Study Mental Health Counseling in New York
Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) programs in New York are specifically designed to prepare you for helping individuals manage their mental health challenges.
Whether you are considering a career change or looking to advance in your current profession, these programs are designed to fit into your busy schedule. They provide the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a rewarding career in mental health counseling.
This article highlights several well-known LMHC programs available in New York, offering options tailored to your professional goals.
LMHC Programs in New York
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering LMHC programs in New York:
- New York Institute of Technology
- New York University – Steinhardt
- St. Bonaventure University
- Liberty University
- Walden University
- National University
- Grand Canyon University
- The Chicago School
New York Institute of Technology
Online Master of Science – Mental Health Counseling
You have the opportunity to enroll in the fully online 60-credit Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program offered by the New York Institute of Technology. This program provides professional training aligned with current best practices, preparing you to address the challenges and needs of a modern mental health population.
Through this program, you will receive the necessary training to provide both individual and group counseling to a diverse range of clients. This prepares you to become a licensed mental health counselor.
The program includes a distinctive cross-disciplinary approach, featuring a 700-hour practicum and internship experience. Additionally, you will collaborate with expert faculty on research projects addressing significant issues within the profession and society.
As part of the curriculum, you will complete courses such as:
Theories of Psychopathology
- Clinical Assessment
- Foundations of Counseling
- Group Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Career Counseling and Lifestyles Development
- Marital and Family Counseling
- Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques
- Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling
In this program, you will develop the skills to:
- Conduct clinical assessments, research, and outreach interventions.
- Diagnose and create treatment plans using theoretical models.
- Use effective counseling techniques to build rapport and establish therapeutic relationships.
- Address the effects of crisis and trauma on clients.
- Serve diverse populations by understanding cultural factors relevant to mental health.
- Advocate for clients requiring specialized assistance while addressing inequities in policy and practice.
You will begin your field experience with a 100-hour practicum, working under supervision in individual and group counseling settings. This is followed by a mental health internship requiring at least 300 hours per semester, including 120 direct and 180 indirect hours. Weekly seminars on Zoom, on-site supervision, and course assignments will enhance your learning experience.
The internship provides direct exposure to mental health settings, enabling you to develop professional competencies. You will also gain familiarity with the policies, procedures, and culture of your future profession.
Upon completing this program, you will be qualified to take the New York State Mental Health Licensing Examination and practice under the supervision of a licensed professional.
To apply, you must:
- Submit a graduate application and personal essay detailing your career goals and reasons for choosing this program.
- Hold a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (conditional acceptance available for GPAs between 2.85 and 2.99).
- Provide three letters of reference from employers or professors.
- Participate in an interview with the program chairperson.
You may transfer up to six graduate credits from an accredited institution, provided the courses are relevant and meet grade requirements. Research assistantships are available for qualified students; however, admission does not guarantee financial assistance.
New York University – Steinhardt
Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
NYU Steinhardt provides a 60-credit online Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. This program is designed to prepare you for licensure and employment as a mental health counselor in various settings, such as addiction treatment centers, community agencies, and private practice.
The university holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Board (MPCAC).
This program supports your career growth as a therapist, enabling you to assist clients of various ages and backgrounds in creating healthy and meaningful lives. Courses are taught by faculty members with professional licenses who have served on editorial review boards and received notable awards and honors.
The program includes:
- 60 graduate-level credit hours of live, online classes.
- Interactive simulations in a counseling lab.
- A 100-hour practicum in a mental health setting, with 40 hours of direct practice.
- A 600-hour internship at an NYU-approved clinical location, including 240 hours of direct practice.
- A three-day on-campus immersion in New York City.
You can customize your learning experience with elective courses that align with your interests. Elective topics include substance-related disorders, marriage and family counseling, adolescent sexual decision-making, trauma responses, and challenges facing immigrant-origin youth.
Core courses of the program include:
- Human Growth and Development
- Individual Counseling: Theory and Process
- Foundations of Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
- Abnormal Psychology
- Cross-Cultural Counseling
- Research and Evaluation in Behavioral Sciences
- Dynamics of Vocational Development
You will participate in weekly live classes via streamed video and audio. These small classes promote an interactive learning environment, including breakout sessions and direct interactions. Asynchronous content is available for you to access at any time. A mobile app allows you to manage coursework, class materials, and assignments conveniently.
This program equips you to work as a mental health counselor and become a leader and advocate for social justice in diverse communities. Graduates are prepared for roles in outpatient care centers, family service agencies, hospitals, and private practices.
To apply, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a GPA between 2.85 and 2.99 may be conditionally admitted.
- Submit a statement of purpose, a current resume, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
- Pay a $75 non-refundable application fee.
Transfer credits from accredited institutions are accepted for up to six graduate semester hours, provided the courses meet grade and relevance requirements. Research assistantships are available for eligible students.
St. Bonaventure University
Online Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
In the 60-credit Online Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at St. Bonaventure University, you will be trained as a highly skilled counselor committed to serving individuals and their communities.
During this program, you will engage in coursework and clinical practice, gaining the knowledge and skills to support individuals, families, and groups in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. You will be prepared to work in diverse environments while making a meaningful difference in lives.
This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring high standards of quality and affordability. It features a focused curriculum, support from faculty and advisers, and internship placement services. Graduates of the program achieve excellent pass rates on the licensed professional counselor exam.
Key features of the program include:
- Prepares you for the licensed professional counselor exam.
- Suitable for current counselors seeking licensure and those new to the field.
- Includes a practicum and two internships to practice your learning in the community.
- Offers an option to add an Advanced Certificate in School Counseling after completing your master’s.
- Trains you to become a community leader, advocate, and practitioner promoting compassionate service and societal well-being.
During the program, you will develop skills in:
- Individual and Group Counseling Competencies: Learn various approaches for prevention, intervention, crisis intervention, and data utilization to assess program efficacy.
- Cultural Competencies: Explore diversity, equity, advocacy, and opportunity while understanding cultural factors.
- Communication: Master listening, socialization, boundary setting, and empathy.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluate research to make assessments, diagnoses, and treatments.
- The Business of Counseling: Understand the counseling profession, including ethical and legal responsibilities.
The program provides internship placement services. You will complete a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships under the guidance of a coordinator who assists in finding local sites for valuable experience.
After completing the program, you will be able to:
- Understand professional functioning aspects such as history, roles, responsibilities, credentialing, advocacy, and ethical standards.
- Demonstrate counseling skills in individual and group settings.
- Exhibit multicultural competencies related to diversity, equity, advocacy, and opportunity.
- Display skills impacting personal, social, and intellectual functioning of individuals and groups.
- Evaluate counseling research, develop measurable outcomes, and enhance program efficacy using data.
- Promote effective teamwork in institutions and communities.
To graduate, you must complete all 60 credits, successfully pass the clinical experience and comprehensive exam, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
To apply, you need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Completion of an online application.
- Submission of a personal statement.
- Two professional or academic letters of recommendation.
- Participation in an interview.
As an online student at St. Bonaventure, you can:
- Customize your degree to match your background and goals.
- Receive personalized attention from faculty.
- Engage with faculty through email, video, and phone.
- Gain knowledge through readings, projects, and videos.
- Access virtual professional development opportunities to support your career success.
Liberty University
Online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
At Liberty University, you have the opportunity to enroll in the CACREP-accredited 60-credit online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This degree is specifically designed to equip you with the specialized training required for obtaining state licensure .
This online program is designed to enhance your understanding of human psychology through evidence-based techniques while teaching you practices for improving mental health and overall wellness across diverse communities.
The program consists of courses offered in mostly 8-week sections, providing you with the flexibility to complete your studies from home. You can also fulfill field experience requirements locally. Liberty University allows you to finish the clinical counseling program in approximately 2.5 years, including the practicum and internship experiences essential for licensure.
The foundational courses focus on core topics such as human behavior, ethical and legal issues in counseling, multicultural counseling, and counseling theories. These courses prepare you to apply evidence-based practices and meet advanced content requirements for private practice licensure as a clinical counselor.
This degree program trains you to be an ethical and highly skilled mental health counselor, equipped with the knowledge and skills to guide others toward positive life changes. You will engage in challenging academic coursework, interactive mentoring from faculty, and hands-on experience through structured practicum and internship opportunities.
For the practicum requirement, you must complete 100 hours of field experience, which includes 40 hours of direct client interaction and 60 hours of activities such as creating case notes, conducting literature reviews, and developing treatment plans. The practicum is completed near the end of your coursework but prior to beginning the internship. To register for the practicum, you must fulfill all prerequisites and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The internship component requires 600 hours of field experience, typically spread over two semesters. This includes weekly group supervision sessions. You will gain practical experience in mental health settings, performing tasks like individual and group counseling, treatment planning, and intake assessments.
Upon completing the program, you will have the knowledge and credentials to pursue your state licensure. With a degree accredited by CACREP, your training will meet the high standards recognized in the counseling profession. This enables you to work in private practice, hospitals, mental health agencies, and nonprofit settings. Additional licensure options can expand your career into school counseling, addiction counseling, or marriage and family therapy.
To apply for this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher. Additionally, you need to submit:
- A completed admission application.
- Application fee.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement.
- Official college transcripts. Temporary acceptance with unofficial transcripts is possible upon submission of a completed transcript request form.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York?
To become a licensed mental health counselor in New York, the overall process typically takes around 4 to 6 years, starting from the beginning of your master’s program to obtaining licensure.
However, the timeline can vary based on several factors, including the duration of your educational program, the time required to complete supervised experience, and the licensing process. Below is an approximate timeline for the steps involved:
- Education: Completing a master’s program in mental health counseling usually takes 2 to 3 years. This program must include at least 60 semester hours of coursework and a supervised internship or practicum totaling at least 600 clock hours.
- Supervised Experience: After earning your degree, you are required to complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised experience. If you work full-time (40 hours per week), this step may take approximately 1.5 years. The time needed may vary depending on how many hours you work weekly.
- Licensure Examination: Preparing for and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) can require varying amounts of time depending on when you take the exam and whether additional study time is needed.
- Licensure Process: The time required to process your licensure application can also vary. This step includes gathering and submitting all necessary documentation, which may take additional months to complete.