Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The degree program is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge needed to treat the mental health needs of clients while adhering to best practices standards in mental health counseling and cultural diversity. The development of practical skills is at the core of the degree program, and the curriculum includes topics such as diagnosis and assessment, techniques of counseling, group process and dynamics, and lifespan development.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you plan to apply to Walden University's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program, you should have a bachelor's degree, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a strong desire to help people who are suffering from severe mental health disorders. It is also helpful if you have strong organizational skills and the ability to cope with stressful situations. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, you must complete 90 credits. The degree program consists of a foundation course, core courses, and a field experience. Two 6-day residencies are also required.

Curriculum

• Foundations for Graduate Study in Counseling
• Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
• Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
• Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories
• Techniques in Counseling
• Multicultural Counseling
• Assessment in Counseling and Education
• Lifespan Development
• Diagnosis and Assessment
• Career Counseling
• Research and Program Evaluation
• Couples and Family Therapy
• Group Process and Dynamics
• Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Psychopharmacology
• Crisis, Trauma, and Disaster Response
• Counseling Practicum
• Counseling Internship I
• Counseling Internship II

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program, you have the opportunity to pursue careers in the field. A license is required to practice as a mental health counselor. Licensure requirements differ from state to state and it is recommended that you check with the state in which you plan to work for specific information. Potential employers for graduates of this degree program include community care centers, clinics, hospitals, and social work agencies. As a job candidate you must be able to demonstrate strong critical-thinking skills and an ability to work with a culturally diverse population. Possible job titles include:

• Mental health counselor
• Trauma specialist
• Community center director
• Community outreach advocate

Advanced Degrees

In addition to pursuing career options, you have the opportunity to enroll in a doctoral program in the field after you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program. A doctoral program in counseling may allow you to specialize in mental health behavior and develop a research program that culminates in the completion of a dissertation. While enrolled in a doctoral program, you may take courses in counseling theory, multicultural issues, the biological bases of behavior, and cognitive-affective bases of behavior. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology
• Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling
• Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy