Southern New Hampshire University has launched a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offered primarily online, with the addition of a robust practicum, internship program, and two week-long residencies. The program aligns with the university’s mission to transform lives, according to Dr. Marc Wilson, executive director of the new program.
Unique Admissions and Program Structure
Admission to SNHU’s clinical mental health program differs from typical online programs. Beyond grade point average and prerequisite credits, applicants must submit a personal statement addressing four specific questions about their motivation to become a mental health counselor, academic or life experiences that have prepared them for graduate-level courses, examples of overcoming struggles to form relationships with someone, and examples of their ability to work with people of different backgrounds. Prospective students must also submit two letters of recommendation describing their personal qualities as an effective counselor. According to Dr. Stacee Reicherzer, associate dean of the program, field experience is particularly important because “it’s the place where students can really begin seeing the impact of their own work.”
Curriculum and Accreditation Standards
The curriculum was built on standards from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), though the program will be several years away from formal CACREP accreditation. According to Dr. Franc Hudspeth, associate dean of counseling programs, “this is built from the accreditation standards up.” The program covers professional orientation and ethics, helping skills, career counseling, human development, assessment, research, and theory. It is aligned with more than 40 state-specific standards, preparing students to begin logging the 2,000-3,000 hours of post-graduate hours required for licensure immediately after graduation.
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 199,200 licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists in 2016, with an expected increase of 46,200 jobs—approximately 23%—by 2026. The BLS also projects a 23% expansion in substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors by 2024.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/social-sciences/snhu-counseling-program