M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Advance your career with a fully online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling built to prepare working professionals for leadership in schools, community agencies, and health facilities.
Online &
Flexible
The Masters of Art in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at West Liberty University is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and strengthen their leadership capabilities. This academically rigorous yet accessible program builds foundational skills to prepare students for a career in a wide range of settings including schools, community services, outpatient, and inpatient facilities.
At A
Glance
Preparing students to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings through rigorous academic study and real-world experiences.
Total Credits: 60
Format: 100% Online
Completion: 2 1/2 years (full-time) if all requirements are met
Licensure: Pursue professional credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in West Virginia and other states. View Licensure Disclosure
Accreditation: The Art Therapy and Counseling department has regional accreditation through The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) which is recognized by the Council for Higher Learning Accreditation (CHEA).
Who This
Program is For
Working Professionals
Those who need a flexible, fully online format that fits full-time work schedules.
Career Changers
Individuals seeking to pivot into a therapeutic role.
Future Leaders
Preparation for roles as community leaders, advocates, educators, and/or skilled clinicians.
Diverse Backgrounds
Program cohorts come from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and work experience come from a wide range of backgrounds.
Prerequisites: An undergraduate degree, 18 credits in psychology is required for this graduate program.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program learn foundational skills in academic study and how to apply them in real-world experiences to support health and wellness and enrich the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Clinical Mental Health Counseling students educated at West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Day programs and residential care for children and adults with various abilities and disabilities
- Youth services and educational settings including school-based and after-school programs
- Crisis centers and advocacy services
- Clinical practice in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and inpatient facilities
- Criminal justice system and rehabilitation facilities
Employment in Clinical Mental Healt Counseling
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to continue to grow to +17 % from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected as people continue to seek addiction and mental health counseling services.
Median annual wage:
Substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counselors’ compensation depends highly on the work setting, credentials, experience, and location. The BLS reports the annual mean wage for the counselors as $59,190, with experienced professionals frequently earning more.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Why Earn Your
Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at WLU?
The online Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is intentionally designed for working professional and balances academic rigor, affordability, and flexibility—without sacrificing quality.
Program highlights include:
- One of the most affordable counseling programs available
- Preparing students for counseling licensure in WV and other states
- Fully online delivery with Fall and Spring start dates
- Can be completed in 21/2 years (full time) if all requirements are met
- No GMAT or GRE required
This program meets the needs of working professionals, ensuring that graduates are well prepared to enter the profession with confidence and credibility.
Tuition, Cost
& Value
Detailed tuition and cost information is available online.
Designed to be one of the most affordable counseling programs available
Compatible with employer tuition assistance programs
Program
Format
The Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is 100% virtual through synchronous zoom and online classes. This virtual format allows working professionals to further their education and professional development.
Program delivery highlights include:
- Cohort model for additional support and peer learning opportunities
- Virtual Fall residency
- No on campus requirements
- Complete in 21/2 years (full time) if all requirements are met
- Adjust pace as professional and personal needs change
- Completed practicum/internships in your home state
This structure allows students to maintain work-life balance while progressing toward their degree.
What
You’ll Learn
Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are prepared for careers in a variety of community, education, and healthcare settings, while supporting personal and professional growth and lifelong learning.
Clinical Skills
- Develop proficiency in counseling theories and techniques and apply these concepts in therapeutic practice
- Gain real-world experience through supervised practicum and internships
Professional Development
- Cultivate skills for multiple career pathways including community services, educational programs, clinical practice, and advocacy
- Preparing students for counseling licensure in West Virginia and other states
Critical Thinking & Growth
- Apply evidence-based practices and ethical decision-making
- Engage in lifelong learning and professional development
Curriculum
Overview
The 60 credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling program consists of 51-credit hours of coursework, 3-credit hours of supervised practicum, and 6-credit hours of supervised professional internship. Students may complete their practicum/internships at their place of work, with approval of the Practicum/Internship Coordinator.
- Courses are aligned to counseling licensure requirements
- Additional electives are available if needed for counseling licensure in their home state
- CACREP (counseling) education standards are integrated into courses
- Ability to slow down and adjust pace as professional and personal needs change
Counseling
Licensure
The Mental Health Counseling program prepares students for counseling licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in West Virginia and other States.
Admissions
Requirements
- Official transcripts of any bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a 3.0 GPA
- 18 credits in psychology with at least a B in each
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
- Personal statement
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Deadlines: Fall semester (July 1); Spring semester (Nov 1)
International Applicant Notice
The graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is delivered 100% online and does not qualify for F-1 visa eligibility. International applicants requiring an F-1 visa are not eligible for this program. We cannot accept international student applications for this virtual program.
Ready to Advance
Your Career
The online Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at West Liberty University fosters the development of competent, ethical professionals who think critically, utilize evidence-based practices, engage in creative problem-solving, and deliver quality services to diverse populations in a variety of settings.