Clinical Mental Health Counseling
About This Program |
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ContactAdmissions Contact |
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Learn more about the Department of Counseling. |
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Faculty ContactsSpringfield - On-ground Course Delivery Boston - Hybrid Course Delivery |
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The Springfield College clinical mental health counseling program provides students with a solid foundation of counseling theory and skills. With a strong focus on practice, students are offered opportunities for internships and practicums, along with classes taught by clinically experienced faculty, to prepare them to become licensed mental health counselors.
Our program offers full courses in psychopharmacology; assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning; and crisis intervention. Our students graduate grounded in the theoretical bases of behavior—from the biological and psychological to cognitive and social perspectives—which positions students to pursue and fully achieve their professional career goals. Students 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.
Students best fit for this program are those who possess a passion for learning, a capacity for self-inquiry, an ability to relate to others effectively, and a desire to make a difference.
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.
Our clinical mental health counseling program offers the opportunity for students to access their courses in a variety of ways; we call this hybrid delivery which may be a combination of face-to-face, synchronous, and asynchronous virtual or online coursework. The program delivery in Springfield, Mass. is fully presented through face-to-face delivery.
Admissions Requirements
This program enrolls students in all terms.
This program is available at our Springfield, Mass. and Boston, Mass. campuses.
Complete the application form. No application fee.
Start your application process by completing the online application form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials outlined in this section.
Graduate Admissions Essay
Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your 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.
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. Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your resume.
Letters of Recommendation
This program requires two letters of recommendation. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
Interview
This program requires an interview.
Official Transcripts from All Institutions Previously/Currently Attended
- An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
- 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. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
- 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
All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:
- Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. 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. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
Our Associate Director of International Admissions Nicholas Venn can answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Springfield College as an international student. You may email him at intladmissions@springfield.edu or via phone at (413) 748-3891.
To submit materials:
After submitting your online application form you will receive user login credentials to access your student application portal. From that portal, you will be able to upload your graduate admissions essay and your resume. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload their letter to your application. 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
Curriculum
Core Requirements (30 credits)
- COUN 603 - Assessment, Appraisal and Testing in Counseling Credits: 3
- COUN 610 - Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling Credits: 3
- COUN 613 - Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice in Counseling Credits: 3
- COUN 614 - Counseling Diverse Populations Credits: 3
- COUN 617 - Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Credits: 3
- COUN 622 - Counseling Theories Credits: 3
- COUN 625 - Group Work: Theories and Practice Credits: 3
- COUN 629 - Counseling Skill Development Credits: 3
- COUN 634 - Human Development Across the Lifespan Credits: 3
- COUN 643 - Career Counseling and Development Credits:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Requirements
- COUN 612 - Psychopharmacology Credits: 3
- COUN 675- Clinical Seminar- Credits:3
- COUN 623 - Trauma and Crisis Counseling Credits: 3
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum Credits: 3-12
- CMHC 686 - Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Credits: 1-12
- (must be taken for a minimum of 6 credits which equals 600 hours of fieldwork in an approved clinical setting
Electives (to complete a minimum total of 60 credits)
Students complete additional coursework to meet various state license eligibility requirements, optional certificates and areas of interest/specialty. These are chosen in consultation with your program advisor. Some of these include:
- COUN 639 Alcohol and Substance Abuse
- COUN 641 Human Sexuality
- COUN 644 Counseling in Community Settings
- COUN 635 Marriage, Family and Couples Counseling
- COUN 660 Treatment Modalities
- COUN 690 Intro to Play Therapy
- COUN 691 Filial Therapy
- COUN 682 Advanced Play Therapy
- PSYC 630 Adventure Therapy
- Approved courses from the Rehabilitation Counseling and School Counseling Concentrations
Deadline
Priority deadlines are as follows:
- March 15 for summer (May) entry
- July 15 for fall (September) entry
- December 1 for spring (January) entry
All required supporting materials are due as follows:
- April 1 for summer (May) entry
- August 1 for fall (September) entry
- January 1 for spring (January) entry
Cost
The total cost per credit at our main campus in Springfield, Mass. is $1138. This covers full access to all amenities on campus. Students enrolled in this program are eligible for scholarships and fellowships.
The total cost per credit for the regional/virtual option in Boston, Mass. is $700.
