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A professor greets a visitor at Regent, a university that offers a clinical mental health counseling program.

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.

On Campus, Online w/ Residency
60+
January 13, 2025
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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.

Program Evaluation & Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Licensed Clinical Counseling in:

  • Outpatient Care Centers
  • Family Service Centers
  • Hospitals
  • Private Practice
18%
Projected employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2022-32 (much faster than average) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Introductory course to the counseling profession. This course covers essential elements of the counseling profession including (a) history and philosophy, (b) professional roles, self-care, and worldview, (c) relationships with other helping professionals including the role of supervision and consultation, (d) credentialing and professional organizations, (e) practice within various professional settings. Prerequisite: Take concurrently with COUN 521.
Provides underlying principles of social science research with an adequate understanding of academic writing, logical thinking and basic research methods. Further knowledge of research methods, as well as be acquainted with the use of various descriptive and inferential statistics in order to develop strategies to assess research literature.
The first of two courses that focuses on the experiential application of the theories courses and practice of basic counseling skills and techniques. Meet weekly in a group to critique video- taped experience of basic counseling skills and techniques. Prerequisite: Take concurrently with COUN 500. Pass/No Pass. *Online students must take COUN 596A and COUN 521 concurrently.
Sequel to COUN 521 to move on to more advanced counseling skills and techniques, which are videotaped. Involves a field experience in a mental health or school setting. On-site experience includes observing professionals as they function, as well as developing primary level mental health service provision skills. Continue to meet in weekly small groups to critique your application of counseling skills. Prerequisites: for counseling students COUN 500, COUN 521, COUN 526, COUN 538, COUN 554, COUN 561, COUN 570, and taken prior or concurrently with either COUN 516, COUN 546, or 562. Pass/No Pass.
Introduction to the major personality and psychotherapeutic theories that undergird current counseling practice. Summarizes and evaluates various psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive and family systems theories.
Teaches principles of measurement and assessment and counseling use of various assessment instruments: achievement, aptitude, intelligence, interest and personality. Covers supervision in administering, scoring and interpreting individual evaluation methods. Prerequisite: COUN 538.
Investigates addictive processes associated with dependencies. Addresses assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and interventions throughout the stages of misuse, abuse and dependency. Explores issues related to addictive disorders in individuals and families.
Studies theories of career and lifestyle development, counseling approaches, ethical issues and applications to the diversity of work settings. Addresses lifespan career program planning, changing roles of men and women, dual-career families and decision-making theories. Includes interrelationship of work, family and leisure along with relevant assessment instruments, career counseling resources and information systems, as well as major issues that impact career choices and work settings such as family issues, mobility of people and work settings and other relevant concerns.
Examination of abnormal behavior as defined by the DSM and includes an introduction to the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and spiritual dimension of these disorders. Focuses on appropriate use of the DSM, differential diagnosing, cultural overrides and emerging technologies in the treatment of individuals and groups.
Study of the processes of human growth and developing patterns of behavior throughout the lifespan. Particular emphasis will be placed on the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth of the individual.
In-depth analysis of marital and family relationships. Explore topics such as systems theory, family life development, communication processes and conflict resolution from a scriptural and interaction systems perspective. Examine and evaluate various family structures. Prerequisite: COUN 526.
Conceptual and practical overview of group counseling including the role of group leadership; tools for forming a group and orienting members; and catalysts for interaction skills for conducting and evaluating counseling/therapy groups. Emphasis will be given to leadership techniques used at different stages in the life of a group, as well as ethical issues. Participate in a small group to promote self-awareness, interpersonal skills and an understanding of group skills and techniques. Prerequisites: COUN 500, COUN 521, and COUN 526.
Culminating seminar that presents comprehensive concepts of ethical, legal, moral and spiritual issues in counseling. Relevant case studies form a basis for discussion. Prerequisite: for counseling students COUN 521.
Addresses the foundations, contextual dimensions, and basic knowledge and skills to function in specialized settings of agency, community and emergency environments. Emphasis will be placed on providing intervention in clinical, disaster, crisis and traumatic situations, including emergencies in which triage, intervention, support, referral and advocacy is required. Specialized areas will include counselor self-care; wellness and preventions; suicide de-escalation, crisis incident stress management, and psychological first aid.
Addresses treatment planning within the therapeutic process, guiding principles for the selection of effective treatment strategies, and best practice and evidence-based treatment approaches to mental health care. Emphasis will be placed on a practical progression to effective clinical care (e.g., intake, therapeutic rapport-building, assessments, goal setting, treatment planning, and documentation). Cross-listed with CES 664. Prerequisites: COUN 521, COUN 526, and COUN 538.
Didactic and experiential course to expand personal and professional relationship competencies in working with people in our contemporary, pluralistic society. Religion is explored as an aspect of diversity.
Examines applied integration within a Christian worldview and explores examples of applied integrative theory and practice in counseling.
Be assigned to work at a professional counseling work setting, closely supervised on site by a trained mental health professional. Culminating experience to apply the knowledge and experience gained during counselor training program as a member of a professional mental health team. In addition to supervision on site, participate in a weekly internship seminar led by a professor on the counseling faculty. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. Pass/No Pass.

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.

StateLicensing AgencyMeets 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

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6953$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

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)$9456$5,670
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$94512$11,340

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6156$3,690
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7306$4,380
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6953$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

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts in Human Services (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (MA)$6159$5,535
Master of Science in Psychology (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in School Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling (MA)$7309$6,570
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling & Psychological Studies (PhD)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision (PhD)$9006$5,400
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)$90012$10,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*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:

  1. 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.
  2. Pass a comprehensive examination on counseling practice.
  3. 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

  1. “Mental Health Counselor – Overview.” U.S. News & World Report.
  2. “Melanie Mosbarger’s Regent Story.” Regent.edu
  3. “Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  4. “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).

“I'm grateful for my Regent mentors. Their emphasis on relationships and guidance has helped me navigate a challenging yet rewarding journey.”

Alexandra Melchiorre, M.S. in Psychology, 2018 Registered Behavioral Technician

“"God ordained all the circumstances, and I simply made the step of faith to follow."”

Marina Kuzmina, M.A. in Counseling, 2010 Community Counseling

“Great education. Top notch! Rigorous curriculum that takes on real work-life demands while incorporating sound Biblical principles.”

Audrey Bilbraut, Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies, '24

“Regent was a pivotal point in my professional career. I have been forever changed by my experience!”

Richard Mason, Ph.D. , 2007 Counselor Education & Supervision

“Regent opened up so many opportunities for further training and further education.”

Melanie Mosbarger, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2016