Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration (M.A.)

Coordinator: Matthew Shurts
Office: University Hall, Room 3230
Phone Number: (973) 655-7190
Email: shurtsm@mail.montclair.edu

Counselors work in multiple community based settings, including clinical mental health facilities, hospitals, community service agencies and private practice. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides the necessary coursework to prepare counselors to work in these settings with a diverse population. Our graduates work in the settings listed above and with special issues including family and couples work, eating disorders, mental health transition, and other related issues of developmental challenges. 

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is CACREP accredited as a Community Counseling program under the 2001 standards (www.cacrep.org).  The faculty intend to submit application in the 2014-2015 academic year for the program to be accredited under the 2009 standards under CACREP's transition policy.  CACREP accreditation for  Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs is critical for graduates to have eligibility to work as counselors in the Veterans Administration through Tricare.

Courses in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meet the academic requirements for initial counselor licensure (Licensed Associate Counselor, LAC) and eventually towards an independent license (Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC).  Faculty assist students with the application for licensure upon completion of the degree (http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/).  The program consists of 60 credit hours, including 3 semesters of fieldwork.  Full-time and part-time study are available for students, with most courses offered in the evenings and other arrangements to accommodate work schedules.  Please note that students must have flexibility to complete fieldwork experiences at an approved site during the latter portion of their time in the program.  Full-time students can generally complete the 60 credit hour program in 2 1/2 to 3 calendar years.  Many core courses are offered in the summer session to facilitate timely completion of the degree.

Program Requirements