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General Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Nurture your passion for mental health wellness in your community as you earn your MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With the General Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization, you can take advantage of maximum flexibility in choosing your additive course content.
Select any four courses within the MS Counseling programs, to include PLAY-prefixed programs* to create your General Specialization within the 90-credit MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
*Prerequisite requirements may apply to COUN or PLAY courses
**This specialization is not designed to prepare students to pursue professional licensure in the addictions field or education field. Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credentials or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. State licensing boards review each applicant’s completed education, exam scores, supervised experience, criminal history and application materials at the time of license application to determine eligibility. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for this program on Capella’s website.
Classes start May 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- GuidedPath
- Online & in person
- 13 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 2 Residencies
- 1 Practicum
- 2 Internships
- CACREP accredited
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2,500 Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore clinical mental health counseling courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete 13 core courses, four specialization courses, two in-person residencies, one practicum and two internships
| Course | Descriptions | Quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| COUN5279* Life Planning and Career Development | In this course, learners develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Learners analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, learners explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Learners also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. Prerequisite: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5217* Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling | In this course, learners evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Learners apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Learners also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors’ responses to those issues. Prerequisite: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5238 Crisis Assessment and Intervention | Learners assess crisis intervention and emergency management models and strategies used in the counseling field and develop the crisis intervention skills needed to provide counseling services in mental health settings in a timely, effective, and ethical manner. Learners also investigate related topics, including working with situational crises, assessing suicide and other risks, and supporting the implementation of emergency management plans. Prerequisite: COUN-R5861. |
4 quarter credits |
| COUN5241* Group Counseling and Psychotherapy | Learners in this course examine the theoretical components and developmental aspects of groups. Topics include types of groups, group dynamics and processes, group leadership and membership roles, ethical awareness in relation to groups, and crisis management within groups. Learners must meet weekly via web conferencing for synchronous (live) group meetings with their course instructor. Prerequisite: COUN-R5861. |
4 quarter credits |
Choose any four COUN or PLAY courses
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
Learn to apply counseling theories and research to clinical mental health practice and provide counseling services to a diverse range of clients.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply ethical, legal and professional standards in counseling activities.
- Infuse multicultural counseling and social justice competencies into counseling activities to enhance counseling identity development.
- Integrate knowledge of counseling theory, research and professional literature to choose activities that promote optimal development for individuals, groups and systems.
- Communicate in a manner that is ethical, scholarly, professional and consistent with the expectations for members of professional communities.
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.*
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$34,790
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$44,730
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$497 per credit, $175 resource kit fee, 90 total quarter credits, 20 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits and tuition discounts. Books, supplies and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50–$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid is also available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
88% of MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling alumni agree that their degree positioned them to achieve their professional ambitions.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“I am just starting my career as a counselor, but I feel like it is an excellent fit and I know that I am already making a difference for my clients and the company where I work."
– Chris Allison*, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate.
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
What are the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale; if your GPA is lower, call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751 to discuss alternate admission options
- Your official transcripts from all previous educational institutions, including any graduate or professional school coursework
- Two letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for graduate education in clincal mental health counseling
- Your resume or curriculum vitae
- A 3–6 page goal statement describing your interest and aptitude for clinical mental health counseling
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
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Financing Guide
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University Guide
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What can you do with an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, General Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization.
Job titles to explore
- Counselor
- Mental health counselor
- Mental health therapist
- Mental health clinician
- Mental health professional
- Behavioral health case manager
- Behavioral health therapist
- Licensed mental health therapist
- Behavioral health/EAP consultant
Employment settings to explore
- Health care and social assistance
- Public administration
- Finance and insurance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.