Mental Health Counseling Master's Degree (MS) or Advanced Certificate Fully online option Start Your Application We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 1, 2025. View deadline details Generous Scholarships Available Start Any Semester Part-Time and Full-Time Options Program Overview The following program will prepare individuals to be licensed-eligible mental health counselors in New York. Our Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited program trains mental health counselors who are dynamic, culturally attuned, and prepared for 21st-century challenges. We equip counselors to address the growing impact of societal pressures, complex stresses, and mental-emotional distress on people's lives.Our faculty use advanced teaching methods to prepare students in holistic, evidence-based interventions for diagnosis, treatment, and support. As a graduate, you'll be eligible for Licensed Mental Health Counselor certification in New York State and ready to counsel diverse individuals, families, groups, and couples through complex life challenges.Our program in mental health counseling will successfully prepare you to become an effective clinical mental health counselor – a counseling professional who can help to greatly improve the quality of life of the diverse individuals, couples, families, and group clients you serve. Key Program FeaturesCouncil for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs: Our 60-credit master's program meets all requirements set by the world-recognized accrediting body for the field of counseling.Diagnostic Privilege Designation: Our MS in Mental Health Counseling, EdD in Mental Health Counseling and Supervision, and Advanced Certificate Bridge Program in School Counseling to Mental Health Counseling have all received Diagnostic Privilege Designation from New York State.Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Courses and internships underscore the importance of intervention, wellness, integrated care, advocacy, and diversity in counseling, in order to successfully prepare mental health counselors for practice in the 21st century.Flexible: Program can be started in any semester and completed in just two years of full-time study, if starting in fall, or three to four years of part-time study.Rich Internship Opportunities: The required practicum plus two internships can be pursued across a wide array of settings, including outpatient, integrated care, residential, drug and alcohol treatment centers, institutions of higher education, PK-12 schools and more, treating diverse client populations, including children, adolescents, adults, seniors, groups, couples, and families.Substance Use Counseling Specialization: Each graduate of the Mental Health Counseling program is eligible to earn a CASAC-Trainee credential; this is the first step toward earning the premiere substance use counseling credential in New York, CASAC, with varying options for reciprocity between states. Prerequisites:A bachelor’s degree preferably in an area related to mental health counseling (e.g., psychology, human development, education, sociology, brain and cognitive science).Preference is given to applicants with a grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.A demonstrated interest, based on previous volunteer or paid experience, of work related to helping professions.Interests and dispositions consistent with successful practice providing psychological services in a mental health setting.Applicants must display dispositions of mental health and fitness that will foster healing, growth and change in their clients, such as:Capacity for sound clinical and interpersonal judgment.Ability to deal with critique and conflict in an effective way and productive manner.Reliable completion, even under conditions of stress and emotional challenge, of expected clinical and academic responsibilities.Respect for diversity of beliefs, practices, appearances and orientations, and a commitment to, and capacity for self-reflection regarding diversity issues.Ability, even in times of extreme stress, to convey empathy and compassion.Display of sound moral and ethical judgment. Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid Learn more Partnerships and Career Pathways Learn more Questions? Contact us View counseling student handbook Program Options Master's DegreeOur 60-credit master's program in mental health counseling is the first step leading to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Students who complete the program, which includes rigorous didactic coursework and 700 hours of field-based internship and practicum experience, are eligible for a New York State Limited Permit to practice as a mental health counselor in New York State-defined settings. They are further required post-degree to complete 3,000 additional hours of supervised practice and pass a state examination to become a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Coursework for the MS in Mental Health Counseling.New York State Licensure for Mental Health CounselorsLicensure as a mental health counselor is required in New York State to provide a range of services in community, health, and social service agencies and in private practice. Licensure status may allow clients to use health insurance for services offered by the licensed mental health counselor. Advanced Certificate Bridge programs School Counseling to Mental Health Counseling Fully online option FAQs and Expectations Already completed a master’s degree leading to NYS certification as a school counselor? Our 24-credit School Counseling to Mental Health Counseling Advanced Certificate requires only six mental health counseling courses and two internships. This program can be taken fully online at a distance. Coursework for the: Advanced Certificate in School Counseling to Mental Health CounselingAdvanced Certificate in School Counseling to Mental Health Counseling (Fully Online Option)From Mental Health COUnseling to School CounselingConsidering a NYS certification as a school counselor? Add our Advanced Certificate Bridge from Mental Health Counseling to School Counseling Program for only nine additional credits. Coursework for the Advanced Certificate in Mental Health to School Counseling. Customize Your DegreeOur degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you. Contact us Ready to Apply? Start Your Application We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 1, 2025. View deadline details Growing Need for Mental Health Counselors The need for mental health counselors is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations nationwide due in part to the fact that health insurance plans have started providing coverage to mental health counseling services.Today, the country faces a shortage of mental health professionals while the demand for mental health services has never been higher. In fact, 15 of the nation’s 50 states – including California, Connecticut, Florida, and 12 others – are experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals, as defined by the federal government. This means millions of Americans will continue to struggle with mental health issues as a result of the lack of licensed clinical mental health counselors. /directory/doug-guiffrida Program Director Doug GuiffridaProfessor, Director of the Counseling Program and Director of the Advanced Certificate Program in Mind/Body Healing and Wellness View Doug's profile Contact Admissions (585) 275-3950 admissions@warner.rochester.edu Request InformationReceive a $70 application fee waiver when you complete the form below.Loading... Take a Course Before You ApplyTake a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements. Try us out Related Certificates and Degrees Related advanced certificatesOpportunities for additional specializations with minimum additional credits required.Advanced Certificate in Urban Teaching and LeadershipAdvanced Certificate in Mind/Body Healing and WellnessAdvanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling Related DegreesMS in School CounselingMS in Human DevelopmentEdD/PhD in Human DevelopmentEdD/PhD in Counseling Start Your Application Get Started