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Empower Lives Through Professional Counseling The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University prepares graduates to support individuals, families, and groups facing mental and emotional challenges. This CACREP-accredited program ensures students gain expertise in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and referral practices, equipping them to work in diverse settings such as private practice, hospitals, community-based mental health centers, and crisis intervention programs. With 60 credit hours, the program includes a practicum (100 hours) and two internship semesters (600 hours), providing hands-on experience in real-world counseling environments. Graduates are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCC) and pursue Connecticut State Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification. Strong Career Prospects & Competitive Salaries According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for mental health counselors is projected to grow 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for mental health counselors is $60,080, with top earners making up to $89,920. Why Choose Southern?
Start your journey toward making a meaningful impact in mental health counseling today! College of Education Next Steps  Contact Us CMHCgrad@SouthernCT.edu Department of Mental Health Sciences  | %20%26%20School%20Counseling%20(SC)%20CACREP.png)  Application Requirements Application Submission Application Fee ($50) Official Transcripts Essay Two Letters of Recommendation Resume/CV Essay Prompt A 500-word essay describing your motivation for pursuing Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at SCSU and the foundation of your interest in the field. Additional Admission Information The CMHC program at SCSU seeks applicants who demonstrate academic readiness, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and a commitment to the mental health field. Candidates are evaluated based on the following criteria: Academic Background & Foundational Knowledge A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required to demonstrate academic readiness. Applicants should have foundational knowledge in psychology or human development, evidenced by a bachelor's degree in a related field or at least two prerequisite courses: • Introduction to Psychology • Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology, • Additional evidence of foundational knowledge may be considered within the application. Letters of Recommendation Applicants must submit two strong letters of recommendation from individuals who known them in a professional and/or academic setting. Recommenders should be able to speak to the applicant’s potential as a graduate student and future clinical mental health counselor, including their professional dispositions, which include a commitment to diversity. Experience in a Helping Role Applicants should have some experience—either volunteer or professional—in a helping role related to mental health. Relevant experiences should be outlined in a professional resume submitted with the application. Demonstration of Counseling Potential Applicants should exhibit strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and foundational knowledge of the CMHC field. These qualities will be assessed through application materials and, if invited, an admissions interview to evaluate the applicant’s fit for the program. Capstone Requirement Comprehensive Examination Virtual Tour  Discover Your Future with Our Virtual Campus Tour! Are you ready to explore the possibilities? Our virtual campus tour offers a unique opportunity to experience our vibrant community from the comfort of your home. Dive into interactive 360-degree views of our state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque grounds, and dynamic learning environments. Join us and see firsthand why our institution is the perfect place to start your graduate journey. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research or a supportive and inclusive community, our virtual tour has it all. |
