Masters of Public Administration
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Publi...
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Erie, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program is housed within the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences and is dedicated to preparing ethical, competent, and culturally sensitive professional counselors who can serve individuals, families, groups, and the broader community in diverse mental health settings. The program is designed to meet the academic requirements for state licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) and for National Counselor Certification (NCC).
CACREP Accredited: Gannon University's M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program holds accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This is a highly significant accreditation for counseling programs, as it signifies that the program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, practicum and internship experiences, and program outcomes. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program enhances a graduate's portability of licensure across states and is often a prerequisite for many state professional counselor licenses and national certifications.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gannon is a 60-credit-hour program. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for professional counseling. Core coursework typically covers foundational areas such as human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, counseling theories and techniques, group counseling, career development, assessment and diagnosis, research methods, and professional orientation and ethics. A crucial component of the program involves extensive supervised clinical experience, including practicum and internship placements, where students apply their learning in real-world counseling settings under the guidance of experienced supervisors.
Research Focus: The Gannon M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program incorporates a research focus to ensure graduates are equipped with evidence-based practices and can critically evaluate professional literature. Students engage in coursework on research methods, assessment, and program evaluation, which teaches them how to understand and utilize data to inform their counseling practices. While it may not be a thesis-based program for all students, the emphasis is on being consumers of research, understanding its implications for clinical decision-making, and contributing to outcomes-based evaluations within their future practice settings. Faculty members often integrate current research findings into their teaching, providing students with up-to-date insights into the field.
Industry Engagement: Gannon University's M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program boasts strong industry engagement through its extensive network of practicum and internship sites. These partnerships include a variety of professional counseling settings such as outpatient mental health agencies, human service organizations, hospitals and clinics, college and university counseling centers, and residential treatment facilities in the Erie region and beyond. This direct engagement provides students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to work directly with diverse client populations under supervision. The program also fosters connections with mental health professionals in the community, providing networking opportunities and insights into current practices and employment trends.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Gannon University inherently fosters a global perspective by emphasizing social and cultural diversity in counseling. The curriculum aims to prepare counselors who can work effectively with individuals from various backgrounds, understanding the complexities of social and cultural contexts and their implications for the helping relationship. This includes an appreciation for diverse human experiences, backgrounds, and belief systems. While not explicitly focused on international counseling practice, the program's commitment to multicultural competence ensures that graduates are prepared to serve an increasingly diverse population in an interconnected world, promoting mental wellness across different cultural lenses.
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 16650
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Gannon University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their studies in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community, making education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Gannon University are eligible for competitive merit-based scholarships that reward strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable based on maintaining academic standards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based financial assistance may be available to international students demonstrating financial need. Applicants are encouraged to communicate their situation during the admission process for consideration.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gannon University provides a comprehensive and ethical foundation for individuals aspiring to work as professional counselors. With its CACREP accreditation, the program ensures graduates meet rigorous national standards, preparing them for licensure and a wide array of roles in a high-demand field. The program's focus on cultural sensitivity and diverse client populations further enhances a graduate's versatility.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) / Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): This is the primary and most common career path. Graduates work in various settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, private practices, and behavioral health agencies. They provide individual, group, and family therapy to address a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems.
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counselor: Specializing in addiction, these counselors work with individuals and groups struggling with substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol, opioids) or behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling). They help clients achieve sobriety, develop coping mechanisms, and rebuild their lives, often in residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, or correctional facilities.
Family and Couples Counselor: While some states have specific Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licenses, many clinical mental health counselors also work with couples and families. They address relational dynamics, communication issues, and family system challenges to improve overall family functioning and individual well-being.
Crisis Counselor: These professionals provide immediate support and intervention to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress, trauma, or crisis situations (e.g., suicide ideation, natural disasters, grief). They often work in crisis centers, emergency rooms, or specialized crisis intervention teams.
Residential Counselor: Working in residential treatment facilities, group homes, or shelters, residential counselors provide counseling and support to individuals living in a structured environment. They may work with youth, individuals with severe mental illness, or those in recovery from addiction, facilitating daily activities and providing individual or group therapy.
College/University Counselor: Many higher education institutions employ clinical mental health counselors to provide support to students dealing with academic stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, or other mental health concerns. They often offer individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops on mental well-being.
Rehabilitation Counselor: These counselors help individuals with physical, mental, emotional, or developmental disabilities to overcome barriers and live more independently. They may assist with vocational planning, skill development, and connecting clients with community resources, working in rehabilitation centers, vocational agencies, or government programs.
Trauma-Informed Counselor: With specialized training, these counselors work with individuals who have experienced trauma. They utilize therapeutic approaches to help clients process traumatic events, manage symptoms, and develop resilience, often working in specialized trauma centers or private practice.
Behavioral Health Specialist: In integrated healthcare settings, behavioral health specialists work as part of a larger healthcare team. They provide counseling and behavioral interventions to address mental health issues that may impact physical health, collaborating with primary care physicians and other medical professionals.
Private Practice Counselor: After accumulating the necessary supervised clinical hours and obtaining state licensure, many clinical mental health counselors choose to establish their own private practices. This offers autonomy in setting hours, choosing clients, and specializing in particular areas of interest.
