MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

SUNY New Paltz

The 60-credit Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to become skilled, ethical, and compassionate professional counselors. Through primarily in-person coursework, experiential learning, supervised skills practice, practicum, and internship, students develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across a range of mental health needs. Students learn to assess and diagnose mental health concerns, develop treatment plans, build effective therapeutic relationships, and provide evidence-informed counseling interventions. The program emphasizes the integration of counseling theory and practice, professional identity development, ethical practice, multicultural responsiveness, advocacy, and ongoing self-reflection. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and is registered with the New York State Education Department as meeting the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in New York State. The program can be completed full-time in two years, including summer coursework. Students may also attend part-time all degree requirements must be completed within the University’s established time limit.

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences