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A flexible MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers the flexibility of online learning while building a strong theoretical foundation in mental health counseling. Designed with the help of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board, the curriculum covers knowledge and skills in wellness theory and research, relationship building, assessment and treatment, cultural competence and ethical practice. Focus your career path even further with a program specialization.
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program overview
This program emphasizes the fundamental knowledge you need to help you succeed in clinical mental health counseling. You’ll develop specialized expertise and practical skills that can prepare you to deliver culturally and ethnically sensitive counseling services to your clients.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
- Flexibility
Reduce your tuition
Student loans can help you finance your education – but they must be repaid. So, before you apply for a loan, explore options for discounts, tuition assistance and other ways to reduce your tuition.
Scholarships and grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
- Capella Progress Rewards $2,500 master's scholarships: These scholarships are not need-based – they’re our way to support your commitment to your education.*
- Student/Alumni Referral Scholarship: Capella students and alumni can refer eligible friends, family or colleagues to Capella to pursue a degree with a scholarship.*
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
10% military discount
Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, their spouses and dependents.
Employer benefits
Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.
Previous learning
Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university or getting credit for prior learning (CPL).
Program specializations
Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization pages.
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specializations
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling outcomes
The CACREP-accredited* Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program helps prepare students to serve as clinical mental health counselors for a diverse population of clients in various therapeutic settings.
The curriculum provides students with a strong theoretical foundation in the field of mental health counseling and knowledge and skills in associated areas of wellness theory and research, relationship building, assessment and treatment, cultural competence and ethical practice.
*Capella University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, MS in Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2028.
Expert advisory board
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board helps confirm the school provides innovative education that is competency-based, rigorous, relevant and transformative. Our programs prepare graduates to be change makers in behavioral health to meet the needs of a diverse, ever-evolving society.
The contributions of the advisory board help Capella University provide:
- Academic offerings that are designed with relevant and meaningful learning opportunities
- High-quality, relevant educational programming that is challenging, engaging, supportive, transformative and diverse
- Experiences and opportunities to develop skills that may help students
Distinguished faculty
While teaching and guiding you through a curriculum designed to prepare you for your chosen career, our faculty bring a wealth of experiences that translate the courseroom material to the real world. You’ll learn the skills you need and gain insights into your chosen profession.
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specializations
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling services and resources
Education isn’t one-size-fits-all – that’s why support is available to you at every step. From choosing your program and starting classes to coursework assistance and graduation, our support teams are here for you.
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Career support
- Resume help, interview prep and employer database of job listings
- One-on-one career coaching
- Learner & Alumni Networking platform to connect in your field
Alumni Association
As a graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.
Personal support
- Disability services
- Student communities and peer-to-peer mentoring
- 24/7 tech support
Career Development Center
Our Career Development Center offers a variety of career resources to meet your unique career needs, including one-on-one career coaching. We encourage you to start planning for your career early, because your competency-based education means you have relevant, marketable skills even before you graduate.
The benefits of online learning
Our GuidedPath learning format offers structured learning with the flexibility of 24/7 access to the courseroom. Set deadlines help you stay focused and motivated. You’ll engage with peers for weekly discussion posts, and instructors provide regular check-ins and feedback on assignments. Courseload per term is also up to you with guidance from dedicated support staff.
Structured for your success
Access courses in an online courseroom, where instructors present engaging interactive learning experiences and guide weekly discussions. The online format gives you more flexibility to study on your time – just meet your deadlines and communicate with your instructors and peers.
“My education with Capella helped prepare me for different styles of clients and different interactions with those around me. My required practicum and internship took me to a private practice that happily invited me to be a part of their team full time. Capella provided me with tools and connections to meet the needs of the people I serve.”
Sarah McCullough
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Actual Capella alum who agreed to appear in our promotional materials.
24/7 Courseroom access
Access your coursework anytime, anywhere, and work on it as it suits your schedule. Weekly deadlines and regular check-ins help you stay motivated and on track.
Online classes require an internet connection. In-person classes are available for select programs. Connect with us for details.
Experiential learning opportunities
Capella provides opportunities for GuidedPath students in select programs to gain work experience and apply on-the-job learning toward earning a degree.
Competency-based learning
Rather than taking a test, you’ll showcase specific skills in your assignments. Each course you pass is a building block in a strong foundation of career-focused knowledge.
Connect with peers and faculty
Collaborate with classmates and faculty in virtual discussions and assignments. Discuss the skills you’re learning on your own time with others who understand where you’re coming from.
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program must provide the following materials for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale; if your GPA is lower, call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751 to discuss alternate admission options
- Your official transcripts from all previous educational institutions, including any graduate or professional school coursework
- Two letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for graduate education in counseling
- Your resume or curriculum vitae
- A three- to six-page goal statement describing your interest and aptitude for clinical mental health counseling
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
View full admission requirements for each Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization: Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Child and Adolescent Counseling, General Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
The CACREP-accredited* Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program with Capella University is designed to prepare students to serve as clinical mental health counselors for a diverse population of clients in various therapeutic settings.
*Capella University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, MS in Mental Health Counseling, and MS in School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2028.
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program delivers its curriculum through a dynamic, interactive and collaborative learning environment. The program provides students with a strong theoretical foundation in the field of mental health counseling and knowledge and skills in associated areas of wellness theory and research, relationship building, assessment and treatment, cultural competence and ethical practice.
For more information on clinical mental health counseling courses, view the available specializations in Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Child and Adolescent Counseling and General Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
The Capella University master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires in-person residencies and internships, though coursework is offered exclusively online.
For more information on residency locations, internship requirements and courses, schedule a consultation with a program expert.
Capella University offers degrees ranging from bachelor’s to doctorates, as well as certificate options. But what if you just need one specific class? Enrollment specialists Rey Bayl and Terry Metoxen share their insights into how individual courses work and what you can expect from the experience.
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