Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides eligibility to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State and provide license-eligibility in all 50 states and 3 territories.Â
Mental health counseling is a growing specialty in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the job outlook for Clinical Mental Health Counselors is estimated to grow 22% between 2021 to 2031. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Niagara University helps you master skills in counseling services, involving the application of principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to individuals, couples, families, and groups for the purposes of treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health.
The CACREP accredited M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for service as licensed eligible professional counselors working in public agencies, hospitals, mental health clinics, and in private counseling practice.
The 60-credit-hour program qualifies students for license eligibility in New York State Licensure – Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Individuals can also apply for national certification as a professional counselor (NCC) and as a clinical mental health counselor (CMHC). (Additional years of experience are required for the certification.)
Canadian graduates of Niagara University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program may have the opportunity to pursue registration as Registered Psychotherapists (RP) through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Please note that applications from non-recognized programs, such as the Niagara University program, are reviewed on an individual, case-by-case basis. College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario is unable to pre-assess eligibility for applicants from non-recognized programs.
With the working professional in mind, courses are offered in the early evening. Students follow a set curriculum plan, and will take courses in a variety of formats, which include on-campus, on-line and hybrid settings.
Graduate assistantships, scholarship opportunities, and over 60 different awards for well-qualified matriculated graduate students exist to make graduate school more affordable.
Award-winning faculty, and small class sizes allow for individual attention and a personal connection. Students benefit from faculty advising throughout the program.
Students must maintain a B average in course work and successfully complete a comprehensive examination and all practicum and internship placements. They must also pass all New York state certification exams.
Students will be assigned a faculty advisor upon completion of the application for admission. Students should meet with the assigned advisor prior to beginning their program of study and periodically thereafter. The advisor will assist the student in planning his/her program.
Decisions for admittance into the graduate program are based upon a comprehensive system, which includes multiple measures to assess the personal characteristics, communications and basic skills proficiency of candidates.
Yes. If you are matriculated (accepted) student you may qualify for a Stafford Student Loan, a Federal Perkins Loan, a TAP award (New York state residents) or an OSAP Loan (Canadians).
The Patrick P. Lee Scholarship for the Niagara University Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is designed for dedicated full-time graduate students enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, committed to mitigating the local mental health workforce shortage in Western New York.Â
Up to 5 scholarships totaling $30,000 each will be awarded and follow full-time graduate students through the three-year course of the program.
The Patrick P. Lee Foundation is a private family foundation committed to achieving immediate and measurable impact in the areas of Education and Mental Health. In education, the Lee Foundation supports post-secondary scholarships within mental health and other professional fields, fostering pathways to career opportunities. In the field of mental health, the foundation is steadfast in equipping the Western New York community with comprehensive mental health knowledge, embracing individuals living with mental illness, and providing access to high-quality mental health services.Â
Clinics
Healthcare
Law Enforcement
Government
Rehab Centers
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)
Vital Statistics
2022-2023 Annual Report
