Degrees, Licensure and Certificates
Degrees, Licensure and Certificates
M.S. (Masters Degree in Science)
In order for the mental health counseling student to be considered as a candidate for graduation with a Masters Degree in Science (M.S.) a completion of 60 credit hours, with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and fulfillment of a culminating, "capstone" experience (as outlined above) are required.
Mental Health Counseling Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Students who graduate from the Mental Health Program fulfill the academic requirements required by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions to be licensed as a mental health counseling (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During their last semester of education, students should request an application for licensure from the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions.
Applicants for licensure must have their academic course of study approved by the Board before they can take the licensing examination, which may be taken prior to the completion of their 3,360 hour post graduate work experience. In addition to a complete application, applicants must submit a transcription of 60 academic credits that fulfill specific requirements (Please visit the MA Board of Registration for LMHC requirements).
Board of Registration
Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions
239 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 727-3080
Mental Health Counseling: Forensic Services Concentration
Forensics Services focus on the intersection between the criminal justice and health service systems. This concentration provides training in the complex social issues that appear at this intersection: the origins of mental illness, substance abuse, and crime; the operations of health and law-related services for those affected by these problems; and the impact of relevant social policies. The analytical emphasis and core interdisciplinary approach to forensic services increases understanding of ways in which public health and legal standards, specifically mental health issues and criminality, intersect and diverge. Students who complete the concentration are awarded both the M.S. in Mental Health Counseling and the Forensic Services Graduate Certificate.
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
The Mental Health program no longer accepts CAGS applications from students who received their master's elsewhere. We do accept two transfer programs should you still want to enter our MH program. Many of our students over the years have come to UMass Boston for a 2nd master's.
We do accept CAGS applications from students who have successfully completed the M.S. degree in another program such as Family Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, or School Counseling. A minimum of 18 credits post M.S. is required for the CAGS. Interested applicants should submit three letters of recommendation, a letter of intent describing an understanding of the practice of mental health counseling and detailing personal career objectives, transcripts of all previous college work, undergraduate and graduate. Transcripts must be official (bear the college seal) and be from regionally accredited colleges or universities. Undergraduate and graduate cumulative grade point averages (GPA) should be at least 3.0 overall, and 3.0 in psychology courses as well.
Professional Organizations
Mental Health Counseling students can join AMHCA as a student member and/or MaMHCA.
American Mental Health Counselors Association
801 North Fairfax St. Suite 305
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.amhca.org
Phone: (800) 326-2642
Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association
www.mamhca.org
Phone: (508) 698-0010
Employment Opportunities
Many of our graduates are offered jobs at their internship site after they graduate! Community agencies, hospitals, or outpatient facilities serving children, adolescents, and adults or school systems employ graduates from the Mental Health Counseling Program. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts after completing the following requirements:
- A 60 credit graduate program at UMB, which includes specific courses designated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration
- A passing score on the national licensing examination
- Completion of approximately two years (3,360 hours) of supervised employment
Once graduates are licensed, there are many job opportunities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for mental health counselors. In addition, a licensed mental health counselor is eligible for clinical membership in the American Mental Health Counselors Association.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Licensure Requirements for Mental Health Counselors (lmhc)
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Board of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions Licensing Requirements |
Course Requirements & Courses |
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1. Required Course Areas:
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2. Electives |
Examples: COU 664 Child Abuse and Neglect; COU 617 Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents; COU 622 Theories of Family Therapy |
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3. Practicum |
COU 688 Mental Health Counseling Practicum (100 hours) |
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4. Internship (600 hours) |
COU 698 Mental Health Counseling Internship (900 hours) We require 900 hours to insure that our students are well-trained and competitive for jobs when they graduate |
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5. Post-Master's Clinical Field Experience |
Total of 3,360 hours required; up to the student to fulfill after graduation |
