The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Appalachian State University is a 60-credit hour program designed to prepare effective, ethical, and compassionate professional counselors. The program follows the CACREP-accredited curriculum and meets standards for both North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHC) and National Certified Counselors (NCC).

Located on App State’s scenic Boone campus, the program blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences in counseling settings. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to serve individuals, families, and communities across a wide range of human service agencies—including mental health centers, schools, social service organizations, private practices, and community programs.

The program supports both full-time and part-time students and emphasizes collaboration between faculty and students to foster personal and professional growth. Graduates emerge as skilled clinicians, leaders, and advocates in the counseling field.

Mission

The mission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is to cultivate a community of practice that supports graduate students as they move from novice to entry-level practitioners. Through socially meaningful learning experiences, students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become effective, ethical, and competent counselors prepared to serve diverse populations.

Program Objectives

Our goals are to:

  1. Enroll diverse students who demonstrate the potential to become effective counselors.
  2. Prepare students to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
  3. Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for competent counseling practice.
  4. Foster professional identity and engagement within the counseling field.

Student Expectations

Program faculty expect students to demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to:

  • Gaining knowledge aligned with program objectives.
  • Upholding professional and ethical standards.
  • Developing strong interpersonal and facilitative skills.
  • Cultivating the personal qualities essential for effective counseling.
  • Demonstrating sound judgment and emotional readiness before client contact.

Students recovering from addiction must have 12 months of continuous sobriety before registering for Practicum and 15 months before Internship.

Accreditation

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Graduates are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and, upon successful completion, may qualify as National Certified Counselors (NCC).

Admission

Admission to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on their potential contributions to the counseling field, letters of recommendation, résumé/CV, admissions questionnaire, and group interview.

The program values diversity, personal growth, professional readiness, and community engagement. Applicants from varied academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Before applying, prospective students should review program information carefully to ensure their goals align with the mission and objectives of the program. Course descriptions and programs of study can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Student Guidelines

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Field Experiences

Practicum and internship requirements for Clinical Mental Health Counseling align with CACREP standards.

The CMHC Clinical Field Experiences Manual contains detailed requirements, forms, and policies. Students must complete a permission to register form and an App State internship contract (electronic, completed with your advisor) before registering for CED 5902 or CED 6902.

Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CED 5902)
  • Hours: 100 total (40 direct, 60 indirect), 10–15 hrs/week at one site
  • Supervision:
    • 1 hr/week individual or triadic with site supervisor
    • 1.5–3 hrs/week group supervision with faculty
    • 1 hr/week individual or triadic with university supervisor
  • Requirements:
    • Audio/video recording of sessions
    • Midterm and final evaluations
    • 10 group facilitation hours (may be completed here or in internship)
    • Professional behavior and ACA ethics compliance

See full details in the CMHC Clinical Field Experiences Manual.

Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CED 6902)
  • Hours: 600 total (240 direct, 360 indirect), 20–22 hrs/week at one or two sites
  • Supervision:
    • 1 hr/week individual or triadic with site supervisor
    • 1.5–3 hrs/week group supervision with faculty
    • Additional university supervision as needed
  • Requirements:
    • Audio/video recording of sessions
    • Midterm and final evaluations
    • Group facilitation hours if not completed in practicum
    • Professional behavior and ACA ethics compliance

See full details in the CMHC Clinical Field Experiences Manual.

Supervisor Qualifications

On-site supervisors must have:

  • A master’s degree in counseling or a related field
  • Relevant licensure/certification
  • At least 2 years of professional experience in the specialty area
  • Training in counseling supervision

See a thorough explanation of site supervisor responsibilities in the CMHC Clinical Field Experiences Manual. Additional resources for site supervisors can be found in our Site Supervision Resources Confluence space/Drive folder.

Licensure Information

Requirements and application instructions for licensure can be found on the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (NCBLPC) website.

Additional resources to guide you through the application process can be found in our LCMHCA Application Information Confluence space/Drive folder.

Licensure and Comprehensive Exams

All students must complete a comprehensive exam prior to graduation. The Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) is required during the final year of study.

Graduates are prepared to meet the academic coursework requirements outlined by the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (NCBLCMHC). To obtain full licensure in North Carolina, candidates must:

  • Pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE).
  • Complete 3,000 hours of supervised post-graduate counseling experience over two years.

Graduating students are eligible to sit for the NCE prior to graduation. For more information, visit the NCBLCMHC website.

Professional Organizations

Joining a professional organization(s) can help you connect with fellow students and practitioners, access valuable resources and support, and engage in professional development opportunities. The following is a list of professional organizations, associations, and credentialing boards that promote the counseling profession: