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Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Master of Science

Overview of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

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. 

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.

CMHC Handbook

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Why Mental Health Counseling at NU?

Flexibility

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.

Affordability

Graduate assistantships, scholarship opportunities, and over 60 different awards for well-qualified matriculated graduate students exist to make graduate school more affordable.

Quality

Award-winning faculty, and small class sizes allow for individual attention and a personal connection. Students benefit from faculty advising throughout the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patrick P. Lee Scholarship

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. 

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. 

Tomasina Cook
Niagara University’s program in mental health counseling provided me with the necessary skills, education and training to enhance my counseling techniques. This program has not only prepared me to be a mental health counselor, but also for the coursework requirements for licensure in New York state, and nationally.
Tomasina Cook

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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Core Faculty & Staff

MAIN CONTACT

Dr. Kristine M. Augustyniak

Dr. Kristine M. Augustyniak
Program Coordinator
716.286.8548

Dr. Kristine M.

Augustyniak

Professor

Phone: 716.286.8548

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Dr. Jennifer E.

Beebe

Professor

Phone: 716.286.8182

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Dr. Regine

Chung

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8695

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Tatjana

Cownie

Field Placement Coordinator

Phone: 716.286.8723

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