Teaching and Learning

Prepare for a career in the counseling profession with Walden University’s M.S. in Mental Health Counseling. Examine a range of topics affecting the counseling field, including assessment, legal and ethical concerns, and intervention. This program also explores counseling techniques, including substance abuse counseling and career counseling. Prepare to make a positive change in your community and your organization through this CACREP-accredited online degree program.
Specializations (in addition to the General Program)

• Forensic Counseling
• Trauma and Crisis Counseling
• Career Counseling
• Addiction Counseling
• Military Families & Culture

Note on Licensure

Walden University’s M.S. in Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which is a requirement for licensure in many states. The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for licensing exams and to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards. Walden enrollment advisors can provide guidance on licensure issues, state- by- state educational requirements, and internship and practicum requirements; however, it remains the student’s responsibility to evaluate and understand the licensure requirements for the state or international location in which he or she intends to work as requirements vary widely. Walden University makes no representation or guarantee that the completion of a degree or coursework for graduate credit will permit the student to obtain licensure.

Professional Accreditation

Walden’s M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation attests to the quality and relevancy of our program—a program that helps provide you with the skills and credibility to maximize your impact on your profession. In addition, earning a degree that is CACREP-accredited helps to streamline the licensing application process and provides you with an advantage when applying to doctoral programs

Help families cope with the complex emotional challenges of military life with a specialization in Military Families and Culture. Explore the nuances of military culture as well as the common hardships associated with the military lifestyle—from prolonged separation and combat-related injuries to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Coursework in this specialization also examines considerations and best practices for counseling active military personnel, veterans, spouses, and children.

Completion Requirements

• Fulfill the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling completion requirements, including field experience*
• Complete two additional courses:
  • COUN 6404 Military Culture (5 cr.)
  • COUN 6406 Working with Military Spouses, Families, and Children (5 cr.)