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Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MAEd

Seattle University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree develops ethical, reflective and culturally competent leaders for mental health settings.

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About this Program

Preparing Licensed Mental Health Counselors and Leaders in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Would you like to help people be healthier and happier and be prepared for a rewarding career that’s in high demand? US News ranks substance abuse counselors and mental health counselors as one of the best social service jobs.

The clinical mental health counseling program at Seattle University prepares mental health counselors to be ethical, reflective and multiculturally competent leaders and change agents.

Graduates of the program are able to provide both substance abuse and mental health counseling. They work in clinical mental health, hospital, agencies and college settings.

You'll graduate with preparation for:

  • State of Washington Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
  • Washington State Substance Use Disorder Certification.

Graduates of the program leave with a deep understanding of mental health and substance abuse issues, strong clinical skills and possess a commitment to social justice.

Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree at a Glance

Learn how a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University master's can be.

Seattle University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a national leader in preparing mental health counselors.

The program holds the distinction of being the first counseling program in Seattle to be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP is the leading accrediting body for master’s level counseling programs in the country.

The Seattle University Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is also ranked as the top graduate counseling program in Seattle, based on program completion rate, job placement rate, licensing exam pass rates, accreditation length, research productivity of faculty and cost of tuition and fees by Top Counseling Schools, a website for counseling students and professionals.

This is the only program in the nation where graduates are eligible to pursue Washington State substance use disorder certification upon graduation. This distinction positions our clinical mental health counseling graduates to provide integrated care.

  1. Integrate critical knowledge essential for professional counselors in a diverse society.
  2. Demonstrate foundational skills with self-awareness in practice settings.
  3. Prepare strategies for social justice within and beyond practice settings.
  4. Engage in relationships which demonstrate our professional dispositions.

What You’ll Learn

See the curriculum you’ll take as a student at this program.

Explore Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Meet Crystal Long, a student in Seattle University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

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Designed to Make a Difference

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Evening Classes for Working Professionals

Courses are held near the end of the day and in the evenings for those who have other professional and family commitments.

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In-Depth Experiences, Diverse Clients

Our clinical mental health counseling program seeks sites with quality supervision that help you integrate classroom theory with real-world clients. In keeping with our mission, your practicum and internship will feature a variety of clients with a range of needs and include diverse populations.

Practicum & Internship

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP is the premiere accrediting body for graduate counseling programs.

As a leader in counselor preparation, we hold the distinction of being the first CACREP-accredited institution in Seattle and one of the first accredited institutions in Washington state. There are over 600 CACREP-accredited programs in the United States.

Benefits of Accreditation

Accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of a program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession. The benefits of graduating from an accredited program include:

For students:

  • Provides assurance that appropriate knowledge and skills are included in the program
  • Increases marketability for employment
  • Prepares students to sit for state licensure
  • Ensures fluidity in the licensure process
  • Eases the licensure process between states
  • Provides a foundation for future doctoral studies

For employers:

  • Indicates that candidates for employment graduated from a rigorous program
  • Signifies that graduates achieved high quality standards and competencies
  • Ensures that graduates possess minimal knowledge and skills for success
  • Denotes that graduates are knowledgeable of current trends and best practices
  • Ensures that candidates for employment have potential for achieving success

See CACREP reports to learn more.

The Seattle University Counseling Department is committed to preparing ethical, self-aware counselors devoted to social justice, equity, and anti-racism. We develop students’ multicultural and social justice competence to ensure an understanding of systemic oppression that will help them advocate with and for marginalized communities. Our graduates are change agents that promote justice and foster individual and collective wellbeing through their integrity, reflective practice, and sustained efforts addressing inequities in their counseling.

Seattle University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students for work in various community settings, such as youth service agencies, mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities and private practice.

Our graduates become highly respected:

  • Agency counselors
  • School-based mental health professionals
  • College counselors
  • Consultants
  • Mental health advocates

Hear From Our Alumni

Riley Cornett

"SU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has provided me with a dynamic educational experience. I am grateful for the engaged and caring faculty that have prepared me to help people live healthier and happier."

Clinical Mental Health Counseling alumnus

Featured Faculty

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Get In Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help!

Diana Calderon

Admissions Counselor

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