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Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Build your counseling foundation in real-world settings.
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College of Education Graduate Mental Health & Wellness
College of Education

About the Program

CACREP logo

This 60-hour CACREP accredited Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling prepares candidates with the advanced knowledge and skills to become leaders and practitioners in the field of professional counseling/psychotherapy. Practice is given in using current counseling principles in real-world settings through practicum and internship experiences. Candidates are equipped with strategies including cognitive, affective, behavioral or systematic interventions that address wellness, personal growth, crisis and mental health, including pathology. This program will provide candidates with competencies (as defined by CACREP and ACA) designed to positively impact a variety of people across the lifespan.

This degree can lead to professional credentialing as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Mental Health Counselor and prepares for professional counseling practice in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, schools, community, mental health, private practice and ministry.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling program
Admission Requirements

Application Requirements

  • Complete the online application.
  • Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to admissions@harding.edu 
  • Request three letters of recommendation
  • Upload a copy of your Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization record.
  • Upload a resume.

*Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as they are on file.

 

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Complete a personal interview with the Mental Health and Wellness faculty.
  • Limitations understanding signature.

Please direct questions to:

Harding University
Department of Mental Health & Wellness
HU 12254
Searcy, AR 72149-5615

Phone: 501-279-4500
Fax: 501-279-5964
Email: mhw@harding.edu

When to Apply

Applications should be submitted by the following dates:

Summer term: March 30

Fall term: July 1

Spring term: November 15

Internships and Practicums

Supervisors and students should contact the Mental Health and Wellness office at 501-279-4500 for a direct link to training materials, handbooks and forms. Please contact Dr. Marc Fager for if you have additional questions.

Why Choose Harding's Professional Counseling Programs?
  • The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, has granted accreditation to the following programs in the Professional Counseling Program in the College of Education at Harding University: Professional School Counseling (M.S.) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
  • Opportunity for Ed.S. in Counseling
  • Practical tools/techniques for developing professional counseling skills
  • Faculty members with Christian values and real-world experiences
  • Current and up-to-date strategies and content
  • Training in a career choice that makes a difference through promoting mental and emotional well-being
  • Locations in Northwest Arkansas and Searcy give you options for graduate school
Why is CACREP accreditation important?
  • CACREP-accreditation signals that a program’s content and quality have been evaluated and meet strict, consistent standards set by the profession. Choosing a CACREP-accredited program also means the curriculum contains the academic knowledge necessary for professional licensure in many states.
  • CACREP-accredited programs assure students—and the public they will one day serve—that a program’s curriculum includes appropriate counseling coursework and skill development. It also ensures that the program is stable, both professionally and financially.
  • Benefits of graduating from a CACREP-accredited counseling program include:
    • Access to more employment opportunities.
    • An advantage when applying to doctoral degree programs.
    • A streamlined state counseling licensing application process.
    • The skills and credibility to maximize your impact on the counseling profession.
    • The opportunity to sit for the National Counselor Examination exam prior to graduation.

Contact Information


Mental Health & Wellness
501-279-4500
mhw@harding.edu

Mailing address:
Harding University
Mental Health & Wellness
HU 12254
Searcy, AR 72149-5615

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At Harding University, you'll have the opportunity to be transformed academically, relationally and spiritually so you're prepared to change the world.

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