Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Mentoring Compassionate Counselors for Our Communities

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program at Molloy University is designed to provide graduate students the professional identity, core knowledge, necessary state-of-the- art practical skills, and multi-cultural sensitivity to excel in a variety of mental health settings. Our 60-credit-hour, New York State approved, part-time, evening program can be completed in three years, and fulfills the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor established by the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions.

 

Successful graduates of the Molloy University M.S. in CMHC will be eligible for Licensure as Mental Health Counselors in New York State upon completion of 3,000 post-Master's hours of supervised mental health counseling work and the passing of the state licensing examination. Licensed Mental Health Counselors provide short term and long term consumer friendly services for clients. 

CACREP Accreditation Logo

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), is the gold standard accrediting body for Counseling programs and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Accredited Programs provide the following to students:

  • Recognition that the program has been evaluated and meets or exceeds national standards
  • Knowledge that the graduate has met prerequisites for credentialing and is ready for entry into professional practice
  • Understanding that the focus of the program will be on professional counseling, not psychology, education or other helping professions

Prepare for a career as a clinical mental health counselor with Molloy University

  • A program designed for working students with all classes scheduled in the evenings.
  • Dedication to the highest standards of accreditation
  • Committed to social justice, diversity, and multicultural humility
  • Education in numerous counseling theories and interventions
  • Best practices and ethical standards embedded throughout the program
  • Highly experiential coursework and hands-on practice
  • Small class sizes and one-on-one mentorship throughout the program

The program can be completed in three years with classes in Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters and requires a final comprehensive examination. Graduate coursework will include, but not be limited to, each of the following content areas:


  • Professional orientation and ethics
  • Human growth and development
  • Counseling theory and practice
  • Foundations of mental health counseling and consultation
  • Assessment and appraisal of individuals, couples and families and groups
  • Social and cultural foundations of counseling
  • Psychopathology
  • Group dynamics
  • Lifestyle and career development
  • Research and program evaluation
  • Clinical instruction

A practicum (100 clock hours) course and a one year (600 clock hours) supervised internship in mental health counseling in a Molloy University approved mental health setting are required. A comprehensive examination, The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE), is required for graduation.

CMHC Program Mission

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program incorporates Molloy University’s vibrant tradition of “study, spirituality, service, and community” to prepare expertly trained counselors to be highly effective in today’s ever-changing human service field. Through “transformative education,” Molloy University’s mission is to promote a “lifelong search for truth and the development of ethical leadership.” The goal of our CMHC program is to embrace the University’s mission and graduate students who have the professional identity, core knowledge, necessary state-of-the-art practical skills, and multicultural sensitivity to excel as mental health counselors in a variety of professional mental health employment settings.  
As a University, Molloy places heavy emphasis on service to the community, especially to those in need. The CMHC program captures the essence of this mission, and it is our intention and hope that the students we prepare for the counseling profession will dedicate much of their energies and activities to helping those in need and serving their communities. 

CMHC Program Objectives

As a result of successfully completing the graduate program in counseling, students can expect to have gained didactic knowledge and supervised experience in skills, functions, beliefs, and characteristics of effective counseling. The following broad learning objectives have been developed to assist students in gaining an overview of expected accomplishments:  

Objective Learning Experience(s) Key Assignments
1. Professional Orientation and Ethics – Demonstrate an understanding of the counseling profession, develop an identity as a counselor and demonstrate a willingness to provide counseling services within the ethical guidelines of the counseling profession. MHC5100 KA 1 – Professional Plan
2. Counseling Theory – Gain significant knowledge of major counseling theories in the context of individual and group counseling and apply this knowledge to the counseling process. MHC5120 KA 2 – Theory Comparison Paper
3. Helping Relationships – Demonstrate effective individual and group counseling techniques which facilitate client growth and demonstrate the ability to evaluate progress toward treatment goals. MHC5120 MHC5140 MHC5180 MHC5240 MHC5350 KA 3 – Mock Counseling Session Transcription and Analysis
4. Social and Cultural Diversity – Develop an awareness of, and an appreciation for, social and cultural influences on human behavior and recognize the impact of individual differences on the counseling process. MHC5220 KA 4 – Cultural Immersion Project
5. Human Growth and Development – Develop an understanding of the aspects of human growth and developmental levels, as well as an appreciation for the nature of human development and its integration within the counseling process. MHC5160 KA 5 – Developmental Theory Critique Paper
6. Career Development – Develop the knowledge and application of career development and vocational counseling theories and its effects on an individual. MHC5320 KA 6 – Career Interview / Autobiography
7. Group Counseling – Develop both theoretical and experiential understandings of group processes, development, dynamics, group counseling theories, methods, skills, and other group approaches. MHC5300 KA 7 – T-Group Participation and Journals
8. Assessment – Gain knowledge and skills in assessment techniques, including psychometric properties, standardized instruments, interviewing, and applying these concepts to individuals and group. MHC5260 KA 8 – Assessment Report
9. Research and Program Evaluation – Develop the ability to read, critique, evaluate, and contribute to professional research literature. MHC5200 KA 9 – Research Proposal
10. Crisis Intervention – Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skills associated with counseling in crisis settings, addressing trauma in clients, and risk and suicide assessment. MHC5350 Not Applicable
11. Psycho-diagnosis and Treatment – Develop a working knowledge of psycho-diagnosis, as defined by the DSM-5, its ethical application, and its effect on treatment and counseling practice. MHC5240 MHC5250 MHC5330 KA 10 – Case Conceptualization KA 11 – Treatment Plan
12. Mental Health Systems – Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skills associated with working in interdisciplinary mental health care setting and have practical knowledge in the areas of service, prevention, treatment, referral, program management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. MHC5140 MHC5350 Not Applicable
13. Experiential Learning – Develop, through supervised practicum and internship experiences, an integration of the knowledge and skills needed to be successful as practicing counselors. MHC5500 MHC5540 MHC5560 Not Applicable
14. Personal Growth and Understanding – Develop, through self-reflection and insight, an understanding and integration of oneself and the use of self in the counseling process. Develop a personal theoretical approach to counseling and client advocacy with a clear understanding of counselor scope of practice. MHC5500 MHC5540 MHC5560 Not Applicable

Contact Us

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Suite 248 30 Hempstead Avenue Rockville Centre, NY, 11570

Administrative Assistant

Suite 248 30 Hempstead Avenue Rockville Centre, NY, 11570