If you're fascinated by human behaviors and enjoy solving problems, you might decide to professionally counsel others on matters of mental health. At the University of Phoenix, you can pursue the Master of Science in Counseling degree and specialize in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Following is more information about this graduate course of study.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Kind of Program Is It?

    As a student of this University of Phoenix program, you'll have the opportunity to learn to diagnose and provide treatment for mental illnesses and behavioral disorders. You'll be able to develop the skills necessary to interview, test, and counsel couples and individuals who are dealing with mental health-related issues. The graduate program also emphasizes addiction counseling and includes clinical training under supervised conditions. Students who complete the program may be prepared to sit for their state's certification or licensing examinations, after which they could become recognized as licensed mental health counselors.

    What Are the Prerequisites?

    In addition to being trustworthy, patient, and analytical, potential program enrollees should have great interpersonal skills and an innate desire to help others. Applicants to University of Phoenix's graduate programs should have already earned a bachelor's degree.

    What Are the Course Requirements?

    This University of Phoenix program consists of between 60 and 63 credit hours. The number of credit hours you will need to complete depends on the state you reside in. Below are the program's core courses.

    • CNSL 502: Graduate Portfolio
    • CCMH 504: Individual and Family Development Across the Lifespan
    • CCMH 506: Personality Theories and Counseling Models
    • CCMH 515: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling
    • CCMH 525: Research Methods for Mental Health Counselors
    • CCMH 535: Psychometrics
    • CCMH 520: Biological Basis of Behavior / Physiological Issues
    • CCMH 544: Introduction to Clinical Assessment
    • CCMH 548: Psychopathology; Clinical Assessment
    • CNSL 556: Professional Counseling Assessment Portfolio II
    • CCMH 510: Multicultural Issues in Mental Health Counseling
    • CCMH 568: Group Counseling
    • CCMH 565: Family, Couple, and Child Counseling
    • CCMH 561: Dependency and Addictions
    • CCMH 540: Career and Vocational Counseling
    • CCMH 592O: Orient to Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • MFCC 566: Advanced Marriage and Family Therapy
    • CCMH 578: Seminar Clinical Mental Health
    • CCMH 581: Supervision and Management of Clinical Mental Health
    • CCMH 592: Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • CCMH 597A: Internship A
    • CCMH 597B: Internship B

    What Could I Do After I Graduate?

    Advanced Degrees

    Depending on your professional goals, you may find it necessary to earn a doctorate degree in the areas of counseling or counseling psychology. Doctorate degrees can allow you to focus on areas such as research, clinical training, or education, and also give you the opportunity to pursue supervisory or management positions.

    While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.