LVC students in psychology seminar with Dr. Rachel Albert

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Is your passion helping others? Lebanon Valley College’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares you for a career where you can make a difference. Our mental health counseling courses provide you with the skills and training to work in hospitals, private practice, or social service organizations in a variety of roles.

Next start date: January 12, 2026

Work closely with faculty who bring extensive clinical experience to the program. This hybrid program allows you to learn where you are.

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Learn More About the Clinical Mental Health Program

Our M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program objectives align with the Pennsylvania State requirements for Licensure for Professional Counselors and CACREP standards. Our curriculum is founded on excellence in teaching, high-performing student outcomes, and continuous improvement.

This hybrid clinical mental health counseling graduate program is convenient for working professionals. You can complete our mental health counseling master’s program in as few as two years attending full-time or four years part-time. Our flexible hybrid program includes hybrid, asynchronous online, and synchronous online coursework and the ability for students to choose their preferred modality for select courses.  

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60
credits (includes 600-hour internship)
$759
2025–26 cost per credit hour
7-week
terms
Flexible
completion options

Our clinical mental health counseling graduate program is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. Additional requirements to obtain licensure are mandatory, including passing the state licensure exam and acquiring the requisite supervision hours. You should consult the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board to determine the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

If you are interested in licensure outside Pennsylvania, contact the American Counseling Association or the National Board of Certified Counselors to access licensure requirements for other states. You are responsible for contacting the appropriate board for licensing and certification information.

Please consult Dr. Cynthia Vejar, CMHC Program Director, for additional information.

As of July 1, 2025, the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at LVC is in the final stages of accreditation review by the Council for Accreditation and Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), following a successful site visit. A final decision is expected by February 2026.

LVC students in psychology seminar with Dr. Rachel Albert

The Clinical Mental Health Program Experience

Our Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is broader than most, and that’s deliberate. Counselors with diverse skills are in high demand and can pursue clinical counseling careers in a variety of specializations.

You can apply for our clinical mental health counseling graduate program with a 3.0 GPA in any bachelor’s degree.

Trauma-informed Counseling Certificate

The certificate comprises four courses (12 credits) and can be obtained as a stand-alone certificate or applied toward the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Courses

Are you curious about what courses make up your 60 credits? All CMHC course syllabi are available for review upon request. Contact our graduate admission team or Dr. Cynthia Vejar with questions, for information, or if you’d like to schedule a meeting.

Contact Dr. Vejar
Clinical Mental Health Career Opportunities

Our mental health counseling courses prepare you for positions in many areas of therapy, including:

  • Clinical child psychology
  • Addiction counseling
  • Trauma-informed counseling
  • Marriage and family counseling

Careers for substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counselors are expected to grow much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our Breen Center for Career and Professional Development helps you take advantage of these open positions. You will have access to personal career advising, connecting you with alumni and employers.

Additionally, our caring, supportive faculty are practicing clinicians in addiction counseling, grief counseling, couples and family therapy, and psychopathology. Due to their expertise, they can help you navigate clinical mental health fields.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program Flexibility

The curriculum combines flexible learning modalities, including hybrid, online/asynchronous, and online/synchronous courses.

Our hybrid program is perfect for busy professionals balancing their education with other responsibilities. The benefits of each mental health counseling course type include:

  • Hybrid Classes: Coursework is 50 percent in person and 50 percent online. The in-person component includes real-time discussions, activities, and class exercises. For some students, in-person networking with instructors and classmates is extremely valuable. The online component of hybrid classes offers flexibility and accessibility. Courses offered in hybrid format can also be completed 100% online. This option is perfect if you are completing the program from a non-commutable distance to Annville, Pa. You’ll complete practicum and internships at in-person locations. 
  • Online/Asynchronous Courses: You can take your clinical counseling courses online and on your schedule. While there are deadlines each week, you decide when and where to learn.
  • Online/Synchronous Courses: During your 600-hour practicum and internships, and select other courses, you will engage with your classmates and instructors in real time. This is conducive to group supervision, which allows an exchange of feedback and dialogue about clinical-related matters. Simultaneously, the online modality provides flexibility and accessibility.

Students can begin the program in the fall or spring following a course plan outlined by their program advisor.

If you take courses out of sequence, you have a maximum of seven years to complete the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

Handbooks, Reports & Statistics

As of July 1, 2025, the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at LVC is in the final stages of accreditation review by the Council for Accreditation and Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), following a successful site visit. A final decision is expected by February 2026.

View Annual Reports & Vital Statistics
View Program Handbooks

In Their Words

Preparation
Throughout the program, I felt encouraged and supported professionally and personally. The faculty are eager to engage with students throughout course planning, in the class setting and internship experience, as well as by fostering conference presentation opportunities. My transition to employment was seamless. I was well-prepared by a top-notch team and I am grateful for my experience.
Dayna Hanlon-Pinkerton M’24, MS, C-IAYT, LAPC, Yoga Therapist, Trauma Counselor, Founder, Unity Yoga Center
Practice
I learned something new every day. We did a lot of role-playing activities to gain feedback from our classmates and teachers, and that was the best thing because I think that was the best way to learn.
Jamie Rothenberger ’20, M’22, Lead Academic Teacher, YMCA of Greater Brandywine
Quality
LVC has a longstanding reputation for being student-centered and providing quality instruction that makes graduates competitive in the workforce.
Dr. Cynthia Vejar, Program Director and Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Throughout the program, I felt encouraged and supported professionally and personally. The faculty are eager to engage with students throughout course planning, in the class setting and internship experience, as well as by fostering conference presentation opportunities. My transition to employment was seamless. I was well-prepared by a top-notch team and I am grateful for my experience.
Dayna Hanlon-Pinkerton M’24, MS, C-IAYT, LAPC, Yoga Therapist, Trauma Counselor, Founder, Unity Yoga Center
I learned something new every day. We did a lot of role-playing activities to gain feedback from our classmates and teachers, and that was the best thing because I think that was the best way to learn.
Jamie Rothenberger ’20, M’22, Lead Academic Teacher, YMCA of Greater Brandywine
LVC has a longstanding reputation for being student-centered and providing quality instruction that makes graduates competitive in the workforce.
Dr. Cynthia Vejar, Program Director and Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Counseling Internship/Practicum Sites

The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program features an evidence-based curriculum and opportunities to get real-life experience through internships and a practicum. Local sites include:

  • Annville Psychological Services
  • Catholic Charities
  • Center for Hope and Healing
  • Everlasting Wellness Counseling
  • Horizon House Inc.
  • LVC Counseling Center
  • Maryland Treatment Centers – Mountain Manor
  • Milton Hershey School
  • Pennsylvania Counseling Services
  • WellSpan Health – Philhaven

Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program Resources

Graduate Scholarships
Graduate Tuition & Costs
7-week Term Calendar
Graduate Housing Options
Related Counseling Programs

Upcoming Events

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Arnold Health Professions Pavilion at sunset

Graduate Programs Virtual Chat

Virtual
Join us January 8 for an information session about graduate study at LVC. Learn more about our programs, the application process, and support for graduate students.
Register
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LVC Grad Programs Pop-Up Table

Breen Center
Visit the GPS table at the Breen Center on January 13! Explore the graduate programs offered at LVC, have your questions answered, and discover your next steps—no appointment needed.
Statue on LVC campus at sunset

Graduate Programs Virtual Chat

Virtual
Join us January 15 for an information session about graduate study at LVC. Learn more about our programs, the application process, and support for graduate students.
Register
Event Placeholder Image

LVC Grad Programs Pop-Up Table

Bishop Library
Visit the GPS table at the Breen Center on January 20! Explore the graduate programs offered at LVC, have your questions answered, and discover your next steps—no appointment needed.
Arnold Health Professions Pavilion at sunset

Graduate Programs Virtual Chat

Virtual
Join us January 8 for an information session about graduate study at LVC. Learn more about our programs, the application process, and support for graduate students.
Register
Event Placeholder Image

LVC Grad Programs Pop-Up Table

Breen Center
Visit the GPS table at the Breen Center on January 13! Explore the graduate programs offered at LVC, have your questions answered, and discover your next steps—no appointment needed.
Statue on LVC campus at sunset

Graduate Programs Virtual Chat

Virtual
Join us January 15 for an information session about graduate study at LVC. Learn more about our programs, the application process, and support for graduate students.
Register
Event Placeholder Image

LVC Grad Programs Pop-Up Table

Bishop Library
Visit the GPS table at the Breen Center on January 20! Explore the graduate programs offered at LVC, have your questions answered, and discover your next steps—no appointment needed.

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