Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science in Counseling
Mid-America Christian University’s Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), equipped to address a broad spectrum of mental health challenges. The comprehensive curriculum covers psychotherapy techniques, psychopharmacology, and ethical practices, all taught from a Christian perspective.
Explore the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree
Designed for working adults, MACU’s accredited online degree program allows students to focus on one six-week course at a time, providing them with the flexibility they need to balance their personal and professional commitments. With the demand for mental health counselors projected to grow significantly, MACU’s program enables students to gain the skills and knowledge required to support individuals seeking to overcome mental health challenges and improve their well-being.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Features
- Coursework in the program is available 100% online or one night a week in the evenings on campus, making it ideal for working professionals.
- Incorporates practicum and internship hours, a minimum of 100 hours and 200 hours, respectively, to strengthen client-facing psychotherapy skills
- Meets the State of Oklahoma licensure preparation requirements
Skills Developed in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
Graduates of the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are able to:
- Conduct client assessments and develop treatment plans
- Facilitate individual, group, marriage, and family counseling
- Apply counseling theories and psychotherapy techniques in clinical settings
- Support individuals and families experiencing a crisis, trauma, or behavioral health challenge
- Provide counseling services to clients from diverse backgrounds
Learn more about all of MACU’s flexible online counseling degree programs, including its addiction and substance abuse and marriage and family therapy emphasis options.
Career Outcomes for the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students for careers as licensed professional counselors. These professionals may practice in schools, hospitals, mental health facilities, or private offices.
Here are some potential positions for Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates, along with their median salaries:
| Mental Health Counselor $59,190* | Licensed Professional Counselor $61,500** | Marriage and Family Therapist $63,780* |
| Rehabilitation Counselor $52,000** | Grief Counselor $42,500** | Behavioral Health Specialist $66,000** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), **Payscale (2026)
LPC Licensure Pathway and Exam Preparation
Individuals need a master’s degree to become a licensed counselor.
While there is no stand-alone LPC degree, MACU’s clinical mental health counseling program is designed to meet the academic coursework requirements set by the Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure for LPC licensure in Oklahoma.
Individuals pursuing licensure in other states may need to complete additional coursework to meet their state’s licensure course and supervised experience requirements.
MS in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Emphasis Curriculum
Students complete 60 credit hours to earn their clinical mental health counseling master’s degree.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Courses
The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program courses are:
- *COUN 5113 | Psychopathology (3 credits)
- *COUN 5713 | Human Development (3 credits)
- COUN 6233 | Ethics and Professional Studies (3 credits)
- COUN 5213 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 credits)
- COUN 6833 | Group Dynamics and Counseling (3 credits)
- COUN 6900 | Fieldwork Orientation (0 credits)
- *COUN 5123 | Career Counseling and Development (3 credits)
- COUN 5513 | Marriage and Family Systems and Treatment (3 credits)
- COUN 6133 | Multicultural Counseling and Treatment for Individuals (3 credits)
- COUN 5813 | Tests and Measurement (3 credits)
- COUN 5313 | Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques (3 credits)
- COUN 6973 | Practicum (online format only) (3 credits)
- COUN 6533 | Intervention of Individuals and Families in Crisis and Trauma (3 credits)
- COUN 6733 | Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Counseling (3 credits)
- *COUN 5913 | Research Methods (3 credits)
- COUN 6633 | Addiction and Chemical Dependency Counseling (3 credits)
- COUN 6433 | Assessment of Individuals and Families in Counseling (3 credits)
- COUN 5563 | Clinical Psychopharmacology in Counseling (3 credits)
- COUN 5613 | Marital and Family Treatment Techniques (3 credits)
- COUN 6333 | Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques (3 credits)
- COUN 6983 | Internship (3 credits)
Note: The following courses may be required for your state licensure. They are in addition to the above-mentioned courses and would add three to 12 hours to the required course total.
- COUN 6353 | Human Sexuality in Counseling (3 credit hours)
- COUN 6363 | Community Counseling (3 credit hours)
- COUN 6863 | Psychopathology Diagnostics and Treatment Design (3 credit hours)
- COUN 6993 | Advanced Internship (3 credit hours)
Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are approved as dual credit or electives for students accepted into the 4+1 Accelerated Program. View the degree plan and academic catalog for more information.
Details on Practicum and Supervised Hours
Students in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling participate in fieldwork orientation and practicum and internship experiences. In the COUN 6973 practicum course, which is available for the online program format, students are expected to complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised clinical experience at a rate of 10 per week over 10 weeks. In the COUN 6983 internship course, students complete advanced supervised clinical experience hours that align with the requirements of the state where the student is seeking licensure.
Tuition and Financial Aid
MACU charges a flat, per-credit tuition rate for its graduate programs. Students may qualify for financial aid or tuition discounts.
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Tuition
$685 per credit hour
Learn more about graduate-level costs and fees and financial aid at MACU.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for the Master of Science in Counseling include:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- 3.0 GPA in degree-applicable undergraduate courses
THE PLACE TO BE
Mid-America Christian University is more than a campus—it’s a community where purpose and passion collide. Nestled in Oklahoma City, MACU offers a Christ-centered education that goes beyond the classroom, empowering students to grow academically, spiritually, and professionally.
With small class sizes, personalized attention, and innovative degree programs designed for real-world impact, MACU is the place where dreams take root and thrive. Whether you’re engaging in vibrant campus life or pursuing a flexible online program, you’ll find a supportive environment dedicated to helping you discover your calling and make a difference in the world. At MACU, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re shaping your future.
FAQs for the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
How long is the clinical mental health counseling program?
The Master of Science in Counseling program with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling generally takes two to three years to complete. Full-time students can complete the 60-credit program in as few as two years, while part-time students and those who need additional internship hours to meet their licensure requirements typically take longer.
Students in a 4+1 degree program at MACU, which combines some undergraduate and graduate coursework, may finish the degree program in less time.
For adult students balancing schoolwork with professional and personal responsibilities, MACU offers its flexible graduate courses in six-week formats within a 12-week term. These courses are available fully online or in a hybrid format that combines online learning with in-person class meetings, typically one evening per week on campus.
What are the start dates for the program?
MACU offers multiple start dates throughout the year. The counseling graduate programs use a six-week accelerated schedule for online courses. Visit MACU’s academic calendar for upcoming start dates.
Is the clinical mental health counseling program accredited?
MACU is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). In addition, the MS in Counseling program is approved by Oklahoma’s State Board of Behavioral Health and aligned with Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) curricular standards.
Does the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meet licensure requirements?
Yes, MACU’s clinical mental health counseling program meets Oklahoma licensure requirements. Students seeking licensure in other states should review their state’s requirements.
Why pursue a Master’s in Counseling at MACU?
Licensed professional counselors are in demand, and MACU’s program enables students to develop the counseling knowledge and experience they need to meet licensure requirements and qualify to provide clinical mental health counseling.
Meet our counseling Faculty
dr. kimberly thomas
Co-Chair/Professor
dr. gennifer van pelt
Co-Chair/Assistant Professor
Ty Milton
Assistant Professor
dr. leon desecottier
Professor Emeritus
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to take the next step toward your future at MACU? Start your journey today by applying online or scheduling a campus visit to experience our welcoming community firsthand. Whether you’re exploring programs or ready to enroll, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Your path to purpose starts now!