CACREP Grants Accreditation to LVC’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. Program

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program at Lebanon Valley College.

LVC’s CMHC program features an evidence-based curriculum and opportunities for students to gain real-life experience through internships and a practicum. Courses prepare graduates for roles in healthcare, private practice, or social services. Faculty are practicing clinicians in addiction, grief, couples and family therapy, and play therapy.

“Earning CAPREP accreditation reflects our faculty’s dedication, curriculum’s quality, and institution’s support,” said Dr. Cynthia Vejar, Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. “It also speaks to our students, who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. We’re proud to reach this milestone. It was truly a team effort, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”

Lebanon Valley College’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program enables students with any bachelor’s degree (3.0 GPA minimum required) to launch their counseling career in just two years of full-time or four years of part-time study. The program combines online and in-person coursework with two internships and clinical experiences. The College’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling 3+2 program is an accelerated dual-degree program in which students earn their Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in just five years.

“LVC’s CMHC graduates empower individuals and communities to build stronger, healthier lives and pursue meaningful well-being,” said Dr. Michelle Maldonado, Provost. “Our dedicated faculty provide close, personalized mentorship within a supportive learning environment shaped by research and real-world experience. Lebanon Valley College is truly honored to be recognized by CACREP for this commitment to excellence.”

LVC’s CMHC program also meets Pennsylvania’s Licensure for Professional Counselors. The College also offers employer discounts and discounts for PA Commonwealth employees and dependents. A four-course (12-credit) Trauma-Informed Counseling Certificate is also available—no prior counseling experience needed. The start date for the next CMHC cohort is August 24. Applications are being accepted now.

Please contact Dr. Cynthia Vejar, Director and Associate Professor of CMHC, at vejar@lvc.edu for additional information.

See more LVC news about CMHC and insights from faculty.