Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Why Pursue Clinical & Mental Health Counseling?
There is now an increased understanding and acceptance of the importance of mental health in our communities. Unfortunately, there is also a dearth of professionals ready to address these needs. Consider that suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds and that people with severe mental health conditions die prematurely. Then consider that estimates reveal a shortage of 45,000–250,000 mental health providers in the United States. This is where you and Piedmont University can make a difference.
Piedmont’s Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a fully online graduate degree program that can help prepare you for a career in addressing mental health. Graduates can complete the program in 2.5 years. And thanks to an experienced faculty, practitioner-oriented education, and extensive clinical instruction, graduates are ready for a fulfilling and meaningful role as a professional counselor.
How a Piedmont Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Helps You
- Be ready to become a professional counselor within 7 semesters (9 hours completed per semester).
- Work around your current schedule with a 100% online curriculum (one that is Asynchronous/Synchronous)
- Learn how to offer help via specialized methods such as tele-mental health, crisis and trauma, substance use, and psychopharmacology.
- Fulfill academic requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia.
- Prepare for certification as a National Certified Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Career Opportunities
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides in-depth training in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic techniques, which are essential for a career in Inpatient Counseling. This foundation equips professionals to support individuals with acute mental health needs in structured clinical settings through evidence-based interventions and crisis management.
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares professionals to support individuals through ongoing therapeutic relationships, making it ideal for a career in Outpatient Counseling. It provides the skills needed to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and apply evidence-based practices in a non-residential setting.
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling equips professionals with the skills necessary to address mental health issues within diverse communities, making it ideal for a career in Community Agencies. This foundation enables individuals to provide counseling services, support mental health initiatives, and work with community organizations to promote well-being and access to care.
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides the expertise needed to work in Government Agencies, where professionals can address public mental health needs, develop policies, and provide counseling services. This foundation prepares individuals to navigate regulatory frameworks, deliver community-based care, and collaborate on initiatives to improve mental health outcomes on a larger scale.
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling equips professionals with the skills to address mental health issues within non-profit practices. This foundation enables individuals to provide counseling, advocate for vulnerable populations, and contribute to the development of programs that support mental health and community well-being.
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides the advanced skills necessary to run or work within a private practice. This foundation enables professionals to offer individualized therapy, manage client cases, and build a successful practice through effective treatment planning, business management, and client relationship development.
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares professionals to work in educational settings, where they can support students’ emotional and psychological well-being. This foundation equips individuals to provide counseling, implement mental health programs, and collaborate with educators and parents to address student challenges and promote overall academic success.
A Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides the specialized skills necessary to work in Addiction Centers, where professionals can support individuals in recovery. This foundation prepares individuals to assess substance use disorders, provide therapeutic interventions, and develop recovery plans to help clients achieve long-term sobriety and well-being.
More About a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Learn more about a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a fully online graduate program consisting of 60 semester credit hours, including 9 hours of supervised field experience (practicum and internship). The degree prepares students for employment in a wide variety of positions in community agencies, businesses, and institutions. The degree fulfills the academic requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia.
Piedmont’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling integrates innovative online learning strategies that create an inclusive learning community, connecting students with instructors, peers, and professionals in the field via live Zoom instructor office hours, live student cyber cafes, and live sessions with guest licensed counselors. We also provide courses that are reflective of today’s environment. We now offer Telemental Health Counseling as a required course in our degree – preparing graduate students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and techniques to competently deliver this service online.
Throughout Piedmont’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, we encourage students to engage in self-reflection. Our graduates’ increased self-awareness fosters increased self-confidence – no matter what type of clients they assist in their profession. That’s because Piedmont’s program is focused on preparing graduates to compassionately counsel and advocate for clients struggling with a wide range of mental health needs.
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- One official transcript from each university, college and professional school attended. Students currently pursuing their baccalaureate degree may submit an official transcript-in-progress for admission consideration.
- Two professional references (not friends or relatives, and one should ideally be a former/current professor or instructor).
- A Statement of Intent (minimum of two pages, double-spaced) addressing personal and professional interests in the professional counseling field; personal background and work history related to counseling field; career goals in the field; and aptitude for succeeding in graduate level education.
- A current résumé detailing education, work experiences, leadership activities, volunteer/service work, etc.
- Background check (must be completed and submitted by the student’s second semester in the program).
- Participation in a virtual interview to determine fit with program and profession.
Related Programs
Intrigued by a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Secondary Education.