Program Overview
The Master of Science program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at West Chester University prepares students to be effective mental health practitioners and prepares graduates for a broad range of career options including working in community settings, hospitals, educational institutions, VA treatment centers, and private practice settings. The program meets the educational requirements for counselor licensure in Pennsylvania and many other states, as well as the Federal government requirements to work with veterans. Completion of this program will also qualify graduates to immediately sit for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) examination.
The 60-credit hour program consists of:
- core counseling courses,
- clinical mental health specialty courses and
- 700 hours of field work.
The comprehensive program results in a strong foundation for serving the mental health needs of the community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 23 percent through 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Program Highlights
-
Nationally Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Academic Programs (CACREP), the only nationally recognized accreditation body for counseling programs
-
Upon graduation and passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE), students can earn the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in PA after completing their residency requirements.
-
Upon graduation and successful completion of the National Counselor Examination (NCE), students can earn national board certification.
-
Department was recognized as the Counselor Education Program of the Year for 2016 by the PA Counseling Association.
What can I do with this degree?
- Outpatient Behavioral health settings
- Inpatient hospital settings
- Partial hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs
- Private Practice
- Drug and alcohol treatment centers
- Eating disorder clinics
- Career counseling
- College and University Counseling