Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Davenport now offers the Introduction to Professional Counseling course during our Spring/Summer semester! Take MHLC 610 this Spring/Summer to test out the Mental Health Counseling master's program or get a jump on completing your degree with this 3-credit pre-requisite. Lighten your course load, expedite your degree and register for the Introduction to Professional Counseling (12-week online course) now.

Make an impact with a master’s degree in mental health counseling

Master of Arts – Mental Health Counseling (60 credits)

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States^*. One in five Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year. Now, more than ever, there is a great need, and dedicated mental health counselors can make a difference.

Through Davenport’s Master of Arts in mental health counseling program, you will gain the skills needed to help individuals and families who are faced with life’s greatest challenges.

As a graduate of the program, you’ll enter the workforce ready and equipped to work with clients of all ages and backgrounds in individual, group and family settings.

We know that working adults like you lead busy lives. That’s why the program offers flexibility through two start dates — one in the fall and one in the winter — as well as 15-week courses and 100% online course delivery.

The skills you need to thrive as a counselor aren’t just learned in a classroom — they’re built through experience. With Davenport’s Master of Arts in mental health counseling program, you’ll gain real-world experience through a 100-hour practicum in a mental health setting and a 600-hour internship in the counseling field under the supervision of a qualified mental health provider.^**

At Davenport, as an aspiring mental health counselor, you can rest assured you’re developing the knowledge and tools you need to help future clients overcome addictions, substance abuse, grief, self-esteem issues, marital difficulties and more.

^**The internships and practicums included in the Master's of mental health counseling program must be completed under the supervision of a licensed mental health provider as recognized by the State of Michigan Licensing Board. Before enrolling, we encourage international students considering this program to inquire with your country's mental health governing organization to ensure your internship meets these requirements.

What does a mental health counselor do?

You may be wondering exactly what a mental health counselor does. At the heart of your career, you’ll assess and treat mental and emotional health disorders, relationship issues and life challenges.

You’ve likely sought out the mental health counseling degree program because you wish to help people. Perhaps you’ve come from a background in social work, psychology, school counseling or education, so you’ve already established a foundation for doing so. Even if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you’ll find this degree will prepare you appropriately for a career shift into mental health counseling.

With your advanced mental health counseling degree, you’ll be well-positioned for a career spent enriching the lives of even more people in a variety of settings, including healthcare organizations, rehabilitation centers and youth homes.

Explore classes for the mental health counseling master’s degree

Students in the master of mental health program already have a bachelor’s degree. Davenport University accepts students with a bachelor’s degree in any field! Courses in the program — which are available 100% online — will help you develop advanced skills and specialized knowledge necessary to becoming a mental health counselor, such as that and advising individuals and groups to promote a healthy mental and emotional state, with an emphasis on prevention.

See Full Course List

Courses		60 Credits
MHLC610	Intro Professional Counseling In this course, students are introduced to the history, philosophy and theoretical foundations of the counseling profession and its specialty areas and begin to form a professional identity as a mental health counselor. Topics covered in the course include the professional standards of the field of counseling, the traits and skills of a professional counselor, the role of the professional counselor, and the requirements to become a mental health counselor, as well as current issues faced by the profession. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MHLC616	Diversity/Justice/Equity Issue This course explores theories and research related to sociocultural diversity in the field of mental health counseling. Students learn how implicit bias, racial profiling, overt and covert discrimination and privilege pertain to the counseling profession and are challenged to examine their own biases and preconceptions as they consider the impact of these phenomenon on mental health and therapeutic intervention. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MHLC620	Counseling Theory/Technique In this course, students are introduced to the theoretical and philosophical foundations of counseling and learn how to consider varying individual sociocultural factors to inform counseling technique. Students develop a theoretical basis and identify techniques to inform the development of their own counseling practice. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MHLC628	Human Development Lifespan This course focuses on the role human development plays in mental health over the lifespan while taking into consideration a variety of sociocultural factors. Students learn counseling theories related to mental health and human development over the lifespan including, but not limited to those related to learning, personality, and abnormality. Contextual factors affecting development from a biological and environmental perspective are also considered. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MHLC632	Prof Counseling Laws & Ethics This course provides students with the foundational frameworks to legal and ethical principles in the field of mental health counseling and explores ethical decision making in the context of the counselor role. Critical thinking and analysis of these subjects will be applied through case analysis. The current standards of various professional and credentialing bodies are also explored. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MHLC644	Testing Assessment Counseling This course examines the use of assessment and testing in counseling. Students learn how to select, administer and interpret the findings from various assessment instruments to ensure utility given the intended use with the population being served. Statistical concepts explored include, but are not limited to, scales of measurement, central tendency, and correlation. The history of the misuse of formal assessment is also discussed. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	4
MHLC653	Trauma: Theories Plan Treatmt	3
MHLC674	Psychopathology In this course, students will identify and diagnose mental and emotional disorders. The current classification systems and historical basis for determining mental health disorders are studied in detail. Students analyze major areas of concern including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, disorders of childhood, addictive disorders and cognitive impairments. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MHLC688	Career Developmnt:Theory/Pract In this course, students learn methods to assess clients’ interests, skills, personality and abilities and how to support the development of career goals which are achievable and marketable in today’s workplace. Major career development and counseling theories which inform professional practice will be examined. Co-requisite(s): MHLC610 Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
MHLC727	Group Counseling: Theory/Pract This course explores the theoretical foundations and practical aspects of group counseling and group work. The dynamics associated with group process and development, as well as the characteristics of being an effective group leader in diverse contexts, are emphasized. Students will gain hands-on experience in group counseling and group work. Fees: Additional Course Fee(s) apply. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610 MHLC 616 and MHLC 620	4
MHLC748	Research in Prof Counseling In this course students examine research and evaluation approaches used in the field of mental health counseling. Students practice critical reading and interpretation of existing research, including professional journal articles, and also learn basic skills needed to conduct research. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, hypothesis development and testing, sampling strategies, statistical analysis, and how to write a summary of findings, using APA format. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610, MHLC 616 and MHLC 620	4
MHLC755	Human Sexuality & Counseling	3
MHLC763	Addictions: Theory/Plan/Treat	3
MHLC772	Clinical Care Cmty Collaboratn This course examines various approaches to coordinating clinical care in collaboration with community groups and organizations to improve mental health outcomes for individuals. Students learn theoretical models, best practices, and strategies for consulting and working with professionals to enhance client care. Legal and ethical implications for this work are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610, MHLC 616 and MHLC 620	3
MHLC779	Clinical Mental Health Pract Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Students are strongly encouraged to attend a practicum workshop at least two semesters prior to the desired practicum course semester. The practicum course provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills, learned in previous coursework, by working in a supervised mental health setting. Weekly supervision is provided on an individual and/or small group basis. Students complete a total of 100 hours in their practicum, 40 of which must consist of direct client contact. Prior to starting the practicum course, students must complete all 600 level courses. Practicum sites need to be approved by an administrator from the Mental Health Counseling program. Student performance will be evaluated by a practicum supervisor and a Davenport faculty member. Students will be supported to identify site possibilities; however, responsibility for selection by the practicum site rests with the student. The practicum may be either paid or unpaid. A cr	4
MHLC784	Professional Counseling Skills This course focuses on the professional standards, evidenced based strategies and applied skills needed to be a successful clinician in the field of mental health. Students learn how to conduct intake interviews, conceptualize cases, develop and document treatment plans and build therapeutic relationships. Technology commonly used when conducting treatment is also introduced. Prerequisite(s): MHLC 610, MHLC 616 and MHLC 620	4
MHLC790A	Clin Mental Health Internship Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Students are strongly encouraged to attend an Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to starting an internship. Information related to the internship workshop can be found at: https://my. davenport.edu/internships. The internship is a field-based experience which provides students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their coursework in an approved mental health setting. Through the internship experience, students will further develop their identity and skills as professional mental health counselors. In order to meet the internship requirement for the Mental Health Counseling program and various state licensing boards, students are required to complete two 300-hour internships. Each 300-hour internship (MHLC 790A and 790B) will be taken as a 3-credit course with a combination of direct service with clients via the internship site and other supervised professional activities. Internship sites need	3
MHLC790B	Clin Mental Health Internship Registration Internship/Practicum Note: Students are strongly encouraged to attend an Internship Workshop at least two semesters prior to starting an internship. Information related to the internship workshop can be found at: https://my.davenport.edu/internships. The internship is a field-based experience which provides students an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired through their coursework in an approved mental health setting. Through the internship experience, students will further develop their identity and skills as professional mental health counselors. In order to meet the internship requirement for the Mental Health Counseling program and various state licensing boards, students are required to complete two 300-hour internships. Each 300-hour internship (MHLC 790A and 790B) will be taken as a 3-credit course with a combination of direct service with clients via the internship site and other supervised professional activities. Internship sites need t	3
MHLC799	MH Counselor Lic Exam Prep	1

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

1:1

Mentor program

Complete your degree in just 2 years

92%

of Davenport students receive a scholarship or gift aid that, unlike student loans, does not have to be repaid

13,000+

Positions are readily available with over 13,000 nationwide

Why pursue a degree in mental health counseling at Davenport?

Davenport’s mental health counseling program takes a unique approach with a curriculum that builds cultural competency so you can be effective in the community at the highest professional level. Course materials and assessments reflect the diverse reality that mental health counselors experience so that you excel as a counselor in a mental health profession.

Davenport's coursework and learning outcomes align with Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards which meet the State of Michigan licensing requirements.

Additionally, Davenport is committed to supporting our students every step of the way. That’s why we’ve incorporated a 1:1 mentorship program. It pairs you, an incoming student, with a second-year student and/or faculty member. You’ll begin building a network immediately and have a strong team to lean on and learn from.

Experience the Davenport difference:

One-on-one attention

Gain advanced knowledge and specialized skills in small classes that offer individualized attention from highly credentialed faculty.

Expand your impact

Develop the skills necessary to help future clients overcome addictions, substance abuse, grief, self-esteem issues, marital difficulties and more.

Experience hands-on learning

Prepare for the real world through a 100-hour practicum in a mental health setting and a 600-hour internship in the counseling field under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional.

Grow your expertise

The mental health counseling program enables you to build foundational knowledge and clinical skills simultaneously — a benefit that ensures you graduate ready and equipped to enter the workforce.

Start on your Master of Arts in mental health counseling

Explore the admissions requirements and then take the next step toward the Master of Arts in mental health counseling degree.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now or request more information

Start on your path to be a mental health counselor or other rewarding positions. Request more information or begin your application now.

Programs related to the master’s degree in mental health counseling

Health and Human Services Case Management: Psychology specialty

Integrative Professional Studies: Social Work

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.*

Additional resources

Program Outcomes

As a Master of Mental Health Counseling graduate you will:

Demonstrate knowledge of the practices, professional standards and ethics of mental health counseling practice.
Synthesize the unique experiences and needs of clients from different social and cultural groups into relevant client evaluation, guidance, and treatment.
Apply culturally relevant theories and models accounting for individual and environmental factors affecting wellbeing over the lifespan.
Apply theories of culturally responsive career development, counseling, and decision-making to guide clients through career and employment planning.
Develop strategies to collaboratively engage clients in decision-making and goal setting through the counseling process to generate treatment plans accounting for individual preferences, culture, and contexts.
Apply theories and models of counseling intervention to facilitate culturally responsive group counseling sessions.
Synthesize contextual factors to select, use and interpret the findings from culturally appropriate diagnostic tests.
Identify and utilize culturally and developmentally responsive research and evaluation methods and evidence-based practices to inform counseling practice.
Utilize best practices and culturally responsive strategies when practicing clinical mental health counseling.

Sources:

DU Financial Aid Awards, 2022/2023
Davenport University, 2023/2024 Catalog
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health