Counseling

Why ODU for Counseling?

In this master's program, you will complete core counseling courses that address professional identity, groupwork, theory, skills, social diversity, career development, assessment, and research.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration helps graduates meet the educational requirements to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Virginia.

Our faculty include multiple American Counseling Association award winners who are active in the field and their specialty organizations. With a dedicated focus on social justice and equity issues, our courses will develop your cultural awareness and advocacy skills.

The capstone experience is a three-semester, 700-hour practical requirement where you will work in the field under the supervision of a senior counselor.

This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP), www.cacrep.org.

This cohort-based program can be completed as a full-time student. When you graduate, you will earn a Master of Science in Education in counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling.

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Concentration Courses

Courses that are specific to the clinical mental health concentration include:

Substance abuse counseling
Family dynamics
Diagnosis and psychopathology
Clinical supervision

You will also learn about evidence-based practice, the role of the counselor in health care, and client- and population-centered advocacy.

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Program Information

Minimum

60 credit hours, including internship and practicum

You will take core courses in counseling as well as more specific clinical mental health coursework. This includes 700 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a senior counselor. Our faculty can help you identify field placements in your area of residence suited to your interests or career development.

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Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. Instructors may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. This program requires a practicum or internship. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

This MSEd in counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling helps graduates meet the educational requirements to pursue the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Virginia. The Virginia Board of Counseling also requires candidates to pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam and complete residency under a qualified clinical supervisor.

If you are seeking the LPC credential to work in a different state, we encourage you to check your state's requirements before applying to ODU.

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Learn about state licensures and authorizations

Minimum

60 credit hours, including internship and practicum

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If you are seeking the LPC credential to work in a different state, we encourage you to check your state's requirements before applying to ODU.

View state licensure information

Learn about state licensures and authorizations

Careers

Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates are prepared to work in:

Private practice
Outpatient psychotherapy programs
Community mental health settings
College counseling centers
Hospital-based integrated behavioral health programs
The criminal justice field
Military and veterans' mental health

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost

In-state Virginia Residents

$620 per credit hour*

Out-of-state Students

$642 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.

Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities

Social Good Scholarship: We applaud our students who seek to impact their communities through careers in teaching, criminal justice, and human services. Recipients are awarded $3,000 in the first semester of enrollment.

Learn More about the Social Good Scholarship

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker

Applications Coordinator

globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Angela Schlender

Applications Coordinator

globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

To apply to this program, you must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.8 GPA. You will also submit:

An essay about your goals for being a professional counselor
Two letters of recommendation that speak to your academic and professional readiness
Official transcripts from all previous universities

GRE is not required. For full details on admission criteria, please visit the department's website.

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program.

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

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Why ODU for Counseling?