Program Overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares professional counselors to work in community agencies, educational settings, as well as private practice. Our faculty are committed to graduating students who have exemplary theory-based knowledge and skills in counseling and who have demonstrated aptitude in providing counseling and mental health services to people from diverse backgrounds.
Our master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is tailored for students seeking licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Texas. Individuals with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling are well-positioned to seek employment in a variety of settings including work with individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
Graduates from the CMHC program will:
- develop strong professional identities as counselors.
- establish helping relationships with diverse clients.
- understand individual and family development and transition across the life span including ways to promote optimal human development.
- demonstrate an understanding of theories and models of career development, counseling, and decision-making approaches for conceptualizing the interrelationships between work and mental well-being.
- demonstrate an understanding of the principles of group dynamics, including group process components, developmental stage theories, group members’ roles and behaviors, and therapeutic factors of group work.
- use research in the field and employ evidence-based practices in counseling interventions, assessments, and program evaluations.
- abide by relevant ethics, laws, and standards of professional practice.
- will use theories and models to guide their professional practice.
Career Opportunities
- Mental Health Agencies
- Clinics
- Career/Vocational Planning Centers
- Rehabilitation Agencies
- Long-Term Treatment Facilities
- Schools
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Hospitals
MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Application
Fall Admission: July 1
Spring Admission: November 1
Summer Admission: April 1
Program Coordinator
Dr. Samantha Airhart-Larraga
Assistant Professor
College of Education and Human Development
Room: WH-318D
Email: s.airhart-larraga@tamuct.edu
View Bio
If you are interested in the program but have plans to leave the state, please speak with the program coordinator, Dr. Samantha Airhart-Larraga, about your specific state’s licensing requirements. Many states follow similar requirements and transferring your license or license eligible degree is a possibility.
Program Accreditation
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was recently awarded national accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). As such, all of our curriculum and standards for the program are aligned with CACREP standards.
School Counselor Certification Preparation Program
For students seeking Texas school counselor certification, the following requirements must be met prior to enrollment: admission into the school counselor certification preparation program and submission of a creditable service record with at least two years of teaching experience to the school counseling program coordinator. All experience hours must be completed in a TEA-approved pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school setting (public or private). Students are required to have field experience both at the elementary and secondary levels.
If you are interested in the school counselor certification preparation program, please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Levi McClendon, at lmcclendon@tamuct.edu
School Counseling Program Application
Fall Admission: July 1
Spring Admission: November 1
Summer Admission: April 1
School Counselor Preparation Program Coordinator
If you are interested in the school counselor certification preparation program, please speak with the program coordinator, Dr. Levi McClendon.
See what's possible at A&M-Central Texas: You'll have dedicated admission, financial aid and academic advisors to help you meet your degree goals. Learn more now!
