Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
At Grand View University, our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (CMHC) is designed to transform students into highly skilled professionals who are prepared to address the complexities of mental and emotional wellness. Our mission is to develop ethically sound, research-informed, developmentally competent, and culturally aware licensed mental health counselors. Through our entirely online curriculum, students engage deeply with a variety of mental health issues, including addictions, family dynamics, stress management, and more, with a strong emphasis on prevention.
Graduates from our program are well-equipped for lifelong learning and diverse career opportunities, ready to diagnose and treat mental health disorders in both public and private practice settings. They prepare for licensure in Iowa as Licensed Mental Health Counselors, with tailored support for achieving licensure across other states. Our alumni success, highlighted by high exam pass rates and positive employment outcomes, reflects our commitment to comprehensive education and mentorship.
Accredited by CACREP, our program at Grand View stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation in mental health education. Join us in our mission to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and communities through advanced mental health counseling.
The Department of Counselor Education Programs at Grand View University is committed to fostering a supportive environment, where every student can engage in the most rewarding work of their career. Our curriculum includes a wide range of perspectives and prioritizes multicultural competence, addressing social justice and issues facing underrepresented groups. Additionally, we engage with a wide range of communities and organizations to enrich our academic programs and provide practical experiences. Each new student brings a unique perspective, enhancing our program and helping to enhance the counseling profession.
Grand View's CMHC program achieved a 100% licensure exam pass rate during the 2023 fall semester!
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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: Engage in our 60-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.
- Early Licensure Preparation: Sit for licensing exams early with a curriculum that meets the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards.
- Local Internships: Complete your internships and practicums in your geographical area, integrating learning with your community.
- CADC Readiness: Meet Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor educational requirements as part of your program.
- A Commitment to Flexibility and Support: Recognizing the varied 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
Many of our courses include interaction assignments that require students to connect with each other via Zoom and record discussions about course material. Additionally, students would need to participate in faculty supervision for Practicum, Internship 1, and Internship 2. These supervision sessions are scheduled at specific times. While this program meets primarily online, the program requires that all students attend a 4.5-day on-campus Residency.
| Admission and Program Requirements |
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling certificate is competitive and not guaranteed by meeting the minimum requirements. We encourage you to apply several months in advance of your anticipated start date due to this program being routinely filled to capacity. Applications received after enrollment is full will be waitlisted until openings are available.
Minimum Eligibility:
- A baccalaureate degree or a completion plan meeting the program's requirements.
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater, or a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
- Completion of the application for admission.
Submit the following:
- Two references (academic or professional) who must complete an online recommendation form.
- Professional resume or cv.
- Unofficial or official transcript from the institution granting your baccalaureate degree.
- Writing Sample: Submit a sample that demonstrates your writing ability and proficiency with APA citations. This sample does not need to be newly written for the application.
- Dedication to Counseling Video: Submit a video (no longer than 7 minutes) addressing the following:
- What motivates your interest in this program?
- What are your career aspirations?
- How do your skills and experiences contribute to the counseling profession?
- How do you approach and overcome personal biases when working with diverse backgrounds?
Video Submission Guidelines:
- One video submission per applicant.
- Upload your video directly through our application portal or email it via WeTransfer as an MP4 file to admissions@grandview.edu.
- If using WeTransfer, create a free account and follow the instructions for uploading. Detailed instructions and support for video submissions are available here.
- Title your video with your full name and include it in the subject line of your email to ensure proper application processing.
Program Requirements (Post-Acceptance)
The following requirements will be met after acceptance but prior to the start of classes:
- 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.
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| Instructional Methods |
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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.
While this program meets primarily online, there will be times when students need to come to campus. The program requires that all students attend a 4.5-day on-campus Residency.
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Mission Statement
The Grand View University Masters of Science (MS) in CMHC Program aims to develop ethically sound, research-informed, developmentally competent, and culturally aware licensed mental health professionals (sometimes referred to as LMHC’s). Graduates will be prepared for lifelong learning and employment to diagnose and treat mental health disorders in various public and private practice settings.
Student Testimonial
"I'm being fully engaged with materials I care deeply about and getting attentive guidance from professors who want me to succeed.
I've been able to complete my degree from home amidst the pandemic, and the staff has done an excellent job creating a program that works just as well online as it would have in person.
The program's done wonders in boosting my confidence and readiness for working as a helping professional full-time."
- Olivia Sullivan