Master of Science (MS) in Human Services

Mental Health Counseling Specialization

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School of Human Services

Capella University is the first and only online university to receive accreditation for two master's degree specializations in counseling from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The mental health counseling specialization was accredited in 2003, and the marital, couple, and family therapy specialization was accredited in 2005. CACREP, formed in 1981 to be the independent accrediting arm for the American Counseling Association, has accredited both specializations through 2011, the longest accreditation term granted by CACREP.

The online master's degree in the mental health counseling specialization will prepare you to work as a mental health counselor within institutional, community, and private practice settings.

*Through academic studies and clinical training, you will learn to apply varied mental health approaches to contemporary practice, assessment, and treatment.

*This accredited counseling education program requires course work, field training, and two six-day residencies.

Residency Requirements: Two six-day, face-to-face residencies. See residential colloquia details.

*Please note that while this program prepares you for the licensure examinations, it does not guarantee you will receive a license.

Licensure Information: For detailed information about obtaining professional licensure please see our licensure FAQ.

ENROLL NOW FOR CLASSES BEGINNING: Program starting soon! COST PER 4-CREDIT COURSE: $1,580 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment) TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS: 92 credits

Core Courses:

• HS814 - Theories of Personality - 4 credits
• HS815 - Professional and Scientific Ethics - 4 credits
• HS821 - Mental Health Counseling - 4 credits
• HS834 - Ethnic and Cultural Awareness- 4 credits
• HS839 - Theories of Psychotherapy - 4 credits
• HS841 - Group Counseling and Psychotherapy - 4 credits
• HS852 - Personal Growth Seminar - 4 credits
• HS5002 - Survey of Research in Human Development and Behavior - 4 credits
• HS5006 - Survey of Research Methodology - 4 credits
• HS5106 - Assessment, Tests, and Measures - 4 credits
• HS5107 - Principles of Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment - 4 credits

All academic courses listed below are 10-week online courses. Each includes specific residency days or field experience. Learners must complete prerequisites and residency or field training requirements to be eligible to complete each course in the sequence.

• HS5900 - Counselor Education Pre-Practicum Course I - 4 quarter credits
• HS-R5900 - Counselor Education Pre-Practicum Laboratory I - non-credit
• HS5901 - Counselor Education Pre-Practicum Course II - 4 quarter credits
• HS-R5901 - Counselor Education Pre-Practicum Laboratory II - non-credit
• HS9002 - Clinical Practicum (100 hours) - 4 credits
• HS9031 - Clinical Internship I (300 hours) - 4 credits
• HS9032 - Clinical Internship II (300 hours) - 4 credits
• HS9033 - Clinical Internship III (300 hours) - 4 credits

Specialization Courses:

• HS849 - Health Advocacy in the Community - 4 credits
• HS871 - Marriage and Family Systems - 4 credits
• HS879 - Life Planning and Career Development - 4 credits
• HS5108 - Foundations of Addictive and Compulsive Behavior - 4 credits
• HS5990 - Integrative Project - 4 credits

One Elective Course

• Choose one from the following courses:
• HS825 - Human Sexuality - 4 credits
• HS854 - Child and Adolescent Counseling - 4 credits
• HS869 - Families, Systems, and Health Care - 4 credits
• HS872 - Marriage & Marital Therapy - 4 credits
• HS876 - Methods of Family Research - 4 credits
• HS877 - Family Therapy Theory and Methods - 4 credits
• HS881 - Health in the Workplace - 4 credits
• HS8212 - History of the Juvenile Criminal Justice System - 4 credits
• HS8300 - Diversity in the Workplace - 4 credits
• PSY7230 - Adolescent Psychology - 5 credits
• PSY8420 - Multicultural Issues in Addiction - 5 credits

Check your state licensure requirements. The ability to practice as a licensed counselor, therapist, or mental health professional — independently and without supervision — is regulated in all states. If you intend to seek licensure or certification, check the program requirements for licensure or certification in your home state. State regulations vary regarding education requirements for professional licensure.

Learn more about our related specializations:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology - Counseling Studies
• Master of Science (MS) in Human Services - Counseling Studies
• Master of Science (MS) in Human Services - General Human Services
• Master of Science (MS) in Human Services - Marital, Couple and Family Counseling Therapy - CACREP Accredited
• Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - Counseling Psychology
• Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - General Psychology
• Master of Science (MS) in Psychology - School Psychology

Register now for a course, or call 1-888-227-2736.