To address the growing mental health crisis and shortage of trained counselors, Maria College is introducing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) this fall. The program is designed to equip future counselors with the skills and experience necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field.
The 60-credit, graduate track features weekend classes combining in-person and hybrid learning. It is ideal for working professionals and career changers and can be completed in two or three years. The program meets the educational requirements leading to licensure as a mental health counselor in New York.
“With mental health issues, particularly among youth and first responders, increasing at critical levels, the need for skilled counselors has never been more urgent,” said Dr. Claudia Lingertat, founding director of the CMHC program. “Our program blends theory with hands-on experience. It offers a valuable pathway for individuals passionate about making a real difference treating mental health in New York and beyond.”
Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, assisting individuals, youth, couples, and families in navigating mental health challenges. They may choose to open their own private practice or work in community agencies, including inpatient and outpatient clinics or residential treatment facilities, that support those facing mental health and substance use issues.
Core courses, designed to teach students how to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health issues, include clinical counseling skills, psychopathology, and substance use counseling. With a focus on culturally responsive, holistic, and evidence-based approaches, the curriculum addresses the unique needs of individuals, couples, families, and groups across the lifespan, while featuring courses like Counseling Children and Adolescents and Counseling Couples and Families. Students can also personalize their education with electives such as psychopharmacology and nature-based expressive arts.
In addition to rigorous coursework, students will gain hands-on experience through a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships. These internships provide supervised real-world experience in settings like mental health agencies, substance abuse clinics, psychiatric hospitals and private practices, thereby ensuring graduates are ready for clinical work.
“We’re committed to a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing the deep connections between the mind, body, and spirit,” added Dr. Lingertat. “Our curriculum and clinical experiences are designed to prepare counselors who not only treat symptoms, but also promote overall well-being in their clients.”
While a background in psychology is an ideal fit for the program, students from diverse academic backgrounds — such as business, English, and more — are welcome, provided they have a passion for mental health.
“Our program is perfect for individuals deeply committed to social justice, supporting mental health, and improving the lives of those struggling with mental health issues, whether they are children, teenagers, or adults,” noted Dr. Lingertat.
Maria College is committed to making education more accessible by offering a variety of financial aid options to its students. Funding opportunities, like graduate assistantships, are available to help students manage costs while preparing for rewarding careers in mental health counseling.
Students in the CMHC program may qualify for the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training program, which covers tuition, books, and fees. Open to New York residents and those in eligible bordering states, it requires a three-year work commitment in New York after graduation. Fall-start students can adjust their course sequence to graduate by May 2027 to meet eligibility. For more information on the program, please visit CaringGene.org.
For more information on the CMHC program, please visit https://mariacollege.edu/ms-degree-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling-cmhc-program