Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Delivered in an online format, the 90-quarter-credit-hour program can be completed full-time in nine consecutive quarters, or approximately 27 months. The curriculum combines counseling theory with applied clinical preparation in areas including professional ethics, human growth and development, psychopathology, assessment and diagnosis, case conceptualization and treatment planning, culturally responsive counseling, crisis and trauma intervention, substance use and addictive disorders, group counseling, research, career development, telehealth, and emerging technologies.
Students also explore psychopharmacology and its clinical implications throughout multiple areas of the curriculum, helping them develop an understanding of medication-related considerations and interdisciplinary collaboration as part of clinical mental health counseling practice.
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is seeking accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program has been designed in alignment with the 2024 CACREP Standards and is committed to pursuing accredited status.
Prospective students should be aware that CACREP accreditation status may affect eligibility for certain licensure examinations, state licensure pathways, and employment opportunities, as requirements vary by jurisdiction and employer. Students are encouraged to review requirements for the state in which they intend to practice and consider how the program’s current accreditation status may affect their individual licensure pathway before enrolling.
Develop Essential Skills in:
- Counseling Theory & Techniques
- Assessment & Diagnosis
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis & Trauma
- Substance Use & Addiction
- Ethics & Professional Practice
- Telehealth & Emerging Technologies
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Applied Clinical Preparation
A significant component of the MS CMHC program is the progression from academic preparation to supervised clinical experience.
Students participate in two synchronous residency weekends during the program. Residency I occurs during Quarter 2 and provides faculty observation of foundational counseling skills. Residency II occurs during Quarter 5 and provides an additional assessment of counseling competency and professional readiness before students advance to supervised fieldwork. Each residency includes 20 hours of synchronous participation.
Students then complete a minimum of 700 hours of supervised fieldwork, consisting of a 100-hour practicum followed by three sequenced internships totaling 600 hours. The fieldwork experience provides opportunities for students to apply counseling knowledge and skills in approved clinical settings under supervision.
Through coursework, residency experiences, and supervised clinical practice, students work to develop professional competencies, ethical decision-making skills, cultural responsiveness, and clinical judgment needed for professional counseling practice.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Integrate counselor identity, professional dispositions, and ethical reasoning to uphold legal and regulatory standards and support responsible, accountable professional counseling practice.
- Apply advanced counseling competencies and psychopharmacological knowledge to establish effective therapeutic relationships and promote client growth, wellness, and meaningful change.
- Formulate individualized case conceptualizations and treatment plans through comprehensive assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
- Evaluate sociocultural and systemic influences on mental health to advocate for equitable access to services and apply emerging research and innovations to counseling practice.
Got A Question? South College Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tuition for South College?
Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.
Does South College offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.
Is South College Accredited?
Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 150 programs and concentrations and campuses in multiple states, the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.
How do I apply to South College?
Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!
Do you Offer Housing?
South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!
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South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.
Does South College accept Transfer Students?
Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:
What Kind of Certificate & Degrees does South College Offer?
Online vs On-Campus – What Is Best?
Since its founding 141 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!
Does South College Have Programs for Active or Retired Military?
As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.