M.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Facts
College: College of Education
Major: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Degree Level: Master's
- On-Campus
Credit Hours: 60 Hours
Duration: 3-4 Years
Tuition & Fees
Estimated costs available via the calculator.
Accreditation
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC)
Overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Tarleton State University is a 60-credit-hour graduate program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program provides the academic coursework required for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) eligibility in Texas. Core areas cover human growth and development, professional orientation and ethics, career theory, appraisal, counseling theories, individual and group counseling, multicultural perspectives, research, and practical counseling skills. Students complete supervised clinical training experiences in consecutive semesters to meet state licensure requirements.
Program Benefits
• CACREP-Accredited: Meets national standards for programs in clinical mental health counseling, ensuring graduates are eligible for Texas LPC licensure.
• Comprehensive Clinical Training: Includes Pre-Practicum, Practicum, and two consecutive Internships that provide supervised, real-world counseling experience.
• Year-Round Enrollment: Structured rotations with fall, spring, and summer coursework keep students on track toward timely degree completion.
• Multiple Campus Options: Courses are offered at Fort Worth, Waco, and Stephenville, with flexible in-person evening coursework.
• Specialized Electives: Opportunities to focus on areas such as play therapy, crisis and trauma, addictions, sandtray therapy, grief and loss, neurobiology, and expressive arts in counseling.
• Professional Networking: Built-in connections with faculty, doctoral students, and field placements in diverse community settings.
Courses
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will be able to:
• Demonstrate professional identity and ethical practice aligned with state and national counseling standards.
• Apply knowledge of human growth, development, and behavior across the lifespan in counseling practice.
• Integrate multicultural competence into client and community work.
• Utilize counseling theories and techniques in individual, group, family, and career counseling settings.
• Conduct assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning using evidence-based approaches.
• Evaluate and apply research to inform counseling practice and program development.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are prepared for roles such as:
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): Provide individual, group, and family counseling in private practice or agency settings.
• Mental Health Agency Counselor: Deliver counseling and support services in community-based organizations and nonprofit programs.
• Substance Abuse Counselor: Work in treatment centers and recovery programs to support clients overcoming addictions.
• Career Counselor: Guide individuals in career development, transitions, and workplace adjustment through assessment and counseling.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor: Offer counseling and wellness services to employees in business and industry.
• College Counselor: Provide academic, career, and mental health support in educational settings.
• Community Wellness Counselor: Serve diverse populations in MHMR agencies, clinics, and outreach programs.
Certification and Licensure Preparation
• National Counselor Exam
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• National Certified Counselor
Admissions Requirements
• 3.0 GPA or higher on last sixty (60) hours of undergraduate or graduate course work.
• Participate in on-campus interview process.
• Program orientation
• Program application