Transform Lives With an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Earn your degree from Merrimack College at your own pace, and prepare for a rewarding career as a licensed mental health counselor.
Tell us about yourself.
Gain access to a program brochure, connect with an enrollment advisor and get a head start on your application.
Choose Online or On-Campus Study by Course
Our flexible format allows you to choose online or on-campus courses, enabling you to integrate the program with your own schedule and life.
Complete Your Degree at Your Own Pace
Earn your degree full time in as few as 20 months or continue working and complete it part time in three or four years.
Prepare for Licensure
This program meets the educational requirements for licensed mental health counselors in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and many other states.
Affordable Tuition
With tuition under $43K and financial aid available, the average cost of our degree is comparable to or less than many public universities.
Fellowship Opportunities
Apply for a nine-month, on-campus fellowship position and receive a 50–100 percent tuition discount during the first year (up to 36 credits).
Overview
There is an ongoing mental health crisis in the United States and the need for licensed mental health counselors is growing at an exponential rate. Channel your passion for helping people into a rewarding career in mental health. Transform lives with your M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Merrimack.
Experience-Based. Career-Focused.
Our curriculum emphasizes the most current evidence-based techniques. Through 700 hours of hands-on clinical training in settings such as schools, hospitals, rehab centers and correctional facilities, you’ll become proficient in diagnosis and assessment, group counseling, addiction and trauma, crisis intervention, research and more. We support your selection of clinical sites and supervisors to ensure they align with the curriculum, promote exceptional mental health counseling skills and equip you with the tools to excel as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC).
“Being able to apply what I’m learning in the classroom to a real-time role is special. It has been a beyond-fulfilling experience thus far.”
– Amy, M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Class of 2023
Key Dates and Deadlines
No. 5
Most Innovative Schools
Merrimack College was named No. 5 in Most Innovative Schools, Regional Universities North, by U.S. News & World Report (2025).
No. 39
Regional Universities North
Merrimack College was named No. 39 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report (2025).
NECHE-Accredited
Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Why Merrimack
At Merrimack College, our values are rooted in a commitment to excellence, compassion and social responsibility. We believe in empowering individuals to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. In our M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, you will:
- Receive a foundational curriculum in counseling skills and techniques, diagnoses, assessments and interventions to meet the needs of individuals, families and communities in ways that are respectful of and effective with all cultures
- Complete a 12-month on-site clinical practicum and internship training with a community-based mental health agency or private practice setting
- Benefit from Merrimack’s 97 percent clinical placement rate
Frequently Asked Questions
As a full-time student, if you complete 12 credits per semester, you may graduate in as few as 20 months.
Yes. Students have a variety of options to fund their education. Request more information, and an enrollment advisor will contact you to answer your questions.
Connecting with an enrollment advisor will help you:
- Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply.
- Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application.
- Know what to expect in your online or on-campus learning experience, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes, and more
- Have an immediate line of support in the event you have questions or need clarification about the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Yes! This program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation is accepted for licensure requirements for master’s level mental health counselor licenses in 47 out of 50 states in the US.
Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio are currently the only states that specifically require CACREP accreditation for licensure.
Make a Difference in the World of Mental Health Counseling
With a proven track record of success and a commitment to empowering our graduates, Merrimack College can be the perfect choice for your journey toward becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor.
Begin Your Journey