It’s not too late!  Winter Classes Begin this Saturday, Dec. 6th!  Register Today!

View the Winter Schedule & Syllabi to choose your classes.

Program Highlights

The mission of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is to prepare competent, ethical, and culturally skilled counselors by educating students in concepts, knowledge, techniques, and skills of professional counseling.

The curriculum is comprised of sixty (60) graduate hours and includes a minimum of 300 practicum hours. 

This program can be earned 100% online with optional in-person classes. 

Career Impact

Students who complete the program meet the academic requirements for becoming Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.) in the State of Texas. 

The degree prepares graduates to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups in community, social service, religious, and private practice settings. 

No student may enroll in a practicum course without completing all other degree requirements. 

Earning Your Degree

a stolen picture of a woman smiling

Degree Plan Requirements

3hrs

Required Graduate Studies

54hrs

Major Requirements

3hrs

Counseling Elective

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (formerly M.A. Professional Counseling) is designed for persons interested in becoming Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.) in the State of Texas.  The degree prepares graduates to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups in community, social service, religious, and private practice settings.  The curriculum is comprised of sixty (60) graduate hours and includes a minimum of 300 practicum hours.  No student may enroll in a pre-practicum or practicum course without passing the CPCE exam and completing all other degree requirements.**  Students who complete the program meet the academic requirements for becoming Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.) in the State of Texas.* The mission of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health is to prepare competent, ethical, and culturally skilled counselors by educating students in concepts, knowledge, techniques, and skills of professional counseling. Graduates will demonstrate leadership and character reflective of the standards of the counseling profession.  This program can be earned 100% online with optional in-person classes. 

PLEASE NOTE: Students who complete the Amberton University Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (formerly Professional Counseling) meet the academic requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas. Students should carefully review the current state requirements for changes and updates. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors provides clear guidelines and requirements to apply for new licensure. Questions regarding licensure should be directed to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, https://www.bhec.texas.gov/index.html.

A graduate with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (formerly Professional Counseling) will be able to:

  • Analyze and apply knowledge of the functional area of counseling.
  • Implement a framework for counseling diverse client populations.
  • Demonstrate expertise and understanding of clients’ biological, psychological, and social functioning using appropriate assessment procedures.
  • Synthesize universal ethical principles to navigate complex issues with integrity.
  • Utilize research methodologies to generate insights and enhance professional practice.

* You must be a permanent resident living in the State of Texas to enroll for this degree.

RequirementsHours
I. Required Graduate Studies3 hours
RGS Theory & Application of Research Methods3 hours
II. Major Requirements54 hours
CSL6740 Counseling Ethics3 hours
CSL6780 Professional Counseling Orientation3 hours
CSL6782 Theories & Methods of Counseling3 hours
CSL6765 Crisis Counseling3 hours
CSL6801 Life Span Development3 hours
CSL6796 Adult/Geriatric Psychopathology & Treatment3 hours
CSL6803 Career Counseling & Guidance3 hours
CSL6800 Counseling Assessment Techniques3 hours
CSL6798 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology & Treatment3 hours
CSL6805 Group Counseling3 hours
CSL6825 Marriage & Family Therapy3 hours
CSL6770 Advanced Counseling Ethics3 hours
CSL6832 Multicultural Counseling3 hours
CSL6760 Addiction Counseling3 hours
CSL6830 Advanced Counseling Skills & Techniques3 hours
CSL6839 Pre-Practicum3 hours
CSL6840 Practicum I3 hours
CSL6845 Practicum II3 hours
III. Counseling Electives3 hours
Selected courses from the Counseling (CSL) department
Total60 hours

 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Handbook

Counseling Practicum Application & Agreement

Texas BHEC LPC Practicum Documentation Form

CPCE Exam Information

 

Degree Plan Requirements

3hrs

Required Graduate Studies

54hrs

Major Requirements

3hrs

Counseling Elective

**In preparation for student selection of a practicum site for the practicum field experience, counseling faculty recommend that students begin familiarizing themselves with counseling opportunities available in the mental health community early in the program. Volunteering at a community agency that provides mental health services is an excellent way to learn about services that are offered, and sometimes leads to a practicum site later when the student is ready to make a selection. All students must pass the CPCE exam before they are eligible to enroll in the Pre-Practicum course.

 

Button for AU Course Guide and Syllabi

"Going to Amberton for graduate school really does set you up for success in so many different areas of life. I don't think I would be as confident, as competent, as ready to tackle the real world. It's an amazing program."

Caroline B.

two people studying together

Master Of Arts - Professional Counseling

Estimate Your Tuition & Fees

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Estimated cost of attendance does not include tuition assistance packages, such as veterans' benefits, employer educational assistance or loans secured through private lenders. This calculator is provided as a guide only. Amounts shown are subject to change as conditions warrant.

two people typing at their laptop

View Programs and Courses

Find your program, and take a closer look at Amberton University's graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificates.

Programs and Courses
overhead view of a woman typing in her laptop

Apply Today for Free

Apply now for any of Amberton's four sessions. All courses are just 10 weeks to complete, and applications are free.

Applying to Amberton
stolen shot of a student happily studying while looking at her laptop

Get More Information

Looking for more information regarding Amberton's degree and certificate offerings, tuition and financial aid and want to speak to an advisor. Contact us today.

Contact Us