For Innovative and Dedicated Counselors

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)

Train for careers in counseling and mental health services.

CACREP Accredited

Accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Clinical Experience

Gain 700 hours of clinical experience to prepare you for professional practice.

Cohort Model

Enjoy collaborative learning as you progress with a consistent group.

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)

At the University of Lynchburg, we equip our students for a successful career in clinical mental health counseling. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, offering an all-encompassing understanding of counseling principles.

You’ll learn evidence-based counseling theories and practices, acquiring the knowledge and practical skills necessary for trauma-informed counseling, substance use counseling, marriage and family therapy, and other areas. Then build on that expertise by working with diverse clientele, ensuring sensitivity and cultural competence across different identities, life stages, and backgrounds.

Through our comprehensive program, you’ll comprehend the legal and ethical dimensions of counseling practice and form a robust professional identity.

Throughout the program, you’ll have hands-on, active experiences. You’ll apply theories and techniques in real-world situations through practicum experiences, bolstering your clinical skills and professional competence.

Our counseling degree goes beyond pathology, emphasizing optimal development and wellness throughout the lifespan. As a Lynchburg student, you’ll also explore various specialized areas, such as sexuality in counseling and cross-cultural counseling, furthering your professional interests.

Why Choose the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Lynchburg?

Our program, designed by experienced counselors for aspiring mental health professionals, combines the strength of real-world clinical experience with academic rigor and innovation. By choosing Lynchburg’s master’s degree in counselor education, you’re diving into a transformative educational environment with seasoned faculty, rooted in a student-centered approach, and informed by the most current research and therapeutic practices.

Distinctive Features of Lynchburg's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Transform your passion into professional expertise with our comprehensive and hands-on clinical mental health counseling program.

Robust Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to ensure you have a strong foundation in the field of mental health counseling. From basic counseling theories to specialized areas such as LGBTQ+ considerations and trauma-informed counseling, you’re equipped with a comprehensive knowledge base that will serve you in any clinical setting.

Professional Identity and Ethical Practice

We prioritize the development of your professional identity as a counselor. Our rigorous courses on ethics and the professional role of counselors help shape you into a responsible practitioner, ready to face the complex ethical dilemmas of the profession.

Emphasis on Multicultural Competence

Our program is committed to diversity and multicultural competence. We provide students with the tools they need to understand and meet the unique needs of diverse populations, ensuring you can provide culturally sensitive and competent care.

Specialized Focus Areas

Specialized courses in:
- Trauma-informed counseling
- Substance use
- LGBTQ+ considerations
- Nature-based counseling

Research and Evidence-based Practice

The integration of research and practice is a key pillar of our program. We encourage students to understand and engage in research and ensure they can critically evaluate and apply research findings in their practice.

Promoting Wellness and Resilience

We view mental health counseling through a wellness and resilience perspective. Our coursework enables you to not only help your clients manage mental health challenges but thrive despite them.

Eligible as Licensed Professional Counselors in Virginia

Graduates of the University of Lynchburg’s clinical mental health counseling program meet the educational requirements for licensure as a LPC in Virginia. This means that upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for LPC residency in Virginia. Having this license opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates and helps them establish themselves as qualified and competent professionals.

Clinical Experience

Our program offers a range of specialized courses that allow you to delve into specific areas of interest. With topics like adventure-based counseling and sexuality in counseling, you have the opportunity to tailor your learning to your professional interests and career goals.

Small By Design

Small classes, by design, provide a personalized and supportive learning environment in the University of Lynchburg’s clinical mental health counseling program. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive individualized attention and guidance from experienced faculty members, resulting in an engaging, interactive learning experience. This approach helps students develop meaningful connections with faculty and peers and fosters a sense of community within the program.

Experientially-based Education

At Lynchburg, we believe in learning by doing. Our counseling practicum and internships offer you invaluable hands-on experience in real-world counseling settings, reinforcing the skills and knowledge you gain in the classroom.

Vital Statistics and Outcomes

Counselor Education Mission Statement

The students and faculty of the Counselor Education Program at the University of Lynchburg are a diverse community of learners deeply committed to creating a positive impact on the communities where we work and live. We prepare professional counselors to be independent and curious learners, culturally-responsive and self-reflective practitioners, and highly ethical professionals. In support of the evolving needs of the diverse clientele counselors serve, the Counselor Education Program emphasizes training innovative counselors who can maintain a clear professional identity while working collaboratively in settings where counseling is an integral aspect of interdisciplinary missions.

Curriculum and Resources

2024-25 Academic Year Information

The curriculum is designed to include all content areas and clinical experiences required for initial licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure upon conferral of their degree.

Required Courses (51 hours):

Electives (9 hours):

Total Hours Required: 60

A full-time supervised counseling experience totaling a minimum of 600 hours in a clinical mental health agency setting.

Program-specific Resources

Counselor Education Student Handbook

Academic Resources

Additional Resources

Apply to Lynchburg’s counseling graduate program

The admissions process for the clinical mental health counseling graduate degree is designed to evaluate your preparedness for the rigors of graduate study and your potential to contribute to the field of counseling.

Application Deadlines

Summer: May 1
Fall: July 31
Spring: Nov. 30

How to apply

Complete the online application. This is your first step toward becoming a student at the University of Lynchburg.
Submit your official transcripts. We require an official transcript from the college or university where your bachelor’s degree was awarded.
Submit an essay. This essay gives us insight into your motivation for pursuing a career in clinical mental health counseling.
Submit two letters of recommendation. Ideally, these should come from individuals who can speak to your potential as a counselor.
Attend a personal interview. Once we have received all of your application materials, you will be invited to an interview. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your educational and career goals with us.