Two people in a mental health counseling session.

Master of Science  in
Mental Health Counseling

Help People Achieve Optimum Mental Health

Support individuals and families in their quest for emotional well-being with an accredited master’s in mental health counseling that's approved by the New York State Office of Professions as preparation for licensure.

The 60-credit program integrates behavioral science studies with acquisition of practical counseling skills in supervised settings. Learn how to facilitate personal growth and development by focusing on client strengths and by using therapeutic methods that prevent and remediate individual and interpersonal conflict.

Graduates pursue careers in human service agencies, wellness companies, health care organizations, schools, community-based nonprofits, and independent professional practice after becoming state-licensed mental health counselors (LMHC).

Program of Study

programofstudy

Core Courses

Behavioral Science Studies

  • Lifespan Human Development
  • Behavioral Disorders
  • Substance Abuse and Addictive Behaviors
  • Career Development Theory

Counseling Theory and Practice

  • Research Principles and Methods in Counseling
  • Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
  • Introduction to Counseling Theory and Practice
  • Intermediate Counseling Theory and Practice (Pre-practicum)
  • Multicultural Perspectives in Counseling Theory and Practice
  • Foundations and Techniques of Group Counseling
  • Assessment Techniques in Counseling and Rehabilitation
  • Techniques of Consultation and Supervision
     

Electives

Choose three courses. For example: Counseling Children, Adolescents & Families in Crisis; Systems Interventions: Families; and Preventive Counseling: School and Community-Based Wellness Promotion.

Fieldwork

Gain confidence working with clients through supervised or monitored counseling sessions. Fieldwork improves your cultural competence and strengthens your professional skills as a therapist. The School of Education secures supervised practicum and internship agency placements for all master's students.
 

Additional Requirement

Two-hour mandated training program in child abuse reporting.
 

Comprehensive Exam

You must maintain active status in the program until you have passed the comprehensive exam.
 


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact the Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center at [email protected].

This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State.
For more information on Professional Licensure Disclosure, please see the Graduate Bulletin.

Why UAlbany

why

Generous Transfer Credits

You may transfer in up to 29 graduate psychology credits determined to be substantially equivalent to specific course requirements for the master’s degree.
 

Less Restrictive Application Requirements

UAlbany welcomes applicants who majored in other fields other than psychology. You simply must have earned 15 or more credits in psychology that comprises coursework in statistics, abnormal psychology, and personality theory and development. And you're only required to submit scores for the general GRE exam (you don't need to take the GRE subject test in psychology).

 

MPCAC-Accredited Program

The MS in Mental Health Counseling at the University at Albany is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) through March 2025.

This designates that the program maintains high professional training standards that include multicultural competencies and support social justice.

View Program Data.

ACCELERATED UNDERGRADUATE/GRADUATE OPTION

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.5 GPA, you can save money and lighten your course load as a graduate student by beginning your graduate degree coursework in your senior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, can count towards both degrees.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

UAlbany graduate with confetti at Commencement.
combined

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines
  • Fall: Not Available
  • Spring: Not Available
  • Summer: December 15

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Deadlines for combined (Bachelors/Masters) applicants ONLY:

  •  April 1
  •  November 1

 

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official GRE scores
  • Statement of Goals

The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.  It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 

Special Notes

At least 15 credits of undergraduate psychology in statistics, abnormal psychology, and courses that focus on personality theory and development.

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

admissions
Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • To produce graduates who have the basic requisite counseling knowledge and skills for entry into the practice of professional counseling, including the awareness and skills necessary to think and act in a professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive manner.
  • To produce graduates who can apply research findings to practice.
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Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.

Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Graduate Advisement:
Email Graduate Advisement
518-442-3529

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