Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

What Is Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

Clinical health counseling is a health care profession that helps people face challenges that arise from mental and emotional disorders.

Mental health counselors provide and coordinate services for people with a range of behavioral health concerns. They are highly-skilled professionals who work closely with their clients in developing strategies to manage and recover from the symptoms of a variety of behavioral disorders. Counselors help their clients to return to optimal emotional functioning, cope with their environment, and live as independently as possible.

Professional mental health counselors are licensed to provide treatment and support to both individuals and families, both one-on-one and in group settings. Treatment and counseling are provided through a range of activities including appraisal, individual and group counseling, treatment planning, and inter-professional referral and coordination with other health care providers.

About the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Established in 2017, the TTUHSC Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSMH) program is one of the first counselor education programs in the United States to train practitioners simultaneously in clinical counseling skills and telehealth techniques.

An emphasis on telehealth is an integral component of the TTUHSC Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Telehealth, or telemedicine, is a model of distance-based health care service, and is a cutting edge technique growing in practice and acceptance nationwide. All MSMH graduates are eligible to receive the Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-THM) Credential through the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Using the latest in online education technology, the MSMH program is available to students throughout Texas, the United States, and globally. Our online mental health counseling program is particularly designed for students who are currently working or who cannot undertake graduate studies in a traditional on-site, brick and mortar setting. Students
are NOT required to attend a physical classroom.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Please note: requirements for online education vary from state to state. TTUHSC SHP is currently working to gain authorization to offer online courses in all states. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs (806-743-3220, health.professions@ttuhsc.edu) for additional information.

Mental Health Counselor Certification

As a graduate of the MSMH program, you are eligible to pursue a counseling license and certifications.

MSMH Graduates are eligible to pursue certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and be eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in many states.

Outcomes 2021-2022

MSMH 2022-2023 Full Outcomes and Report

Careers in Mental Health Counseling

The field of mental health counseling is growing rapidly and there is a large demand for counselors to work in prevention and treatment service delivery systems.

As a licensed professional counselor, you will have many opportunities for employment and professional growth in the field of clinical mental health counseling.

• A critical shortage of qualified mental health counselors exists throughout the State of Texas and is projected to worsen over the next 10 years.
• The behavioral health care industry is growing rapidly due to recent changes in federal legislation that increased access to health insurance coverage for mental health.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for mental health counselors in Texas will grow by 20% through 2024.

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Curriculum

The MSMH online degree is a 60 credit-hour program of core and specialty courses combined with 12 credit-hours of practicum and internship experience. Coursework includes classes in:

• Human Growth and Development.
• Treatment Planning and Case Management.
• Foundations of Counseling and Ethical Development.
• Crisis Counseling.
• Psycho-pharmacology for Mental Health.

Successful completion of the program culminates in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree.

Explore our curriculum and clinical opportunities.

"The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program equips students with knowledge and skills to enter into the counseling profession. The professors are awesome and provide great feedback and professional experiences that are beneficial in the counseling settings. I highly recommend this program to anyone who desires to pursue a degree in mental health counseling or rehabilitation counseling. This is also the perfect program for anyone who wishes to enter the counseling profession. This was an amazing experience."

Christy Copeland

MS, CMHC, TTUHSC, Graduate, Class of 2019