Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MA)

Applied Psychology

Program Description

The Master of Arts program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness, offered in both residential and online formats, prepares prepares students to become mental health counselors working with both individuals and groups in a broad spectrum of settings, including community agencies, university counseling programs, mental health centers, hospitals, HIV and AIDS outreach programs, and substance abuse treatment centers. The curriculum emphasizes understanding people across the life span in cultural contexts, promoting equity and social justice, and helping all people craft lives of wellness, health, and meaning.

Graduates meet the academic requirements for New York State licensure and are eligible for New York State licensure as a mental health counselor. In addition to their coursework, students are required to complete both a practicum and an internship as part of the program. The Practicum involves a 100-hour field experience at an accredited mental health facility. During the Practicum, students engage in activities such as practicing intake skills, assessing clinical problems and needs, and formulating appropriate counseling strategies.

As part of the Mental Health Counseling program, students must also complete an internship, which entails completing 600 hours of supervised counseling practice. This is typically accomplished over two consecutive terms, with a minimum of 300 hours per term at a counseling site. The Practicum and Internship experience take place in department-approved counseling settings where students receive supervision from licensed mental health professionals.

Dual Degree (MA/Advanced Certificate)

Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MA)/LGBTQ+ Health, Education, and Social Services (Advanced Certificate)

The LGBTQ+ Health, Education, and Social Services advanced certificate program is for individuals who want to work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and/ or to work on LGBTQ+ issues in educational, health, research, counseling, and community-based settings. Through required and elective coursework students will gain greater knowledge about this specific population and develop skills to provide more effective services to LGBTQ+ people and organizations serving this population.

This is an ideal additional credential for anyone who is providing direct services to or would like to work with a variety of individuals, including LGBTQ+ individuals, to conduct research on LGBTQ+ issues, to engage in policy analysis and reform, or to more effectively manage or direct organizations and agencies that serve the LGBTQ+ community.

Accreditation

The residential MA program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for 2015 through 2025.

The online MA program in Counseling and Mental Health and Wellness is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for 2015 through 2025.

Licensure

Graduates of the residential program will meet the academic requirements for licensure in the State of New York.

Graduates of the online program will meet the academic requirements for licensure in the State in which the student is located at the time of initial enrollment, or, alternatively, in a State where a student attests they intend to seek employment. You may consult our Licensure page for more information on state-specific requirements. Pursuant to federal regulations, programs that prepare students for occupations requiring State licensure must meet those requirements for each State in which a student is located, or, alternatively, in a State where a student attests they intend to seek employment. To comply with such requirements, NYU may create an individualized plan of study in order to meet certain State specific requirements, or require that students take certain State-required courses in lieu of electives. NYU will provide information about these requirements to these students at the time of enrollment.

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

  • Résumé/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Proficiency in English

See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.