The College of Education and Human Development's Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology offers an M.Ed. in Counseling and Personnel Services with a Specialty in Mental Health Counseling.

This program is designed for people who want to practice in professional counseling in a community-based setting.

Careers in Mental Health Counseling

Graduates of the program find employment in various human service and counseling agencies including mental health agencies, residential treatment centers, drug/alcohol treatment facilities, family resource and youth service centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and career placement centers.

Graduates perform a variety of job tasks including individual and group counseling, intake assessments, program development and consultation.

Credentialing and Certification

The coursework for this program fulfills the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) educational requirements to sit for the exam for National Counselor Certification, a national exam required in many states (including Kentucky) for counselor licensure.

A graduate of this program can apply to the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors to have his or her credentials evaluated to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA). LPCAs practice professional counseling in Kentucky under an approved clinical supervisor.

The Mental Health Counseling doctoral program has prepared me for career success. The faculty and staff have proven to be knowledgeable, professional and genuinely interested in providing a valuable and worthwhile learning experience. In addition, the evening schedule has allowed me to pursue my degree while continuing to work.

Norm Townsel
Ph.D. candidate, Mental Health Counseling

LPCAs with 4000 hours of appropriate supervised experience may apply to the Board to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). An LPCC is licensed to engage in the independent practice of professional counseling in Kentucky.

To become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana , an individual must complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience within the academic program and 3000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience. (The coursework requirement for the LMHC is equivalent to the coursework requirement in Kentucky for the LPCC.) An individual who is planning to practice mental health counseling in a state other than Kentucky or Indiana should check with that state about requirements for counseling licensure.

This program does not prepare students to counsel in a public school setting (see the M.Ed in School Counseling) or to do psychological assessments (see the M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology).