Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Overview
Prepare yourself to be a skilled and competent helper in the professional field of counseling with the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Freed-Hardeman University. Begin a new adventure that teaches you the principles of clinical mental health counseling alongside unique educational experiences in order to equip you for the clinical practice site.
Graduate Studies:
Counseling and Behavioral Health
Department chair name:
Lisa Beene
B.S., M.S.S.W., A.C.S.W
Program Director:
Ph.D
Learning at FHU
Why get a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at FHU?
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at FHU: 1.) is nationally-accredited; 2.) meets the educations requirements for state licensing requirements for state licensing in almost every state; 3.) involves a rigorous blend of theory and practice; 4.) prepares graduates for the practice of counseling in a variety of settings; and 5.) is taught by counseling professionals who are active in the profession.
Ready to Apply?
All current and new students applying for a Master’s or Doctorate program will use the online application process.
Careers for MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
For those pursuing an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, the future holds vast opportunities. This program integrates elements of the core mental health professionals with principles of the Christian faith to produce graduates ready for the clinical practice of professional mental health counseling. At FHU, graduate students gain access to faculty that are experts in their field that help them develop a framework for what it means to be a leader in the counseling world.
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Counseling Administration
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Counseling Education
- and more!
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Requirements
I. Counseling Core - 28 Hours
| COU 000 | Orientation to Graduate Studies in Counseling | 1 hour |
| COU 501 | Clinical Intervention I | 3 |
| COU 505 | Life-Cycle Development | 3 |
| COU 510 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| COU 520 | Assessment in Counseling | 3 |
| COU 530 | Group Counseling | 3 |
| COU 535 | Ethical Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| COU 540 | Research Methods in Counseling | 3 |
| COU 550 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| COU 560 | Counseling Diverse Populations | 3 |
| If Warranted | ||
| COU 503 | Professional/Scientific Writing | 3 |
II. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration - 21 Hours
| COU 500A | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Foundations | 3 |
| COU 502 | Clinical Intervention II | 3 |
| COU 514 | Psychopathology I (Abnormal Behavior) | 3 |
| COU 515 | Psychopathology II | 3 |
| COU 525 | Marriage and Family Counseling | 3 |
| COU 565 | Addictions Counseling | 3 |
| COU 599B | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 3 |
III. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Field Experience - 9 Hours
| COU 545A | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| COU 605A | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship | 6 |
| If Warranted | ||
| COU 699A | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Continuance A | 0 |
| COU 699B | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Continuance B | 2 |
IV. Electives: choose one to three (1-3) from the following courses - 3-9 hours
| COU 536 | Pastoral Counseling | 3 |
| COU 555 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
| COU 570 | Crisis Counseling | 3 |
| COU 575 | Agency Counseling | 3 |
| COU 585 | Psychopharmacology for Counselors | 3 |
| COU 590 | Counseling and the Law | 3 |
| COU 599A | Counseling Children & Adolescents | 3 |
| COU 599D | Premarital Counseling | 3 |
| COU 599E | Grief Counseling | 3 |
A copy of a syllabus for one of the courses in this program can be requested from our office at grad-counseling@fhu.edu
Format of Courses
As one of Tennessee’s oldest universities, Freed-Hardeman University has maintained a tradition of offering quality education in ways that fit into the lives of students. The integrated residential and web-conferencing graduate program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to make learning accessible, applicable, and relevant to the classroom today and practice tomorrow. The program is designed to meet the needs of college graduates who desire training in clinical mental health counseling/psychotherapy and wish to provide such services to individuals, couples, groups, professions with principles of the Christian faith to produce graduates ready for the clinical practice of professional mental health counseling.
- The program consists of a minimum of 61 hours of coursework.
- The program involves the instruction of content knowledge, development of skills, and the application of the knowledge and skills in supervised practicum and internship field experiences.
- Flexible scheduling with classes offered on nights and weekends.
- Most coursework is delivered through web-conferencing components to ensure a live classroom environment that is accessible from your current location.
- A few traditional, on-campus components are utilized to build and practice counseling skills face-to-face.
- Courses are offered by full-time and part-time faculty who are experts in their respective fields and currently active within the counseling profession.
- The program is designed to meet the educational requirements from the State of Tennessee Department of Health for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Services Provider as well as for the National Board of Certified Counselors’ National Certified Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credentials.
Exit Requirements
- Successful completion of all required coursework with a 3.00 GPA and other requirements for the M.S. degree.
- Successful completion of practicum and an internship.
- Completion of all courses within a six-year period.
- Successful completion of the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE).
Admission Requirements for the Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree
At Freed-Hardeman University, students enrolled in our M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will gain important knowledge and skills to become an impactful and empathetic leader in the counseling field. Anticipate a comprehensive journey encompassing counseling and counseling-related activities, including a practicum and internship in an under the setting of well-trained counseling supervisors.
To be considered for admission into the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at FHU, please submit the following:
- Free online application
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate degrees (expected GPA of 3.00 or higher)
- Must have the equivalent of 12 semester hours in Behavioral Science (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Family Studies)
- Submit an essay of personal goals and how FHU will contribute to those goals (300-500 words)
- Interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee
- Copy of Photo ID
Meet Our Faculty
Dana Baldwin, B.A., M.A., D.Min.
Professor of Clinical Mental Health and Family Science
Mike Cravens, A.A., B.A., M.S., M.A., D.H.S., Ed.D.
Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health Program
James Dalton, Ph.D., L.P.C.-M.H.S.P.
Director, M.S. in Counseling Programs / Associate Professor of Counseling
Nadine McNeal, L.M.S.W., D.B.H.
Social Work Program Director, Assistant Professor
Kim Street, Ph.D., L.P.C.-M.H.S.P.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
FAQs About the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at FHU
Why should I get an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University?
Attending FHU for your master’s degree in counseling offers several benefits:
- Flexible scheduling options, allowing working professionals and individuals with busy schedules to pursue their degrees while balancing other commitments.
- The program utilizes a combination of online, web-conference, and hybrid courses, providing students with a dynamic and interactive learning experience.
- Graduate Studies in Counseling program has received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring the program meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence in counselor education.
What is the difference in earning a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an MS in School Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University?
Our M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to practice in a clinical setting or to operate their own practice. Students completing the M.S. in School Counseling program will primarily work in a K-12 school system.
What career paths can I pursue with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
There are countless career paths you can pursue after receiving your master’s in counseling. Our program provides a foundational understanding of clinical mental health counseling, prepares students for employment in the counseling field, and to pursue state licensure. Upon completion of the program and receiving your license, you can choose to specialize in certain areas such as Christian counseling, marriage and family counseling, addictions counseling, and much more!
How long will it take me to complete an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
The program is very accessible to students who are working and balancing many responsibilities. Therefore, the majority of students enroll on a part-time basis. Our students typically complete the entire program, including internship, in about 3.5 years. However, about 1/3 complete the program on a full-time basis in 2 to 2.5 years. Students are advised on an individual basis and have the flexibility to choose a pace of study that fits them.
How successful is the program in preparing students for graduation and for the counseling field?
Our program is highly successful!
- In the 2023-2024 academic year, there were 14 graduates from the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program
- In the 2023-2024 academic year, 100% of students who attempted the CPCE exam (comprehensive exam) passed the exam
- Program Completion Rate: 70% – Students are allowed up to 6 years to complete the degree. Of the 23 students who enrolled in the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in 2017-2018 year, 16 completed the program by the 2023-2024 year, or within the 6-year timeframe allowed.
- National Licensure Exams and Job-Placement Rates: In the last survey of alumni, 100% of respondents reported having passed licensure exams and having found jobs within the field (if searching a job in the field).
Questions about the application process?
Have more questions about applying for a graduate or doctorate program? If you’d like to discuss anything further, submit an inquiry or schedule a visit and we’ll have someone from the Office of Graduate Studies contact you.