Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Pre-Mental Health Counseling

erin.sullivan — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:43:07 +0000

Pre-Mental Health Counseling erin.sullivan

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 15:43

Undergraduate (BS) + Masters (MS)

6 Years

Begin a Journey that Transforms Lives

Help others find balance, healing, and hope. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at D’Youville University prepares compassionate, skilled professionals to support individuals, families, and communities through life’s challenges. Rooted in evidence-based practice and a commitment to social responsibility, the program combines classroom learning, supervised clinical experience, and interprofessional collaboration to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings—ranging from hospitals and schools to community agencies and private practice—empowering others to improve their mental health and overall quality of life.

Job Titles to Explore

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Clinical Counselor
School-Based Mental Health Counselor
Substance Use and Addiction Counselor
Marriage and Family Therapist
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Behavioral Health Clinician
Rehabilitation Counselor
College or Career Counselor
Program Coordinator or Case Manager
Community Outreach or Wellness Advocate

Employment Settings to Explore

Hospitals and Medical Centers
Community Mental Health Agencies
Private Counseling Practices
Schools and Educational Institutions
Colleges and Universities
Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers
Substance Use Treatment Facilities
Nonprofit and Social Service Organizations
Government and Public Health Agencies
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Faith-Based or Culturally Specific Counseling Programs

$59,190

Median Annual Wage Nationally in 2024
17%

National Job Growth Projected by 2034 (Much Faster Than Average)
Online

Synchronous & Asynchronous Courses
Hybrid

Online & Weekend Class Format

Learn About Pre-Mental Health Counseling Pathway Degrees

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Why D'Youville

Pathway to Licensure: Gain the knowledge, skills, and supervised experience required to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State.

Hands-On Clinical Training: Develop practical counseling skills through supervised fieldwork and internships in real-world community settings.

Interprofessional Collaboration: Work alongside students in nursing, psychology, public health, and social work—mirroring integrated behavioral healthcare teams.

Dedicated Faculty Mentorship: Learn from experienced clinicians and educators who provide individualized support and guidance throughout your training.

Mission-Driven Learning: Join a university committed to social responsibility, service, and improving access to quality mental healthcare.

Flexible and Supportive Environment: Benefit from small class sizes, personalized advising, and a community that values balance, empathy, and lifelong learning.

Pre-Health Pathways

Pathway Options

You can choose to apply to enter the Masters of Mental Health Counseling (MS) degree from any program, but we recommend enrolling into one of the following as the Pre-Mental Health Counseling Pathway degrees to best align yourself to the curricular requirements and ensure prerequisite courses are completed:

Psychology (BA)
Communication Science & Disorders (BS)

There are two tracks recommended to set yourself up for applying to the Mental Health Counseling (MS) program. These options allow completion of the undergraduate and doctoral program in 6 years.

Pre-Mental Health Counseling Advisory Track:

There is currently no early assurance pathway available for direct entry into the Mental Health Counseling (MS) program. We encourage students that are interested in pursuing Mental Health Counseling to enrolled in the Psychology (BA) or Communication Science & Disorders (BS) program.

Careers

The Pre-Mental Health Counseling Pathway provides the foundational psychology, human development, and behavioral science coursework needed to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling and build a rewarding career helping individuals improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and lead more balanced, fulfilling lives.

A Mental Health Counselor’s Role

Mental Health Counselors are compassionate professionals who help people navigate life’s challenges, improve relationships, and achieve greater psychological health. They assess, diagnose, and treat emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders using evidence-based counseling techniques tailored to each client’s needs.

Grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and human behavior, the field of mental health counseling emphasizes empathy, communication, and resilience. Counselors help clients develop coping strategies, strengthen self-awareness, and manage stress, anxiety, trauma, and other life transitions.

Counselors play a critical role in today’s healthcare system, collaborating with physicians, psychologists, social workers, and educators to provide comprehensive, person-centered care.

Industries & Settings

Mental Health Counselors work in a wide variety of settings that support emotional and behavioral health across populations, including:

Community Mental Health Centers – Providing counseling and crisis intervention services to individuals and families.

Hospitals & Integrated Healthcare Systems – Working as part of multidisciplinary teams to support patients managing chronic illness, trauma, or co-occurring conditions.

Private Practice – Offering one-on-one, couples, or family counseling to address personal and relational challenges.

Schools & Colleges – Assisting students with emotional regulation, academic stress, and social development.

Substance Use & Rehabilitation Programs – Supporting individuals in recovery through therapy and relapse-prevention strategies.

Employee Assistance Programs & Nonprofits – Promoting mental health in workplace or community settings through education and counseling services.

Research & Academia – Advancing the profession through teaching, program design, and studies on mental health trends and treatment outcomes.

Job Outlook

The need for qualified Mental Health Counselors continues to grow as awareness of emotional well-being becomes central to healthcare and community life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Mental Health Counselors was $53,710 in May 2023, with employment projected to grow much faster than average through 2033.

This expanding demand reflects a nationwide focus on accessible mental health services and integrated care—creating meaningful opportunities to make a lasting impact in people’s lives.

For more information about the job outlook for Mental Health Counselors, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Contact Admissions

Request Info

Apply Now

Aaliyah El-Amin-Turner

lauren.innes — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:37:20 +0000

Aaliyah El-Amin-Turner lauren.innes

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 14:37

Aaliyah El-Amin-Turner, EdD

Clinical Assistant Professor

elamina@dyc.edu

DAC 133

Biography

Dr. Aaliyah El-Amin-Turner is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at D’Youville University. Raised in Penfield, New York, she earned her B.A. in Psychology and M.S. in Counseling from St. John Fisher University, and her Ed.D. in Counseling and Human Development from the University of Rochester. A licensed mental health counselor, she provides psychotherapy in private practice. Dr. El-Amin-Turner currently serves as President of the Penfield Central School District Board of Education and is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is deeply committed to advancing equity in education and healthcare for marginalized communities.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Marla Britton

lauren.innes — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:33:54 +0000

Marla Britton lauren.innes

Fri, 10/17/2025 - 14:33

Marla J. Britton, EdD, LMHC-D, NCC, ACS

Clinical Assistant Professor

brittonm@dyc.edu

DAC 135

Biography

Marla J. Britton earned her doctorate in Counseling, Human Development, and Counselor Education (EdD) and is a licensed mental health counselor with diagnostic privilege (LMHC-D) in New York State, a nationally certified counselor (NCC), and an approved clinical supervisor (ACS).

Teaching at the university level since 2008, Dr. Britton focuses her teaching and scholarly interests on foundations of counseling and consultation, practicum, clinical internship and supervision, counseling theory and practice, career development, ethics, human growth and development, assessment and appraisal, social and cultural diversity, integrative behavioral healthcare practice and counseling, and psychopathology. Her research and practice are in mental health, life skill development, and student success with presentations throughout Western New York on such topics since 2010.

Dr. Britton earned her doctorate from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. In addition to her doctorate, she earned a Master of Science in Community Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Science in School Counseling from the University of Rochester. For her undergraduate degree, Dr. Britton earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Buffalo State University.

Dr. Britton is the recipient of several awards and honors, namely the Judith Sereno Zak Teaching Excellence Award from Medaille University, the Black Students Union Leadership Award from the University of Rochester, and the Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award from the University of Rochester.

With over 20 years' experience practicing mental health counseling, Dr. Britton is a sole practitioner at a private practice in Rochester, New York.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)

erin.sullivan — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:16:36 +0000

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS) erin.sullivan

Wed, 12/04/2024 - 13:16

Program Format

Online or In-Person

Program Credits

Catalog Link

https://online.dyu.edu/ms-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling/

School

Center for Doctoral Studies and Research

Departments

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Degree Level

Online Programs

Helena Boersma

lauren.innes — Fri, 31 May 2024 12:56:22 +0000

Helena Boersma lauren.innes

Fri, 05/31/2024 - 08:56

Helena Boersma, EdD, LMHC-D, NCC

Executive Director, Center for Doctoral Studies & Research
Program Director
Associate Professor

boersmah@dyu.edu

DAC 133

Biography

Helena Boersma, EdD, LMHC-D, NCC earned her doctorate in Counseling and Counselor Education from University of Rochester in Rochester, New York, and her master’s of Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Brockport in Brockport, New York. Her primary area of clinical expertise for the last two decades is in eating disorders, where she has focused the last decade researching the connection between the food and mood. She has presented and trained locally, nationally, and internationally on the topic. Her work extends to family counseling and reconciliation counseling. Her most recent research includes working with clinicians in Malawi, Africa to expand their clinical skills working with families.

Dr. Boersma has worked as an LMHC in all levels of clinical care including inpatient psychiatric, outpatient psychiatric, private practice, and partial hospitalization programs. She has been the director of residential and boarding school programs that focused on treating adolescents with eating disorders and their family members. Her current work includes using Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to supplement ongoing counseling work. Dr. Boersma is currently the Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at D’Youville University, and the Executive Director for the Center for Doctoral Studies and Research at D’Youville University.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Marguerite McCarty

lauren.innes — Thu, 30 May 2024 18:56:18 +0000

Marguerite McCarty lauren.innes

Thu, 05/30/2024 - 14:56

Marguerite M. McCarty, EdD, LMHC, ACS

Clinical Director
Associate Professor

585-210-9380

mccartym@dyu.edu

DAC 135

Biography

Dr. Marguerite M. McCarty, Ed.D., LMHC, ACS has been a counselor educator in Buffalo, NY, since 2012, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Rochester, NY, where she has a small private practice. In an effort to address the mental health crisis, she is committed to grant writing and procurement to bridge the healthcare gap of traditionally underserved populations, and as a result has secured and ran two HRSA grants and co-wrote an NSF grant. During the pandemic, she co-hosted a Facebook Live show to help people deal with unprecedented isolation. Current research includes multifaceted and innovative pedagogy, as well as the impact of supervising interns on clinicians. Presentations include: College Students Living with Asperger’s Syndrome / High-Functioning Autism; Building Advising Relationships; Counseling Skills for Faculty; Current Trends in Psychology and Mental Health; Responding to Graduate Student Concerns Related to Racial Representation: Implementation of a DEI Student Group; Medaille College and HRSA During the Pandemic; Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Professionals; Making a Tough Online Research Course Fun with Live Sessions, Videos, and Post-Class Practical Application; Trauma and the Life Span, and Personality Disorders. While not working, Dr. McCarty enjoys hiking, bike riding, reading, trying new restaurants, traveling and time with her friends, extended family, and husband, two teenage sons, and goldendoodle.

Education & Training

Ed.D., Counseling and Counselor Education, University of Rochester
MS Ed., Counselor Education, SUNY College at Brockport
BA, English, Kings College

Research Interests

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence within Mental Health Counseling Curriculum
The Impact of Counseling Mental Health Counseling Interns on Supervisors
Professional Disposition and Gatekeeping within Mental Health Counseling Training
Values-Based Narrative Career and Mental Health Counseling Techniques

Awards & Honors

New Staff Outstanding Support Service Award, RIT Student Affairs
Outstanding Student in Counselor Education, SUNY Brockport
Joseph R. Kandor Nu Chapter – Chi Sigma Iota Award of Excellence, SUNY Brockport

Publications

McCarty, M. (2014). The Ongoing Puzzle of Neurological Diversity: Teenagers and Adults Living with ASD. Western NY Physician

McCarty, M. (2013). Late Adolescence Transitions for Individuals Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Western NY Physician

The Experience of First-year College Students Diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder and Participating in a University-Based Autism Spectrum Transitional Support Program
University of Rochester, Dissertation (2012)

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)

erin.sullivan — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:41:55 +0000

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS) erin.sullivan

Wed, 03/06/2024 - 10:41

60 Credits

Online or Hybrid

Overview

D'Youville's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is designed to meet the 60-credit hour educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in New York State. This graduate program is designed to build a deep understanding and practice of the counseling profession through its foundational and advanced courses in counseling theories, individual/group/family counseling, research and assessment, diagnosis, professional and ethical issues, diversity and multicultural issues, crisis and trauma interventions, and nine-credits of supervised clinical training in the field. Once complete, you will be prepared for a career in a variety of private and public mental health agencies.

D'Youville is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

D’Youville University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program was awarded the diagnostic privilege designation by the New York State Department of Education.

The Choice is yours.

Attend this program 100% online

Fully distance learning format with courses delivered online (a combination of synchronous and asynchronous courses)

Apply Here for 100% Online

Or, join us in-person

Hybrid format (a combination of select courses delivered online and others delivered in person via a weekend in-person classroom format).

Apply Here for Hybrid

MEET OUR FACULTY

18%

Job growth 2022-32 from US Bureau of Labor Statistics
60

Credits
Online

Combination of Synchronous & Asynchronous Courses
Hybrid

Online & Weekend Class Format

Get To Know Our Faculty

Helena Boersma, EdD, LMHC, NCC

Program Director/Associate Professor

Throughout D’Youville’s CMHC program, faculty emphasize the practice of integrative behavioral healthcare to address the complexities of delivering mental health counseling. Graduates will join the profession prepared to work collaboratively with various healthcare professionals to serve multiple clinical populations in a variety of settings.

Biography

Marguerite M. McCarty, Ed.D., LMHC (she/her)

Clinical Director/Associate Professor

As an LMHC currently working in the field, I bring a unique depth and efficacy to teaching by integrating real-world insights from my counseling practice into the classroom. My firsthand experience with clients helps to bring case studies to life, illustrating complex concepts with practical examples that resonate deeply with students. Moreover, I was once a counseling student myself, and can empathize with the challenges of being a counselor-in-training, and along with my colleagues, foster a supportive learning environment where students feel understood and encouraged to explore their own growth as future counselors. CMHC faculty at DYU are clinician educators who inspire and empower the next generation of mental health professionals with the compassion and expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Biography

Aaliyah El-Amin-Turner

Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. El-Amin-Turner currently serves as President of the Penfield Central School District Board of Education and is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is deeply committed to advancing equity in education and healthcare for marginalized communities.

Biography

Marla Britton

Clinical Assistant Professor

Biography

Explore Courses and Requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Prospective students seeking admission to ��ӰԺ's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program should meet the following criteria:

Submit a completed application for the CMHC program.
Minimum graduate grade point average of 3.00 (based on a 4.00 system).
A completed bachelor's degree is required before starting the graduate program.
Answer multiple-choice questions that reflect your readiness for graduate school engagement.

COURSES

MHC 500 Foundations of Counseling and Consultation
MHC 505 Counseling Theories and Practice
MHC 510 Psychopathology
MHC 540 Professional Ethics in Counseling
MHC 541 NYS Mandated Reporting
MHC 515 Assessment and Appraisal
MHC 520 Substance Abuse Counseling
MHC 525 Research and Program Evaluation
MHC 530 Human Growth and Development
MHC 600 Advanced Counseling Skills
MHC 570 Integrative Behavioral Healthcare Practice and Counseling
MHC 545 Cultural and Social Diversity in Counseling
MHC 550 Crisis, Trauma, and Loss Counseling
MHC 610 Practicum
MHC 575 Career Counseling
MHC 555 Group Counseling
MHC 560 Supervision Theory and Practice
MHC 620 Internship I
MHC 565 Couples and Family Counseling
MHC 535 Child and Adolescent Counseling
MHC 630 Internship II
MHC 640 Capstone Project

Center for Doctoral Studies and Research

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Why D'Youville

Benefit from educators and clinicians with 20+ years of clinical experience and 25+ years of teaching.

Integrative Health Focus: Learn to address mental health holistically.

No GRE or Prerequisites: Simplifying your path to a rewarding career.

Licensure Preparation: Our curriculum integrates ongoing test preparation.

NY License Approval: Ensure you’re on the right track for New York State licensure.

Master's Degrees

Nursing, Health, Wellness

Who This Program is For

This program is designed for individuals seeking to pursue careers as clinical mental health counselors. It is a two-year program suitable for those who aspire to work in diverse clinical settings, including but not limited to:

Residential treatment programs
Psychiatric hospitals
Outpatient mental health agencies
PROS (Personalized Recovery-Oriented Services)
ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) teams
Private practice

Graduates are prepared to excel in roles across a spectrum of behavioral health environments that serve a range of client populations.Earn a degree in CMHC with NYSED approved diagnostic privilege designation.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program at D’Youville University is to provide students with a thorough grounding in advanced principles of mental health counseling at a graduate level; provide students with an understanding of the tools of counseling that are suitable for building careers in private and public mental health agencies; provide students with advanced research-based knowledge in the area of group and individual counseling, counseling techniques, and testing and diagnosis; provide students with a full understanding of the professional and ethical issues relevant to mental health counseling and consultation; provide students with detailed knowledge of integrated healthcare, multicultural and career issues in counseling; and most importantly, to provide students a clear professional identity as a future counselor.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Core Program Objectives are:

Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice: To demonstrate and apply a comprehensive understanding of professional and ethical practices in counseling to include the history, roles, ethical standards, advocacy, and credentialing.

Social and Cultural Identities and Experiences: To demonstrate and apply an enhanced awareness and understanding of multicultural counseling techniques in an inclusive and respectful environment.

Lifespan Development: To demonstrate and apply a thorough understanding of human growth and development across the lifespan and within the context of multicultural environments.

Career Development: To demonstrate and apply core competencies of career counseling theories, tools, and intervention strategies to include multicultural considerations.

Counseling Practice and Relationships: To demonstrate and apply counseling practices within various cultural contexts and clinical populations.

Group Counseling and Group Work: To facilitate group counseling using diverse tools and strategies with various cultural and clinical populations.

Assessment and Diagnostic Processes: To demonstrate and utilize tools and techniques that help inform treatment planning in various clinical settings.

Research and Program Evaluation: To demonstrate and evaluate peer-reviewed research for effectiveness as therapeutic interventions and to inform evidence-based clinical treatment planning.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: To demonstrate advanced clinical expertise in mental health counseling through academic learning and practical application.

Professional Disposition: To demonstrate appropriate professional ethical behaviors, cultural competence, confidentiality standards, trust, respect, and effective therapeutic relationships with clients.

Career Outcomes

Upon program completion and securing a mental health counselor licensure in New York state, our graduates can embark on fulfilling careers as mental health counselors in various settings:

Behavioral Health Agencies
Psychiatric Hospitals
VA Hospitals and Outreach Programs
Private Practices
Family Medicine Offices
Residential Treatment Programs

Accreditation

D’Youville University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program applied to the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs on November 1, 2024.

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
500 Montgomery Street, Suite 350
Alexandria, VA 22314
https://www.cacrep.org/

CMHC 2024-2025 Annual Report

Our online application is free and easy to submit

Earn a degree in CMHC with NYSED approved diagnostic privilege designation.

Request Info

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