Our master’s in clinical mental health counseling program is accredited by CACREP, ensuring the program meets standards set by the profession.
Build Your Confidence
Immersive learning opportunities — both virtual and in person — allow you to develop, practice, and fine-tune key counseling skills.
LEARN FROM DEDICATED FACULTY
Our MS CMHC program is taught by dedicated, doctorally prepared faculty who are experts in the field.
PERSONALIZE YOUR PATH
Choose our General Program or one of six specializations to tailor your master’s in clinical mental health counseling coursework.
MS CMHC Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Walden’s online master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree program is designed to help you provide competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive mental health services to diverse populations.
Featured MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Courses
This course introduces theories of counseling and psychotherapy to prepare students to conceptualize problems and respond with appropriate, evidence-based interventions and techniques. Students will become familiar with the origin, key concepts, and interventions and techniques of each of the theories presented. Students will develop an awareness of how counseling theories drive the treatment process and apply theories to diverse case studies. A major focus of this course is to support students as they develop their personal theoretical orientation.
Students in this course have the opportunity to increase their awareness, knowledge, skills, and advocacy related to working with clients from a multicultural perspective. Students foster self-understanding of their own cultural-identity development, biases, stereotypes, values, and strengths while gaining self-awareness of the effects of power, privilege, and marginalization within the counseling relationship. Further, students can gain knowledge of various issues within diversity. Students explore various theories of multicultural counseling and the role of social justice and advocacy in counseling.
Students in this course are provided with the opportunity to develop practical skills in career and vocational assessment as well as functional knowledge of how career assessment can assist in the exploration and understanding of the interrelationship among work, family, and life roles. They examine major sources of career and work information available on the Internet as well as through printed material and computer-based guidance systems. Gaining practical career counseling experience, students administer, score, and interpret printed and computer-based assessments of career interests, beliefs, and values. Students learn how to integrate career development theory and assessment results with career clinical interventions. They also examine clinical and assessment issues, devoting attention to computer-based applications and multicultural implications.
Small- and large-scale disasters of all types continue to abound. Communities need trained individuals who are prepared to respond to such incidents and who can help plan for future disasters as well as train others to plan and respond. In this specialization course, students learn the fundamentals of crisis management and crisis leadership. They develop an understanding of the theories and models related to crises, disasters, and other events caused by trauma. Students also learn about ethical, legal, and diversity considerations in crisis and trauma response. Through analyses of topical literature, applications, and discussions, students gain a practical understanding of the models for training and supporting other counselors in the areas of crisis response applicable to community, national, and international crises. Employing concepts learned in the course, students develop a crisis management plan for their own community.
An important skill for clinicians to have is a fundamental understanding of the dynamics and functioning of couples and families. Students in this course are introduced to concepts and applications in theoretical perspectives and techniques, classical schools of thought, and recent developments in couples and family therapy. Students explore culture, gender, and ethnicity factors in family development. They also review and compare theoretical frameworks in couples and family therapy, including psychosocial, psychodynamic, transgenerational, strategic, cognitive-behavioral, and social constructionist models. Additionally, students assess the roles of culture, spirituality, and values in understanding families.
Student Experience
How will I learn?
FIELD EXPERIENCE
Apply what you’ve learned in real client settings with the support of dedicated faculty mentors. Over a period of three quarters, you’ll strengthen your skills and prepare for professional practice.
VIRTUAL SIMULATIONS
Build confidence that goes beyond the classroom with Skillsetter—an online skill-building system that helps you practice, grow, and refine key counseling competencies.
PRE-PRACTICUM LABS
Grow your skills and confidence in this six-week course featuring a four-day intensive packed with hands-on practice and real-time guidance from expert faculty.
GROUP LAB
Take part in weekly small-group sessions where you’ll learn with peers and faculty, gain insight into group dynamics, and strengthen your professional relationships.
Admissions
Work with a Walden Enrollment Specialist to get guidance at every step—from finding the right program to funding your degree.
Streamlined Admissions Process
We want to help you take that next step. That’s why we’ve simplified the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online admissions process, so you can expect:
No application fee
No SAT/ACT/GRE requirement
Easy credit transfer
Program Admission Considerations: Admission is considered for adult students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any area of study. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 21 years of age or older.
- You are less than 21 years of age with at least 12 quarter credits.
- You are an active member of the military or a veteran with documentation of service.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
Cost is a big factor when you’re considering online clinical mental health counseling programs. Walden helps make your degree more attainable, with several ways to reduce your tuition:
Partner tuition savings
Transfer of credit
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 90 credits of core courses | $550 per quarter hour | $49,500 |
| Pre-Practicum Labs | Two in program | $1,450 each (virtual) $1,550 each (in-person: travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional) | $2,900–$3,100 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $2,035 |
$54,435–$54,635** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$7,700 | ||
*Represents General Program, two virtual pre-practicum labs, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 45 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0199.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to an additional $4,500.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 100 credits of core courses | $550 per quarter hour | $55,000 |
| Pre-Practicum Labs | Two in program | $1,450 each (virtual) $1,550 (in-person: travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional) | $2,900–$3,100 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $2,035 |
| $59,935–$60,135** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$7,700 | ||
*Represents specialization, two virtual pre-practicum labs, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 45 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0199.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to an additional $4,500.
Career Opportunities
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges—and demand for these professionals is rising.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Advise individuals, families, couples, and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health.
Expected growth: 17% (September 2025)
Estimated annual wage: $39,090–$76,230
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2024)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of our master’s in clinical mental health counseling online program, you will be prepared to:
Synthesize counseling knowledge into evidence-based treatment plans for promoting wellness. (Knowledge)
Construct therapeutic relationships with diverse populations to promote social change. (Skills)
Develop professional counselor behaviors in clinical settings to foster growth and wellness. (Dispositions)
Develop a professional counselor identity relevant to clinical mental health counseling. (Knowledge)
Evaluate unique client needs within clinical mental health settings. (Skills)
Evaluate community needs in relation to clinical mental health settings and populations. (Skills)
Read our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Vital Statistics Outcomes and Program Evaluation Outcome Report (PEOR) on the School of Counseling DATA webpage.
Learning Objectives
Create a learning environment where counseling graduates will gain and apply the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to impact positive social change.
Foster the development of, and adherence to, a strong professional counselor identity for School of Counseling graduates within their scope of practice.
Prepare counseling graduates who advance cultural humility, advocacy, awareness, and engagement to best serve an ever-changing, diverse society.
Inspire counseling graduates to actively engage with the professional counselor identity by participating in professional counseling organizations, continuing education, and other learning opportunities that contribute to personal and professional growth over time.
Develop counseling graduates who exemplify the highest ethical standards outlined in the profession's codes of ethics and key competency documents.
Equip counseling graduates to recognize social determinants of health and to tailor their practice to client needs by considering the impact of these factors.
Establish a programmatic learning experience that instills in our graduates a focus on assessment, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s faculty includes scholar-practitioners and subject matter experts who are dedicated to helping you develop as a counseling professional.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Explore other online counseling-related degree programs at Walden.
Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling FAQ
Clinical mental health counseling focuses on helping people navigate emotional challenges, mental health concerns, and major life changes. Licensed counselors work with individuals, families, and groups to assess, diagnose, and treat conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues using proven therapeutic approaches. You’ll find them supporting clients in settings such as private practice, community clinics, hospitals, and schools—helping people build resilience, find balance, and improve overall well-being.
Yes. Walden’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Walden University has also been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990, with its accreditation reaffirmed in 2023. The HLC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Yes. Walden’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is delivered primarily online, allowing students to complete coursework in a flexible online learning environment. The program includes required clinical training delivered through field experiences, such as practicum and internship, which are completed in person at approved local sites. Walden provides guidance and resources to support students throughout the field experience process, including helping students understand requirements, timelines, and expectations for securing appropriate practicum and internship placements.
Mental health counselors provide counseling to individuals of all ages as well as couples and families. They also serve as advocates for the mental health needs of their clients and their communities.
Walden students come from all over the world, which brings a wealth of diverse perspectives to the online classroom. In addition, our master’s in clinical mental health counseling program offers:
- Personalized student support and resources at every step of the program are designed to support working adults through a flexible learning format, with guidance from coursework through field placement and clinical training.
- Interactive learning experiences, both virtual and experiential allow students to practice and refine essential counseling skills, including the use of AI-supported simulation and assessment tools designed to support skill development, reflection, and ethical professional practice.
- Dedicated, doctorally prepared faculty members bring years of insights and experience to the Walden classroom every day.
- With the choice of a General Program or one of eight specializations, students can tailor coursework to their professional interests and career goals.
To complete Walden’s CACREP-accredited online counseling program, 90–96 quarter credits are required to meet the minimum criteria to graduate. The program can be completed in less than three years—in as few as 33 months. Keep in mind that the number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress; credits transferred, if applicable; and selected program specialization. For a personalized estimate of time to program completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-339-2714.
Each state in the United States has its own specific academic requirements for professional counselor licenses, such as the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Many states require a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) for licensure.
For detailed information on specific state requirements, you can consult the National Board for Certified Counselors at www.nbcc.org/directory or the American Association of State Counseling Boards at www.aascb.org. It is important to note that no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, and students are advised to contact the relevant agency to confirm specific requirements.
Relocating to another state can impact a student's ability to maintain enrollment in a program and obtain licensure in the new state. Students should review the requirements of the licensure board in their intended state of relocation.
Yes. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to support part-time study. The program offers multiple start dates throughout the year, and courses are offered every quarter, allowing students to plan a schedule that fits their work and personal commitments. Minimum completion timelines are provided for planning purposes (for example, approximately 33 months for the General Program), but actual completion time may vary based on course load, individual progress, and eligible transfer credits.
Walden’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers these distinct advantages:
- A reputation that instills confidence: Walden is the No. 1 granter of master’s degrees in clinical mental health counseling in the U.S. —and backed by more than 50 years of helping adult learners further their education.
- An engaged learning community: Study alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, who lend a wider range of voices and viewpoints to class discussions.
- Support built for working adults: Receive personalized guidance at every step, from enrollment through field placement and clinical training experiences.
- Hands-on, interactive learning: Build and refine practical counseling skills through AI-supported simulations, live group labs, and 4-day pre-practicum labs (available virtually or in person). You’ll also participate in supervised field experiences where you work directly with clients in real clinical mental health settings.
- Expert faculty mentorship: Learn from caring, doctorally prepared faculty , who bring real-world counseling insights into every clinical mental health counseling course.
- The flexibility to focus your studies: Choose from our General Program or one of eight master’s in counseling specializations and tailor your coursework to match your career
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are expected to grow by 17% through 2034—much faster than the national average. A master’s in clinical mental health counseling will prepare you to enter a high-demand field.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
While the core coursework for Walden’s counseling master’s program is online, the program cannot be completed 100% asynchronously/online due to virtual synchronous labs and in-person field requirements.
Below is the breakdown of the components that require live or in-person participation:
- Pre-practicum labs: You must complete two 6-week labs that include a four-day synchronous intensive. While you can choose a virtual option for these intensives, they require you to be “live” at specific times.
- Group lab: This is a nine-week lab that includes 14 hours of live synchronous group sessions.
- Field experience: To graduate from this master’s in clinical mental health counseling program, you must complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. These are physical, hands-on clinical experiences that must be completed at an approved site in your community.
CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. It is widely recognized as the gold standard for professional counseling education in the United States.
Here’s why this accreditation is vital for your education and career:
- State licensure: Many states require you to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited counseling master's program—like Walden’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling—for you to qualify to seek state licensure.
- A mark of quality: Accreditation signifies a program’s curriculum and clinical training meet the highest national professional standards.
- Job credibility: Employers prioritize graduates from accredited programs, providing you with immediate professional standing.
- Easier relocation: A mental health counseling degree from a CACREP-accredited program simplifies the process of transferring your license if you move to another state.
An online master’s in clinical mental health counseling gives you the flexibility to balance earning an advanced degree with work and family commitments. You learn in a digital environment that connects you with peers and faculty worldwide, giving you perspectives you might not gain in the traditional classroom. Along the way, you build strong technology and communication skills that prepare you for telehealth and modern mental health practice.