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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate

Grand View University now offers a dynamic 24-credit graduate certificate program in clinical mental health counseling. This flexible online program is designed for individuals who have completed other graduate programs in counseling-related areas, such as school counseling or marriage and family counseling, and wish to continue their education to meet the requirements to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

The Department of Counselor Education Programs at Grand View University is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can engage in the most rewarding work of their career. We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds and identities to join us as diversity enriches learning and advances the counseling profession. Our curriculum includes a wide range of perspectives and prioritizes multicultural competence, addressing social justice, equity, and issues facing underrepresented groups. We strive to diversify our faculty and staff to enhance our educational offerings and provide varied mentorship opportunities. Additionally, we engage with diverse communities and organizations to enrich our academic programs and provide practical experiences in diverse settings. Each new student brings a unique perspective, enhancing the inclusivity of our program and helping to diversify the counseling profession.

Why Grand View?

  • No GRE Required: Streamline your admission process as we focus more on your potential and less on standardized tests.
  • Transfer Friendly: Bring up to 12 credit hours of equivalent graduate work from regionally accredited schools (B or better).
  • Flexible and Inclusive: Engage in our 24-credit hour program through online coursework tailored for professionals balancing life’s demands. Our program offers Spring and Fall cohorts, allowing you to start your journey when it best fits your schedule.
  • Local Internships: Complete your internships and practicums in your geographical area, integrating learning with your community.
  • A Commitment to Flexibility and Support: Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, we offer online, seven-week courses that allow you to work around your schedule. Each course is crafted to ensure you are engaged and can manage your studies effectively without sacrificing your personal and professional responsibilities.

View Course Requirements

Admission and Program Requirements

Admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling certificate is competitive and not guaranteed by meeting the minimum requirements. We begin reviewing complete applications in January and continue on a rolling basis. Late applications will be waitlisted until openings are available.

Minimum Eligibility:

1. A master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program (any concentration).
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.
3. Completion of the application for admission.

Submit the following:

1. One-page personal statement addressing the following:

  • Your interest in the program, including the identification of short-term and long-term career goals
  • Your skills and experiences that will contribute to the program
  • Your Expectations of the program

2. Provide two references, academic or professional, who complete the online recommendation form
3. Professional resume
4. Graduate degree transcript

Program Requirements Post-Acceptance:

  • Membership in the American Counseling Association (ACA) and professional liability coverage will be required when starting clinical work. Detailed information on how to obtain these will be provided.
  • A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $125.00 is required after acceptance to secure your place. This deposit will be credited towards your first semester's fees.
Instructional Methods

Graduate study has often kept non-traditional students away due to barriers such as finances or life circumstances (e.g., disability). This is why this program is perfect for an individual who needs flexibility. Our online, eight-week courses allow students to work around their schedules. Each week, students will be expected to review the course materials, participate in learning activities and complete required assignments. All online classes are led by faculty who are licensed practitioners, leaders, and researchers in the field of counseling.

After completing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate, you will:

  • Have knowledge, awareness and skills related to counseling work and diverse groups.
  • Understand how human growth and developmental stages interact with counseling process.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to building, maintaining and utilizing counseling relationships to address mental health issues and meet client goals.
  • Demonstrate the ability to manage, de-escalate and appropriately intervene in crisis setting involving clients experiencing trauma, significant instability and risk of suicide.

Career Opportunities

Explore these possible career options.

This program will...

  • Deliver a high-quality education that meets the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science licensing requirements by enhancing knowledge of counseling and counseling concepts.
  • Provide practicum and internship experiences that prepare students to become professional counselors to meet the demands of their clients and apply their knowledge and skills in an unpredictable society.
  • Provide education to train counselors to uphold ethical standards in their practice and community
  • Develop mental health practitioners who will become lifelong learners by providing a curriculum that educates about the research process, proper use of assessment, and the importance of continuous objective re-evaluation.

Student Testimonial

"I was able to gain valuable knowledge conducting research with a faculty supervisor. Before then, the thought of research seemed daunting, but meeting with a faculty supervisor and going through a research course, my skills and confidence grew."

- Kelvin Gilkey

Faculty

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