View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
HELP OTHERS HEAL
In our Trauma and Crisis Counseling specialization, you’ll explore the theoretical foundations and clinical skills needed to support those facing severe emotional anguish due to extraordinarily stressful life events.
GET ROBUST SUPPORT
Walden’s master's degree in clinical mental health counseling program includes diverse student resources to help you stay on track.
BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
Hands-on learning experiences—both online and face-to-face—allow you to cultivate, refine, and master essential counseling skills.
LEARN FROM EXPERTS
Our MS in CMHC-Trauma and Crisis Counseling program is taught by doctorally prepared faculty with years of experience in the field.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
In our master's degree in clinical mental health counseling Trauma and Crisis Counseling specialization, you’ll prepare to provide immediate intervention during or after crises, as well as long-term therapeutic support to foster recovery and resilience.
Featured MS CMHC Trauma and Crisis Counseling Specialization Courses
Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
Students in this course are provided with an introduction to the field of professional counseling and the foundations of counseling. Students explore the history, philosophy, cultural dynamics, and trends in professional counseling. They examine consultation as well as client and counselor advocacy, focusing on the counselor's role as social change agent. Students also examine and apply ethical standards of the counseling profession, including the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and counselor ethical decision-making processes. Through a final reflective project designed to influence their future ethical framework, students define their ethical perspectives, including influences, values, and goals.
Theories of Counseling
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.
Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Students are introduced to the mental health counseling profession in this course. Students explore the history, philosophy, and theoretical foundations of the profession, as well as the scope of practice, credentialing, and other professional issues. The focus of this course is on students as future mental health counselors. Students receive an overview of the mental health counseling program, the profession, and professional competencies.
Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding and awareness of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue for first responders. Students examine intervention strategies and models of treatment and prevention of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue through the lens of counselor educator, supervisor, and clinician. Assignments include conducting a needs assessment and examining the use of standardized instruments. Students propose social change recommendations related to vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue to promote informed and competent trauma-response helping professionals. Students emphasize the ethical, legal, multicultural, and spiritual implications for wellness and self-care, including personal, professional, and organizational elements. As a final project, students interview a first responder and develop an organizational wellness plan for his or her setting.
Crisis Management
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 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.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Thinking about pursuing an online master's degree in clinical mental health counseling with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis Counseling? Walden makes it easier with a simple application process that includes:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
View Admission Criteria
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.
Tuition Breakdown
At Walden, you’ll find many ways to lower the costs of your online master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Options for lowering your tuition include:
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
Partnership-based savings
Federal and state grants
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 | 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
A master's degree in clinical mental health counseling can prepare you to meet the demand for qualified mental health professionals.
in demand
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Advise individuals, families, couples, and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health.
Expected growth: 19%1
Estimated annual wage: $36,700–$70,1301
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the MC in CMHC with a Trauma and Crisis Counseling specialization will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s counseling faculty includes active practitioners and subject matter experts who are dedicated to supporting your academic success.
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MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Trauma and Crisis Counseling FAQ
What is the difference between trauma and crisis counseling?
Trauma counseling and crisis counseling are two related but distinct fields of mental health care. Trauma counseling focuses on helping people who have experienced a traumatic event cope with the aftermath of the event and heal from its effects. Crisis counseling, on the other hand, is designed to help people who are experiencing a sudden and unexpected crisis, such as a natural disaster, a personal loss, or a medical emergency. Both trauma and crisis counseling can be helpful in providing support and guidance to people who are struggling to cope with difficult life events.
What skills do you need for crisis counseling?
In order to be a successful crisis counselor, you must have a strong understanding of the psychological effects of trauma and crisis, as well as the ability to provide support and guidance to those who are struggling. It is also important to be able to build rapport with clients and create a safe and supportive environment in which they can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Finally, crisis counselors must be able to remain calm and objective under pressure and make decisions that are in the best interests of their clients.
How do I become a trauma counselor?
To become a trauma counselor, you will need to complete a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling or social work with a specialization in trauma. You will then need to pass the National Counselor Examination, which is the certification exam to become a licensed counselor. It is always a good idea to choose an accredited program. Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, commonly known as CACREP. Having CACREP accreditation indicates that a program’s content and quality have been evaluated and meet strict, consistent standards set by the profession.