Mental Health Counseling (MS)

“… Empower[s] diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.” (ACA, 2010)

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Students listening to a class lecture

What You’ll Learn

Mental health counseling is a growing specialty in the U.S. Our program helps you master skills in counseling theory, diagnostic and other assessment procedures, treatment planning, inter-professional collaboration, crisis intervention, client advocacy, education and training, and case management. You can also apply to become a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee.

Curriculum

In addition to completing the eight core courses in this CACREP-accredited program, you’ll complete course work in using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), counseling in mental health settings, and supervision of counseling. Two semesters of internship in a mental health agency prepare you for practice as a professional counselor upon graduation.

Curriculum & Learning Outcomes

Research

Help others while preparing for your career. Student-led research is a great opportunity to apply your studies, help address real-life issues, and focus your professional goals.

Our students study the efficacy of individual and group counseling approaches and programs designed to support clients’ holistic growth. They present research at local, regional, and national conferences, and many have received awards for their presentations. Several students have also had research published in professional counseling journals.

Explore Our Research Projects

  • Application Process

    All applicants must complete the multi-step process managed by the Center for Graduate Studies.

    1. Determine your applicant type
    2. Submit application
    3. Request all official transcripts
    4. Review and submit required application materials through the Application Status Portal
    5. International applicants must also submit international materials

  • Deadlines

    Fall Semester: April 15
    Spring Semester: November 15
    Summer Semester: April 15

    Complete applications received after the published deadline are welcome and will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

    Apply Now

  • Career Outlook

    Graduates are eligible to take the New York State exam for becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. A license allows you to work in certified New York State Office of Mental Health clinics, Personal Recovery Oriented Services, inpatient, and other programs. It also creates access to most managed care provider panels and authorizes you to conduct your own private counseling practice.

    Professional counselors are joining the ranks of providers in Veteran’s Administration settings, are included under Tricare coverage, and are being admitted onto national and local managed care panels. Professional counselors also work with people facing serious mental illness as well as chemical and other addictions. Counselors are expanding their practice with veterans and their families, federal employees, and a range of human needs presented by individuals and families with insurance coverage.

  • Financing Your Education

    Learn more about scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships.

    Learn More

What’s Next?

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Program Contact

Summer Reiner, PhD
(585) 395-5497

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Start Your Application

Complete our multi-part application with the Center for Graduate Studies.

Apply Now
Creative Approaches to Study

I like working individually with people to get to know them and build positive relationships. I am really interested in creative arts therapy. At some point in my career, I want to be able to explore and incorporate other mediums to assist the therapeutic process and compliment talk therapy. In addition, I love animals and would also like to explore animal-assisted therapy. Christine Wilson ’17