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Child and Adolescent Counseling
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Specialize in supporting the mental health of young people and help build a brighter future for all. Capella’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Child and Adolescent Counseling degree equips you with the skills to foster the social and emotional well-being of children and teens. Delve into family interventions and evidence-based treatment for typical childhood and adolescent disorders. Through two residencies, two internships and a practicum, you’ll learn to integrate counseling theory, research and professional literature while choosing activities that promote optimal health and wellness.  

As part of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)-accredited program, this specialization is designed to help prepare students to pursue professional licensure as a clinical mental health counselor.*

*This specialization is not designed to prepare students to pursue professional licensure in the education field. It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.

Expand counseling skills through experiential learning

Develop psychotherapy and clinical counseling skills through residency, practicum and internship opportunities, with the option to focus your work on child and adolescent populations.

Professionally aligned curriculum for real-world impact

In line with accreditation standards, our curriculum addresses contemporary societal issues and is led by scholar-practitioner faculty who are experienced in counseling young people.

Personalized support from start to finish

Dedicated counselors, academic coaches and internship coordinators provide guidance at every stage – from enrollment through graduation and clinical training.

Classes start September 8

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

  • GuidedPath
  • Online & in person
  • 13 Core courses
  • 4 Specialization courses
  • 2 Residencies
  • 1 Practicum
  • 2 Internships
  • CACREP accredited

Reduce your tuition up to $2,500

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master's degree.

What can you do with an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree?

Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Child and Adolescent Counseling.

Job titles to explore*

  • Community therapist
  • Family based therapist
  • Mental health counselor
  • Mental health therapist
  • Clinical counselor
  • Mental health support specialist

Employment settings to explore*

  • Individual and family services
  • Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
  • Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.