Why Study Clinical Mental Health Counseling
While students in this program come from a variety of educational backgrounds, many students have a background in psychology, sociology, or social work. Other qualities that can benefit students interested in school counseling include analytical skills, compassion, interpersonal skills, listening skills, and speaking skills.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration prepares students to work in a
variety of community agency settings and/or eventual private practice. Specific types
of settings may include outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, individual
and family services, in-patient treatment and hospital settings, residential mental
health and substance abuse facilities, prisons and juvenile detention centers, and
employee assistance programs. Mental health counselors provide treatment to individuals,
families, couples, and groups. Counselors can also choose to specialize and work with
specific groups such as older adults, college students, children, or veterans. Mental
health counselors treat clients with a variety of presenting concerns including anxiety,
depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress, and suicidal impulses. They also help
with mental and emotional health concerns and relationship difficulties. Employment
of mental health counselors is projected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030, much faster
than the average for all
occupations. In Clarksville-Montgomery County, there is a high need for qualified
mental health counselors to meet the growing demand for mental health care.
While students in this program come from a variety of educational backgrounds, many students have a background in psychology, sociology, or social work. Other qualities that can benefit students interested in school counseling include analytical skills, compassion, interpersonal skills, listening skills, and speaking skills.
Faculty in the Counseling program have a variety of areas of research interest and clinical expertise including diverse populations and cultural competency, mental health and wellness in African American communities, African American students in the school setting, school counseling, LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness, trauma counseling, play therapy, expressive arts in therapy, and child and adolescent counseling.
Admission Requirements
For information related to admission requirements or to view the courses within each program, please visit the graduate bulletin.
What will I Learn
Students will complete coursework in the 8 core areas identified by CACREP.
- Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
- Social and cultural diversity
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Counseling and helping relationship
- Group counseling and group
work - Assessment and testing
- Research and program evaluation.
- Students will also complete specialized coursework related to addictions counseling, counseling with children and adolescent along with elective coursework.
- The curriculum includes coursework, a 100-hour practicum, a 600- hour internship, and successful completion of a comprehensive exam
Sample Course Plan
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health, MS
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. Licensing agencies or boards also may have requirements in addition to an earned degree. APSU recommends that students who are not Tennessee residents or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency or board before they enroll in an academic program designed to lead to licensure or certification and discuss their plans with an advisor.
Please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage to review specific licensure information for your state and academic program.