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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.

Degree Level:

Graduate Programs, Certificates

Program Type:

Certificate

Format:

Full Time, Online

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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 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.

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

Career Opportunities

Explore these possible career options.

Program Details

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is intended for individuals with a master’s degree in counseling (any concentration) from a CACREP-accredited program. The certificate will allow students to meet Iowa’s Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) specialization 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.

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.
Course Requirements
CMGR 525 Crisis Intervention 3 credits
CMGR 540 Theory and Treatment of Substance Abuse 3 credits
CMGR 550 Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 3 credits
CMGR 565 Psychopathology 3 credits
CMGR 570 Psychopharmacology 3 credits
CMGR 595 Counseling Practicum 3 credits
CMGR 598 Internship I 3 credits
CMGR 599 Internship II 3 credits

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.

View Course Requirements

Have a question? I can help.

Ginger Hermon

Ginger Hermon

Title: Senior Enrollment Counselor
Dept.: Adult and Grad Programs
Office: Krumm Center 14
Phone: (515) 263-6183
Email: ghermon @ grandview.edu

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.

Did You Know?

  • Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in a given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH, 2022).
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021), the career outlook for mental health counselors is 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030.
  • With the increasing demand for treatment, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2016) reports a shortage of more than 26,000 mental health counselors by 2025.

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.

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