Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a single-degree program offered with two concentrations. All students are enrolled in the same MA program and complete a shared core of coursework, with differences in credit requirements and clinical training based on concentration selection.

Licensure Concentration (60 credits)
Designed to prepare students for LMHC/LPC or master’s-level psychology licensure, this concentration is typically completed in two years of full-time study, with part-time options available. Each year begins in the Summer Semester with two online courses, one of which incorporates a 5-day residency on campus at Gordon College. Fall and Spring semester courses are offered in a Synchronous-Choice format, with two registration options:

On-Campus Section: often required to meet strict physical-presence requirements for specific state licensures.
Online Synchronous Section: live real-time remote participation for students pursuing licensures that do not require on-campus-based physical-presence.

Non-Licensure Concentration (36 credits)
For students whose goals do not include preparation for independent clinical licensure, this concentration provides a structured course of study in counseling and psychological science. The curriculum includes foundational coursework, clinical core content, and selected applied or field-based experiences. Specific course selection is determined in consultation with the program director, based on prior coursework and professional goals.

Students in the non-licensure concentration typically follow a Summer-Fall-Spring-Summer sequence. The first summer includes two online courses, one of which incorporates a 5-day on-campus residency. The second summer includes one online course and no additional residency. Fall and Spring courses are offered in a Synchronous-Choice format (see options above), and some elective courses may be completed asynchronously online.

Students in the 36-credit concentration should note that this option does not meet requirements for independent clinical licensure.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required

Licensure concentration (60 credits): 20 academic courses plus Practicum and Internship
Non-licensure concentration (36 credits): 12 academic courses plus Practicum

REQUIREMENTS

All students take the courses below, including one (at most) concentration.

Foundational Courses

Advanced Clinical Courses

Practicum Requirements

Practica will be completed at sites local to the student.

PSY 600 - Professional Seminar: Practicum (3)
PSY 601 - Practicum (0)

Concentrations

A concentration is required.

Licensure and Accreditation Disclosures

General Professional Licensure Disclosure

The 60-credit licensure pathway is designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure in most jurisdictions; however, completion of the program alone does not guarantee licensure. Licensure requirements are determined by state licensing boards and typically include post-degree supervised experience, examinations, and other state-specific requirements. Students are responsible for reviewing licensure requirements in the jurisdiction where they intend to seek licensure.

The 36-credit non-licensure pathway does not meet educational requirements for clinical licensure.

Massachusetts Licensure Disclosure (LMHC - 262 CMR 2.00)

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as set forth in 262 CMR 2.00. Completion of this program alone does not guarantee licensure.

Licensure as an LMHC in Massachusetts requires, in addition to completion of an acceptable graduate degree, post-degree supervised clinical experience, successful completion of a Board-approved examination, and satisfaction of all requirements established by the Massachusetts Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions. The curriculum includes supervised practicum and internship experiences consistent with Massachusetts requirements for pre-degree clinical training. Final licensure eligibility is determined by the Board, and requirements are subject to change.

New England and other US states - Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Licensed Professional Counselor (LMHC/LPC) Disclosure

The program is designed to meet the educational requirements for general licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in all New England states as well as most other US state jurisdictions. LMHC/LPC licensure requirements vary by state and typically include post-degree supervised experience, a national counseling examination, and state-specific requirements. Students are responsible for confirming licensure requirements in the state where they intend to seek LMHC/LPC licensure.

Vermont, Maine and other US states - Psychologist-Masters (PM) and Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) Disclosure

The program is designed to support educational preparation relevant to licensure as a Licensed Psychologist-Master (PM) in Vermont and Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in Maine as well as other US state jurisdictions that support these licensures. Completion of the program alone does not guarantee licensure. LPA licensure requirements are determined by each State and may include additional supervised experience, examinations, and scope-of-practice conditions. Students intending to pursue PM or LPA licensure are responsible for confirming current requirements with the appropriate licensing authority.

Accreditation Status

The program is fully accredited with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and aligned with the American Psychological Association (APA).