The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is more than just training – it is a transformational journey that prepares students to become skilled, ethical and liberation-focused mental health professionals. Our graduates are equipped to work with individuals, families, and groups across the full spectrum of mental and emotional wellness, from treating disorders to promoting holistic well-being.
Clinical Mental Health Counselors play a vital role in fostering healing and empowerment in diverse communities. They are trained in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and referral practices, often working as part of interdisciplinary teams alongside other healthcare professionals. Employment opportunities span private practice, community-based mental health centers, hospitals, and other treatment settings, where counselors serve as catalysts for change and advocates for mental health equity.
Experiential Learning and Real-World Training
Rooted in self-awareness, multicultural competence, and liberation-focused practice, our program emphasizes real-world application of counseling skills. Students gain hands-on experience through practicum and internship placements in diverse settings, such as:
- Community counseling centers
- College counseling centers
- Crisis stabilization programs
- Youth services programs
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- In-home counseling programs
- Inpatient and residential treatment facilities
The clinical training experience includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, providing students with mentorship, direct client experience, and opportunities to develop their unique counseling identity.
In addition to coursework and field experience, students complete a comprehensive examination, demonstrating their growth, competency, and readiness to enter the profession as compassionate and effective clinical mental health counselors.
A Counseling Journey Rooted in Liberation and Growth
This program does not simply train counselors—it shapes healers, advocates, and change agents. Students engage in a deep process of self-reflection and skill building, gaining the tools to challenge oppressive systems, foster resilience, and guide clients toward liberation and wellness.
The journey toward becoming a Clinical Mental Health Counselor is one of continuous learning, self-awareness, and transformation. Whether working in private practice, community agencies, hospitals, or advocacy spaces, our graduates carry forward the mission of healing, justice, and empowerment.
Careers
The program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares graduate students to work in a variety of community counseling agencies, college counseling centers, hospitals, and other counseling settings, including private practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of clinical mental health counselors is projected to grow 18 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Typical Job Titles
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- Psychotherapist
- Mental Health Therapist
- Behavioral Health Counselor
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Crisis Counselor
- Trauma Therapist
- Family Therapist
Program Accreditation & Licensure
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the premier independent accrediting body for counselor education. The CMHC program is also recognized by the International Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP). This 60-credit-hour program meets the curricular requirements for the Connecticut State Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Graduates are also eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE), required for national board certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and for state licensure. They are also eligible to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), which is another pathway to state licensure.
Admissions
If you are ready to embark on this path, we invite you to explore the admission process, program curriculum, and faculty support that will guide you on your way.
See Admissions Criteria or Apply Now.
We only offer the MS program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; there is no bridge program for those with related mental health graduate degrees as a pathway to LPC licensure. If that is what you are looking for, we encourage you to visit our sister universities (CCSU, UConn) that offer such a program.
Is the CMHC program CACREP-accredited?
Yes. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Southern Connecticut State University has been CACREP-accredited since 1997. Our curriculum, training expectations, and assessment processes align with CACREP standards to ensure ethical, rigorous, and professionally grounded counselor preparation.
What makes the CMHC program at SCSU unique?
Our program emphasizes:
- Liberation-oriented, culturally responsive counseling
- Deep integration of theory, skill development, self-awareness, and ethics
- Strong attention to professional dispositions and counselor identity
- Intentional cohort-based learning that values presence, accountability, and relational depth
- Ethical AI Training
We aim to support not only what students know, but who they are becoming as counselors.
What are the basic admission requirements?
Admissions decisions are made holistically. In addition to undergraduate GPA, we look for:
- Coursework in Introduction to Psychology and Abnormal or Clinical Psychology
- Evidence of readiness for graduate-level academic and clinical training
- Alignment with the values and expectations of the counseling profession
Is a psychology major required?
No. Applicants come from a range of academic backgrounds. However, prerequisite coursework in Introductory Psychology and Abnormal or Clinical Psychology is required.
Do I need prior experience in mental health or human services?
While not required, relevant experience is strongly encouraged, particularly in:
- Crisis counseling or hotline work
- Direct care or residential support
- Case management or community mental health roles
These experiences help demonstrate readiness for the relational, emotional, and ethical demands of counseling work.
What if I am unable to obtain a letter of recommendation from a professor?
If you are unable to obtain a recommendation from a professor, you may submit a letter from another individual who knows you well and can speak thoughtfully to your readiness for graduate-level training. Ideally, this person should have knowledge of the mental health field and be able to comment on your professionalism, reliability, interpersonal skills, and capacity for reflective work.
Examples may include a clinical supervisor, employer, volunteer coordinator, or mentor with relevant experience.
What should my letters of recommendation address?
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation:
- One academic letter from a professor who can speak to your academic readiness, writing skills, and capacity for graduate-level work.
- One professional or field-based letter from a supervisor or mental health professional who can speak to your professionalism, interpersonal skills, and readiness for clinical training.
What should I include in my personal essay?
The personal essay is a critical component of the application. Strong essays typically:
- Describe why you are pursuing clinical mental health counseling
- Demonstrate understanding of the CMHC role
- Reflect familiarity with SCSU’s CMHC program and why it is a good fit
- Thoughtfully integrate your personal, academic, and professional journey
We value humanness, reflection, clarity, and authenticity over perfection. Strong personal essays do not attempt to impress through flawless language or polished narratives alone. Instead, they convey a genuine curiosity about the field, an emerging counselor identity, and a thoughtful connection between personal experience and professional purpose.
Compelling essays often reflect a developing awareness of one’s own healing journey, a readiness for deep self-reflection, and an understanding of the emotional and intellectual rigor of graduate-level training. Because our program is infused with a liberation-oriented framework, we also look for openness to unlearning dominant assumptions, engaging critically with systems of power and oppression, and working with diverse clients with marginalized identities.
When is the application deadline?
- January 15 for Fall admission
- The CMHC program admits ONLY one cohort per year
Late applications are not accepted.
Who reviews applications and conducts interviews?
- The Graduate School manages the application submission process.
- The CMHC faculty admissions committee reviews completed applications.
- Selected applicants are invited to participate in small group interviews.
When are interviews held?
- Admission portals typically open in late August to early September.
- Applications are reviewed throughout the fall.
- Admission interviews are held via Zoom.
- Interview invitations are finalized after the January 15 deadline.
- Interviews typically occur generally in early February.
How competitive is the program?
Admission to the CMHC program is highly competitive.
- Recent admissions cycles have received approximately 120 submitted applications for 20 seats
- This reflects an acceptance rate of roughly 16%
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Does the program accept transfer credits?
Transfer credits are considered only from CACREP-accredited institutions and only at the discretion of the CMHC program.
In general, we prefer to work with students from the beginning of the program in order to intentionally shape counseling skills, professional identity, and liberatory perspectives within our curriculum.
Does the program offer online classes?
The program is currently hybrid with the majority of classes being offered in online formats. We seek to move to a blended online model in Fall 2026 with all classes offered in synchronous, asynchronous and blended formats. We will have an in person residency experience (MHS 601) and a required in person Professional Integration Day in the last semester prior to graduation.
Does the program offer part-time or flexible options?
The program offers a full time and part time structured pathways designed to balance rigor with sustainability. Applicants should carefully review program format options and consider how they align with work, caregiving, and health responsibilities.
What are the academic expectations of the program?
Students are expected to:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Demonstrate consistent academic engagement and counselling skill development
- Successfully complete all required coursework and assessments
- Successfully complete fieldwork
- Successfully complete the comprehensive exam
- Demonstrate professional dispositions important to the profession of clinical mental health counseling
What are professional dispositions?
Professional dispositions are core to counselor development and are assessed throughout the program. These include:
- Ethical behavior
- Emotional regulation and self-awareness
- Openness to feedback and supervision
- Respectful, professional communication
- Capacity for reflection and growth
Are counseling skills evaluated?
Yes. Students must demonstrate counseling competencies through:
- Skills-based coursework
- Observed practice
- Group supervision
- Ongoing feedback and evaluation
- Residency experiences
Counseling skills development is a cornerstone of the program.
Is there a comprehensive exam?
Yes. All students are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Examination, which assesses integration of knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional readiness.
Is this program appropriate if I am navigating significant personal stress?
Graduate training in clinical mental health counseling is demanding and requires consistent presence, emotional availability, and professional engagement.
Applicants are encouraged to thoughtfully consider their current capacity, supports, and readiness for this level of training.
What if I am not admitted?
Due to limited cohort size, many strong applicants are not admitted. Applicants are encouraged to:
- Attend an Admissions Debrief Zoom with CMHC Faculty
- Reapply in a future cycle
- Strengthen relevant coursework or field experience
Who can I contact with questions before applying?
Prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions, open houses, or reach out to the CMHC team with clarifying questions regarding readiness and program fit.
Other Information
The mission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Southern Connecticut State University is to prepare compassionate, skilled, and socially conscious professional counselors. We are committed to fostering personal and professional growth, cultural humility, and a liberation-based approach to counseling. Through rigorous training, experiential learning, and community engagement, we train students to promote mental health, advocate for equity, and serve diverse individuals, families, and communities with integrity and respect.
At the completion of the CMHC program, students will be prepared to serve as ethical, self-aware, and liberation-focused counselors, demonstrating the following:
- Professional Identity & Advocacy
- Understands the multiple professional roles and functions of Clinical Mental Health Counselors across settings.
- Engages in professional advocacy, promoting the role of counselors in diverse systems.
- Ethical & Legal Foundations
- Demonstrates competency in ethical standards and legal considerations set by the American Counseling Association.
- Applies ethical decision-making models to complex counseling scenarios.
- Theoretical & Systemic Foundations
- Explains major counseling theories and models, integrating a systems-based approach to conceptualizing clients.
- Understands theories and strategies for consultation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Human Development & Environmental Influences
- Applies lifespan development theories to individual and family growth.
- Examines systemic and environmental factors that influence development, behavior, and mental health.
- Multicultural Competency, Social Justice & Liberation
- Evidences multicultural humility, honoring intersectionality and the lived experiences of diverse populations.
- Applies culturally responsive counseling theories to support identity development, advocacy, and liberation-focused practice.
- Recognizes the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression on mental health.
- Engages in social justice advocacy challenging barriers to mental health care.
- Group Counseling & Facilitation
- Understands the theoretical foundations of group counseling and group work.
- Analyzes group dynamics, process development, and therapeutic factors that contribute to effective group interventions.
- Career Development & Life Planning
- Demonstrates knowledge of career development theories and decision-making models.
- Utilizes evidence-based strategies for career counseling, program planning, and vocational empowerment.
- Assessment & Diagnosis
- Integrates assessment tools for diagnosis, intervention planning, and treatment evaluation.
- Applies ethically and culturally relevant strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessments.
- Demonstrates competence in the diagnostic process, including differential diagnosis and use of DSM & ICD classification systems.
- Trauma-Informed & Healing-Centered Counseling
- Develops a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its impact on mental health and well-being.
- Applies trauma-informed and healing-centered practices to recognize, assess, and respond to trauma in ways that promote safety, empowerment, and resilience.
- Addiction & Co-Occurring Disorders
- Understands the etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders.
- Recognizes the intersection of addiction, trauma, systemic oppression, and co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Research, Evidence-Based Practice & Treatment
- Critically evaluates research to inform evidence-based clinical practice.
- Demonstrates competency in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research as it applies to mental health counseling.
- Demonstrates competence in evidence-based treatment modalities for individuals, families, and groups across diverse mental health concerns.
- Counselor Identity, Self-Awareness & Cultural Responsiveness
- Develops a personalized model of counseling, integrating theories, techniques, and social justice approaches that honor the lived experiences of clients.
- Demonstrates key counselor attributes including self-awareness, emotional regulation, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continuous growth.
- Engages in ongoing self-reflection to enhance cultural responsiveness and liberation-focused practice.
- Engages in collaborative and decolonized healing practices, ensuring clients remain active participants in their own mental health journeys.
The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the premier independent accrediting body for counselor education. Our program is also internationally recognized by the International Registry of Counsellor Education Programs. This 60-credit-hour program meets the curricular requirements for the Connecticut State Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Graduates from the program are eligible for an associate license, the LPCA, while they complete the post-graduate requirements for the LPC. Graduates are also eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE), required for national board certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and for state licensure. They are also eligible to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), which is another pathway to state licensure.
Please note: Completing a master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is only one of the requirements for professional licensure. Students are responsible for understanding the licensure requirements set by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health. A criminal record review is required for licensure, and some internship sites may require fingerprinting and background checks when working with vulnerable populations, such as children or individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Student Outcomes (2024–2025 Academic Year)
Graduation & Completion Rates
In 2024–2025, the CMHC program graduated 14 students. The average degree completion rate for our 2019 and 2020 cohorts was 80%, reflecting challenges during the pandemic. More recent cohorts are showing significantly lower withdrawal rates (currently 2 students or 8% for the 2023 cohort), indicating improved retention and persistence.
Licensure Exam Performance
- NCE Exam: 12 students sat for the exam, with 11 passing — a 92% pass rate.
- NCMHCE Exam: 1 student took the exam and passed — a 100% pass rate.
Employment Outcomes
All 14 graduates (100%) secured positions in the counseling field, with one student also accepted into a doctoral program.
More program and student outcomes can be found in our 2025–2026 Annual Evaluation Report.
River (Misty) Ginicola, Ph.D., LPC (She/They)
Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Full Profile
Dr. River (Misty) Ginicola is a Professor in the Department of Mental Health Sciences at Southern Connecticut State University. A Licensed Professional Counselor and a counselor educator for over 2 decades, Dr. Ginicola additionally brings lived experience in marginalized identities and clinical experience from work in her private practice, Walk in Balance Counseling. They hold a Ph.D., M.Ph., and M.S. in Developmental Psychology from Yale University, a M.A. degree in psychology with a concentration of classes in Counseling from the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, a B.S. degree in Psychology with a minor in Psychology of Exceptional Children from SUNY Cortland, and an A.S. degree in Liberal Arts from SUNY Corning Community College.
Dr. Ginicola’s teaching and scholarship are grounded in liberation psychology, multicultural counseling, and decolonized healing practices. Their work focuses on the self-empowerment of marginalized communities through affirmative, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed counseling. They are the author of Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People (American Counseling Association) and an Elder and Past President of the Society for Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Issues in Counseling (SAIGE), a division of the American Counseling Association.
Throughout Dr. Ginicola’s career, she has presented and consulted nationally on liberation-focused counseling, social justice, and multicultural competence—offering professional trainings for schools, clinical agencies, and community organizations in addition to academic and professional conferences. Their research and teaching interests include bridging modern wisdom (neuroscience, mental health research, and technology) with trauma-informed and decolonized healing to create liberation-based counselor education pedagogy. They have numerous publications on multicultural issues in counseling, specializing in LGBTQI+ counseling.
Their professional background includes work with individuals with developmental disabilities, school-based mental health, program evaluation and policy reform, and private practice, specializing in working with clients with marginalized identities, particularly BIPOC, Queer & Trans, and neurodivergent people. A trained shaman and yoga teacher, Dr. Ginicola integrates Indigenous wisdom, somatic healing, and mind-body practices into their teaching and counseling. As a Level 2 Breath Body Mind and Coherent Breathing Teacher, they also incorporate breathwork to support nervous system regulation, trauma recovery, and emotional well-being.
Cheri Smith, Ph.D., NCC (She/Her)
Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Full Profile
Dr. Cheri Smith is a Professor in the Department of Mental Health Sciences at Southern Connecticut State University. A counselor educator for over three decades, she has also taught at the University of Montevallo, St. John’s University, the University of West Georgia, the New York Institute of Technology, and Troy University. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University, a B.A. from the University of West Florida, and an A.A. from the University of Maryland.
Dr. Smith’s professional work centers on counselor ethics and identity formation, spirituality in counseling, and affirmative counseling with LGBTQ+ populations. She brings a rare blend of rigor and humanity to her teaching—grounded in a lifelong commitment to service and advocacy. In the 1980s, she was actively involved in HIV/AIDS education and community support, work that continues to inform her ethical stance and her deep empathy for marginalized populations.
She has served in numerous leadership roles, including as past president of the Alabama Counseling Association and the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC), as well as a five-year appointment to the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. She has also served as a CACREP site visitor, helping ensure quality standards in counselor education nationwide.
A co-editor of Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI+ People, Dr. Smith routinely presents her work at national and international conferences. Her teaching and mentorship emphasize both ethical integrity and professional authenticity—what she lovingly calls the “slow-cooker method” of counselor development: allowing students to grow with patience, reflection, and depth rather than rushing the process. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and signature colloquialisms, she embodies the heart of counselor education and of our program—always reminding her students and colleagues that the ultimate measure of our work is the well-being of the client.
Uchenna Nwachuku, Ph.D., NCC (He/Him)
Professor, Program Coordinator, & Fieldwork Coordinator
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Full Profile
Dr. Uchenna T. Nwachuku is a professor for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and has been a counselor educator for over 3 decades. He is also a visiting professor at both Nnamdi Azikiwe Federal University at Awka and Michael Okpara Federal University at Umudike. Prior to his teaching career, Dr. Nwachuku served as the Chief Psychologist for the State of North Carolina Department of Mental Health and the State of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. He was a founding partner of Ebon Associates, a global mental health consulting firm, and co-president of School Development Mission, a not-for-profit international education-consulting group.
Dr. Nwachuku earned a B.S. in Biology from Houghton University, New York, a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Mental Health Management, and a Doctorate degree in Counseling and Consulting Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor [LMHC] and a Licensed Mediator & Arbitrator. He was the past president Southern American Association of University professors (SCSU-AAUP) and the immediate past president of Connecticut State AAUP.
He is a recipient of many regional, national, and international awards in Clinical Mental Health. He is a distinguished member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), American Mental Health Counseling and Development (AMHCD), and International Counseling Association (ICA). Dr. Nwachuku is the author and co-author of more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and monographs in professional journals. He developed and presented over 100 referred and non-referred professional papers in regional, national, and international conferences. He is an accreditation program reviewer for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Other Related Educational Programs (CACREP). He is a member of the international counseling program registration reviewing team and a founding member of the International Registry of Counselor Educational Programs (IRCEP).
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