To apply for our MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, you’ll need:
Undergraduate Requirements
- Earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Required Application Materials
All applicants must submit the following to the Brescia University Admissions Office:
- Completed Free Application
- Free online application form
- Official Academic Transcripts
- From all attended undergraduate and graduate institutions
- Must show all completed coursework and conferred degrees
- Response to 4 Questions
- Applicants to the MSCMHC program must submit responses to four short-answer questions explaining your interest in the counseling program.
- Responses should fully address all components of the prompt for each question without the use of AI-generated technology.
- Motivation and Career Goals: What inspired you to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling? Describe the key factors influencing your decision and explain your professional goals for the next five years.
- Practice Areas of Interest: Which population(s), settings, or issues in the counseling field are of greatest interest to you, and why? How do you see yourself making a meaningful impact in those areas?
- Personal Characteristics and Habits: What personal qualities, life experiences, or work habits do you possess that make you well-suited for the counseling profession? How have these traits helped you in your academic, professional, or personal journey?
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Counselors are called to respect and advocate for the dignity and welfare of all clients. How do your personal values align with multicultural awareness, respect for diversity, and social justice in the counseling profession?
- Current Resume
- Virtual Interview with Program Faculty — required as the final step prior to an admission decision for applicants with a complete application who meet GPA requirements.
Admitted students must submit a $200 deposit by July 15 to confirm their spot in the program. The $200 will be applied to tuition if the student registers and completes courses.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through:
- TOEFL scores: 550 (paper-based) or 79 (iBT)
- Important Note: International applicants residing in the U.S. with an F1 student visa are not eligible for the online program due to federal restrictions.
Special Admission Pathways
Preferential Acceptance for Brescia University Bachelor Graduates
Brescia University bachelor’s degree graduates are eligible for preferential admission based on cumulative GPA:
- GPA of 3.5 or higher — Interview Only:
- Admission is based on submission of the free application by the designated deadline and a faculty interview; no personal statement or resume is required.
- GPA of 3.0–3.49 — Interview and Personal Statement:
- Admission is based on submission of the free application by the designated deadline, a faculty interview and a personal statement; no resume is required.
Conditions:
- The student applies for acceptance to the first cohort within one year following conferral of their baccalaureate degree from Brescia University.
- Admission based on available space; if capacity is exceeded, students are accepted by ranked GPA (highest first).
- Students not meeting preferential criteria may still apply through the standard process.
Evaluation Process
Following review of complete application materials, the Director of the MSCMHC program will:
- Grant full admission as a clinical mental health counseling student; or
- Grant conditional admission requiring completion of prerequisite remediation; or
- Deny admission with a written explanation of the reasons.
Contact Information: For questions regarding admission requirements or application process, contact: Brescia University Admissions Office, [email protected] or 270-686-4353.
Application Integrity and Background Disclosure
Brescia University welcomes applications from all individuals who seek to pursue graduate education and make a difference in their professions and communities. We understand that some applicants may have a prior criminal history or other background considerations. Our goal is to be transparent about how such circumstances may affect your educational experience, while encouraging everyone who is qualified to apply.
Academic or Conduct History
Have you ever been disciplined by any college, university, or professional school for unacceptable academic performance (academic probation, suspension, dismissal, etc.) or conduct violations?
Criminal History
Brescia University encourages all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of criminal background. However, please be aware that having a criminal history or being listed as a sex offender may affect your ability to:
- Enroll in certain programs,
- Participate in required practicum, field, internship, or clinical placements, and/or
- Meet licensure or certification requirements after graduation.
Brescia University’s graduate programs require successful completion of practicum, field, internship, or clinical experiences in order to graduate. If a student is unable to participate in or complete these required experiences due to background check results, the student will not be eligible to fulfill degree requirements or graduate from the program.
After matriculating, you may be required to provide background information and/or complete a criminal background check as a condition for participation in required practicum, field, or clinical experiences, and/or as part of professional licensure or certification processes governed by state law.
All admissions decisions and placement determinations are made in accordance with applicable laws, accreditation standards, and professional regulations.
CNS 500: Professional Orientation and Ethics
Introduction to the ethical standards for the profession and to the research relevant to ethical behavior of counselors in mental health, career, and school settings. Studnets will study, understand, and appreciate the importance of legal developments related to confidentiality, testing, research and supervision. Students will use the ethical issues and models of ethical decision making to understand the application of ethical and legal standards to complex cases in current practice.
CNS 501: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Students will receive an introduction to the field of clinical mental health counseling within a cultural framework respecting diversity and equality. Students will become knowledgeable of the history, philosophy, and values of mental health counseling, and the different roles of mental health counselors in serving individuals and communities. Students will understand the training and credentialing of mental health counselors and become familiar with the responsibilities they face, including ethics, professional issues, and practice guidelines.
CNS 503: Human and Lifespan Development
This course provides an overview of human growth and development across the lifespan, with emphasis on the biological, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of development from conception to death. Students will explore major developmental theories, cultural and contextual influences on development, and the impact of crisis, trauma, and other factors on the developmental process. The course emphasizes the application of developmental concepts to counseling practice with diverse populations across different age groups.
CNS 504: Theory and Process in Group
This course provides an examination of the theoretical foundations of group work, dynamics of group process, and the developmental stages of groups. Students will learn about various types of groups, leadership styles, and effective group facilitation skills. Special emphasis is placed on culturally sustaining approaches to group work, ethical considerations, and the application of group theory and techniques in various clinical mental health settings. Students participate in a group experience as part of the course requirements to integrate theory with practice. The course addresses both the foundational curriculum standards for group counseling and group work as well as specialized practice standards for clinical mental health counseling.
CNS 510: Career Counseling
This course provides an overview of career development theories, career counseling processes and techniques, and career assessment tools. Students will explore the interrelationships among work, family, and other life roles, including the role of multicultural issues in career development. The course addresses career and educational planning, placement, follow-up, and evaluation. Students will develop skills in career assessment, career counseling techniques, and the use of technology-based career information systems. Special emphasis is placed on advocating for diverse clients' career and educational development and promoting access to resources to support client success.
CNS 520: Substance Abuse and Addictions
This course provides a comprehensive overview of substance abuse and addiction, including neurobiological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors related to substance use disorders. Students will learn assessment techniques, evidence-based intervention strategies, and treatment modalities for working with diverse populations affected by substance use disorders. Emphasis is placed on understanding addiction as a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon, developing culturally sustaining practices, and applying ethical principles in addiction counseling settings.
CNS 522: Psychopharmacology
This course provides an overview of psychopharmacology and the biological basis of behavior as relevant to counselors. Students will explore the neurological mechanisms of mental health disorders and the pharmacological interventions used in their treatment. The course emphasizes the classification, effects, and indications of commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications, including medications for substance use disorders. Students will develop skills in collaborating with medical professionals and integrating medication management into counseling practice. Special attention is given to cultural considerations, ethical issues, and the counselor's role in medication management and integrated treatment approaches. This course addresses both clinical mental health counseling and addiction counseling competencies related to psychopharmacology, while incorporating elements of the foundational curriculum areas outlined in the 2024 CACREP Standards, particularly professional counseling orientation and ethical practice, counseling practice and relationships, and assessment and testing.
CNS 532: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
This course focuses on the principles and practices of diagnosis, treatment planning, and prevention in clinical mental health counseling. Students will develop competency in utilizing current diagnostic classification systems, conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, formulating evidence-based treatment plans, and implementing preventive interventions. Emphasis is placed on culturally sustaining assessment practices, ethical considerations in diagnosis, and development of intervention strategies across diverse populations and settings. The course addresses co-occurring disorders, trauma-informed approaches, and risk assessment procedures.
CNS 535: Program Evaluation and Research Design
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of research methods and program evaluation in counseling. Students will develop knowledge and skills in research design, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, statistical analysis, and evidence-based practices. The course emphasizes culturally sustaining research approaches, ethical considerations in research, and the practical application of program evaluation techniques to enhance counseling effectiveness. Students will learn to critically evaluate research literature, design research projects, and conduct program evaluations relevant to clinical mental health counseling settings.
CNS 540: Diversity & Cultural Responsiveness in Counseling
This course examines the psychological impact of oppression, privilege, and discrimination on both counselors and clients. Students will explore their own cultural identities and biases, develop culturally sustaining counseling skills, and learn to apply social justice principles in various counseling contexts. The course emphasizes ethical practice with diverse cultural groups including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, disability status, and other aspects of identity. Special attention is given to the development of culturally responsive advocacy skills and awareness of systemic barriers to mental health services.
CNS 542: Systems and Public Policy in Community Mental Health
This course examines the organization, delivery, and financing of mental health services in the United States. Students will explore the historical development of community mental health systems, current service delivery models, and regulatory processes that impact clinical mental health counseling. The course emphasizes the roles of counselors in various community settings, advocacy for people with mental health conditions, strategies for interfacing with legal systems and integrated healthcare professionals, and third-party reimbursement processes. Special attention is given to social justice issues, cultural considerations in service delivery, and the impact of public policy on mental health services.
CNS 545: Evaluation, Assessment in Counseling
This course provides a comprehensive overview of assessment and evaluation practices in counseling. Students will develop knowledge and skills in selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting various assessment instruments. The course emphasizes ethical, legal, and cultural considerations in assessment processes across diverse populations. Students will learn to integrate assessment results into the counseling process, treatment planning, and case conceptualization for effective client care.
CNS 600: Theories in Counseling
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the major theoretical approaches to counseling. Students will explore psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, cognitive-behavioral, systemic, postmodern, and integrative approaches to counseling. Emphasis is placed on the application of theories to diverse client populations and settings, examining the historical and cultural contexts of theories, and helping students develop their own theoretical orientation. Special attention is given to evidence-based practice and culturally responsive counseling across theoretical models.
CNS 601: Counseling Practice, Techniques, and Interventions
This course focuses on the development of essential counseling skills and techniques necessary for effective counseling practice. Students will learn and practice fundamental interviewing, attending, and listening skills, as well as more advanced intervention strategies. The course emphasizes evidence-based techniques, culturally responsive interventions, and the development of a personal counseling style. Students will engage in experiential learning activities, including role-plays and recorded practice sessions, to develop and refine their counseling skills. This course addresses both 2024 CACREP Section 3.E (Counseling Practice and Relationships) standards and Section 5-C (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) standards to prepare students for clinical practice in mental health settings.
CNS 604: Disaster Response and Crisis Counseling
This course provides an overview of crisis and disaster response in counseling, including theories and models of crisis intervention, disaster mental health, trauma-informed care, and emergency management. Students will develop skills in crisis assessment, intervention, and management across various settings and populations. The course emphasizes evidence-based approaches to working with individuals and communities affected by crises, disasters, trauma, and other emergency situations. Special attention is given to cultural considerations, self-care for counselors, and ethical issues in crisis response. This course addresses the 2024 CACREP Standards Section 3.E.19, 3.E.20, 3.G.13, 3.G.14, and Section 5.C (Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialized practice area).
CNS 608: Family Systems
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development, theoretical foundations, and contemporary practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling. Students will explore various systemic theories and their application in assessing and treating couples and families from diverse backgrounds. The course emphasizes the development of conceptual, perceptual, and executive skills needed to provide systemic interventions. Special attention is given to integrating culturally sustaining practices and ethical considerations in family counseling.
CNS 680: Practicum in Professional Counseling
This course provides supervised counseling experience in an approved field placement setting. Students will complete at least 150 clock hours over the semester, including at least 60 hours of direct service with actual clients. The practicum allows students to develop and demonstrate counseling skills under supervision while integrating professional knowledge and skills from previous coursework. The site supervisor and program faculty provide weekly individual and group supervision. The course emphasizes ethical practice, clinical documentation, and professional development as a counselor.
CNS 685: Master Level Internship in Professional Counseling
This course provides supervised professional counseling experience at an approved internship site. Students will complete a minimum of 300 clock hours over the course of the semester, including at least 120 hours of direct service with clients relevant to their chosen specialization. The internship allows students to further develop and refine their counseling skills while assuming increased professional responsibilities under supervision. Weekly individual and group supervision is provided. This course emphasizes integration of counseling theory and practice, professional identity development, and delivery of comprehensive mental health services in diverse settings.
CNS 686: Master Level Internship in Professional Counseling
This course provides the culminating supervised professional counseling experience at an approved internship site. Students will complete a minimum of 300 clock hours over the course of the semester, including at least 120 hours of direct service with clients relevant to their chosen specialization. The internship provides an opportunity for students to perform all the activities that a regularly employed counselor in the setting would be expected to perform. Weekly individual and group supervision is provided. This course emphasizes integration of knowledge and skills, professional identity formation, and preparation for post-graduate professional practice.
CACREP 2024 Standards: 4. U-V - After successfully completing the practicum, students complete 600 clock hours of supervised counseling internship in roles and settings with clients relevant to their specialty area. Internship students will complete 240 hours of direct services with actual clients.
CNS 689: Capstone Project and Comprehensive Evaluation
This course serves as the culminating experience for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students demonstrate program competencies through a comprehensive portfolio, preparation for professional licensure, and completion of the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), National Counselor Examination (NCE), or any other practice comprehensive examination identified. The course provides structured guidance for students transitioning from graduate education to professional practice. Students must earn a satisfactory grade to graduate from the program.