Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical mental health counselors counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, emphasizing prevention. Additionally, they help individuals deal with many mental health issues, such as addictions and substance abuse, family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Graduates prepare for licensure in Iowa as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and licensure in other states with appropriate consultation and adjustment to the curriculum.
Grand View University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program was accredited by CACREP in February 2024
The Department of Counselor Education Programs is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career. Each new student is an opportunity to bring a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our program and the counseling profession. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply.
For the 2021-22 school year, Grand View's Clinical Mental Health program (CMHC) achieved a 100% licensure exam pass rate!
Why Grand View?
- Can transfer up to 12 credit hours of equivalent graduate work from regionally accredited schools (B or better)
- Sit for licensing exams early and meets the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards
- Flexible online coursework
- Internships and practicums can be completed in a student's geographical area.
- The program meets CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) educational requirements.
VIEW COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Mission Statement |
The Grand View University Masters of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling 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.
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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 and whose work is prominent in the field.
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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Admission and Program Requirements |
Admission Requirements
Application to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admissions decisions for complete files will begin in January but will continue on a rolling basis. Any applications completed after the program is full will be placed on a waitlist until there is an opening in the class.
- A baccalaureate degree or a degree completion plan that meets the requirements of the program.
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or greater (based on all hours attempted), or a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the last 60 hours of undergraduate studies.
- Complete the application for admission.
Submit the following:
- Provide two references, academic or professional, who complete an online recommendation form
- Professional Resume
- Transcript from Baccalaureate granting institution
- Writing Sample
- Submit a previous writing sample demonstrating your writing ability and ability to use academic citations in APA format. The writing sample does not need to be a paper written specifically for your application.
- Dedication to Counseling Video
- Applicants must create a brief video, lasting no more than 7 minutes, to share their thoughts on the following questions:
- What motivates your interest in this program? What are your career aspirations? How do your unique skills and experiences contribute to the counseling profession, and how do you approach and overcome personal biases when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds?
- Click here for Video Recording Recommendations
- Applicants are allowed one recorded video submission. Applicants will be required to email video through WeTransfer file-sharing site as a MP4 file.
- If you do not already have a WeTransfer account, you will need to create a free account to submit your videos.
- If your video is stored on your computer, you can use this website: https://wetransfer.com/.If your video is stored on your cell phone you need to go to the Google Play Store or Apple Store, download the WeTransfer app, then create your account.
- WeTransfer Account users should email their recorded video to admissions@grandview.edu.
- Please title your recorded video with your full name and include your full name in the subject line. Submitting your video without your name as the title or subject line may lead to an incomplete application.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements will be met after acceptance but prior to the start of classes:
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Student Testimonials
"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
"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