its impact across the life-span. Models of addiction and professional issues in Addiction Counseling such as co-occurring disorders, process addictions, and mental illnesses are addressed. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of addictions with diversity and advocacy issues are also explored. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 645

Career Development

(3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the theories of career development as well as the assessment tools and counselor practices associated with helping clients achieve congruence in their career development pattern. Students explore interrelationships between factors such as age, gender, family, life roles, and multicultural issues as they relate to career and educational planning. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 650

Couples and Family Counseling

(3 Credits)

This course introduces students to a broad range of theoretical approaches and interventions in the field of couples and family counseling with an emphasis on the systemic and relational components commonly associated in working with couples and families. The impact of societal changes, trauma, and mental health disorders on the family system are studied. Theories and models of couple and family resilience as well as the promotion of wellness over the family life span are introduced. Knowledge of how to effectively counsel couples and families, including problem identification, treatment planning, intervention, family wellness education, and relapse prevention are emphasized. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 670

Advanced Counseling Skills, Techniques, and Practices

(3 Credits)

This course builds upon foundational and advanced coursework reinforcing the applied aspect of counseling skills, techniques, and evidenced-based intervention. Topics include case conceptualization, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, termination, and documentation. Students examine and discern how personal counselor characteristics, belief systems, bias, and attitudes influence the overall therapeutic process; and, students discuss effective strategies for monitoring and managing these issues. Students demonstrate the successful use of counseling skills and techniques appropriate for varying client issues, needs, and situations. Prerequisite: MCC 600 and Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

Advanced Elective Course (3 credit hours)

Choose one of the following:

MCC 661

Applied Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology

(3 Credits)

This overview and introduction to the role and function of the central nervous system in psychopathology, and its pharmaceutical treatment, prepare the mental health professional to both have a basic understanding of psychopharmacology, and to work with prescribing physicians to maximize the effectiveness of medication, and to quickly detect adverse effects. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 662

Treatment of Child and Adolescent Disorders

(3 Credits)

Treatment methods for children and adolescents, both historical and those that are well established and/or based upon evidentiary support are reviewed. The applications of specific techniques are examined with respect to specific diagnoses and practice in their application is provided. Included are cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, token economy programs, parent training programs, and play therapy. The pros and cons of “manualized treatment” for children and adolescents are examined as are concerns regarding ethics and multicultural issues with respect to children and adolescents. This course is one of three elective courses that can be used to meet clinical counseling degree requirements. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 663

Human Sexuality

(3 Credits)

This course is designed for counseling and human service professionals whose work bring them into contact with clients experiencing problems and concerns with their sexuality. Information about human sexuality across the lifespan is included. The course is designed to develop: a) students’ knowledge base related to human sexuality, b) an understanding of the varied sexuality issues which may be encountered in professional counseling practice, c) students’ skills in assessment and intervention techniques with sexuality issues, and d) increased awareness of one’s personal perceptions, attitudes and affect related to sexuality issues. Course participants become more effective in identifying, assessing and intervening with human sexuality related clinical counseling issues. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 664

Trauma, Crisis, and Traumatic Stress Counseling

(3 Credits)

This course is designed to help students understand the theory and practice of counseling individuals, groups, and/or families in response to a crisis or traumatic event. Students will be able to understand the principles of intervention as well as the impact of crisis, traumatic stress, natural disasters and other trauma causing events on people. Students will also be able to demonstrate the ability for assessing and managing suicide risk. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

MCC 665

Orthodox Judaic Theoretical Perspectives

(3 Credits)

This course focuses on the Orthodox Jewish theoretical perspectives on mental health services. It includes the Jewish ethical and religious view of the community and its leadership in relation to mental health services. It serves to increase the awareness and understanding of the unique mental health issues and needs of the community. It studies the community’s prevalent mental health disorders and social ills. It discusses the community barriers toward the acceptance and accessibility of services. It highlights the essential role of the Orthodox Jewish counselor in prevention, assessment and treatment. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.

Residency Courses (Non-credit)

Required at the first available term after enrollment. Residency I provides an orientation to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This orientation includes information about the requirements and expectations of the program as well as an introduction to the use of technology, the library, and writing center. Students will have instruction in basic counseling skills, engage in a growth group experience, and participate in a cultural experience designed to expand their cultural understanding and perspective.

Required once students begin taking advanced coursework; must be completed prior to Internship I. Residency II focuses on professional and continued skills development. Networking and wellness will be a focus of instruction. Additionally, students will have training in advanced counseling skills and group skills. Suicide assessment will be addressed and intervention training will be provided. Finally, practicum and internship requirements and expectations will be addressed.

Internship Courses (9 credit hours)

MCC 691

Clinical Internship I

(3 Credits)

The Internship is an advanced clinical, experiential course designed to strengthen students’ skills and understanding of the practice of clinical mental health counseling through supervised practice. In this course, students complete 200 hours of supervised practice, forty-percent of the hours must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. A minimum of 10 hours of leading or co-leading groupwork is required prior to Internship III. Additionally, students attend weekly class led by Program Faculty designed to deepen their learning and growth at the Internship site. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCC 600, 605, 610, and 670, Permission of the Clinical Coordinator or designee, proof of professional liability insurance, and completion of Residency II.

MCC 692

Clinical Internship II

(3 Credits)

The Internship is an advanced clinical, experiential course designed to strengthen students’ skills and understanding of the practice of clinical mental health counseling through supervised practice. In this course, students complete 200 hours of supervised practice, forty-percent of the hours must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. A minimum of 10 hours of leading or co-leading groupwork is required prior to Internship III. Additionally, students attend weekly class led by Program Faculty designed to deepen their learning and growth at the Internship site. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCC 691, Permission of the Clinical Coordinator or designee, and proof of professional liability insurance.

MCC 693

Clinical Internship III

(3 Credits)

The Internship is an advanced clinical, experiential course designed to strengthen students’ skills and understanding of the practice of clinical mental health counseling through supervised practice. In this course, students complete 200 hours of supervised practice, forty-percent of the hours must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. A minimum of 10 hours of leading or co-leading groupwork is required prior to Internship III. Additionally, students attend weekly class led by Program Faculty designed to deepen their learning and growth at the Internship site. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCC692, Permission of the Clinical Coordinator or designee, and proof of professional liability insurance.

and if needed

MCC 694

Clinical Internship IV

(3 Credits)

The Internship is an advanced clinical, experiential course designed to strengthen students’ skills and understanding of the practice of clinical mental health counseling through supervised practice. In this course, students complete a minimum of 200 hours of supervised practice, forty-percent of the hours must be direct service with clients/patients/consumers. Additionally, students attend weekly class led by Program Faculty designed to deepen their learning and growth at the Internship site. Prerequisites: Successful completion of MCC 693, Permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director and Clinical Coordinator or designee, and proof of professional liability insurance.

Helpful Links

Student Handbook

Clinical Manual

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Syllabi

Recommended Resources

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important.

• Students who want federal (and sometimes state) grants and loans need to attend a college, university, or program that is accredited.
• Employers ask if a college, university, or program is accredited before deciding to provide tuition assistance to current employees, evaluating the credentials of new employees, or making a charitable contribution.
• The federal government requires that a college, university, or program be accredited in order to be eligible for federal grants and loans or other federal funds.

Academic Program Accreditation

The Bellevue University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). CACREP accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession (www.cacrep.org).

Bellevue University Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program CACREP Outcomes Report

View report of rates of graduation, completion, exam pass rate, and job placement for the MS CMHC program.

Students applying for professional license or certification should verify the University’s offerings meet the requirements with the professional organization.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

We work with the experience you bring to the table for your master’s in clinical mental health counseling.

Learning Experience

100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country.

• Complete assignments day or night — whenever it works for you.
• Stay on track with the help of a Student Coach — your support from day one through graduation.

Find out more about the online experience >

On-campus classes offered on a convenient schedule.

Our Omaha-area campus offers classes that accommodate the working professional’s schedule. So, if you prefer an in-person learning experience as you earn your Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree, you can get what you need to help you be successful.

Learn online, making a master’s in clinical mental health counseling more convenient for you and your schedule.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Graduate degrees can be more affordable than you think.

Earning a degree is an investment in yourself. We want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with competitive tuition rates and support through the financial aid process.

2022 / 2023 Academic Year

$630 In-Class or Online Cost Per Credit

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)

Curious about financial aid? We’ve got the answers.

As a graduate student, you may think financial aid doesn’t apply—but it does. Through the FAFSA, Graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized Direct Student Loans.

And, students often apply for graduate program scholarships through Bellevue University or tuition reimbursement through their employers. Talk to us and we’ll help you explore your options.

Learn more about financial aid >

Move forward with a more affordable master’s.

Admissions

Start on the path to your master’s. No GRE or GMAT required.

We believe in reducing roadblocks to education. That’s why our admissions requirements focus only on what matters—helping hardworking students access the education they deserve.

1. Here’s what you need to apply.

2. Start the application process.

2. Start the application process.

Degree Specific Requirements

Candidates for this master’s degree program must have completed a prerequisite requirement of 6 credit hours in the behavioral sciences.

Each applicant must submit:

• Current resume
• Two current letters of recommendation written by professional sources (past professors or employers in field related to counseling/mental health)
• 1000 word statement of interest
• Transcripts

These items will be submitted to the Program Director. Based on the review of the above items, the Program Director (in consultation with an admissions committee made up of at least two additional full time MSCMHC faculty members) will render a decision for admission based on:

• Each applicant’s potential success in forming effective and culturally relevant interpersonal relationships in individual and small-group contexts.
  As part of the application packet, each applicant must submit two letters of recommendation from past professors or employers. Each recommendation is asked specifically to address the issue of the potential / past success of the applicant in forming effective and culturally relevant interpersonal relationships in individual contexts as well as small-group contexts.
• Each applicant’s aptitude for graduate-level study.
  This element is assessed by reviewing the candidates past academic performance via transcripts as well as each applicant's statement of interest and letters of recommendation. To be considered for full admission the applicant must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Each applicant’s career goals and their relevance to the program.
  This item is evaluated based on each applicant's statement of interest.
  The decision:
  • If an applicant appears to be well suited for the program and appears to have potential success in the program and the field, the applicant will be admitted to the program.
  • If an applicant falls short in any of the three areas above, but the committee believes that the applicant has potential for success with mentoring, the applicant may be conditionally admitted to the program. If this happens, the applicant will be expected to meet with their assigned faculty mentor at the start of the first term of study, near midterm, and at the end of the first term to ensure that they are on track for success.
  • If an applicant does not meet the criteria for admission, they will not be admitted to the program.
• An applicant background check by an approved vendor, which will be reviewed by the Program Director.

Ready to get started? Reach out to admissions.

• Get your questions answered about the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree
• Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
• Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities

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