Helping your community as a mental health counselor
Today, more children, adolescents, and adults face emotional, mental, or behavioral challenges. Mercer University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling qualifies graduates to help people in their communities tackle such issues. Mercer’s program offers:
- Instruction from published and award-winning faculty with clinical experience
- An immersive internship experience with supervised client interaction
- Preparation for Associate Professional Counselor (APC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure exams
Students must also complete the National Counselor Examination (NCE), National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE), and postgraduate counseling experience for professional licensure.
In 2023, program graduates achieved a 95% first-time pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). Mercer students have also consistently averaged scores that are above the national average for other counseling programs. Visit our outcomes page to learn more.
Designed for busy and working adults
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is available in a blended combination of online and in-person coursework at Mercer’s Atlanta campus. Students can enroll in January, May, or August. In-person classes meet one night per week, and courses are scheduled in 16-week semesters. Students may pursue the degree on a part-time or full-time basis. Completion time is typically 30-42 months for a full-time student, though additional time may be necessary to satisfy clinical field work.
Pursue a counseling career in a variety of community settings
Mercer’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program qualifies graduates for counseling roles in a variety of settings and human services-oriented programs, including:
- Mental health centers
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Community agencies
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Private practices
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Hospitals
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Residential treatment centers
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Department of Corrections
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Drug treatment centers
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Helping or human services programs
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Mercer University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Learn more about our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your personalized admissions counseling appointment, or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6417 or copa.admissions@mercer.edu for more information.
Meet Our Professors
Our highly-credentialed faculty prepare students to help others dealing with a variety of emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges in their communities.
I chose Mercer's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program because of the high average of students passing the licensing examinations. I enjoyed being challenged to examine my views and beliefs and assessing how they may negatively or positively impact my work as a counselor. I am also thankful for the colleagues that I met along the way and am still in contact with today.
Professional licensure
All of Mercer’s programs that lead to licensure are designed to meet the educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the State of Georgia. If you intend to seek licensure or certification outside of Georgia, please review Mercer’s professional licensure disclosure for more information.