Pursue a Fulfilling Career in Counseling
Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling
- Format: Online
- Number of credits: 60
- Average duration: 3 years
In a world that can often feel overwhelming and stressful, mental health counselors serve as compassionate guides who provide individuals, groups and communities with the tools to navigate stress and hardships. At the Lehigh University College of Education, we understand the importance of counselors, and we work to build experienced professionals equipped with holistic skills in listening and evidence-based intervention that can truly make a difference in individuals and communities.
Our Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling program equips graduates with the skills to navigate the field of counseling and connect with diverse client populations. The online master’s in mental health counseling is an online synchronous program with a curriculum that strikes a unique balance between research and practical application, encouraging students to critically assess course material and align it with their areas of interest and desired client demographics.
“We are deeply committed to contemplating how we navigate interactions across diverse cultural and social identities. Our goal is to empower students to comprehend their own identities and those of their clients, recognizing how these factors influence the counseling relationship for effective intervention.”
Dr. Susan Woodhouse, Associate Professor and Program Director
An Engaging Mental Health Master’s With a Focus on Social Justice
Our online master’s in mental health counseling program guides students through self-discovery and personal reflection to help foster the empathy and counseling knowledge that is essential for effective counseling. Graduates of our mental health counseling master’s degree are prepared to cultivate their clients’ resilience, personal growth and coping strategies.
Our program facilitates mentor relationships between students and faculty, allowing students to learn from the practical and research expertise of their professors. Students also collaborate with their classmates and fellow mental health professionals through discussions, group projects, role plays and clinical internships aligned with each student’s professional objectives.
Ready to learn more? Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admissions and FAQ pages.
How Do I Become a Counselor?
To become a licensed professional counselor, you will need to meet your state’s educational and clinical training requirements. In Pennsylvania, a master’s degree and 3,000 hours of clinical experience are required to obtain licensure.
A degree like a mental health counseling master’s can provide you with the education and clinical experience needed to pursue licensure. Our online mental health counseling degree program is designed for professionals of all backgrounds who are looking to gain the skill set necessary to excel as a mental health counselor. This program is perfect for:
- Working counselors who want to procure licensure
- Aspiring counselors looking to learn how to effectively support clients
- Social justice advocates who want to make a difference for underrepresented communities
- Individuals pursuing careers adjacent to counseling, such as diversity initiative managers or field-specific writers
Is a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Worth It?
As our world has grown increasingly complicated, the demand for knowledgeable, trained counselors has risen. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18% growth in the employment of counselors by 2032, with particular demand for those specializing in substance abuse, behavioral disorders and general mental health.
A respected mental health counseling master’s degree can make an impactful difference in your career. Our MEd in Mental Health Counseling provides students with an advocacy mindset and helping skills that can be applied to a variety of mental health career paths. The top employment areas (as noted by Lightcast, an authority on labor market analytics) for professionals with a mental health counseling master’s degree include:
- Individual and family services
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- General government support
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Offices of mental health practitioners
- Elementary and secondary schools
Becoming a licensed professional counselor allows professionals to help others while also increasing their earning potential. Mental health counselors earn a median base salary of $68,500.
— Lightcast
The Pennsylvania Educator Tuition Incentive provides a
10% discount
on up to 18 credits per year
To learn more about the online MEd in Mental Health Counseling at Lehigh University College of Education and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an admissions coordinator directly by calling (866) 760-8978 (toll-free) or emailing us at edprograms@lehigh.edu.