Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Springfield College

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Master of Education
About This Program
Admissions Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester) or January (spring semester)
  • Attend full or part time
    • Full time: Enrolled in 9 or more credits
    • Part time: Enrolled in 1 to 6 credits
      • Students need to enroll in at least 6 credits to be eligible for financial aid
    • Full time: Complete in about 2 years
    • Part time: Complete in about 3 years
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, November 12 at 5 p.m.
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Counseling Graduate Programs Information Session (In Person)
Tuesday, November 12 at 7 p.m.
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Resources for Military & Veteran Students Information Session
Thursday, November 14 at 5 p.m.
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Counseling Graduate Programs Information Session (Hybrid)
Wednesday, December 11 at 5 p.m.
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An unrecognizable patient listens as her mature adult female therapist gives her some straightforward advice.

The MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Springfield College is a comprehensive program that blends counseling theory with extensive clinical skill. Students receive opportunities for practicums and internships, with a focus on trauma-based care, to fully prepare them to become licensed mental health counselors. 

Our distinguished faculty are not just teachers and professionals, but also mentors with a deep commitment to your personal and professional development. With a rich blend of counseling expertise and clinical experience, they offer invaluable insights and support.

In recognition of the growing need for bilingual mental health professionals, our program proudly offers Spanish language classes and supervision. These opportunities are designed to enhance your ability to serve Spanish-speaking communities effectively, breaking down language barriers and ensuring culturally sensitive care.

Understanding the pivotal role of mental health in achieving social justice, our program emphasizes culturally competent care and advocacy. You will learn to navigate and address the systemic inequalities that affect mental health access and outcomes. Our curriculum encourages critical thinking and active engagement with issues of equity, preparing you to be a change-maker in the field.

Our clinical mental health courses are designed to meet the standards required for you to apply for licensure in your state. This program does not automatically confer status as a licensed mental health counselor. It is the responsibility of the student to keep current with all state requirements to become a licensed mental health counselor, including post-graduate supervised experience, and to pass the state licensing examination for your state.

The MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Springfield College meets high academic and ethical standards set by the American Counseling Association (ACA) and American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA), especially now as we prepare our programs to meet national accreditation standards.

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Interview: This program requires an interview
  6. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Fall Start:

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

Spring Start:

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: March 15

Kaitlin Garrity, G’23

“The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provided opportunities to connect with like-minded peers on both societal and local issues. There have been countless opportunities to expand my wealth of knowledge through both hands-on and lecture-style programs. The coursework is designed to create a collaborative environment where counseling students can share their life and work experiences in order to create more holistic counselors.”

Kaitlin Garrity
Addiction Counselor

Joy Bailey ’21, Graduate Class of 2024

“The professors take the time to ensure you understand what they are teaching you and are always professional and available. They have shown me the importance of self-care and have consistently encouraged me to push myself and not to be afraid of the unknown. Springfield College allows me to use my own life experiences when I am writing papers, answering the discussions, and more.”

Joy Bailey

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.