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
Expected Program Outcomes
The master’s in mental health counseling program equips students with the skills and expertise to succeed in clinical environments.
Master’s in mental health counseling graduates can support clients in a wide variety of settings.
Graduates can conduct psychological assessments with a thorough understanding of the ethical, legal and cultural implications that accompany these tests.
Graduates will apply current research and evidence-based interventions to clinical practice, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical techniques to provide effective, culturally responsive mental health counseling across diverse populations.
Graduation from the master’s in mental health counseling program is the first requirement for LPC licensure in Pennsylvania. Additional requirements towards an LPC include passing examinations and supervised post-graduate hours.
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
- Clinical internships* aligned with each student’s professional objectives
This program is also offered on campus for students who prefer an in-person learning experience.
*Regarding internships in New York state: Due to state regulations, Lehigh University students cannot complete internships in New York. We will help you secure a placement in Pennsylvania or another state.
This restriction only applies to internship locations. It should not impact eligibility for state licensure, and we do not anticipate barriers to New York state licensure for graduates of the online M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling. For details, refer to our FAQ page.
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 a 17% growth in the employment of counselors by 2034, 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 M.Ed. 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
A Degree That Offers a Smart Return on Your Investment
Mental health counselors earn a median base salary of $59,514 (Source: Lightcast). With one of the most affordable tuition rates nationwide for mental health counseling M.Ed. programs, Lehigh graduates can earn back their educational investment within just a few years.
The Pennsylvania Educator Tuition Incentive provides a
15% discount
on up to 18 credits per year. This reduces the tuition rate to $561 per credit.
To discuss your options, reach out to an enrollment specialist. It takes less than 10 minutes to chat!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both degrees may lead to careers in the mental health field, a master’s in mental health counseling emphasizes practical tools for clinical practice and treating general mental health issues. A master’s degree in counseling psychology is more focused on research and covers a broader range of psychological disorders.
The M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling from Lehigh University was designed to meet the initial requirements of licensure for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. You can learn more about becoming a Pennsylvania LPC in our article.
Requirements for licensure, along with licensing policies and procedures, vary among states and may be revised and updated periodically (American Counseling Association). Therefore, it is important for you to stay up to date on the requirements, policies and procedures of your state.
Lehigh University’s on-campus program is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). The online curriculum is fully aligned with MPCAC standards, and the program will pursue accreditation once it has a graduating class.
Importantly, MPCAC accreditation is not required for counselor licensure in any state, including Pennsylvania. Graduates of the online program are eligible to pursue licensure, though applicants residing outside Pennsylvania should verify requirements with their state board.
A master’s in mental health counseling prepares you to work as a Licensed Professional Counselor in diverse settings like private practices, hospitals, schools, community mental health centers and substance abuse treatment facilities. Graduates are equipped to provide therapeutic services to individuals, families and groups dealing with mental health challenges, trauma, relationship issues and life transitions.
To learn more about the online M.Ed. 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 enrollment specialist directly by calling (610) 215-2867 or emailing us at edprograms@lehigh.edu.