Earn an online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Capella’s CACREP-accredited online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling combines coursework with the practicum, internship and residency experience designed to prepare you for professional counseling practice and the licensure process. Choose from specializations in Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Child and Adolescent Counseling, or General Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with curriculum shaped by our School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board. This program is available in our GuidedPath learning format, with in-person residencies and internships built into the curriculum. Considering a change in direction? Read How to transition to a counseling career at 40+.
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 by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master’s degree.
Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Scholarships & grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Ways to save
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 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 wide ranging 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.
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Additional support resources
91%
of MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling alumni agree that Capella provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degree.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2025, point of graduation
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.
Additional benefits of a flexible education
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program insights
“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
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program must provide the following materials for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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 with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 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
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- A goal statement that includes five short-answer responses about your professional goals, aptitude, and potential for success in the counseling profession
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
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 clients in various therapeutic settings.
*Capella University’s 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? Members from our enrollment team share their insights into how individual courses work and what you can expect from the experience.
Additional clinical mental health counseling resources
Counseling private practice: steps for getting started
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Marriage and family therapy: what you need to know
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Team-based care in counseling, therapy, clinical psychology and social work
Counseling and therapy, clinical psychology and social work often intersect in team-based behavioral health settings. Explore how these fields work together in practice and what their collaboration looks like across healthcare environments.