Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Website: https://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/counseling/clinicalmentalhealthcounseling-ma.aspx
(239) 745-4273The Counseling Department offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree that is Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited. Students take coursework in the areas of human development, legal and ethical issues of the profession, career development, appraisal methods, counseling theories, group work, counseling, practicum, and research and program evaluation. Additional specialized courses focusing on mental health counseling in areas such as internship, human sexuality, addictions, cross-cultural counseling, trauma, family and relationship counseling, and professional development and other course electives. Students are engaged in field-based activities during almost every term of enrollment. Students may complete this program on a full or part-time basis.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master’s program is designed to provide the educational and field work requirements for credentialing as a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI), the first post-master’s step toward Florida Licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master’s program (Couple & Family Counseling Concentration) is designed to provide the educational and field work requirements for credentialing as a RMHCI, the first post-master’s step toward Florida Licensure as a LMHC, and the educational requirements for credentialing as a Florida Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). Prospective and current students are encouraged to consult with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (https://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov) for details about licensure requirements.
Concentrations
- Couple and Family Counseling
Program Admission Requirements
- Submit an FGCU Graduate Admissions Application and satisfy all applicable university admissions requirements.
- Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation) or equivalent foreign institution.
- Any one of the following:
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours toward undergraduate degree;
- A combined score of 1000 or higher on the quantitative and verbal sections of the GRE general exam if taken before August 1st, 2011; or a score of 151-153 on verbal and 143-144 on quantitative if taken on or after August 1st, 2011
- Submission of three recommendations from professionals in the field using the department's recommendation form. Note that letters of recommendation submitted in addition to the form are optional.
- Submission of a written statement with your short and long term career goals as a clinical mental health counselor.
- Participation in a personal interview is required. Responses to the interview will be evaluated for admission.
- Performance in courses taken post baccalaureate will be taken into consideration for admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.
- International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University regulation.
- Counseling Criminal Record Policy Statement: All applicants are advised that in order to complete the program, they must complete internships. Most internship facilities do background checks and will not permit the placement of counselor interns with criminal records. The Department reserves the right to deny program admission to any applicant if it appears that applicant is unlikely to be able to complete the internship requirement due to a criminal record, thus inhibiting their ability to complete the program.
- Priority application review begins on February 1 of each year. Qualified applications submitted thereafter will be reviewed and may be admitted on a space available basis.
Admissions Related materials:
Counseling Programs Recommendation Form [.pdf - 209KB]
Current Program of Study
Transfer Notes and Acceptable Substitutes:
The Department limits the transfer of coursework into its graduate programs to a maximum of 12 credits or three courses. To be considered, courses must have been completed with a minimum grade of B and no more than seven years prior to the date of entry into the graduate program and no more than ten years prior to graduation from the graduate program.
Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements
- Students must satisfactorily complete the minimum number of credits specified by the graduate degree program.
- A grade of B or higher must be earned in all Department graduate courses used as prerequisites and each core course.
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all coursework in program.
- Students must complete and pass a culminating demonstration of learning and competence at the end of the program, currently a comprehensive examination.
- The Department limits the transfer of coursework into its graduate programs to a maximum of 12 credits or three courses. To be considered, courses must have been completed with a minimum grade of B and no more than seven years prior to the date of entry into the graduate program and no more than ten years prior to graduation from the graduate program.
- Submit an application for graduation by the semester deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
- Students must register for a minimum of one credit hour during the semester in which they apply for graduation.
- Earn more than 50% of the credits toward the degree through FGCU.