Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical mental health counselors offer a range of services to support their clients’ emotional and psychological well-being. Their primary focus is to help individuals work toward their mental health goals and sustain a healthy level of overall wellness. Counselors may practice in a variety of settings and can specialize in various areas within the field. In every context, they are committed to providing a safe, supportive space where clients can freely express their thoughts and feelings.

The program and courses are designed in accordance with CACREP requirements. The program is actively pursuing CACREP accreditation. In the meantime, graduates may become eligible for additional licensure opportunities depending on individual state requirements.

Students begin the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program each fall (August) and progress through the curriculum together as a cohort. This 60-credit-hour program is designed to be completed in 21 months, culminating in a Spring graduation.

We offer a hybrid model that meets our students’ needs. During the first year (fall and spring semesters), students attend in-person classes held in the late afternoons and early evenings, three days a week. Beginning in the summer, students transition to synchronous online courses and continue in this online format through graduation.

Yes. Faculty in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provide guidance and support to help students identify and secure practicum and internship placements in their local area. Common placement sites include counseling centers, hospitals, private practices, and addiction rehabilitation facilities.

The program is structured to be completed in 21 months. Students take four courses each fall and spring semester. Of these, two courses run for the full 15-week term, while the other two are 7.5-week courses, one offered during the first half of the semester and the other during the second half. This structure ensures that students are enrolled in no more than three courses at a time as part of the CORE curriculum. During the summer of the first year, students take two three-credit courses per summer term, for a total of four summer courses.

While all courses in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are delivered virtually, the format varies:

• Asynchronous courses allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule, with assignments due by set deadlines but no required live class meetings.
• Synchronous courses are held online at scheduled times, requiring students to attend live virtual sessions in addition to meeting assignment deadlines.
• Hybrid courses combine online learning with scheduled face-to-face virtual class meetings, blending the flexibility of online coursework with the structure of real-time interaction.

Students will develop a strong foundation in the core principles, skills, and professional competencies of the counseling profession. Key areas of learning include counseling techniques, psychopathology, research methods, assessment and testing, major counseling theories, trauma-informed care, and approaches to treating addiction and substance use disorders. The curriculum also emphasizes spirituality in counseling, multicultural competence, and the knowledge needed to work effectively with diverse populations across a variety of clinical settings.

An ideal candidate is someone who is genuinely passionate about supporting others’ mental and emotional well-being. This program is well-suited for individuals who value empathy, cultural humility, and ethical practice, and who are motivated to develop the skills needed to provide high-quality, compassionate, and sensitive mental health services. Candidates should be prepared for both academic rigor and personal growth as they train to become effective clinical mental health professionals.

Yes. Because this is a master-level program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment. A degree in a related or relevant field is recommended, as it can provide helpful foundational knowledge for graduate-level counseling coursework.

Depending on your area of specialization, graduates may pursue a variety of roles across diverse clinical and community settings. Job opportunities include direct counseling or staff positions in community mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient clinics, hospitals, research settings, university student services, career services, and independent practice.

Salaries vary by position, work setting, geographic location, and level of experience. For current information on average salaries for mental health counselors, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

After earning an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, graduates must obtain licensure in the state where they intend to practice. Licensure requirements are state-specific and typically include additional post-master’s supervised clinical hours as well as passing a licensing examination. While the degree provides the academic foundation needed for licensure, students should review their individual state requirements to ensure full eligibility.

The program at Elon University is actively seeking recognition as a Criteria C program by the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB). To meet these standards, students must complete 12 credit hours of addiction-specific training and an internship. The 12 credit hours consist of four online courses focused on addiction counseling, followed by a 300-hour internship at an approved facility that provides addiction-specific treatment. This combination of coursework and supervised clinical experience helps prepare students for advanced training and certification in addiction counseling.