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 alongside unique educational experiences in order to equip you for the clinical practice site.
Degree Type:
Master of Science
Graduate Studies:
Counseling and Behavioral Health
Department chair name:
Lisa Beene
B.S., M.S.S.W., A.C.S.W
Learning at FHU
Why get a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at FHU?
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 |
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 |
IV. Electives: choose one (1) from the following courses - 3 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 61 hours of integrated residential and/or web-conferencing.
- The program involves the instruction of content knowledge, development of skills, and the implantation of those skills in supervised practicum and internship field experiences.
- Freed-Hardeman University graduate counseling program has classes available at the Henderson and Memphis campuses and via web-conferencing.
- Flexible scheduling with classes offered on nights and weekends with a combination of traditional classroom instruction and web-conferenced courses.
- Some classes are available as hybrid courses which blend traditional and online components to provide both classroom interaction and flexibility in scheduling.
- Courses are offered by full-time and part-time faculty who are experts in their respective fields.
- The program is designed to meet the State of Tennessee Department of Health licensure requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors/Mental Health Services Provider and is also designed to meet the requirements for the National Board of Certified Counselors.
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
- Must have the equivalent of 12 semester hours in Behavioral Science (Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Family Studies) at the undergraduate level with a minimum GPA of 3.00
- 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
James Dalton, Ph.D., L.P.C.-M.H.S.P.
Director, M.S. in Counseling Programs / Associate Professor of 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 and prepares students to sit for their state licensing exam. Upon completion of the program and receiving your license, you can choose to specialize in certain areas such as marriage and family therapy, addictions therapy, and much more!
How long will it take me to complete an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
Our students typically complete the entire program, including internship hours, in about 2.5 to 3 years. However, you can choose to enroll part-time and slow things down or enroll full-time and speed the process up.
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.