Online M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling
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To download a program brochure and learn more about the M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling offered by the Lehigh University College of Education, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admissions coordinator directly by calling us at (866) 760-8978 (toll-free).
- Learn from expert faculty with extensive experience in a variety of specialties
- Engage in a mix of synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- Gain clinical experience in a variety of interest areas
- Prepare to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Pennsylvania
- No GMAT or GRE required
- Fee waivers available for eligible applicants — call an admissions coordinator to get started
Empower Others as a Mental Health Counselor
In a world where stressors, challenges and uncertainties can be overwhelming, mental health counselors serve as compassionate guides. Their goal is to provide a safe and confidential space for individuals, couples and small groups to engage in personal reflection and self-improvement. By using holistic skills in empathetic listening and evidence-based intervention, mental health counselors contribute significantly to enhancing individuals’ mental health.
A master’s in mental health counseling is intended to prepare professionals to become effective counselors who foster resilience and personal growth and encourage clients to develop valuable coping strategies.
Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Program Overview
The M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling online program is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of professional counseling roles and specific skills for effective engagement with diverse populations in various settings. Our online synchronous coursework is heavily informed by social justice, and there is a specific emphasis on providing accessible services to a broad clientele and addressing disparities in healthcare and mental health care. This social analysis permeates our coursework, fostering our students’ ability to think critically in this manner.
By keeping the student-to-faculty ratio small, master’s students also benefit from mentor relationships with professors who incorporate their practical experiences and research techniques into the coursework.
In 2021 alone, one in five adults received mental health treatment at some point.
Center for Health Statistics
“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
A Balanced Blend of Counseling Theory and Clinical Practice
Lehigh students have diverse career aspirations, ranging from private practice to community-focused mental health, advocacy, doctoral-level education, teaching and more. Because of this, our master’s in mental health counseling online synchronous curriculum prioritizes individualized learning, offering tailored clinical internships and coursework aligned with each student’s professional objectives.
In our synchronous evening classes and asynchronous coursework, students participate in discussions, role plays and projects designed to provide a secure environment for initial practice with counseling techniques and helping skills. Practicum experience supplements classroom learning, allowing students to bring their skills to the real world with an organization in their community.
Almost a third (28.2%) of all adults with a mental illness reported that they were not able to receive the treatment they needed. 42% of adults with any mental illness (AMI) reported they were unable to receive necessary care because they could not afford it.
Mental Health America
“Whether it’s due to post-pandemic trauma or a broader societal shift in acknowledging mental health needs, there’s an urgent need for more professionals in the field. It’s an incredibly favorable time to join and contribute to meeting this growing demand.”
Dr. Nic L. Johnson, Associate Professor
Careers for Mental Health Counseling Graduates
Access to experienced, caring counselors and therapists is life-changing for many people, and the need for trained professionals continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of counselors, particularly those that specialize in substance abuse, behavioral disorders and general mental health, is projected to grow 18% by 2032.
A master’s in mental health counseling can elevate your skill set as a counselor and be the first step to new job opportunities. According to Lightcast, a leader in labor market analytics, some possible career outcomes include:
- Mental health counselor
- Clinical mental health counselor
- Substance abuse counselor
- Mental health professional
- Behavioral health counselor
- Telehealth counselor/therapist
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Crisis counselor
- Private practice counselor
- Licensed mental health therapist
- School counselor
- Older adult counselor
- Military counselor
- Community mental health counselor
Becoming a licensed professional counselor allows professionals to help others while also increasing their earning potential. Mental health counselors have a median base salary of $68,500 per year.
Lightcast™
About the Lehigh College of Education
The College of Education is home to top-ranked academic programs. In addition, the college supports interrelated programs in collaboration with Centennial School, the Center for Promoting Research to Practice, Global Online Programs and the Office of Professional Certification.
We prepare students for leadership roles in evidence-based, cross-disciplinary inquiry that shapes educational practices on the national and international level.
While we prepare individuals for leadership roles in school systems, we also prepare individuals for a variety of positions in business, healthcare, private practice, international development and community-based organizations.
In this rapidly evolving world, the work students do at Lehigh is the very foundation of equity, opportunity and positive transformation for individuals.