Make a Positive Impact With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Do you want to empower others to overcome difficult emotional challenges? Take the next step with Walden's CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
As one of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S.,1 our master’s in clinical mental health counseling program is designed to help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you were meant to be. Practice your skills in virtual simulations and hands-on field experiences as you engage with a diverse community of faculty and peers. Graduate from your program feeling confident, inspired, and ready to help your clients lead happier, more productive lives.
An MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program academically prepares students to seek state licensure or certification as a professional mental health counselor.
Get Support at Every Step
From the start of your program, you’ll get personalized guidance and inspiration from faculty who want to see you succeed.
Master Essential Skills
Build your confidence through cutting-edge simulation technologies and other opportunities to practice and refine your skills.
Join a Diverse Community
Engage with faculty and peers and participate in coursework designed to help you work with people from different backgrounds.
Personalize Your Path
Choose our General Program or one of five specializations to tailor your coursework to the career you want.
Program Details
Curriculum - General Program Specialization
Completion Requirements
- 90–96 quarter credits
- Foundation course (1 cr.)
- Core courses (80 cr.)
- Field experience (9–15 cr.: Practicum: 100 hours; Internship: 600 hours)
- Professional Development Plan, licensure Plan
- 2 Pre-Practicum Labs - 6 weeks online with 4 day synchronous intensive (choose virtual or face-to-face)
- Group Lab (9 weeks online with 10 hours of live synchronous group)
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN
Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Engage in Virtual Simulations With Skillsetter
Walden is one of the few institutions to fully integrate the counseling simulation software Skillsetter into our master’s program curriculum. This technology empowers you to develop your counseling competencies through intensive practice, opportunities for reflection, exploration of alternatives, and faculty assistance. Master critical skills in an authentic yet safe environment and be ready for real scenarios you’ll face in the field.
MS Dual Degree Program
You have the opportunity to switch to our MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program at any point during your studies. This option can give you greater career flexibility by allowing you to earn two counseling master’s degrees at the same time.
International Counseling Honor Society
Omega Zeta—Walden’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society—offers many ways to get involved and make your voice heard. This includes participating in Learning Communities—groups of students and faculty who meet biweekly to talk about counseling topics such as play therapy, private practice, and telemental health. Learning Communities are one more way to practice your skills, develop your professional school counselor identity, and forge lasting connections with like-minded peers.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
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.
The progress you make now pays you back. You’ll receive your final courses tuition-free, depending on your program.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we’re here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 90 credits of core courses | $505 per quarter hour | $45,450 |
| 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 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $1,870 |
| $50,220 –$50,420** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$7,070 $43,150* |
||
*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 | $505 per quarter hour | $50,500 |
| 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 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $2,040 |
| $55,440–$55,640** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION |
-$7,070 $48,370* |
||
*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.
Program Outcomes
Career Outlook
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges—and demand for these professionals is rising. Employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling professionals is expected to grow by 25% through 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2
A master’s in clinical mental health counseling academically prepares you to pursue licensure as a counseling professional in your state, which can open the door to opportunities in a variety of environments. From counseling individuals and families in times of crisis to helping people overcome addiction, you’ll be positioned for a meaningful and rewarding future changing lives for the better.
An MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Outpatient and inpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Individual and family service organizations (private practice)
- Public or private hospitals
- Courts/government agencies
Career positions may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of our master’s in clinical mental health counseling 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.
Meet Your Academic Team
Testimonial
I always enjoyed my classes at Walden, which is why I decided to re-enroll for my PhD.
If I did not attend Walden University, I would not have the counseling skills required to work with populations affected by mental illness.
While attending Walden University, I had the most valuable education that led to me opening my own business.
Related Articles
FAQ About Walden’s Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Walden’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) since 2009. Walden is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Yes—all of Walden’s programs are online. Walden has been a leader in distance learning since 1970. As a pioneer in the field, Walden University is structured to meet the needs of working adults who want a quality professional education in a flexible format.
A master’s degree is typically needed to work in the mental health field as a counselor in the United States. Walden’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree meets the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards. Graduates work as mental health counselors in agencies, universities, hospitals, trauma centers, shelters, correctional facilities, employee assistance programs, community churches, and private practice. Mental health counselors provide counseling to individuals of all ages, couples, and families. Mental health counselors 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. Our faculty are also diverse. Walden has more than 3,000 faculty members from various cultures, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, areas of expertise, etc. All our counseling faculty members hold doctorates and are licensed practitioners. We also adhere to Walden’s mission of social change and as such, students and faculty engage worldwide in endeavors that create change and make our world a better place for all. Finally, Walden faculty are available to provide one-on-one support for students in their development of the required skills and dispositions to be confident and competent professionals. We are committed to graduating every student admitted.
Students who take one or two courses a term can complete the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 33 months to three years. Students who are eligible to enroll in three courses a term can potentially finish their program in 27 months.
1Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) IPEDS database. Based on the most recent year of completions survey data available, using CIP code 51.1508 “Master's degree - Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.” Available at https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/use-the-data. (Retrieved May 2021; may consist of or include provisional release data.)
2Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, SOC code 21-1018. Retrieved February 2021. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change..
Note on Licensure
Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which is a requirement for licensure in many states. The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for licensing exams and to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards. Because no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements. For more information about licensure, students should visit the National Board for Certified Counselors at www.nbcc.org/stateboard, the American Association of State Counseling Boards at www.aascb.org, and contact the appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body. Learn more about professional licensure.