The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) This program uses traditional classroom teaching methods, role play and clinical experiences, online and written assignments, and testing as some of the methods of instruction. Students are required to practice counseling at the Family Life Center, a department run clinic, and in community settings. Students are required to pass a comprehensive examination as part of this degree program.

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Plan
For additional information about degree candidacy, comprehensive exams or thesis requirements, contact Melanie Harper, Program Director, at mharper@stmarytx.edu.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program meets the education requirements for licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Upon graduation, students are prepared to work in institutions and agencies offering counseling services, including alcohol and drug treatment facilities, social service agencies and hospitals. After the post graduation supervised experience required for full licensure, many graduates pursue private practice. Some graduates continue their education by enrolling in a doctoral program that prepares them to train and supervise counselors.

Clinical mental health counselors have the ability to implement education, preventive and remedial programs.

The academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor in the state of Texas can be met by completion of the program. Students desiring licensure in another state should ask the graduate program director to design their degree plan to ensure that they meet the academic requirements for licensure in that state.