Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has rapidly evolved into a comprehensive university with a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. The university's campus, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, provides an inspiring environment for students to learn, grow, and contribute. FGCU is renowned for its emphasis on experiential learning, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. The diverse range of academic programs, led by a dedicated faculty, prepares students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society. With a focus on sustainability, FGCU fosters an eco-friendly campus and promotes environmental awareness. The university's commitment to holistic education, coupled with its vibrant campus life and a spirit of community service, makes FGCU a standout institution in the educational landscape of Florida.

Students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program take coursework in the areas of human development, legal and ethical issues of the profession, career development, appraisal methods, counseling theories, group work, practicum and research, and program evaluation. Additional specialized courses focusing on mental health counseling in areas such as internship, human sexuality, addictions, organization, administration and supervision, and professional development. Students are engaged in field-based activities during almost every enrollment. The FGCU MA program in clinical Mental Health Counseling fully prepares students to be eligible for registered intern status on the way to licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. Students can complete their studies in two or three years. This program provides the professional and research based knowledge, professional counseling skills, and almost continuous field experiences totaling 1000 hours of practicum and Internship experiences that meet national standards and state licensure requirements. Typically students attend their courses in the early evenings and work with the Program's Clinical Coordinator to determine locations of their successive internship experiences. Graduates from this program work in community agencies, mental health settings, and private practices after graduation and most seek and achieve licensure.