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.  

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.

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:

• Personal Statement and Essay for following prompts:
  
  The following essays should be typed and double-spaced.
  
  Part I: Autobiographical Essay (750 words or less)
  
  Describe your motivation and commitment to the counseling program at Grand View University. Include specific assets that you would bring to the University and the profession, as well as areas in which you would most like to grow academically and professionally. Identify your short and long term goals as a professional counselor.
  
  Part II: Personal Reflection Essay (500 words or less)
  
  The Professional Code of Ethics requires that counselors do not condone or engage in discrimination against individuals based on age, disability, ethnicity, race, religion, spirituality, gender, socio-economic, etc. Furthermore, counselors are aware of—and avoid imposing—their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. With these ethical expectations in mind, how will you begin the process of reflecting on and addressing any personal attitudes, beliefs, assumptions, or feelings that may prevent you from working with a client who has a different identity or a social status than your own?
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (either academic or professional).
• Professional Resume.
• Transcript from Baccalaureate granting institution.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements will be met after acceptance but prior to the start of classes:

• American Counseling Association (ACA) Student Membership and Professional Liability Coverage (students will be instructed on how to purchase easily and affordably before starting their clinical coursework).

• A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $125.00 will be required following acceptance to hold a student’s position in the class and will be applied to the first semester charges after the first week of the term when enrollment has been verified.
  

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.

*Elective: Students must complete 2 of the 3 elective courses in order to fulfill the 60 credit hour program requirement.

**This course houses the residency component of the program (4.5 days)