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Transform Lives With an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Tell us about yourself.

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by Merrimack College and its partners via email, phone or text for program information and application guidance. You grant us permission to call or text you at this number, and that contact may be made using automated dialing systems and/or an artificial or prerecorded voice.

Our flexible format allows you to choose online or on-campus courses, enabling you to integrate the program with your own schedule and life.

Earn your degree full time in as few as 20 months or continue working and complete it part time in three or four years.

This program meets the educational requirements for licensed mental health counselors in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and many other states.

With tuition under $44K for most students and financial aid available, the average cost of our degree is comparable to or less than many public universities.

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).

Pursue a Career in Mental Health



There is an ongoing mental health crisis in the United States and the need for qualified mental health professionals is growing at an exponential rate. Channel your passion for helping others into a rewarding career with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Merrimack. Choose between the LMHC licensure track or research (non-licensure) track and start making a difference in the lives of others.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Key Dates

Term
Application Deadline
Classes Begin
Spring I
Monday, January 5, 2026
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Summer I
Monday, April 27, 2026
Monday, May 11, 2026
Spring I
Application Deadline
Monday, January 5, 2026
Classes Begin
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Summer I
Application Deadline
Monday, April 27, 2026
Classes Begin
Monday, May 11, 2026
Get Started Now

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. Through FAFSA student loans and other options. 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 U.S.

Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio are currently the only states that specifically require CACREP accreditation for licensure.

Begin Your Journey

1 Tuition is based on 2025-2026 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change annually. Additional program fees may apply based on optional coursework and professional package add-ons.