Called to Facilitate Growth & Healing
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) exposes students to in-depth training, featuring three semesters of fieldwork experience and evidence-based teaching to prepare students for today’s mental health challenges and to become leaders in the field. Prepare for the profound rewards of counseling.
Connected & Hands On
Our core faculty and deep bench of more than 80 employers and mental health counseling agencies across the state opens doors to coveted internship placements and jobs.
Prepared & In Demand
JCU graduate students enjoy faculty support on the pathway to licensure.
- 97% of 2024 graduates passed the state licensure examination
- 100%Ìýof 2024 graduates secured a job in the field upon graduation
Accredited & Flexible
The 60-credit-hour CACREP Accredited program can be completed in as little as 2.5 years through flexible modes of instruction including:
- face-to-face courses
- hybrid courses
- online course
Learning in the Field
Fieldwork starts as early as the 3rd semester with a unique practicum lab at Moore Counseling and Mediation Services (MCMS), one of the preeminent behavioral health treatment centers in northeast Ohio. At MCMS, students will gain experience in the various specialties of the field.
Our Practicum Instructor & Internship Coordinator ensures all students find meaningful internship and practicum experiences needed for licensure.
Two Concentration Options
Students within the CMHC program can use the 3 elective course requirements to concentrate on specific areas impacting the field.
Substance Use Disorder Concentration
Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration
Pathway to Licensure
Upon completion of this CACREP-accredited master’s program, you’ll have completed the academic requirements for an initial license as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Mental Health Counselor. Typically after a period of supervised work post-graduation, you’ll be independently licensed and able to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders without supervision.
Depending on the state where you will practice as a counselor, there may be additional post-graduation requirements you need to fulfill. ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ staff are available to support students from enrollment to graduation to licensure.
Student Testimonials
Career Outlook
JCU graduate students begin working as counselors immediately upon graduation and it’s typical to be hired by their internship sites prior to graduation. 100% of 2024 graduates were employed as counselors within six months of graduation.
Given the rise of the U.S. Opioid Epidemic, Substance Use Disorders Counseling (SUDC) is a growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19% growth in employment for substance use and behavioral disorder counselors from 2023-2033. This makes the LCDC and LICDC credentials highly valued by employers.
Post-Master's Option
The Department of Counseling offers a post-master's option to allow individuals to seek their clinical mental health counseling license. Individuals who are eligible for this licensure-seeking program must already hold a degree in counseling (e.g., school counseling). The number of credits required to complete this post-master's option varies depending on the courses completed by an applicant in their previous graduate program.