Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Develop skills critical to effective clinical mental health counseling.
Earn your master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
In the online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, offered through UW-Parkside, you’ll prepare for a career as a licensed professional counselor, where you’ll be able to help people, as individuals, families, or groups, improve their wellness at home, work, school, and in their community.
You’ll develop skills critical to effective clinical mental health counseling such as assessment, diagnosis, intervention, advocacy, and program evaluation. You’ll complete coursework online, plus, you’ll have the opportunity to apply clinical skills in practice under licensed faculty supervisors during an in-person practicum and internship in the final year of the program.
New students start in the fall semester with the option to follow a part-time or full-time pathway to graduation. Cohort-based learning fosters collaborative relationships and a network of support with peers and faculty members. Low student-to-faculty ratios offer opportunities for supervision, consultation, and mentorship during your time in the program.
This program meets the pre-credential educational requirement for licensure* as a professional counselor (in the state of Wisconsin and Illinois). A group advising session focused on licensure requirements and processes for the state of Wisconsin and Illinois is held for students in their final semester.
*If you are seeking licensure in a state other than Wisconsin or Illinois, you should check with the credentialing agency in the respective state/province prior to beginning the program to determine whether this program meets their educational requirements.
Demand for Mental Health Services Leads to Growth
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job openings in mental health services are projected to grow over the next decade, with mental health counselors projected to grow the fastest. With the development of mental health parity laws, more people are accessing health insurance and mental health services. An increasing need for highly trained counselors, offering evidence-based interventions in mental health treatment settings, exists in clinics, agencies, integrative care settings, and private practice, giving you flexibility in your career.
Who Should Apply?
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an ideal choice for those seeking to expand their skills and advance their career in mental health counseling who also need the flexibility of an online program. Earning your master’s degree can lead to work as a professional counselor, where you may interact with a range of populations (children and families, adults, couples, and groups) in a variety of settings, including mental health outpatient care, hospitals, clinics, agencies, schools, integrative care settings, or private practice.
About UW-Parkside
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is offered through UW-Parkside’s Department of Psychology, Professional Counseling, and Neuroscience.
Program faculty aim to foster students’ professional, personal, and social growth so they develop into ethical, trauma-informed, multiculturally competent counselors and leaders in the counseling profession. UW-Parkside Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty have expertise in a wide range of fields, including: trauma and crisis, addictions, career counseling, multiculturalism, child and adolescents, and telehealth.
Accreditation
Whether online or on campus, University of Wisconsin programs have a reputation for delivering world-class education and student support. Accreditation is your assurance that you will graduate with skills that are relevant to your field and valued by employers. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and is fully accredited through UW-Parkside by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
To be eligible for the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, students must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (min. 3.0 GPA). In addition to psychology majors, sociology, anthropology, criminal justice, communication, and education majors can pursue the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- A minimum of 18 credits of undergraduate coursework in the social sciences. Courses from the following academic disciplines are considered social science for the purposes of applying to the program: psychology, sociology, anthropology, criminal justice, communication, education, and political science.
Do you have a bachelor’s degree in something other than psychology? The program is designed for people who want to help others. Students with other undergraduate majors can apply to the program if they meet the admission requirements.
Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission and should contact an enrollment adviser for more information.
Exams, such as the GRE, are not required for admission.
You will also need to submit the following application materials:
- Official college transcripts
- Your resume
- Three letters of recommendation; applicants must submit at least one academic recommendation and one professional recommendation with a supervisory relationship.
- Two personal essays (1-2 pages, APA Style):
- Essay 1: Counselors engage in professional relationships with individuals, families, and communities. Explain your career goals and how they align with the CMHC program. In addition, describe how your personal characteristics and interpersonal skills will support your ability to manage the emotional impact of counseling work?
- Essay 2: The CMHC program at UW-Parkside and the counseling profession are committed to training counselors to develop competencies in multicultural counseling, advocacy, and social justice. Describe how your lived experiences have informed your understanding of cultural differences. In addition, how have those experiences prepared you to develop a respect for and understanding of cultural differences that may impact effective counseling relationships with potential clients.
International Guidelines
This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the US, but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the US, you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts. Requirements will vary based on a student’s academic history and home campus policies. For guidance about these requirements and how they apply to your specific situation, contact the UW-Parkside graduate admissions office.
If you would like to apply as an international student to a Universities of Wisconsin on-campus program, please refer to these resources through Go Wisconsin.
Application Deadline
All application materials need to be submitted by February 15 prior to the fall semester to be considered for admission. Admissions will occur on a rolling basis with the initial review of applicants on February 15 and every 30 days thereafter until July 1.
For students intending to start the online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the Fall 2025 semester, applications will be accepted up to July 31, 2025.
Are there specific enrollment/start times?
You may start the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the fall semester only, which begins in early September. You have the option to progress through the program as a full-time or part-time student. New student orientation is held the week before classes begin, typically during the last week of August. Attendance is required. Students may attend virtually or in-person.
How to Apply
While you are free to apply on your own, many prospective students find it helpful to speak with an enrollment adviser first.
A nonrefundable $56 application fee is required for graduate degree-seeking students applying to UW-Parkside.
*We’re waiving the application fee for Fall 2025. To redeem, use coupon code APPLY25 on the UW Online Application payment page.
Step 1. Visit the Universities of Wisconsin Online Admission Application to login or create an account.
Step 2. Start a new application for UW-Parkside. Select “Clinical Mental Health Counseling” and then select “Online”. When you access the online application, you will be asked to respond to two essay questions. Do not respond to these questions. See the instructions for the personal essays in Step 4 of the application checklist.
Step 3. Send your resume, personal essays, and letters of recommendation; and arrange to have your official college transcripts* (from each institution you attended) sent to the UW-Parkside student admissions office, admissions@uwp.edu.
Please request electronic transcripts, if this service is offered by your previous school(s), to be sent directly to the admissions email. Electronic transcripts are usually delivered more quickly than physical copies sent by mail.
*If you completed your bachelor’s degree at UW-Parkside you do not have to submit official transcripts.
20 Courses. 60 Credits. Online.
Coursework in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling develops students’ practical and theoretical knowledge, skills, and awareness for a future career as a clinical mental health counselor. Students must complete 20 courses (60 credits) plus a final project to earn their master’s degree. All courses are 3 credits, except CMHC 798 Independent Reading or Research.
Seventeen courses (51 credits) are completed online:
- Fifteen required courses (45 total credits)
- Two elective courses (6 total credits)
Students must also complete a practicum (3 credits / spring semester) and internship (6 credits / two semesters) experience in their final year in the program.
- Counseling Practicum (supervised counseling experience, 100 hours of practicum experience with at least 40 hours of face-to-face client contact)
- Internship (supervised counseling experience at prearranged sites, complete a minimum of 300 hours with at least 240 hours of face-to-face client contact, each semester)
In these courses, students gain valuable, practical experience at placement sites that match their clinical training needs and career goals. Students may be able to complete the training at their current workplace with approval of the clinical training coordinator.
A clinical training orientation (online/synchronous) is held for students at the end of their first year to help them prepare for the practicum and internship. A second clinical training orientation (online/synchronous) is held for students and their site supervisors at the beginning of the practicum to ensure a successful clinical training experience. Attendance is required.
During the final semester students must complete one of two final projects: either a written comprehensive examination (Option A) or a master’s thesis (Option B).
- Final Project-Option A: Written Comprehensive Examination. Students who select this option will complete a multiple choice, computer-administered exam that covers the eight CACREP core areas created by the CMHC faculty. Students must complete the minimum of 6 credits of elective courses.
- Final Project-Option B: CMHC 799 Thesis. Students must complete a minimum of 3 credits of elective courses and the 3 credits of CMHC 799 Thesis.
How long will it take to earn my degree?
Students in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling have the option to progress through the program as either a full-time or part-time student.
- The full-time pathway can be completed in approximately 2 ½ years (seven continuous academic terms).
- The part-time pathway can be completed in approximately 4 ½ years (13 continuous academic terms).
Elective Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Examines implications of research, underlying assumptions of techniques and theories, multicultural considerations, and changing nature of the world of work for professional counseling practice related to work. Prerequisites: CMHC 758 | 3 Credits |
Offers an in-depth review of management, administration, supervision, and consultation roles of mental health counselors. Includes an opportunity to interview supervisors in the field of clinical mental health counseling. Prerequisites: CMHC 740 | 3 Credits |
Provides an in-depth review of trauma theories, evidence-based outcomes measures, and trauma-specific treatment models utilized by mental health counselors. Includes research projects regarding trauma, specific populations, and treatment practices. Prerequisites: CMHC 752, and concurrent registration in CMHC 794 or CMHC 795 or CMHC 796 | 3 Credits |
Continues to examine chemical and process addictions. Emphasizes the application of models of addiction, assessment and treatment planning to providing comprehensive mental health counseling services for individuals and families. Addresses ethical and legal issues, and motivational interviewing. Prerequisites: CMHC 754 | 3 Credits |
Examines the relevant theories, treatment modalities, and mental health disorders common to children and adolescents. Covers the identification and implementation of evidence-based practices that are considerate of the ethical, cultural, and developmental needs of children and adolescents. | 2 Credits |
Delves into special topics in clinical mental health counseling. May repeat with different topic. Prerequisites: Varies by topic | 3 Credits |
credits 1-3 cr Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, department chair. | 1-3 Credits |
Provides supervision of thesis under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. | 3 Credits |
Required Courses
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Provides an orientation to professional counseling, ethical standards, and wellness model. Explores the role of advocacy and social justice in the counseling field and includes orientation to reflective counseling practice. | 3 Credits |
Provides an in-depth orientation to skills and strategies of intervention used in professional counseling settings. Offers students the opportunity to practice and apply skills in triads with peers. Utilizes assignments to develop competencies in counseling practice. | 3 Credits |
Provides an introduction to the major systematic approaches to clinical mental health counseling. Examines theoretical case conceptualization and interventions, and psychotherapy research and integration. | 3 Credits |
Provides an in-depth orientation to group counseling leadership skills and strategies for management of group counseling. Offers students an opportunity to experience being a group member while simultaneously developing knowledge in group theories and group leadership skills. | 3 Credits |
Provides an introduction to human growth and development across the lifespan. Examines influences on multiple domains of human development, and the implications for professional counseling practice. | 3 Credits |
Introduces social, cultural, and diversity issues in professional counseling. Examines multiculturally competent professional counseling practice, counselor cultural self-awareness, the socially and culturally diverse society in which counselors work, and roles of professional counselors to promote social justice and advocacy. | 3 Credits |
Introduces assessment procedures in professional counseling. Focuses on different domains and procedures of assessment, psychometrics, test scores, integration of assessment results in counseling, and ethical use of assessment procedures. | 3 Credits |
Introduces research and evaluation in professional counseling. Presents types of research designs, basic statistics, research implementation, research report development, and publication of research information. Includes the use of program evaluation and needs assessment. | 3 Credits |
Provides an orientation to clinical mental health counseling, roles of clinical mental health counselors in employment settings, and functions of counselors in professional settings. Introduces crisis intervention models and the role of advocacy and social justice in the field. | 3 Credits |
Provides an overview of abnormal behavior and psychopathology consistent with the current DSM Manual. Offers a framework to consider pathology in the context of the counseling profession, including the wellness model, strengths-based assessments, and trauma-informed care. | 3 Credits |
Examines diagnostic assessment and treatment planning consistent with the current DSM manual utilizing evidence-based assessment and diagnosis procedures to develop diagnosis skills. Addresses diagnosis, treatment planning, and policy/advocacy issues associated with various disorders. Prerequisites: CMHC 742 or concurrent | 3 Credits |
Focuses on both theory and skill development of crisis and trauma counseling across the lifespan in a range of settings. Prerequisites: CMHC 740 | 3 Credits |
Explores addictions theories and counseling for individuals with substance use disorders including assessment measures, treatment approaches, theory of addiction, and implications for substance use as a comorbid condition. | 3 Credits |
Examines major systemic theories and issues of family and couples counseling within a multicultural society. Explores issues, assessment and treatment of dysfunctional partner, marital, family, and systems relationships. | 3 Credits |
Applies career development theories, research, assessments, interventions, and information resources to meet the educational and work needs, planning, and decision-making of clients across the life span. | 3 Credits |
Offers a closely supervised clinical experience in a training setting to enhance skill level and broaden the array of skills. Students will receive weekly supervision by both site supervisor and University supervisor. Students complete a minimum of 100 hours of practicum experiences with at least 40 hours of face-to-face client contact. Prerequisites: CMHC 740 and satisfactory ratings of program evaluation metrics. | 3 Credits |
Provides an opportunity for supervised counseling experience in which students serve as counselors at prearranged sites. Students complete a minimum of 300 hours of supervised internship experiences with at least 240 hours of face-to-face client contact. Prerequisites: CMHC 740, CMHC 794, and satisfactory ratings of program evaluation metrics; consent of instructor and department chair. | 3 Credits |
Provides an additional opportunity for supervised counseling experience in which students serve as counselors at prearranged sites. Students complete a minimum of 300 hours of supervised internship experiences with at least 240 hours of face-to-face client contact. Prerequisites: CMHC 740, CMHC 794, CMHC 795, and satisfactory ratings of program evaluation metrics; consent of instructor and department chair. | 3 Credits |
Students may complete both CMHC 798 and CMHC 799 and repeat CMHC 798. However, only 3 credits from CMHC 798 or CMHC 799 will count toward the 6 credits of the Elective Requirement.
Required courses for the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling are offered once per academic year. If you are a current student, please consult with your faculty advisor prior to registration.
Fall
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Provides an orientation to professional counseling, ethical standards, and wellness model. Explores the role of advocacy and social justice in the counseling field and includes orientation to reflective counseling practice. | 3 Credits |
Provides an in-depth orientation to skills and strategies of intervention used in professional counseling settings. Offers students the opportunity to practice and apply skills in triads with peers. Utilizes assignments to develop competencies in counseling practice. | 3 Credits |
Provides an introduction to the major systematic approaches to clinical mental health counseling. Examines theoretical case conceptualization and interventions, and psychotherapy research and integration. | 3 Credits |
Provides an in-depth orientation to group counseling leadership skills and strategies for management of group counseling. Offers students an opportunity to experience being a group member while simultaneously developing knowledge in group theories and group leadership skills. | 3 Credits |
Provides an introduction to human growth and development across the lifespan. Examines influences on multiple domains of human development, and the implications for professional counseling practice. | 3 Credits |
Examines major systemic theories and issues of family and couples counseling within a multicultural society. Explores issues, assessment and treatment of dysfunctional partner, marital, family, and systems relationships. | 3 Credits |
Applies career development theories, research, assessments, interventions, and information resources to meet the educational and work needs, planning, and decision-making of clients across the life span. | 3 Credits |
Continues to examine chemical and process addictions. Emphasizes the application of models of addiction, assessment and treatment planning to providing comprehensive mental health counseling services for individuals and families. Addresses ethical and legal issues, and motivational interviewing. Prerequisites: CMHC 754 | 3 Credits |
Examines the relevant theories, treatment modalities, and mental health disorders common to children and adolescents. Covers the identification and implementation of evidence-based practices that are considerate of the ethical, cultural, and developmental needs of children and adolescents. | 2 Credits |
Provides an additional opportunity for supervised counseling experience in which students serve as counselors at prearranged sites. Students complete a minimum of 300 hours of supervised internship experiences with at least 240 hours of face-to-face client contact. Prerequisites: CMHC 740, CMHC 794, CMHC 795, and satisfactory ratings of program evaluation metrics; consent of instructor and department chair. | 3 Credits |
credits 1-3 cr Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, department chair. | 1-3 Credits |
Provides supervision of thesis under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. | 3 Credits |
Spring
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Introduces social, cultural, and diversity issues in professional counseling. Examines multiculturally competent professional counseling practice, counselor cultural self-awareness, the socially and culturally diverse society in which counselors work, and roles of professional counselors to promote social justice and advocacy. | 3 Credits |
Introduces research and evaluation in professional counseling. Presents types of research designs, basic statistics, research implementation, research report development, and publication of research information. Includes the use of program evaluation and needs assessment. | 3 Credits |
Provides an orientation to clinical mental health counseling, roles of clinical mental health counselors in employment settings, and functions of counselors in professional settings. Introduces crisis intervention models and the role of advocacy and social justice in the field. | 3 Credits |
Provides an overview of abnormal behavior and psychopathology consistent with the current DSM Manual. Offers a framework to consider pathology in the context of the counseling profession, including the wellness model, strengths-based assessments, and trauma-informed care. | 3 Credits |
Examines diagnostic assessment and treatment planning consistent with the current DSM manual utilizing evidence-based assessment and diagnosis procedures to develop diagnosis skills. Addresses diagnosis, treatment planning, and policy/advocacy issues associated with various disorders. Prerequisites: CMHC 742 or concurrent | 3 Credits |
Explores addictions theories and counseling for individuals with substance use disorders including assessment measures, treatment approaches, theory of addiction, and implications for substance use as a comorbid condition. | 3 Credits |
Offers a closely supervised clinical experience in a training setting to enhance skill level and broaden the array of skills. Students will receive weekly supervision by both site supervisor and University supervisor. Students complete a minimum of 100 hours of practicum experiences with at least 40 hours of face-to-face client contact. Prerequisites: CMHC 740 and satisfactory ratings of program evaluation metrics. | 3 Credits |
credits 1-3 cr Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, department chair. | 1-3 Credits |
Provides supervision of thesis under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. | 3 Credits |
Summer
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Introduces assessment procedures in professional counseling. Focuses on different domains and procedures of assessment, psychometrics, test scores, integration of assessment results in counseling, and ethical use of assessment procedures. | 3 Credits |
Focuses on both theory and skill development of crisis and trauma counseling across the lifespan in a range of settings. Prerequisites: CMHC 740 | 3 Credits |
Provides an opportunity for supervised counseling experience in which students serve as counselors at prearranged sites. Students complete a minimum of 300 hours of supervised internship experiences with at least 240 hours of face-to-face client contact. Prerequisites: CMHC 740, CMHC 794, and satisfactory ratings of program evaluation metrics; consent of instructor and department chair. | 3 Credits |
credits 1-3 cr Prerequisites: Consent of instructor, department chair. | 1-3 Credits |
Provides supervision of thesis under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. | 3 Credits |
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program supports students’ development of the knowledge and skills needed for practice as clinical mental health counselors by adhering to the core general counseling competencies outlined by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Upon completion of your master’s degree, you will be able to:
- Embrace a professional counselor identity and demonstrate ethical, culturally competent, and trauma-informed practice.
- Conceptualize clients through a multicultural and social justice lens. To include demonstrating the requisite attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, skills, and actions required to ensure equity and inclusion for diverse clients.
- Evaluate theories and factors that affect individual and family development, as well as, transitions across the lifespan, in a multicultural and pluralistic society.
- Apply their knowledge of the connections between work, relationships, mental health and other life roles, and strategies. To include evaluating strategies that lead to client growth and change associated with the experience of work in a multicultural and pluralistic society.
- Establish, maintain, and utilize the therapeutic alliance with clients and understand other core conditions of counseling relationships that lead to client growth and change in a multicultural and pluralistic society.
- Facilitate groups informed by the principles of group dynamics, developmental stages of group, and therapeutic factors responsive to a multicultural and pluralistic society.
- Utilize a trauma-informed lens to implement assessment procedures and diagnose mental health conditions responsive to the cultural context of clients.
- Evaluate the importance of published research, outcome measures, and program evaluation for the purpose of advancing the counseling profession in a diverse community.
- Implement evidence-based counseling interventions and treatment planning strategies that are trauma-informed, and grounded in multicultural and social justice competencies.
Tuition is $650 per credit.
- You’ll pay the same tuition whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state.
- You will not pay segregated fees (fees for student services, activities, programs, and facilities).
- Textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition.
- At the end of the first semester, students will also be required to purchase Tevera.
Financial Aid
Financial aid may be available to you as a returning adult student and is awarded by your home campus.
- Contact the UW-Parkside Financial Aid office for details.
Please check with UW-Parkside regarding minimum credits required to qualify for financial aid as a full- or part-time student.
Ways to Pay for Your Degree
As a returning adult student, you may consider the following sources of financial aid to help with the cost of your online degree:
- Grants—award is usually based on financial need. Grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships—usually based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, awarded by a wide range of organizations. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
- Loans—a loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. Student loans are available from the federal government, private sources such as a bank or financial institution, or other sources. Federal student loans usually have lower interest rates than private loans, and offer flexible repayment plans.
- Military benefits—aid available to eligible veterans and current members of the military.
- Tuition reimbursement—a benefit offered by companies to their employees to help pay for education. Ask your human resources department if your company offers this benefit.
- Education tax benefits—research possible tax benefits with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Your first step when applying for federal and state financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who apply early have a better chance of receiving aid, including grant aid that does not have to be repaid.