Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science
The Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare students to function as licensed clinical mental health counselors. It provides the educational requirements outlined by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice as requisite to attaining mental health counseling licensures. PSU’s mental health counseling program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students should note that there are significant post-degree requirements to undertake prior to being licensed.
Internship
Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program must successfully complete a 600-hour mental health counseling internship in a mental health setting. Students can choose to remain in one setting or split their time between two settings. A mental health provider licensed under the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice must provide individual supervision at the internship site on a weekly basis. Students interning out of state need to be supervised by mental health providers licensed in the state in which they are practicing. In addition to their field experience, students are required to attend a weekly University-based internship seminar. Typically, the internship requirement is met over two academic terms and carries six credits. Students must complete their internship experience within two calendar years.
Comprehensive Assessment
Clinical mental health counseling students demonstrate mastery of all specialty competencies through a culminating project.
Use the Course Planning Matrix to see when Clinical Mental Health courses will be offered.
Curriculum Requirements
Counselor Education Component – 30 credits
| CO 5010 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Advocacy | 3 |
| CO 5020 Counseling Skills | 3 |
| CO 5040 Social Behavior and Diversity | 3 |
| CO 5050 Advanced Human Development | 3 |
| CO 5070 Research Design in the Helping Professions | 3 |
| CO 5100 Practicum | 3 |
| CO 5230 Career Counseling and Development | 3 |
| CO 5260 Counseling Theories and Personality | 3 |
| CO 5430 Assessment and Consultation | 3 |
| CO 5460 Group Counseling | 3 |
Mental Health Counseling Specialization Component – 27-30 credits
Elective – 3-6 credits
With your advisor, you’ll choose an elective appropriate for your program of study, or take courses required for your chosen concentration.
Successful completion of comprehensive assessments as noted above.
Minimum Total for MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – 63 credits
Add a concentration
Students who are interested in adding a concentration to the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling can choose from the following options:
- Addictions Treatment
- Couples and Family Therapy
- Eating Disorders Institute
- Organizational Approaches to Transformation and Healing (OATH)
- Personal Approaches to Transformation and Healing (PATH) Institute
- Play Therapy