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This 60-credit CACREP Accredited, three year full-time (or four year part-time) graduate program is offered primarily online and consists of common core courses related to professional orientation, human development, counseling, assessment, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and research. Students may choose from specializations such as counseling military/veterans and their families, counseling children and adolescents, or a general clinical mental health counseling. Within the common core curriculum is a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship requirement that is conducted in the student's local area with face-to-face supervision in a site approved by the university faculty.

Cohort Model

The CMHC program uses a cohort model to help establish a learning community amongst the students. The CMHC program will accept a maximum of 25 students for each fall, spring, and summer semester. Students can choose to enter the full-time (three courses each semester including summers) or part-time cohort (two courses each semester including summers).

While students can change from part-time to full-time status or vice versa, classes are not offered every semester; therefore, changing the status may impact the student’s program of study. If there is any doubt that the full-time cohort may be too much given a student’s additional personal and professional responsibilities, it is highly recommended that the student enters the part-time cohort in order to be successful in the program, maintain other personal and professional responsibilities, and attend to one’s own self-care needs.

The program runs on semesters: fall and spring semesters are 16 weeks and summer semesters are broken into 6 weeks or 12 weeks.

Minimum Program Requirements

Students must successfully complete and earn a minimum overall 3.0 GPA in 60 credits of coursework to include: a 100 hour practicum and 600 hours of internship. Students must meet clinical skill and disposition competencies as evaluated by program faculty throughout the curriculum. Site supervisors must also provide positive feedback that students are meeting expectations in clinical skills and disposition competencies while in their practicum and internship. Finally, all students will be required to take a comprehensive final exam during their practicum.

Coursework

Shared Core

For full descriptions of the courses listed below, visit our course descriptions website.
If you are interested in reviewing a recent syllabus, please contact the program director directly.

• CMHC505: Clinical Mental Health Counseling as a Profession
• CMHC510: Counseling Theories
• CMHC515: Assessment in Mental Health Counseling
• CMHC520: Lifespan Development Implications for Counseling
• CMHC525: Skills and Techniques in Mental Health Counseling
• CMHC530: Research and Evaluation in Counseling
• CMHC535: Multicultural Counseling
• CMHC540: Career Development in Counseling
• CMHC545: Addiction Counseling
• CMHC550: Psychopathology & Differential Diagnosis
• CMHC555: Advanced Skills in Mental Health Counseling
• CMHC560: Family and Couples Therapy
• CMHC565: Group Skills in Mental Health Counseling
• CMHC570: Trauma and Crisis Counseling
• CMHC585: Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling
• CMHC590: Practicum in Mental Health Counseling
• CMHC591: Internship I in Mental Health Counseling (Part-Time Internship - 3 credits)
• CMHC592: Internship II in Mental Health Counseling (Full-Time Internship - 6 credits)

Counseling Military Veterans and Their Families

Courses include:

• CMHC575: Counseling Military Veterans (offered every summer)
• CMHC580: Reintegration and Recovery for Veterans and their Families (offered every summer)
   

Counseling Children and Adolescents

Courses include:

• CMHC562: Child and Adolescent Counseling (offered every summer )
• CMHC564: Creative Therapies for Children and Adolescents (offered every summer)

Generalized Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Courses include:

• One course from Military/Veteran Specialization
• One course from Children/Adolescent Specialization

The CMHC Program offers 4 post-baccalaureate certificate programs in:

• Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care (FTRC)
• Trauma-Informed Counseling (TRIC)
• Military Resilience and Trauma Counseling (MRTC)
• Telemental Health Counseling (TELC)

The courses to complete these certificates are mostly offered in the Summer and Winter semesters (please see the example degree maps for further information). The purpose of these certificates is to offer those who have obtained a bachelors degree and would like to further their education in a specific area to advance in their current career. These certificates are for those already in the mental health or related fields and would like to receive focused training.

• Who Qualifies: Any individual with an earned bachelors degree in the mental health or other related field degree in the mental health or other related field, with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care Certificate (6 Credits)

The purpose of the Foundations of Trauma-informed Care Certificate Program is to provide an introduction to trauma-informed care for professionals in the field of human services to include all first responders, educators, physical and mental health care personnel, criminal justice personnel, etc. The program will include: a history on trauma-informed care, trauma and crisis counseling, and self-care for professionals working with trauma.

• CMHC571 Foundations in Trauma-informed Care
• CMHC572 Grief & Loss Counseling

Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate (12 Credits)

The purpose of the Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate Program is to expand mental health professionals’ knowledge and training with clients to include children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced a significant loss or trauma. The program will include: a history on trauma-informed care to include grief and loss issues, assessments, diagnoses, evidence-based treatment strategies for trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and self-care for mental health professionals working with trauma.

• CMHC570 Trauma and Crisis Counseling
• CMHC571 Foundations in Trauma-informed Care
• CMHC572 Grief & Loss Counseling
• CMHC573 Advanced Interventions in Trauma-informed Counseling

Military Resilience and Trauma Counseling Certificate (9 Credits)

The purpose of the Military Resilience and Trauma Certificate Program is to expand professionals’ knowledge and training to work with military clients and their families. This program will focus on both the resilience and trauma that military families experience.

• CMHC570: Trauma & Crisis Counseling
• CMHC575: Issues Facing Military Veterans
• CMHC580: Reintegration and Recovery for Veterans and their Families

Telemental Health Counseling Certificate (3 Credits)

he purpose of the Telemental Health Counseling Certificate program is to provide mental health practitioners the knowledge to competently and ethically provide services using technology.

• CMHC556 Telemental Health

Online Digital Synchronous Learning Delivery

Program delivery will consist of asynchronous and synchronous learning.

Asynchronous learning will require students to complete activities and assignments on their own time within pre-determined deadlines. Asynchronous learning may include, but is not limited to, any of the following activities: reading, pre-recorded mini-lectures and/or videos, threaded discussions, research papers, reflection papers, group activities outside of the classroom, quizzes, and/or exams. Asynchronous delivery utilizes the Desire2Learn Brightspace learning management system and the SonicFoundry Mediasite media delivery platform.

Synchronous learning will require students to meet simultaneously in real-time with the instructor and their peers. Synchronous learning may include, but is not limited to, any of the following activities: class discussions, skills practice, engagement in a processing group, group supervision, and guest presentations. Content courses meet every other week and skills courses meet weekly. Synchronous classes are held between 5:00-6:30pm EST or 7:00-8:30pm EST on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Synchronous delivery utilizes the Zoom platform and may utilize either or both the Zoom desktop or mobile applications or purpose-built Zoom classrooms.

This delivery model enables working adults the flexibility to progress through the program at a reasonable pace, without interrupting their career or other commitments. The delivery methods are designed to maintain a personal, one-to-one mentoring and supervision relationship with degree candidates and make it possible to create active and engaged learning communities.

Some requirements to participate effectively in our online program through Desire2Learn include:

• Integrated Webcam and Audio System
• Updated version of Java Script
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Incoming Cohorts: The Spring 2026 application is now available online! The Spring 2026 application deadline is November 1. Fall 2026 application will open December 15 and will have a deadline of March 1. Applications will be processed in the order they are completed. 

To complete the application process, students must submit: 

2. Official college transcripts with a confirmed degree awarded (3.0+ GPA)
   *The CMHC program welcomes students with any undergraduate degree.
3. Current Resume or CV
4. Three References. These individuals must be professional; therefore, they cannot be a family, friend, or personal therapist.
   • Names, phone numbers, and emails will be provided within the application. References will receive an email directly from the university to complete a survey regarding the applicant.
5. Statement of professional goals. Applicants will complete the Professional Statement Form, which will address the following: Career Goals, Aptitude for Success in Online Learning, and Influential Counseling Factors.
   • The form will be available to be completed in your portal after the application is submitted.
6. Successful completion of a faculty interview.

Transfer Students

The CMHC program welcomes students interested in transferring. Students can transfer up to 12 credits (4 courses) into the program. Transfer courses must have: 1. earned a B or higher; 2. core courses must be from a CACREP accredited program; and 3. taken within the past three years from beginning the program. Eligible courses for transfer will be formally reviewed by faculty prior to approval.

Matriculation Requirements

If admitted to the program, students have two (2) weeks from the date of the offer to accept their seat.

During the application process, applicants will enter the name and email of their references. References will receive an email from Commonwealth University to upload a recommendation letter via a secure link.

Non-Degree/Visiting Students (Non-Matriculated Students)

Prior to submitting an application, applicants should request a meeting with the Program Director to discuss which courses they are interested in and to understand the process.  This is an important step due to accreditation requirements to ensure there are open seats for the non-matriculated student.  Potential applicants should meet with the program director as early as possible to ensure proper planning. You can request a meeting at .

Please Note: Non-matriculated students can only be registered for a course after all matriculated students have registered for courses.  

Prior to submitting an application, applicants should request a meeting with the Program Director to discuss which certificate(s) they are interested in and to gain an understanding of their course of study given the chosen certificate. This is an important step due to courses for the certificate programs being offered during certain semesters. You can request a meeting at .

To complete the application process, students must submit:

2. Official college transcripts with a confirmed degree awarded (3.0+ GPA)
3. One reference. These individuals must be professional; therefore, they cannot be a family, friend, or personal therapist.
   • Names, phone numbers, and emails will be provided within the application. References will receive an email directly from the university to complete a survey regarding the applicant.
4. Statement of professional goals. Applicants will complete the Professional Statement Form, which will address the following: Career Goals, Aptitude for Success in Online Learning, and Influential Counseling Factors.
   • The form will be available to be completed in your portal after the application is submitted.

• Professionalism - Graduates will demonstrate: (a) knowledge of the mental health counseling field’s history and development, (b) commitment to the counseling professional identity through active membership and participation in professional organizations as well as maintaining ethical, legal, and professional behavior according to the current edition of the ACA Code of Ethics, and (c) a commitment to their own self-care and wellness.
• Assessment & Treatment Planning - Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and practices to competently complete assessments, case conceptualizations, diagnoses (using both the DSM-5TR and the ICD-10), and treatment plans across the lifespan.
• Counseling, Prevention, & Intervention - Graduates will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and practices of effective culturally appropriate individual, group, couples, and family counseling skills.
• Diversity and Advocacy - Graduates will respect and value the dignity of people across all cultural contexts. They will demonstrate knowledge, skills and practices to competently advocate for clients and the profession as well as understand how to influence policy to enhance the professional practice of counseling including prevention of mental and emotional disorders.
• Scholarship - Graduates will demonstrate current knowledge, skills, and use relevant research findings to critically evaluate programs and inform practice.

• Outcome 1: Professional identity and ethical practice. Graduates will identify with the mental health counseling profession by understanding the roles and responsibilities of mental health counselors’ professional functioning as well as demonstrating ethical and legal practice and dispositions related to effective practice to include self-care, flexibility, insight, empathy, and integrity (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.1.b., 2.F.1.i., 2.F.1.l.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
• Outcome 2: Diversity and advocacy. Graduates will identify and apply cultural considerations relevant to counseling clients (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.2.a, 2.F.2.c.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
• Outcome 3: Human growth and development. Graduates will identify and apply considerations for human development to promote resilience and wellness across the lifespan (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.3.a., 2.F.3.i.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
• Outcome 4: Career Development. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to assess the implications of a client’s work environment on their life experiences as well as use theories, models, and strategies to support a client’s career development (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.4.a., 2.F.b., 2.F.4.d.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
• Outcome 5: Counseling and clinical practice. Graduates will apply theories and models of counseling through interviewing, counseling, and case conceptualization skills to develop effective treatment plans (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.a., 2.F.5.g., 2.F.5.h.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
• Outcome 6: Group counseling and effective leadership. Graduates will incorporate theoretical frameworks and factors to become effective group leaders and facilitate group counseling (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.6.a., 2.F.6.c., 2.F.6.d.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
• Outcome 7: Assessment and testing. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to assess client issues for diagnosis and treatment planning (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.7.b., 2.F.7.e.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
• Outcome 8: Research and program evaluation. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to evaluate research in order to inform practice (CACREP, 2016, 2.F.8.a., 2.F.8.b.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.
• Outcome 9: Clinical mental health counseling. Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively conceptualize, assess, diagnose, and treat clients in various settings. (CACREP, 2016, 5.C.1.c., 5.C.1.e., 5.C.2.d., 5.C.3.b.). This will be measured with a success rate of 80% over a minimum of two different points in time.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Program is consistent with the mission and strategic plans of 51ÁÔÆæ and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Through the use of synchronous and asynchronous modalities, the CMHC Program follows the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) and promotes students’ educational, professional, and personal development by supporting their overall wellness and encouraging a lifelong journey of professional learning and self-reflection.

The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). In addition, 51ÁÔÆæ is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Vital statistics are gathered each year and reported to CACREP in December. Outcomes reports are posted on the CMHC website. An overview of these statistics can be found below.

View the full 2024-2025 Annual Report

The CMHC program welcomes individuals interested in taking additional courses to apply for their state license or for continuing education. Individuals interested in doing this need to have successfully completed a Master's degree in counseling with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Those interested in the licensure track option are encouraged to apply to their state's licensing board and identify exactly what courses/requirements need to be met prior to taking additional courses. The program cannot assess transcripts and guarantee any license requirements. Practicum and internship cannot be taken within the CMHC program without students taking various courses that allow faculty to assess their clinical skills and preparation.

• Q: When can I start?
  A. Applications are accepted for the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A. Taught 100% online.
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
  A. No - the GRE is not required for admission 
• Q: How many transfer credits do you accept?
  A. 12 from a CACREP accredited program, taken within 3 years of starting the program.
• Q: Are there any on-campus visits required?
  A. No, there are not any required on-campus visits for the CMHC program.
• Q: Can I take classes as a non-degree seeking student? If so, how many credits can I take? 
  A. Yes you can take courses as a non-degree seeking student. You can take up to 4 classes (12 credits).