At UNC Pembroke, the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling is more than a degree. It's a direct path to making a difference. You’ll
study in a supportive, flexible environment that helps you grow professionally. Hybrid
and evening classes are taught at UNCP and Cape Fear. This flexibility allows for classes and life to happen. And personal faculty mentorship,
paired with hands-on field experience, gives you the skills to support others through
life’s challenges. Whatever your next step is, UNCP will help you get there.
The master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree program prepares you to work
with individuals, couples, families and groups in a variety of settings, from hospitals
and clinics to community agencies and private practice.
In this program, you’ll:
Learn to provide effective, ethical and culturally responsive counseling
Study human development, assessment, group counseling and crisis intervention
Build skills in addiction counseling, diagnosis, treatment planning and family systems
Practice in real-world settings through a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships
Prepare for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA)
You’ll also be eligible to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and complete field
placements across North Carolina.
Additional Information
This program is NOT 100% remote. Most classes are taught in a hybrid format. Typically, a hybrid course will meet
on campus every other week.
Classes typically meet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters
and 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. during summer sessions.
The program is 60 credit hours and can be completed in 3 years.
We accept applications for summer and fall only. Reviews start February 1 and continue
on a rolling basis, until programs are full.
In addition to your application, fee and transcripts, you’ll also need to:
Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8
Submit an essay detailing reasons for applying to the program, relevant experiences
and personal career goals relevant to professional counseling, and your approach to
forming effective counseling relationships with diverse populations
Provide three professional references (such as former professors or supervisors)
Submit a resume or CV
Complete an interview with program faculty (typically starts around February 15)
Questions? Email The Graduate School at grad@uncp.edu
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Licensed professionals can take individual counseling courses as non-degree seeking
enrichment students. This is great for continuing education or licensure renewal.
To qualify, you must:
Submit an online application and non-refundable fee
Provide official college transcripts
Be approved by the department (space is limited and priority goes to current degree-seeking
students)
Note: Practicum and Internship courses are not open to non-degree students. Questions? Contact Non-Degree Student Coordinator Dr. Nicole Stargell, at nicole.stargell@uncp.edu.
This program is designed to meet high professional standards, and help you meet yours.
These affiliations ensure your education prepares you for licensure, certification
and excellence in the field.
Post-Master’s Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Already have a master’s degree in Professional School Counseling from UNCP? The Post-Master’s
Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling can help you take the next step toward
additional licensure or specialization. This 24-credit program is designed for graduates
with a CACREP-accredited M.A.Ed. in Professional School Counseling from UNCP.
You’ll take courses in topics like diagnosis, treatment planning, family counseling
and addictions. You’ll also complete supervised practicum and internship experiences.
The program uses a mix of online and hybrid classes, and must be finished within four
years.
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) is an international honor society for counseling students and
professionals. At UNCP, the Phi Sigma chapter connects you with a network of future
counselors who are committed to excellence, wellness and making a difference. If you're
passionate about helping others and growing in the field, CSI may be for you. It's
a great way to get involved, build leadership skills and strengthen your professional
identity.
Don’t let the distance hold you back. You can earn your MAEd in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling in Wilmington, hosted at Cape Fear Community College’s North Campus. We
also offer the MAEd in Professional School Counseling at this location. Same program,
same support, closer to home.
I’m glad I chose UNCP because of the kind and welcoming atmosphere I have experienced
from my classmates and the faculty!
Rosie McMahan
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Common Careers
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
College or University Counselor
Private Practice Therapist
Community Mental Health Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselor
Frequently Asked Questions
Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families,
and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals.
Counseling was born from the field of education when Frank Parsons matched individuals
with jobs that best utilized their strengths. Counseling is a strengths-based, developmental
profession that uses therapy in order to promote wellness and help diverse individuals
achieve their unique goals. Psychology operates within a medical model in which a
specific problem is identified and addressed (although positive psychology and counseling
psychology incorporate some strengths-based practices). Social work, in general, focuses
on harnessing resources and providing systemic therapy.
After you finish 8 of the 9 core courses, you can apply for practicum.
Apply the semester before you wish to begin on site.
For clinical mental health counseling, you’ll get a list of approved sites and are
responsible for contacting them to arrange your placement.
All counseling students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE)
in order to progress to an internship. Students should compile resources from all
core courses in preparation for this exam.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling students may
choose to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) in order to earn an LCMHCA
(Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate).
Professional School Counseling students may choose to take the Praxis II in order
to earn an LSC (Licensed School Counselor, K-12).
Counseling typically hires 4 to 5 student workers each academic year. These assistantships
offer faculty mentoring, research opportunities and other professional development
opportunities. A number of our counseling students also work across campus. They
find various positions with offices such as The Graduate School and the Center for
Student Success.
Get In Touch
Our Admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you have.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Professional School Counseling programs
earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) in 2013 and re-accreditation in 2021. CACREP accreditation indicates that the graduate
counseling programs meet the quality and rigor of professionally approved standards.
In addition, the Counseling programs were one of three programs nationwide to earn
the National Board of Certified Counselors Professional Identity Award in 2013.