Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling

Prepare for a career as a licensed mental health professional or to pursue further studies in psychology, counseling, or related fields. With its emphasis on cultural humility, social justice, and evidence-based clinical practice, our program trains you to serve the diverse mental health needs of individuals, groups, communities, and systems and to advocate for social change that promotes mental wellness.

Mental Health Counseling Program Webinars

At a Glance

How many courses?


Most students take 20 courses (60 credits total).

How long will it take?


Full-time students typically finish in two years.

When can I start?


You can begin the program only in the fall semester.

How much does it cost?


To estimate your total program cost, multiply the number of credits required in your program by the tuition cost per credit.

Mental Health Counseling Program Tracks

Students have the option to pursue licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts through the 60-credit program, or complete the 48-credit non-licensure program.

The Integrated Behavioral Health track is a pathway for students seeking to work as Mental Health Counselors in integrated medical settings.

This track will prepare students to work with clients in urban communities, including community mental health centers, public hospitals, and community clinics.

TheDual Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry and Mental Health Counseling is designed for individuals who wish to pursue graduate studies that combine counseling and psychology with studies in religion.

Main Curriculum

During the two-year program, you can choose between a 60-credit licensure-track or a 48-credit non-licensure track program of study. Each program requires you to complete an internship with one of our Boston-based partner organizations.

Requirements


  • Courses: 16 or 20
  • Credits: 48 or 60
  • Comprehensive Exam
During the two-year program, you can choose between a 60-credit licensure-track or a 48-credit non-licensure track program of study.

48-Credit Track

  • The 48-credit, two-year program will prepare you for further studies in counseling, such asdoctoral degrees in psychology and further studies in public policy, law, and business, or fields in which a solid counseling foundation is desirable.
  • The track is an option for students who do NOT plan to pursue licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or other states that require completion of an integrated, 60-credit Master’s degree.

60-Credit Track

  • The 60-credit, two-year program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • When students graduate from this program, they will be eligible for entry-level counseling positions and prepared, with postgraduate supervision and experience, to obtain licensure and accreditation for advanced skills/specialization.

48-Credit Master's

The 48-credit, two-year program will prepare you for further studies in counseling or fields in which a solid counseling foundation is desirable. Our graduates go on to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology and further studies in public policy, law, and business. The 48-credit hour Mental Health Counseling track is an option available for students who do NOT plan to pursue licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or other states that require completion of an integrated, 60-credit Master’s degree.

60-Credit Master's

The60-credit, two-year programmeets the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. When you graduate from this program, you will be eligible for entry-level counseling positions and prepared, with postgraduate supervision and experience, to obtain licensure and accreditation for advanced skills/specialization.

Specialized Concentrations

The Mental Health Counseling program* curriculum provides an opportunity for students to take five elective courses in various topic areas. Students may also elect to focus their electives in one of the following specialized concentrations.

*Please note: Students in the Integrated Behavioral Health and Dual Degree MHC/STM tracks are not eligible to do a specialized concentration due to fewer elective course available in their curriculum. For more information on concentrations, please discuss with the concentration director, listed below.

Integrated Behavioral Health Track


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Contemporary healthcare models emphasize a “whole-person” approach that addresses mental health concerns as well as the physical conditions that impact health and well-being. The Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) Track trains students with the basic skills necessary to be a mental health counselor as well as the specialized skills to deliver behavioral health assessment and intervention in an integrated medical setting.

In the second year of the program, students in the IBH Track complete a practicum in an integrated behavioral health setting where they provide direct mental health counseling services as well as consultation to medical health clinicians (physicians, nurses, nutritionists, etc.).

Prospective students interested in the IBH Track should indicate their interest in the Master’s in Mental Health Counseling application.

Mental Health Counseling Urban Scholars Program


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The Mental Health Counseling (MHC) Urban Scholars Program is designed to train counselors equipped to address the complex mental health needs of people living in urban communities. Consistent with the Lynch School of Education and Human Development’s three-pronged mission to enhance the human condition, expand the human imagination, and make the world more just, the MHC Urban Scholar Program uses the lenses of ecological, decolonial and liberation psychology theory to critically examine sources of mental distress and mental wellness for people living in urban contexts.

Prospective students interested in the MHC Urban Scholars Program should indicate their interest in the Master’s in Mental Health Counseling application.

Dual Master of Arts (M.A./M.A.) in Theology and Ministry and Mental Health Counseling


Learn how to integrate theories and practices of mental health counseling with studies of spirituality and pastoral care. Pair your M.A. in Mental Health Counseling with an M.A. in Theology and Ministry and earn a dual degree in three years. Alumni of the MHC/STM dual degree program graduate license-eligible as a professional mental health counselor and work in mental health agencies, shelters, pastoral placements in parishes, campus ministry programs, prisons, and youth and young adult programs.

Dual Degree Students may follow the 60- or 48-credit MHC curriculum.

Prospective students are required to apply separately and be admitted to both the School of Theology & Ministry and the Lynch School.

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Faculty

Practicum

Much of the second year of the program focuses on the internship, where you will have opportunities to hone your counseling skills. We emphasize the importance of culture and context, encouraging you to acquire a community-oriented understanding of the settings in which you serve. Our dedicated Director of Practicum Experience works to pair you with pre-practicum and practicum placements that fit your goals including community mental health centers, substance abuse clinics, day treatment programs, eating disorders clinics, public schools, hospitals, and college counseling centers.