Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Minor in Psychotherapy & Trauma Care

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counseling core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Minor in Christian Psychotherapy & Trauma Care equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective mental health counselors. Over a two-year period, students engage in rigorous coursework that covers clinical assessment, therapeutic techniques, ethical practices, and trauma-informed care, framed within a Christian context. This unique combination allows graduates to integrate spiritual considerations into their therapeutic practice, addressing the holistic needs of clients. The program emphasizes practical experience, preparing students for diverse professional environments, including community agencies, private practices, and faith-based organizations. Graduates will emerge as compassionate, knowledgeable counselors ready to make a significant impact in the mental health field.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Clinical Mental Health Counseling theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and clinical mental health counseling-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A clinical mental health counseling-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Career Opportunities

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Mental Health Consultant
• Trauma Care Specialist
• Christian Counselor
• Clinical Supervisor
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• School Counselor

Important Notices

• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counseling core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CMHC 501 | Counseling Theories & Models | 3 | None
• CMHC 502 | Helping Skills & Techniques | 3 | None
• CMHC 503 | Professional Orientation, Ethics, & Law | 3 | None
• CMHC 504 | Human Growth & Development | 3 | None
• CPT 510 | Christian Psychotherapy Integration (Minor) | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CMHC 511 | Multicultural Counseling & Advocacy | 3 | None
• CMHC 512 | Group Counseling | 3 | None
• CMHC 513 | Assessment & Appraisal | 3 | None
• CPT 520 | Christian Trauma Care Foundations (Minor) | 3 | None
• CMHC 521 | Psychopathology & Diagnosis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CMHC 522 | Research & Program Evaluation | 3 | None
• CMHC 523 | Career Counseling | 3 | None
• CPT 530 | Spiritual Assessment & Treatment Planning (Minor) | 3 | None
• CMHC 531 | Crisis Intervention & Suicide Assessment | 3 | None
• CMHC 532 | Addictions & Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CMHC 533 | Practicum | 3 | CMHC core courses completed
• CPT 540 | Christian Ethics in Clinical Practice (Minor) | 3 | None
• CMHC 541 | Internship I | 3 | Successful completion of core counseling courses
• CMHC 542 | Internship II | 3 | Completion of Internship I (CMHC 541) and relevant coursework in clinical mental health counseling.
• CMHC 543 | Advanced Clinical Skills Seminar | 3 | CMHC 500 or equivalent foundational course in counseling