Advanced Certificate - Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Bridge Program)

The Advanced Certificate/Bridge program in clinical mental health counseling will satisfy New York State’s regulations for licensure and will prepare students to take the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination for licensure in New York state.

• The change in the licensure laws for mental health practitioners resulted in many certified and non-certified masters-level clinicians (i.e. CASAC, NCC, CRC, school counselors) who need to pursue a course of continued study that will lead to eligibility to sit for NYS licensure.
• The Advanced Certificate in clinical mental health counseling is designed to provide advanced courses and clinical experiences in clinical mental health counseling that will meet New York state educational requirements.
• All Advanced Certificate/Bridge program applicants will take a minimum of 15 credit hours.
• Depending on courses completed toward a master’s degree, some applicants may be required to take additional courses due to the curriculum of their previous master’s in order to meet New York state licensure requirements.
• State counselor licensure is New York is called licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). The courses offered have been approved by the New York Department of Education as the Niagara University bridge program.

Canadian Students

The Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association and/or the Ontario College of Psychotherapy evaluate and approve certification; please check with these agencies regarding certification requirements. Niagara University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104).

• CAS Bridge Program Courses Checklist
• CMHC Handbook
• Site Supervisors