Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Transform your career with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling
Continue your journey of compassion, growth, and service with a fully online master’s in clinical mental health counseling, designed to prepare you for meaningful work supporting individuals, families, and communities. If you feel called to promote emotional well-being and make a lasting impact, this program helps turn that calling into a career.
At Malone, we recognize that no two paths are the same. Our flexible, rigorous curriculum—offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats—combines engaging coursework with hands-on practicum and internship experiences. The program can be completed in two to three years, depending on your pace.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional seeking advancement or change, you’ll find the support you need to thrive. You’ll graduate equipped with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to pursue licensure, including preparation for the National Counselor Licensure Examination, and step confidently into a life of purpose and service.
Join Our Contact List
Format
Fully Online
Program Length
2-3.5 Years
60 Credits
Next Start
Every 8 Weeks
Tuition
$750/Credit Hour
CACREP accreditation for Malone’s master’s in clinical mental health counseling:
Caring for God’s image bearers
Malone’s master’s degree program in counseling is proudly accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This prestigious accreditation sets our program apart, ensuring you receive a quality education that meets rigorous standards recognized by employers nationwide. With CACREP accreditation, you can trust that you’re investing in a program that prioritizes excellence in counseling education.
Counseling Clinical Experience
Malone’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which includes nine (9) semester hours of clinical experience, can connect you with working professionals and reputable organizations throughout our region and beyond.
Some sites where our students have completed internships include:
- CommQuest
- Wellness Grove
- Encompass Counseling
- Christian Children’s Home of Ohio
- Child Guidance and Family Solutions
- OhioGuidestone
- The Centers
- Phoenix Rising
- Coleman Behavioral Health
- R&R Counseling Center
- AZO
- The Wellife
- Malone University Counseling Center
“Malone University played a significant role in shaping both the clinician I am today and the direction my career has taken in the clinical counseling field. During my time in the program, I gained invaluable knowledge from the program leaders, professors and advisors who were deeply invested in student success. Their genuine care and support made a lasting impact on my experience. In addition to developing strong clinical and leadership skills, I cultivated a deep appreciation for the importance of community and compassion, values that have continued to guide my professional growth and that I continue to carry with me today.
I began my journey at CommQuest as an intern from Malone about 12 years ago and went on to work as an outpatient counselor then clinical director. Today, I serve as the Senior Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services. It has been especially meaningful to now clinically supervise and welcome interns from my alma mater. I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge, relationships, and personal growth that Malone University helped foster.”
Kylee Crislip ’16
Program Distinctives
Flexible program options to suit your lifestyle
Balancing life, career, and education is challenging, especially with a busy schedule or family. That’s why we offer multiple start dates and flexible learning formats—synchronous, asynchronous, or both—to fit your lifestyle.
Practical experience that bridges theory and practice
Theory meets practice in our hands-on practicum and internship opportunities, spread over three semesters. Our experienced faculty work alongside students to secure meaningful placements where you can apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios.
Dual-program option for Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling expands your career opportunities
Want to give your resume an extra boost? Consider our dual program, combining a masters in clinical mental health counseling with school counseling. This unique offering provides you with the flexibility to pursue diverse career paths and expand your influence.
Preparation for the National Counselor Exam
The master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Malone prepares graduates for professional licensure in the state of Ohio. The curriculum aligns with the academic requirements established by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and, with additional post-graduate supervision and experience, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Graduates are eligible to sit for the required national licensing examination, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE), as part of the licensure process in Ohio. Program coursework, practicum, and internship experiences are structured to support readiness for professional counseling roles in clinical and community settings.
Licensure and certification requirements vary by state. For additional information about how this program aligns with licensure requirements in Ohio and other states, please review Malone’s Professional Licensure Disclosure page and consult the appropriate licensing board in your intended state of practice.
Selected courses in this program
- COUN 622 – Assessment in Counseling
- COUN 626 – Diagnosis of Mental Disorders
- COUN 628 – Treatment Methods in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- COUN 634 – Marriage and Family Counseling
- COUN 641 – Addictions Counseling
- COUN 682 – Abnormal Psychology
- COUN 688 – Management and Advocacy in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Faith Integration
Our counseling programs integrate therapeutic practices with biblical principles, emphasizing the importance of empathy, respect, and unconditional love for the care of others. We teach our students to walk alongside clients in their struggles, offering hope and healing through Christ-centered care while maintaining professional competence and ethical integrity. Our counselors are trained to offer a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and a gentle presence in times of crisis, reflecting Christ’s love for clients in vulnerable situations.
Application Process and Deadlines
Malone University practices rolling admissions, reviewing applications as they arrive and making decisions continuously. Deadlines ensure you have ample time to apply before the next start date. If you miss a deadline, contact admissions for options. To meet a deadline, all required materials—such as transcripts, recommendations, and resumes—must be submitted.
Apply to Malone’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of those seeking healing and support?
Apply to Malone today and receive the training and guidance you need to become a compassionate, competent, and faith-driven counselor.