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Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)

At Grand View University, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Program is designed to transform students into highly skilled professionals prepared to address the complexities of mental and emotional wellness. Our mission is to develop ethically grounded, research-informed, developmentally competent, and culturally responsive licensed mental health counselors.

The program combines primarily asynchronous online coursework with intentional opportunities for live engagement and skill development. Students participate in synchronous supervision courses and complete required residency experiences, including both in-person and virtual synchronous components, designed to strengthen clinical skills, professional identity, and collaborative learning.

Throughout the curriculum, students engage deeply with a broad range of mental health concerns, including addictions, family dynamics, trauma, stress management, and prevention-focused interventions. Emphasis is placed on assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and evidence-based practice across diverse populations.

Graduates are prepared for lifelong learning and diverse professional roles in community agencies, healthcare systems, schools, and private practice settings. The program is designed to support students pursuing licensure in Iowa as Licensed Mental Health Counselors and provides guidance for exploring licensure pathways in other states. While students are ultimately responsible for understanding and meeting the requirements of their chosen state, our faculty provide mentorship and resources to help graduates navigate these processes with confidence.

Our alumni outcomes, including strong licensure exam pass rates and positive employment trends, reflect our commitment to rigorous training, structured supervision, and meaningful professional preparation.

Grand View's CMHC program achieved a 100% licensure exam pass rate during the 2023 fall semester!

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Degree Level:

Graduate Programs

Program Type:

Major

Format:

Full Time/Part Time, Online

Program Catalog Visit Apply Contact

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 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 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'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 has done wonders in boosting my confidence and readiness for working as a helping professional full-time." - Olivia Sullivan

Program Details

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is designed to prepare ethically grounded, research-informed, developmentally competent, and culturally responsive Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs). Graduates are equipped for lifelong learning and professional practice, with the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders across diverse public and private settings.

The primary objective of the CMHC program is to prepare students for direct entry into professional counseling and counseling-related fields. The curriculum integrates rigorous academic instruction with high-impact clinical training, emphasizing the application of theory to practice through structured experiential learning.

The standard curriculum is designed as a two-year intensive program for students entering the counseling profession. All students complete a supervised Practicum and two Internship experiences to develop entry-level competence in clinical mental health counseling. These structured field placements provide progressive responsibility, supervision, and evaluation to ensure readiness for professional practice. Faculty supervision is required during the Practicum and Internships and are scheduled at specific times during those courses.

Students may be eligible to sit for relevant licensure and certification examinations, when at least 75% of their coursework has been completed, in accordance with state regulations.

Residency Requirement

Beginning Fall 2026, all students admitted to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program will be required to complete two residency experiences as part of the program’s CACREP-aligned training model. These residencies are intentionally designed to strengthen counselor professional identity, enhance clinical skill development, and foster meaningful engagement with faculty and peers through interactive learning, supervision, and collaborative practice.

The program includes one on-grounds, in-person residency and one virtual synchronous residency experience. Both residencies are integrated with asynchronous coursework to ensure continuity between foundational knowledge and applied skill development.

Residency dates and locations will be announced in advance of each academic year to allow students adequate time for planning. Students may also contact their academic advisors for additional information regarding residency expectations, scheduling, and preparation.

Course Requirements (60 credits)

Core courses (30 credits):

CMGR 500	Professional Counseling Orientation	3 credits
CMGR 505	Professional Ethics	3 credits
CMGR 510	Career Counseling	3 credits
CMGR 515	Applied Microskills	3 credits
CMGR 520	Multiculturalism in Counseling	3 credits
CMGR 535	Human Growth and Development	3 credits
CMGR 537	Counseling Theories	3 credits
CMGR 545	Assessment and Appraisal	3 credits
CMGR 555	Group Counseling	3 credits
CMGR 560	Research and Program Evaluation	3 credits

Specialty Specific Courses (24 credits):

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

Electives – take two courses (6 credits) from:

CMGR 539	Introduction to Clinical Supervision	3 credits
CMGR 575	Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy	3 credits
CMGR 580	Counseling Children and Adolescents	3 credits
CMGR 585	Introduction to Play Therapy	3 credits
CMGR 590	Introduction to Sex Therapy	3 credits

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Admission and Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling certificate is competitive and not guaranteed by meeting the minimum requirements.

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/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.
Online process to verify identity as required by federal regulations
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

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.

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.

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.

Career Opportunities

Explore these possible career options.

Program Objectives

Deliver a high-quality education that meets the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) 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.

CACREP Accreditation

Accredited by the CACREP Higher Learning Commission, 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 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.

CEP Annual CACREP Report

CACREP Vital Statistics

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.

Mission Statement

The Grand View University Masters of Science 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.