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3 factors to consider when pursuing a master's in clinical mental health counseling

Have you been told you are a good listener? Do friends and family come to you for advice? Is a career helping others lead more rewarding, productive and healthier lives an aspirational goal? Get started on that dream by looking into what it takes to earn a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling.

Millions of people are affected by mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Specifically, about 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder annually.

The observance of Mental Health Awareness Month in May is a chance to put a spotlight on a growing problem that needs more well-trained and educated mental health practitioners to serve communities across the United States. The mental health counseling field is expected to grow 19% by 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you think a career in counseling is in your future, here are three steps to take before enrolling in a clinical mental health counseling graduate program.

Assess the skills you have (and skills you must acquire)

To be an effective counselor, it’s crucial to be an active listener. Do you pay close attention to others’ verbal and nonverbal skills. Can you avoid distractions and give your full attention to what is being said? Do you try and understand the speaker’s perspective and emotions before responding or interrupting? Are you thoughtful in your responses?

If you can adapt to different communication styles, understand and share the feelings of others, build rapport and address others’ challenges, these are all signs that you could be a successful and effective counselor. But even if you don’t have these skills, it doesn’t mean a counseling career is off the table. Rather, when looking into a master’s in clinical mental health counseling program, make sure the courses and practical training help you to develop and enhance these skills and others.

Do your research

Given the time and financial commitment, pursuing a master’s degree is a big decision. It’s important to find the one that works for you. Here are some key points to consider when looking at various master’s in clinical mental health counseling programs:

  • Is the program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)?
  • How long will it take you to earn your degree?
  • Is financial aid available?
  • Are there part-time and full-time options, as well as flexible course scheduling?
  • Can studies be completed online?
  • What are the admission requirements?
  • Are there on-campus or clinical placement requirements?
  • Does the program meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification?
  • Will you be prepared to practice as a clinical mental health counselor in your state?

Reach out for more information

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, sign up for information sessions with admissions counselors and faculty who can provide greater details and answers to questions you have about clinical mental health counseling MA programs.

You can gain the knowledge you need to get moving on your desire to help others and be prepared to fill one of the more than 84,500 new positions expected to open in the mental health counseling field through 2033.

Attain your dream of addressing societal issues and helping individuals with everyday life concerns, as well as significant emotional, cognitive, developmental and behavioral challenges.

Ready to get started?

If you are looking for clinical mental health counseling graduate programs in CT, Sacred Heart University’s Master of Arts clinical mental health counseling online program prepares you to address significant societal issues as you help individuals address challenges such as depression, substance abuse, grief, anxiety and other mental-health related issues. You can learn more by visiting the program’s webpage.

Undergraduates can combine their undergraduate studies with graduate coursework at SHU to earn a Bachelor’s-MA in clinical mental health counseling. Visit the program webpage, contact undergraduate admissions at 203-371-7880 or enroll@sacredheart.edu and contact graduate admissions at 203-365-7619 or gradstudies@sacredheart.edu.

Connect with us!

Discover the benefits of earning your degree from Sacred Heart University. Learn more about SHU’s Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling online program by requesting more information, as well as attending the next virtual information session.


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