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Arts and Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Mission
The mission of the Anderson University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is to equip compassionate and motivated individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide client-centered care grounded in a Christian worldview. The program fosters leadership, advocates positive change, and advances the mental health profession, all while preparing clinicians who are both clinically competent and spiritually grounded through a commitment to clinical excellence.
The program strives to prepare culturally competent, culturally sensitive, and ethical counselors capable of working effectively in a technological and pluralistic society. Faculty design and deliver academic and clinical experiences that recognize, respect, and value the diversity of students’ backgrounds, characteristics, beliefs, and abilities.
About
The Anderson Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC) is an online degree program that prepares students to become effective, ethical, and compassionate counselors.
The program integrates Christian principles with evidence-based counseling practices, equipping graduates to support clients in a variety of settings, including clinical environments, private practice, ministry, and healthcare facilities.
Online with Synchronous & Asynchronous Components
The program will begin in August of each year and will last for a total of 24 months. It is full-time and consists of 60 credit hours.
Goals
- Prepare students who can understand and develop a professional identity as a clinical counselor.
- Prepare students who provide exceptional counseling and relational skills.
- Prepare students who will exhibit critical thinking skills.
- Prepare students who understand knowledge of development, psychopathology, and treatment planning that are grounded in research.
- Prepare students who are culturally aware, use culturally relevant assessment strategies and responsive to clients in diverse communities.
- Prepare students who have awareness of their own spiritual development and are able to use spirituality effectively in clinical settings.
Student Learning Outcomes
Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
Students will develop and demonstrate a professional counseling identity and willingness to provide counseling services within the counseling profession’s ethical and legal guidelines.
Human Growth and Development
Students will exhibit self-reflection and self-awareness and demonstrate professional growth and understanding the nature of human growth and development and integration in the counseling process.
Social and Cultural Diversity
Students will develop skills and understanding of cultural awareness and are responsive to clients in diverse communities.
Assessment and Testing
Students will gain knowledge and skills in basic assessment techniques and apply concepts to individual and group appraisal.
Career Development
Students will develop an understanding and demonstrate knowledge of career development theories and career assessment skills.
Research and Evaluation
Students will identify and use counseling interventions, techniques and evaluation procedures that are grounded in research.
Group Counseling
Students will identify and demonstrate knowledge of group theory and process through didactic and experiential learning as well as the application of group counseling skills.
Counseling Theory and Skills
Students will acquire the knowledge of major counseling theories and demonstrate individual and group counseling skills aimed at facilitating client growth.
Psychodiagnostics
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability to use mental health diagnostic criteria and assessment to treat a broad range of metal health issues.
Spiritual Development
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate Christian principles as the foundation for reflective, caring, and ethical counseling practice.
Accreditation
Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is pursuing accreditation with CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Please note that upon program completion, students will be immediately eligible for licensure in South Carolina.
Since each state has its own licensing requirements, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in the state where you plan to practice.
Admission
Requirements:
Two reference forms from professional contacts.
Criminal background check required for all states of residence within the past five years.
Applicants chosen to advance in the application process will be required to participate in interviews to assess interpersonal skills, graduate study readiness, career goals, and counseling aptitude.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.
An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. For those with below a 3.0 GPA, an additional essay is required.
Faculty
Jason K. Neill, Ph.D., LPC
Interim Director
Clinical Counseling Program, Associate Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Email | Publications and Presentations
Patty Slaughter, Ph.D.
Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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