Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Springfield College

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Master of Education
About This Program
Admissions Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester) or January (spring semester)
  • Attend full or part time
    • Full time: Enrolled in 9 or more credits
    • Part time: Enrolled in 1 to 6 credits
      • Students need to enroll in at least 6 credits to be eligible for financial aid
    • Full time: Complete in about 2 years
    • Part time: Complete in about 3 years
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Upcoming Events

Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
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Counseling Graduate Programs Information Session (In-Person)
Thursday, April 25 at 6:15 p.m.
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Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
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Counseling Graduate Programs Information Session (Virtual)
Thursday, May 30 at 6:15 p.m.
Register

An unrecognizable patient listens as her mature adult female therapist gives her some straightforward advice.

The MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Springfield College provides students with a solid foundation of counseling theory and skills. With a strong focus on practice, students are offered opportunities for practicums and internships, along with classes taught by clinically experienced faculty, to prepare them to become licensed mental health counselors.

Our program offers full courses in psychopharmacology; assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning; and crisis intervention. Our students graduate grounded in the theoretical bases of behavior—from the biological and psychological to cognitive and social perspectives—which positions students to pursue and fully achieve their professional career goals. Students develop self-awareness, empathic and empowering attitudes, and an understanding of a broad range of counseling principles and skills to bridge theory and effective practice.

Students best fit for this program are those who possess a passion for learning, a capacity for self-inquiry, an ability to relate to others effectively, and a desire to make a difference.

Our clinical mental health courses are designed to meet the standards required for you to apply for licensure in your state. This program does not automatically confer status as a licensed mental health counselor. It is the responsibility of the student to keep current with all state requirements to become a licensed mental health counselor, including post-graduate supervised experience, and to pass the state licensing examination for your state.

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Interview: This program requires an interview
  6. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Fall Start:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: March 15
  • Rolling admissions after March 15 as space is available

Spring Start:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: December 1
  • Rolling admissions after December 1 as space is available

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: March 15

Kaitlin Garrity, G’23

“The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provided opportunities to connect with like-minded peers on both societal and local issues. There have been countless opportunities to expand my wealth of knowledge through both hands-on and lecture-style programs. The coursework is designed to create a collaborative environment where counseling students can share their life and work experiences in order to create more holistic counselors.”

Kaitlin Garrity
Addiction Counselor

Joy Bailey ’21, Graduate Class of 2024

“The professors take the time to ensure you understand what they are teaching you and are always professional and available. They have shown me the importance of self-care and have consistently encouraged me to push myself and not to be afraid of the unknown. Springfield College allows me to use my own life experiences when I am writing papers, answering the discussions, and more.”

Joy Bailey

Fellowships & Scholarships

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Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.