Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Help Navigate Life's Obstacles

One of the first programs of its kind, our master’s in clinical mental health counseling provides a clinical counseling foundation for serving persons facing physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges. For individuals and their families, counselors offer hope and empowerment, serving as a source of personal support and guidance to enhance their quality of life.

The program prepares graduates to enter the counseling profession in a variety of human service settings, including social services agencies, employment centers, and substance abuse programs, taking an integrated approach to counseling research and practice.

The program includes a two-semester internship wherein students deliver counseling services, under supervision, both in the program’s Community Counseling Services Center and at health and human services agencies in the community.

 

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A Standard of Excellence
The 60-credit hour program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

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Gain Credentials
Prepare to sit for board certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and pursue a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

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Learn From Expert Faculty
Our esteemed faculty hold leadership positions in national counseling associations and can help you build networks that will last a lifetime.

 

 

The GW Advantage

Take advantage of our unique location in Washington, D.C. with access to opportunities with prestigious organizations, government entities, and professional associations. Combine course content with supervised, clinical experience in urban and suburban areas, allowing you to work with a wide range of diverse populations.

 

 

 

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 Program at a Glance

Degree Awarded:

Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Department:

Counseling and Human Development

Course Delivery:

Foggy Bottom Campus

Program Entry:

Summer (Full Time)
Fall (Part- or Full-Time)

Our Mission

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is committed to preparing knowledgeable and ethical Professional Counselors equipped for the practice of individual, couple, family, and group counseling. Our program emphasizes working with diverse populations and developing strategies to promote the social, emotional, psychological, and physical health of individuals, families, communities, and organizations. We contribute to human development, adjustment, and change by encouraging our diverse faculty and student body to engage in reflective practice, critical inquiry, civic engagement, and responsible social action.

Department of Counseling and Human Development Statement on Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression
Being anti-racist involves the internal, interpersonal, institutional, and structural commitment to confront and eliminate racism that exists in ideals and policies. In critical reflection of our individual and collective responsibilities to dismantle white supremacy and advance anti-oppressive andragogy, the CHD department is committed to anti-racist practices that:

  1. Address racism and discrimination directly through explicit discussion and action;
  2. Increase awareness of prejudice and confront its effects through the discussion of past and present racism, stereotyping and discrimination in society;
  3. Disrupt and dismantle the systems and structures that codify institutional racism and oppression within the department, the university, and the counseling profession;
  4. Disrupt and dismantle racial power inequities within the department, the university, and the counseling profession;
  5. Deeply challenge and hold all members of the CHD community accountable to advance their own anti-racism praxis; and
  6. Ensure the content and delivery of the curricula reflects this focus.
Curriculum

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 60 credits, including 57 credits in required courses and 3 credits in elective courses; completion of 600 hours in internship and 100 hours in a practicum; and successful completion of a pre-practicum portfolio, a comprehensive examination, and two convocations.

Required
CNSL 6114Introduction to Research and Evaluation in Counselor Education
CNSL 6151Professional and Ethical Orientation to Counseling
CNSL 6153Counseling Interview Skills
CNSL 6154Theories and Techniques of Counseling
CNSL 6155Career Counseling
CNSL 6157Individual Assessment in Counseling
CNSL 6161Group Counseling
CNSL 6163Social and Cultural Dimensions - CNS
CNSL 6169Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
CNSL 6171Family Counseling
CNSL 6173Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
CNSL 6174Trauma and Crisis Intervention
CNSL 6185Internship in Counseling
CNSL 6186Advanced Internship in Counseling
CNSL 6268Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
HDEV 6108Life Span Human Development
HDEV 6109Child Development
or HDEV 6110Adolescent Development
or HDEV 8244Adult and Aging Development
CNSL 6269Practicum in Counseling
CNSL 6271Advanced Clinical Skills
Elective
3 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the program advisor.
Portfolio and comprehensive examination requirements
Successful completion of pre-practicum portfolio requirements as outlined in the counseling and human development master’s student handbook.
Successful completion of the comprehensive examination
Clinical Training

Unique to our program, students begin their clinical training by completing two semesters in the department’s clinic, the Community Counseling Services Center (CCSC), wherein they deliver counseling services under supervision. The first semester is a Practicum in Counseling followed by a semester of Advanced Clinical Skills.

Students then complete a two-semester internship at health and human services agencies in the community, such as welfare and other social service agencies, mental health centers, penal institutions, court systems, employment and career centers, allied health agencies, government service agencies, community college counseling centers, and private practice.

Download the Clinical Training Handbook (PDF) >
 

Program Data

Data from 2022-2023*

  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Average Time to Complete the Program: 2.6 years (8 Semesters)
  • 2021-2022 Cost: $1,870 per credit
  • Scholarships: Merit Based
  • Employment Rate (at 6 months post graduation: 94%
  • Employment Settings: Community mental health settings, inpatient units, intensive outpatient units, crisis counseling
  • Licensure Eligibility: Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Requirements vary by state.
  • NCE Passing Rate: 100%
  • Accreditation Status: Accredited by CACREP through 2030. Program has been accredited since 1984.
  • Annual Fall Enrollment: 104
  • Number of Graduates: 18
  • Predicted Job Outlook (2014-2024): Nineteen percent (19%) increase, compared to 7% expected increase in total US jobs. The field of counseling will see over 30% growth in the next 10 years. (Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

    NOTE: Costs are 2022-23; enrollment is Fall 2023; retention is calculated over the past year.

    2022-2023 Counseling and Human Development Annual Report >

 

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 Apply Now

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >

To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

Apply Now  Schedule Consultation with Admissions Coach  

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

  • Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree
  • Resume
  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
  • Statement of Purpose: In 500-750 words, state your purpose for undertaking professional training as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Include your interest and knowledge of the profession, particular populations and clinical areas of interest, and career plans (> 250 words). We are interested in determining your fit with our program, so be sure to identify what aspects specific to GW's training are important for you (< 250 words). If you have not had any related experience, please use this statement to explain how your experiences connect with the field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • GRE is Preferred

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.

View more details about requirements  

Applications are now being accepted for Summer and Fall 2025. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Application TimelineSummerFall
Priority DeadlineNov 1Nov 1
Round 1 DeadlineDec 15Dec 15


For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

 

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 Tuition & Financial Aid

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about financing your education   

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is $1,925 per credit hour.

This program requires 60 credits.

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart    

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

 

Tatyana Suares headshot
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Being a part of GSEHD has been one of the best decisions I have made. I now feel well prepared to serve the community while providing counseling services to families and children in the DC area. Completing my education here has taught me to be independent, confident, and resilient.

TATYANA SUARES (MA '20)
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

 

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 Career Outlook


Mental health counseling is among the fastest-growing occupations in the mental health field. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment will continue to grow by 22% from 2021-20311

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (visited November 20, 2022).

CMHC Career Opportunities
counselor speaks to military personnel

Graduates of our program are employed in various clinical settings, including government agencies, hospitals, mental health clinics, social services agencies, university counseling and career centers, and private practice. Many receive employment offers during their internship year. 

 

Potential Employment Settings
counselor takes notes while speaking to a patient - photo credit: DCStudio on Freepik

Our alumni area currently employed by:

  • National Institutes of Health
  • Community Connections Integrative Trauma Team
  • Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders
  • Dominion Hospital
  • DC Department of Disability Services
  • US Navy
  • Phoenix House
  • INOVA Health Care
  • Jewish Social Services Agency
  • American University Counseling Center
  • Georgetown University Career Center

 

 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Faculty 

Dr. Mina Attia headshot
Dr. Mina Attia

Program Co-Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Assistant Professor, Counseling and Human Development

(202) 994-2339
Bagmi Das headshot
Dr. Bagmi Das

Program Co-Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Assistant Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Dr. Sylvia Marotta-Walters headshot
Dr. Sylvia Marotta-Walters

Department Chair and Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Dr. Delishia Pittman headshot
Dr. Delishia Pittman

Associate Professor, Counseling

(202) 994-0780

 

 

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