M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Bring Healing & Hope Through Clinical Mental Health Counseling
What moves you … Helping individuals manage and overcome life issues and guiding them to better mental health? Regent’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, offered online or on-campus in Virginia Beach, can prepare you to pursue fulfilling licensed-counseling employment in a variety of professional settings. This CACREP-accredited master’s in clinical mental health counseling combines models and techniques of counseling with biblical principles for a strong and balanced approach.
Careers | Courses | Admissions | Tuition
Intimate Learning Environment
Build relationships and get feedback from a small but challenging core of fellow students and professors.
Hands-On Experience
Apply what you learn from your rigorous clinical mental health counseling coursework through qualified internship settings.
Prepare to Make a Lasting Difference in clinical mental health counseling
Join a respected network of Regent mental health practitioners leading in their field through the integration of science and faith.
Courses are taught from a Christian worldview by renowned faculty in Virginia Beach and beyond.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
Through this CACREP-accredited M.A. in clinical mental health counseling program, pursued online or on-campus in Virginia Beach, you can:
- Apply knowledge and skills in human growth and development, group work, research and professional ethics.
- Diagnose and treat people with emotional and mental health disorders.
- Practice techniques and interventions to treat people impacted by crisis and trauma.
- Prepare for real-world clinical practice in community agencies and other mental health counseling service networks.
Career Opportunities
Licensed Clinical Counseling in:
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Family Service Centers
- Hospitals
- Private Practice
Application Deadlines
Spring: November 1
Cohorts are online only.
Fall: June 1
Cohorts are both online and on-campus.
Important Note: If admitted to an online program, you will be required to attend and successfully complete two on-campus, one-week residencies during the course of the program. These residencies are held in January and August.
Prerequisites
Master's applicants must:
- Hold a B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited college or university. Desirable degrees include those in counseling, psychology or related human behavioral fields. Other degree fields will also be considered.
- Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework.
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Complete an Admissions Questionnaire
Please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests. This should only take a few minutes to complete but please answer the questions completely and thoughtfully. This enables you to demonstrate your interest in the field of counseling. Once completed, it will be sent directly to an admissions counselor who will be in touch with you right away to help complete the rest of your application.
Step 4: Submit Your Resume
Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your professional experiences, any research or academic projects you have completed, and includes three references with contact information. References should be able to address questions related to character, as well as your interpersonal and relational skills. The resume should also include thorough job descriptions of each position held. Please upload your document to regent.edu/items.
Step 5: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Step 6: Faculty Interview
Interviews for all licensure programs are by invitation only after review of the completed application. These required interviews are conducted online, and you must have both a webcam and microphone to participate. Your admissions counselor will provide information regarding interview days/times for you to register once your file is complete.
Applicants invited to the virtual interview should keep in mind that an interview does not assure admission. The School of Psychology & Counseling reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion whether a candidate is suitable for admission to the licensure program.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
State | Licensing Agency | Meets Education Requirements |
---|---|---|
Alabama | Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling 2777 Zelda Rd Montgomery, AL 36106 334-420-7229 questions@abec.alabama.gov abec.alabama.gov | Yes |
Alaska | Alaska Board of Professional Counselors PO Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806 (907) 465-2550 professionalcounselors@alaska.gov commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/ProfessionalCounselors.aspx | Yes |
Arizona | Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners 1740 W Adams St #3600 Phoenix, AZ 85007 602.542.1882 information@azbbhe.us azbbhe.us | Yes |
Arkansas | Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling 101 East Capitol, Suite 202 Little Rock, AR 72201 501-683-5800 healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arkansas-state-board-of-examiners-in-counseling | Yes |
California | California Board of Behavioral Sciences 1625 N Market Blvd. Suite S-200 Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 574-7830 bbs.ca.gov/applicants/lpcc.html | No |
Colorado | Colorado Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202 303-894-7800 dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us dpo.colorado.gov/ProfessionalCounselor | Yes |
Connecticut | Connecticut Department of Public Health PO Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134 (860) 509-7603 dph.counselorsteam@ct.gov portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing–investigations/professional-counselor/professional-counselor-licensing-requirements | Yes |
Delaware | Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals Cannon Building, Suite 203 861 Silver Lake Blvd. Dover, DE 19904 (302) 744-4500 customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov dpr.delaware.gov/boards/profcounselors | Yes |
District of Columbia | DC Department of Health – Board of Professional Counseling 899 North Capitol St NE 1st Floor Washington, DC 20002 (202) 442-5955 doh@dc.gov dchealth.dc.gov/service/professional-counseling-licensing | Yes |
Florida | Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin C-08 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3258 (850) 488-0595 floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov | Yes |
Georgia | Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 (478) 207-2440 sos.ga.gov/board-professional-counselors-social-workers-and-marriage-family-therapists | Yes |
Hawaii | Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional & Vocational Licensing Division PO Box 3469 Honolulu, HI 96801 (808) 586-3000 pvl@dcca.hawaii.gov cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/mental | Yes |
Idaho | Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional License – Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720 (208) 334-3233 cou@dopl.idaho.gov dopl.idaho.gov/cou | Yes |
Illinois | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation 320 W. Washington, 3rd Floor Springfield, IL 62786 1-800-560-6420 idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/profcounselor.html | Yes |
Indiana | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency – Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board 402 W Washington St W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 232-2960 pla8@pla.in.gov in.gov/pla/professions/behavioral-health-and-human-services | Yes |
Iowa | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing – Board of Behavioral Science 6200 Park Avenue Suite 100 Des Moines, IA 50321 515-281-0254 plpublic@idph.iowa.gov dial.iowa.gov/i-need/licenses/medical/mental-health/mental-behavioral | Yes |
Kansas | Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board 700 S.W. Harrison St, Ste 420 Topeka, KS 66603 785-296-3240 bsrb@ks.gov ksbsrb.ks.gov/professions/professional-counselors | Yes |
Kentucky | Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors 500 Mero Street Frankfort, KY 40601 502-782-8803 lpc@ky.gov lpc.ky.gov/New_Default.aspx | Yes |
Louisiana | Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave North, Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70816 225-295-8444 lpcboard@lpcboard.org lpcboard.org | Yes |
Maine | Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure 35 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 624-8623 counsel.board@maine.gov maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/board-of-counseling-professionals-licensure | Yes |
Maryland | Maryland Department of Health – Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists 4201 Patterson Avenue, Suite 316 Baltimore, MD 21215 410-764-4732 health.maryland.gov/bopc/Pages/profcounselor.aspx | Yes |
Massachusetts | Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions 250 Washington Street Boston, MA 02108 (617) 624-6199 amh.board@mass.gov mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professions | Yes |
Michigan | Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Board of Counseling PO Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909 517-241-0199 bpldata@michigan.gov michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/health/hp-lic-health-prof/counseling | Yes |
Minnesota | Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy 335 Randolph Avenue, Suite 290 St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 201-2756 bbht.board@state.mn.us mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/applicants/apply | Yes |
Mississippi | Mississippi Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors 239 North Lamar Street, Suite 402 Jackson, MS 39201 601 359-1010 info@lpc.ms.gov lpc.ms.gov/license/lpc | Yes |
Missouri | Missouri Division of Professional Registration – Committee for Professional Counselors PO Box 1335 Jefferson City, MO 65102 573.751.0018 profcounselor@pr.mo.gov pr.mo.gov/counselors.asp | Yes |
Montana | Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Board of Behavioral Health PO Box 200513 Helena, MT 59620 (406) 444-6880 dlibsdhelp@mt.gov boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/behavioral-health/license-information/licensed-clinical-professional-counselor-candidate | Yes |
Nebraska | Nebraska Mental Health and Social Work Practice PO Box 94986 Lincoln, NE 68509 (402) 471-2117 dhhs.licensure2117@nebraska.gov dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/mental-health-and-social-work-practice.aspx | Yes |
Nevada | Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors 7324 West Cheyenne, Suite #10 Las Vegas, NV 89129 (702) 486-7388 mftbd2@mftbd.nv.gov marriage.nv.gov/Services/CPC | Yes |
New Hampshire | New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification – Board of Mental Health Practice 7 Eagle Square Concord, NH 03301 1-800-735-2964 oplclicensing9@oplc.nh.gov oplc.nh.gov/board-mental-health-practice | Yes |
New Jersey | New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs – Professional Counselor Examiners Committee 124 Halsey Street Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 504-6582 initialapplications@dca.lps.state.nj.us njconsumeraffairs.gov/pc/Pages/applications.aspx | Yes |
New Mexico | New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department – Counseling and Therapy Practice Board PO Box 25101 Santa Fe, NM 87504 505-476-4610 counseling.board@rld.nm.gov rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/counseling-and-therapy-practice | Yes |
New York | New York Education Department – Office of the Professions 89 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12234 518-474-3817 op.nysed.gov/mental-health-counselors | Yes |
North Carolina | North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors PO Box 77819 Greensboro, NC 27417 844-622-3572 lcmhcinfo@ncblcmhc.org ncblcmhc.org | Yes |
North Dakota | North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners 2112 10th Avenue SE Mandan, ND 58554 701-667-5969 ndbce@outlook.com ndbce.org/index.shtml | Yes |
Ohio | Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board 77 S High St 24th Floor, Room 2468 Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 466-0912 counseling@cswb.ohio.gov cswmft.ohio.gov/get-licensed/counselors | Yes |
Oklahoma | Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure 3815 N Santa Fe, Ste. 110 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (405) 522-3696 info.behavioralhealth@bbhl.ok.gov oklahoma.gov/behavioralhealth/academic-requirements.html | Yes |
Oregon | Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists 3218 Pringle Road SE, Ste. 120 Salem, OR 97302 503-378-5499 lpct.board@mhra.oregon.gov oregon.gov/oblpct | Yes |
Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105 (717) 783-1389 st-socialwork@pa.gov pa.gov/en/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/social-workers-marriage-family-therapists-professional-counselors.html | Yes |
Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Health – Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage/Family Therapists 3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908 401-222-5960 ridoh.covid19questions@health.ri.gov health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=228 | Yes |
South Carolina | South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists 110 Centerview Dr Columbia SC 29210 (803) 896-4658 contact.counselor@llr.sc.gov llr.sc.gov/cou/pc.aspx | Yes |
South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Social Services – Board of Examiners for Counselors & Marriage and Family Therapists PO Box 340 1351 N. Harrison Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 605.224.1721 sdbce@midwestsolutionssd.com dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/counselors/lpc.aspx | Yes |
Tennessee | Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-5735 unit1hrb.health@tn.gov tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pcmft-board.html | Yes |
Texas | Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300 Austin, TX 78701 (512) 305-7700 bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-professional-counselors | Yes |
Utah | Utah Department of Commerce – Division of Professional Licensing PO Box 146741 Salt Lake City, UT 84114 (801) 530-6628 dopl@utah.gov dopl.utah.gov/clinical-mental-health-counseling | Yes |
Vermont | Vermont Office of Professional Regulation – Allied Mental Health Board 128 State Street Montpelier, VT 05633 802-828-1505 sos.vermont.gov/allied-mental-health | Yes |
Virginia | Virginia Department of Health Professions – Board of Counseling Perimeter Center 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 (804) 367-4610 coun@dhp.virginia.gov dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling | Yes |
Washington | Washington Department of Health Town Center 2 111 Israel Rd. S.E. Tumwater, WA 98501 360-236-4700 hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/mental-health-counselor | Yes |
West Virginia | West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling 815 Quarrier Street, Suite 212 Charleston, WV 25301 304-558-5494 wvbec.org/becoming-a-licensed-counselor | Yes |
Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services 4822 Madison Yards Way Madison, WI 53705 (608) 266-2112 dsps@wisconsin.gov dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/LPC/Default.aspx | Yes |
Wyoming | Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board 2001 Capitol Ave, Room 127 Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-3507 wyomhplb@wyo.gov mentalhealth.wyo.gov | Yes |
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $2,085 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | Full time enrollment is required. | ||
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | Full time enrollment is required. |
Full-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $945 | 6 | $5,670 |
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $945 | 12 | $11,340 |
Student Fees Per Semester
University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
Part-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 6 | $3,690 |
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 6 | $4,380 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 3 | $2,085 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | Full time enrollment is required. | ||
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | Full time enrollment is required. |
Full-Time Students
Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA) | $615 | 9 | $5,535 |
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) | $695 | 9 | $6,255 |
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA) | $730 | 9 | $6,570 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD) | $695 | 6 | $4,170 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD) | $900 | 6 | $5,400 |
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | $900 | 12 | $10,800 |
Student Fees Per Semester
University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
The mission of the Counseling Department is to provide training in professional counseling, leadership, advocacy, and research with the integration of biblical principles consistent with professional standards of practice.
Goal A: Quality Curriculum
To deliver the high-quality education required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Student Learning Objectives:
A.1. Students will demonstrate knowledge about the profession of counseling including history, organizational structures, ethics, standards and credentialing.
A.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of social and cultural foundations to be effective in a multicultural and diverse society.
A.3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of human growth and development in order to understand the nature and needs of persons at all developmental levels and in multicultural contexts.
A.4. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of career development and related life factors.
A.5. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in group development, dynamics, counseling theory, group counseling methods, and group work approaches.
A.6. Students will demonstrate understanding and knowledge about individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.
A.7. Students will demonstrate knowledge about various research methods and, statistical analysis, needs assessments and program evaluation.
A.8. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skill in counseling, crisis intervention, and consultation processes.
Goal B: Faith Integration
To provide leadership in the integration of sound and ethical clinical practice, skills and techniques within the context of Biblically based values.
Student Learning Objectives:
B.1. Students will demonstrate professional maturity and self-awareness to work with faith-based issues that arise in counseling.
B.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills to incorporate explicit and implicit spiritual/religious counseling strategies and techniques consistent with the values and ethical principles of the profession.
Goal C: Competent Students (Disaggregated by Program)
To graduate students who demonstrate proficient knowledge and skill in working with individuals and groups from a multicultural and pluralistic society in mental health service delivery modalities.
Student Learning Objectives:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
C.1.CMHC. Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities, roles, and functions of clinical mental health counselors in the settings in which they practice.
C.2.CMHC. Students will demonstrate skills in clinical assessment, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention.
C.3.CMHC. Students will demonstrate knowledge in mental health service delivery modalities within the continuum of care, such as inpatient, outpatient, partial treatment and aftercare, and the mental health counseling services networks.
C.4.CMHC. Students will demonstrate skill in culturally responsive counseling and advocacy with all individuals, groups, and families.
Goal D: Professional Dispositions
To graduate students who demonstrate professional dispositions consistent with the counseling profession.
Student Learning Objectives:
D.1. Students will demonstrate professional dispositions consistent with the counseling profession.
Upcoming Residency Dates
Spring 2025:
- Residency A (On Campus) – Monday, January 6, 2025 - Friday, January 10, 2025. Residency A is scheduled for online students starting the M.A. Counseling Programs in Spring 2025.
- Residency B (On Campus) – Monday, January 6, 2025 - Friday, January 10, 2025. Residency B is for online students who started the M.A. Counseling Programs in the Spring of 2024.
Note: Pertinent residency and travel and lodging information will be emailed to students from the SPC Counseling Department after the Spring/Summer 2025 registration begins on Monday, September 30, 2024. Any questions regarding residency should be directed to Academic Services Manager, Linda Harrell at lindha5@regent.edu.
Online students in our master's counseling programs are required to participate in two week-long residencies from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Eastern Time). Residency A provides networking and mentoring opportunities for students and facilitates discussion with faculty concerning relevant issues, course matriculation, licensure issues, and state/national exams. During Residency B, students will gain more intensive instruction in their specialty programs (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling, and School Counseling.
During residency, students will begin a course that will be completed during the remainder of the fall semester. First-year students will receive an orientation to Regent and participate in sessions on graduate level writing and online learning technology. The School of Psychology & Counseling usually provides lunch and two breaks daily when courses are in session.
Students should consider the following residency costs: transportation, lodging, meals and textbooks purchased prior to residency. We discourage students from bringing their families during residency as the coursework is intensive and requires a considerable amount of study and preparation time, leaving no time for extracurricular activities.
Waiving of residency requirements will not be considered.
What is clinical mental health counseling?
Clinical mental health counseling involves solving problems faced by people, says the U.S. News & World Report. 1 It includes diagnosing both emotional and mental disorders, and then helping individuals access required care by coordinating with psychiatrists and social workers.
“What I love most about the work that I do is just the opportunity to walk alongside with people,”2 said Melanie Mosbarger, a mental health professional and graduate of Regent’s M.A. in Mental Health Counseling program, ’16. “We all have our journey and it’s hard to do this alone…You’re not alone. It’s important for us to build one another up while we’re sharing that testimony, because we’re all in this journey together,”2 she added.
Clinical mental health counseling vs clinical psychology – what’s the difference?
Clinical psychology focuses more on cognitive testing and the assessment of neurological functions. Clinical psychologists hold doctoral degrees in the field, which may be a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. While a Ph.D. typically equips you to conduct research or teach, a Psy.D. concentrates on psychological services.
On the other hand, the fulcrum of clinical mental health counseling is counseling itself rather than cognitive assessments. Clinical mental health counselors typically hold a master’s degree and have completed an internship. 3 At Regent, you can be equipped for your career with courses on counseling skills, assessment techniques, addiction therapies, group counseling, multicultural counseling, and counseling and Christian thought. You can be prepared with the educational requirements for licensure in Virginia and in states with compatible requirements.
What does a clinical mental health counselor do?
The American Counseling Association estimates that licensed professional counselors (LPCs), also called licensed mental health counselors or licensed clinical professional counselors in some states, provide “mental health and substance abuse care to millions of Americans.”4
Clinical mental health counselors address mental health issues faced by individuals, help their families develop coping strategies, and build social awareness about the signs of such issues. Thus, they tackle the subject on multiple levels – individual, familial as well as social.
On the individual level, mental health counselors evaluate their clients’ mental health and treatment-readiness.3 They then build a treatment plan with the clients as well as their families. They empower individuals with skills that help to overcome problematic behaviors and work with them to identify roadblocks in their progress. Counselors are also trained to provide career counseling and lead groups and may refer clients to community resources for additional support.
As mental health issues affect not just individuals but also families, mental health counselors work with families to improve communication, solve family problems, and create healthy interactions between family members.
What can I do with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling?
A master’s in clinical mental health counseling and an internship would help you provide enhanced service as a mental health counselor. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “workers with psychology, clinical social work, mental health counseling, and similar master’s degrees can provide more services to their clients, such as private one-on-one counseling sessions, and they require less supervision than those with less education. Those interested should research their state’s educational requirements,” 3 it adds.
According to the American Counseling Association, licensed professional counselors diagnose and treat both mental and emotional disorders (including addictive disorders), use psychoeducational techniques aimed at preventing disorders, provide consultation, and research more effective treatments.4 Licensed clinical mental health counselors can pursue careers in private practice, community agencies, residential settings, or the VA. Graduates of Regent’s M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can also pursue careers as counselors at church counseling centers.
How can I become a licensed mental health counselor?
Dr. Jacqueline Smith, Chair of Regent University’s Counseling Department, Director of its clinical counseling programs, and a member of the CACREP Board of Directors, outlines the steps required by most states for counseling licensure:
- Obtain a master’s degree in counseling. Ensure that the program:
- Is accredited, either by a counseling-specific accrediting organization or by a regional graduate education accrediting body.
- Involves 60 semester hours of graduate study, as required by most states.
- Involves specific coursework required by the state.
- Includes an internship.
- Pass a comprehensive examination on counseling practice.
- Gain the required hours of post-graduate supervised experience within a specified time period. Typically, states require individuals to accrue between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of supervised experience including a specific number of face-to-face supervision hours.
Regent’s 60-credit hour M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides the academic and supervised field experience necessary for someone seeking licensure to become a mental health counselor in Virginia as well as licensure in states which require licensure applicants’ to have counseling graduate degrees based on the CACREP model, even if full accreditation by CACREP is not required.
Is the master’s in mental health counseling online and accredited?
Yes! Regent offers the master’s in clinical mental health counseling program online as well as on campus, in Virginia Beach. So, you can select the option that works best for you. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
“One thing that I really loved about Regent is that it opened up so many opportunities for further training and further education. I was able to partake in the trauma training courses and that really shaped a lot of where I was going and it led to why I even have this position, because out of that I was able to become a certified traumatologist,”2 said alumna Melanie Mosbarger.
References
- “Mental Health Counselor – Overview.” U.S. News & World Report.
- “Melanie Mosbarger’s Regent Story.” Regent.edu
- “Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- “Who are Licensed Professional Counselors.” American Counseling Association.
Is the GRE required if I already have a master’s degree or am enrolled in a master’s program?
The master’s level programs require an entrance exam from either the GRE or the MAT. Waivers are only considered if the applicant has completed a doctoral degree with at least a 3.5 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university or completed a Juris Doctor (J.D.) with at least a 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university.
Am I required to attend full time or may I go at my own pace?
Students may select from one of two progressions that allows them to take classes at a pace that works best for their own personal and professional schedules.
How many hours do you recommend a master’s student work per week?
Due to the number of hours you will be spending in and out of class studying, we suggest you work no more than 20 hours per week. There are a number of part-time graduate assistant positions available every semester at the university that allow for flexible schedules.
I didn’t major in psychology at the undergraduate level, what do I need to do to make up for this?
We do not require applicants to have majored in psychology at the undergraduate level. We do feel, however, that it is beneficial for applicants to have at least nine credit hours of psychology-related coursework. If you did not major or at least minor in psychology at the undergraduate level, you may want to consider taking additional undergraduate courses. Again, this is not a prerequisite for admission. Recommended courses include: Intro to Psychology, Research Methods/ Statistics, Personality Theory, Human Development, Abnormal Psychology, Psychological Test & Measurements, Social Psychology and Physiological Psychology.
How many applicants do you have each year and how many applicants are admitted?
Each year we admit and enroll about 60 students into the online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and 20 in the Human Services Counseling program. Last year we received over 300 applications.
What is the average age of the students?
The average age of the entering class of master’s students in the online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is 34. The average age of the entering class of the master’s students in the Human Services Counseling program is 40.
What is the path for licensure for graduates from your program?
Licensure is different in each state. However, the general standard for licensure is the completion of a 60 credit hour M.A. in Counseling with a major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling or Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling. Two years of supervision (post-degree) and a state licensure exam is what most states require to become licensed as a professional counselor or its equivalent. School Counseling licensure or certification is determined by the Board of Education in most states. (Usually, an M.A. in Counseling in School Counseling is sufficient.) Students should examine the requirements for licensure in the state or states they would like to practice in the future.
To review syllabi for specific courses offered within the Counseling Department please email the Academic Services Manager, Linda Harrell (lindha5@regent.edu).
- A.S. in Psychology
- B.S. in Psychology
- B.S. in Psychology – Clinical & Counseling Psychology
- M.A. in Human Services
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
- M.A. in Pastoral Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Psychology
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
- Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology