Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Make an impact with a master’s degree in mental health counseling

Master of Arts – Mental Health Counseling (60 credits)

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. One in five Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year. Now, more than ever, there is a great need, and dedicated mental health counselors can make a difference.

Through Davenport’s Master of Arts in mental health counseling program, you will gain the skills needed to help individuals and families who are faced with life’s greatest challenges.

As a graduate of the program, you’ll enter the workforce ready and equipped to work with clients of all ages and backgrounds in individual, group and family settings.

We know that working adults like you lead busy lives. That’s why the program offers flexibility through two start dates — one in the fall and one in the winter — as well as 15-week courses and 100% online course delivery.

The skills you need to thrive as a counselor aren’t just learned in a classroom — they’re built through experience. With Davenport’s Master of Arts in mental health counseling program, you’ll gain real-world experience through a 100-hour practicum in a mental health setting and a 600-hour internship in the counseling field under the supervision of a qualified mental health provider.

At Davenport, as an aspiring mental health counselor, you can rest assured you’re developing the knowledge and tools you need to help future clients overcome addictions, substance abuse, grief, self-esteem issues, marital difficulties and more.

The internships and practicums included in the master's in mental health counseling program must be completed under the supervision of a licensed mental health provider as recognized by the state of Michigan Licensing Board. We encourage students considering this program to inquire with your state's and/or country's mental health governing organization before enrolling to ensure your internship meets these requirements. 

What does a mental health counselor do?

You may be wondering exactly what a mental health counselor does. At the heart of your career, you’ll assess and treat mental and emotional health disorders, relationship issues and life challenges.

You’ve likely sought out the mental health counseling degree program because you wish to help people. Perhaps you’ve come from a background in social work, psychology, school counseling or education, so you’ve already established a foundation for doing so. Even if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you’ll find this degree will prepare you appropriately for a career shift into mental health counseling.

With your advanced mental health counseling degree, you’ll be well-positioned for a career spent enriching the lives of even more people in a variety of settings, including healthcare organizations, rehabilitation centers and youth homes.

Explore classes for the mental health counseling master’s degree

Students in the master of mental health program already have a bachelor’s degree. Davenport University accepts students with a bachelor’s degree in any field! Courses in the program — which are available 100% online — will help you develop advanced skills and specialized knowledge necessary to becoming a mental health counselor, such as that and advising individuals and groups to promote a healthy mental and emotional state, with an emphasis on prevention.