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Program: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Degree: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Delivery Method: Online, On Campus

Earn your Master of Education in clinical mental health counseling in as little as three years through this flexible master’s program available in a traditional or online format.

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Using the School-College-Community Collaboration Model, we prepare students to work with professionals in different fields to promote wellness and benefits of the clients while maintaining a commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice.

Program Details

Program Description

This M.Ed. in clinical mental health counseling is designed to prepare students to work with professionals in different fields to promote wellness and benefits of their clients while maintaining a commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice. In addition to the traditional core curriculum on developmental theory and the design and implementation of preventive interventions, the program focuses on clinical counseling theory and practice. Both on-campus and online deliveries are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) till March 30, 2030, and prepare students to be eligible for state licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA).

Our program emphasizes:

  • Diversity, Multiculturalism, Anti-Racism, and Social Justice
  • Scientist-Practitioner Model
  • School-College-Community Collaboration Model
  • Clinical Counseling Theory and Practice
  • Developmental Theory

On-Campus Option

Students who enroll full-time and begin their studies in the summer session of their first year in the program can conceivable complete the program in two years by adhering to the following sequence:

  • Summer Session I
  • Summer Session II
  • Fall Semester
  • Spring Semester
  • Summer Session I
  • Summer Session II
  • Fall Semester
  • Spring Semester

Students who are unable to follow this sequence will need at least three years to complete the program as all internships are conducted during the spring semester.

Online Option

The online curriculum is a three-year, part-time cohort program that requires students to take courses year-round including summer. Students begin in Summer Session I, and typically take two online classes in fall and in spring.

Course descriptions can be found in the university course catalog.

Core Courses

  • ECD 510 – Orientation to Professional Counseling, Identity, and  Ethics (3 credits)
  • ECD 524 – Career Counseling and Development (3 credits)
  • ECD 525 – Multicultural Counseling (3 credits)
  • ECD 530 – Theories of Counseling (4 credits)
  • ECD 536 – Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling (4 credits)
  • ECD 539 – Group Counseling (3 credits)
  • ECD 540 – Gender Issues in Counseling (3 credits)
  • ECD 541 – Substance Abuse Counseling (3 credits)
  • ECD 542 – Research Issues (3 credits)
  • ECD 545 – Counseling Couples and Families (3 credits)
  • ECD 546 – Crisis Counseling (3 credits)
  • ECD 561 – Strategies for Clinical Assessment in Counseling (3 credits)
  • ECD 562 – Techniques in Counseling (4 credits)
  • ECD 575 – Multicultural Life Span Human Development (3 credits)
  • ECD 642 – Practicum in Counseling (3 credits)
  • ECD 653 – Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (6 credits)
  • ECD 653 – Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (6 credits)
  • Completed online application, resume and non-refundable application fee
  • Our masters program is no longer requiring the GRE/MAT exam.
  • Three recommendations from people who know your academic record and potential for graduate study (letters should be uploaded online)
  • A personal statement answering the prompts detailed in the application. Personal statements should not exceed 5 pages, double spaced, using 12 point Times New Roman
  • Official* transcripts of all post-secondary education
  • Official** statement of English Proficiency (TOEFL) for international students

Selection for admission is based on a number of considerations:

  1. Academic achievement, especially in the junior and senior undergraduate years, as well as performance in any graduate courses, is carefully evaluated for evidence of competence in intellectual inquiry.
  2. Performance ratings and recommendations from professors and supervisory personnel are also carefully examined for evidence of personal qualities requisite for professional competence.
  3. Demonstrated leadership activity and/or significant work experience represent additional important factors.
  4. Interview process –candidates are selected to be interviewed, barring significant geographical distances.

Applications and all supporting documents must be received on or before the Graduate School priority deadlines or the program deadlines. International students should also consider their specific deadlines, whichever is earlier.

The Graduate School
North Carolina State University
Research Building III, Room 240
1005 Capability Drive, Box 7102
Raleigh, NC  27695

Review the Estimated Cost of Attendance associated with this master’s degree for the upcoming semester tuition and fees. Note that tuition and fees are subject to change.

For a complete and detailed description of the programs’ objectives and organization, as well as regulations, procedures and resources for all students, please refer to Counselor Education Student Handbook.

  • PLO 1: Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice – Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills related to ethical professional counseling practice (CACREP 2.F.1).
  • PLO 2: Social and Cultural Diversity – Students will demonstrate knowledge of the role cultural context plays in the practice of professional counseling and apply culturally relevant skills for working with diverse populations (CACREP 2.F.2).
  • PLO 3: Human Growth and Development – Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of human growth and development, as well as related contextual dimensions, to the practice of professional counseling (CACREP 2.F.3.).
  • PLO 4: Career Development – Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of career development to the practice of professional counseling (CACREP 2.F.4.).
  • PLO 5: Counseling and Helping Relationships – Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the helping process; counseling theories and techniques; prevention, education, consultation, and wellness models; counselor self-understanding; and the change process (CACREP 2.F.5.).
  • PLO 6: Group Counseling and Group Work – Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills of group development, dynamics, theories, and techniques (CACREP 2.F.6).
  • PLO 7: Assessment and Testing –  Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of culturally and developmentally appropriate clinical assessment and evaluation practices (CACREP 2.F.4.; CACREP 2.F.7.).
  • PLO 8: Research and Program Evaluation – Students will critically evaluate and utilize research, evidence-based practices, and/or program evaluation (CACREP 2.F.8.).
  • PLO 10: CMHC – Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to address a wide variety of circumstances within the context of clinical mental health counseling.

Faculty in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program:

  • Stanley Baker, Professor, Counselor Education, On-Campus School Counseling Coordinator, Adviser to the Nu Sigma Chi Chapter of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling and Academic Honor Society International, ELPHD Department
  • Cristina Braga, Assistant Teaching Professor, Counselor Education, On-Line Clinical Mental Health Counseling Coordinator, ELPHD Department
  • Nicole Childs, Assistant Teaching Professor, Counselor Education, GCCE Coordinator, ELPHD Department
  • Marc Grimmett, Professor, Associate Department Head, On-Campus Clinical Mental Health Counseling Coordinator, ELPHD Department
  • Rolanda Mitchell, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education, ELPHD Department
  • Sylvia Nassar, Professor, Counselor Education, ELPHD Department
  • Brean’a Parker, Assistant Professor, Counselor Education, ELPHD Department
  • Jose Picart, Senior Faculty Fellow, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, Professor of Counselor Education, ELPHD Department and Executive Director, Wake Partnership for Postsecondary Success
  • Angela Smith, Teaching Professor, Counselor Education, ELPHD Department
  • Siu-Man Raymond Ting, Professor, Counselor Education, Director of Graduate Programs, On-Campus Coordinator of College Counseling Program, ELPHD Department
  • Elizabeth Vincent, On Campus Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Teaching Professor, Counselor Education, ELPHD Department
  • Terri Tilford, OnLine Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Teaching Professor, Counselor Education, ELPHD Department

Admission/Information Session

Join us for a joint information session for both the online and on-campus master’s programs in counseling on Oct. 10, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. You can attend in-person in Poe Hall 120 or via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to those who register to attend virtually. Please register to attend.

Question Mark

Hear from one of our graduates

Why Counseling and Counselor Education at NC State

Quality instruction that incorporates research and best practices you can apply to real-world situations

Study alongside other professionals in a diverse and collaborative learning environment that will help you expand your network

Complete your courses 100 percent online and or on campus to fit your schedule and career goals

This program created an environment for me to explore my identity as a young woman, develop lasting connections with those I now call my counseling family and advocate for mental health in my community.

Zakiya Futrell

Zakiya Futrell

Clinical Mental Health Counseling student

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