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Learn more about the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program:
Get an overview of our curriculum, faculty, admission requirements, and career opportunities.
Increased awareness and destigmatization of mental illness have created a greater demand for licensed mental health professionals. If you already work in mental health or a related field and wish to become a clinical mental health counselor, our Master of Science program offers a clear path to licensure—and a strong return on investment.
Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) work in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and schools. They may serve in roles such as:
Understand admissions requirements, the courses you’ll take, and the concepts you’ll gain mastery of. Get all the detailed information you’re looking for.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2033, which means that our courses meet the rigorous training standards set by the counseling profession. Our program is the first CACREP accredited program in RI and 1 of only 15 in New England.
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Our faculty are accessible, supportive, and engaged - leveraging a student-centered teaching philosophy. As licensed and seasoned practitioners, they represent diverse areas of clinical expertise and real-world experience. Active locally and nationally in professional advocacy, our faculty are noted for their scholarship in Counseling and Psychology, with numerous publications, presentations, and external funding awards.
"I chose this program because of the breadth of faculty backgrounds and their diverse orientations towards practice. I am glad that I did because the range of perspectives helped me to develop confidence in my own professional identity towards counseling practice."
“At RIC, our programs are high quality, accessible and affordable for students.â€
The deadline to submit a complete application packet is February 1. Materials must be postmarked by Feb. 1 to be reviewed. If materials are late, your application packet may be considered in the next cycle (the following year).
To be considered for admission, provide the following by February 1:
Please Note: Applicants must not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create, edit, or generate any portion of their application materials. Standardized test scores are not required.
To equip students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with the knowledge and skills to become ethical and effective counselors in a complex society with diverse populations.
To provide an active and inclusive learning environment where students engage in activities, learning, and development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions of a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
To prepare students with the professional dispositions of a) ethical attitudes and behavior; b) multicultural competencies, c) personal and professional growth, d) healthy interpersonal relationships, and collaboration, and e) openness to feedback, and f) self-care.
To recruit, support, and retain counseling students from diverse backgrounds.
To provide counseling training that is grounded in the latest knowledge in the field and is responsive to current and changing needs of the communities we serve, including attending to the intersecting identities of our clients/students within a multicultural and social justice framework.
Programs within the Department of Counseling, Educational Leadership, and School Psychology prepare graduate students to be Licensed Mental Health Counselors and School Psychologists.