Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The mission of the clinical mental health counseling program is to develop highly skilled counselors who are prepared to meet the mental health needs of their diverse communities in ways that promote social change and social justice. Counselors will develop self-awareness, empathic and empowering attitudes, and an understanding of a broad range of counseling principles and skills to bridge theory and effective practice.
The mental health counseling courses are designed to meet standards that prepare the student to apply for licensure in their 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.
Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program only accepts new applications for the September term. To graduate, you will need to earn 60 credits, which includes 1,000 hours of practicum/internships over six terms, each term lasting four months for a total of 24 months. A maximum of nine credits may be transferred from an accredited institution if a final grade of B or above was obtained, if courses were taken within the last five years, and if the courses are consistent with Springfield College's mental health counseling requirements. The College authorizes the awarding of a Master of Science in human services with an approved B average, or better.
Bright Career Outlook
According the the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 29 percent over the next 10 years. In fact, the demand for mental health counseling services is increasing.
Recent internship sites for mental health counseling students include counseling centers, family service agencies, rehabilitation centers, hospice facilities, medical centers, women and children's crisis centers, schools, and other public and private community mental health facilities. Springfield College's School of Professional and Continuing Studies has affiliation agreements with myriad organizations centered in and around its regional program locations. You participate in valuable and interesting internship experiences that will build your skills and prepare you to make meaningful contributions to improve the well-being of others.
