Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
About the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Christian Brothers University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit graduate program that prepares students for professional counseling practice through academic coursework, skills development, and supervised clinical experiences. The CMHC program is housed in the Department of Behavioral Science within the School of Arts.
The program follows a full-time, two-year cohort model with daytime classes. Students progress through the program together, allowing them to develop supportive professional relationships and a strong professional counselor identity.
The program is delivered primarily through in-person classes at Christian Brothers University’s main campus in Memphis, Tennessee. Individual courses may use online, asynchronous, or hybrid delivery when identified in the published course schedule.
Location:
Christian Brothers University
650 East Parkway South
Memphis, Tennessee 38104
CACREP Specialized Practice Area: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Extensive Hands-On Clinical Experience: Students gain practicum and internship placements through more than 20 local mental health partners, including hospitals, schools, and community agencies, ensuring diverse, real-world preparation.
Our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program highlights the multidisciplinary nature of mental health care—all mental health professionals have a role to play in a client’s health and overall well-being. From social workers and psychiatrists to psychologists and medical assistants, it takes a dedicated team to understand how to serve, diagnose, and treat individuals with diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Our graduate students learn to approach each client with respect for their background, experiences, and needs, while also learning how every member of a care team contributes to a person’s well-being.
Are you ready to join the mission and want to make a lasting difference in someone’s life?
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Accreditation
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Christian Brothers University is not currently accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The program is pursuing initial CACREP accreditation in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialized practice area. Submission of an application and participation in the accreditation-review process do not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Program Highlights
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program maintains a student-to-faculty ratio that will not exceed 12 students for every one full-time faculty member.
Program Mission Statement
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program faculty educates compassionate and competent professional counselors who promote social justice and advocate for the profession and equitable treatment for all.
Program Vision Statement
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program creates a socially minded learning community of counselors and leaders who advance cultural humility.
Program Objectives
- To prepare counselors to effectively work with an interdisciplinary team supporting the unique needs of each client in a variety of clinical mental health settings.
- To train counselors to act as advocates infusing social justice practices.
- To provide counselors with knowledge about lifespan development and application of skills and theories related to counseling needs with diverse individuals across the lifespan.
- To provide counselors with opportunities for reflective practice leading to increased self-understanding as it relates to the profession of counseling.
- To facilitate counselors developing increased multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skill with a commitment to culturally responsible practice, advocacy, and social justice action.
- To demand and teach ethical and moral practices of counselors following the American Counseling Association and American Mental Health Counseling Association Ethical Guidelines.
Program Delivery & Degree Requirements
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires 60 graduate credit hours consisting of:
- 42 credit hours of required counseling coursework;
- 6 credit hours of approved counseling electives; and
- 12 credit hours of supervised clinical field-placement courses.
Clinical Field Placement
The curriculum includes 14 required counseling courses, two elective courses, one practicum, and two internships. Students must complete a minimum of 700 supervised clinical field-placement hours through their practicum and internship experiences.
Students must also complete the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination and satisfy all academic, professional-disposition, clinical, and graduation requirements established by the program and University.
Admissions Requirements
We accept applications for the clinical mental health graduate program year-round for a fall semester start. Our admissions process is designed to help CBU understand your academic background, relevant professional social work experience, and commitment to the counseling profession. To apply, submit the following:
- A Completed Graduate Program Application
- An official transcript from every college or university attended;
- Evidence of an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher;
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae;
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can address the applicant’s preparation for graduate study, professional abilities, and suitability for the counseling profession;
- A statement of purpose addressing the applicant’s professional goals and interest in clinical mental health counseling; and
- Participation in an interview with at least two full-time CMHC faculty members.
International Applicants Must Also Submit
- Course-by-course NACES credential evaluation
- Official English proficiency test scores. A minimum proficiency in English equivalent to TOEFL ibt of 94, IELTS of 7.0, or PTE of 64 must be demonstrated.
- Copy of passport
- Current bank statement
- Current affidavit of sponsorship
The Program Director will notify the student regarding his/her/their acceptance to the program and will make arrangements to register the student for select courses. All records will be maintained by the Registrar’s office at CBU. Academic advising and counseling will be performed by the Program Director. Graduation requirements include completion of the required 60 semester credit hours, including the 48 semester credit hours in the 16 core courses and 12 credit hours in practicum and internship.
Tuition & Program Costs
Tuition for the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program for the 2026–2027 academic year is $645 per credit hour. Based on the required 60 credit hours, estimated tuition is $38,700, excluding University fees, books, supplies, clinical requirements, and other expenses. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
See the 2026-2027 academic year Tuition & Fees.
Financial Aid
Financial aid may be available to eligible graduate students. Students seeking federal, state, or institutional financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Graduate students should consult the CBU Office of Financial Aid regarding eligibility, enrollment requirements, available loans, scholarships, graduate assistantships, and other funding opportunities.
Careers in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The demand for skilled mental health professionals is growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 22% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Over 77,000 new positions are expected to be created in this timeframe, driven by increased demand for mental health services to support individuals and communities.
With an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, you’re qualified for careers in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, private practice, and social service agencies. As a licensed mental health counselor, you work with individuals, couples, and groups to address a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship issues.
In addition to traditional counseling roles, your degree in clinical mental health counseling may help you pursue specialized fields such as addiction counseling, crisis intervention, or trauma-informed care and contribute to community-based work, program development, or even mental health policy. With a master’s degree in CMHC, you have the flexibility to work in both public and private sectors and encounter opportunities to advance your career, increase your earning potential, or build your own practice.
Additional Benefits
- Meaningful Work: Counselors make a direct and lasting impact on individuals’ lives by helping them navigate challenges and improve their well-being.
- Job Stability: The growing demand ensures a steady job market for years.
- Competitive Compensation: Graduates of the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are well-positioned for competitive salaries, which can increase further with advanced certifications, specialized training, or leadership roles.
Program Outcomes & Annual Reports
Christian Brothers University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is currently pursuing initial CACREP accreditation. Annual program evaluation reports will be posted publicly in this section as they become available and are required as part of the program’s ongoing accreditation and evaluation processes.
Check back here for Reports.
Related Programs
Looking to expand your graduate studies in counseling or human services? Explore other master’s degrees at CBU that complement the MS in CMHC, including degrees in leadership, project management, and education. These programs offer additional pathways to enhance your skills, broaden your professional opportunities, and deepen your impact in helping others:
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
Meet the Faculty
Core Counseling Program Faculty
Counseling Program Faculty
Adjunct Program Faculty
Dr. Kristi Dunaway
Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences and LPC-MHSP
Deepen Your Impact on Mental Health Care
Elevate your counseling skills to support individuals through their mental health challenges with CBU’s master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree program. This graduate program equips you with the knowledge, clinical experience, and professional guidance necessary to address a wide range of mental health challenges. Begin your journey toward licensure—apply today!
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