School of Education
Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Graduate Degree Program
With just the right mix of online coursework and a four-day, in-person summer residency, BVU’s flexible two-year online master’s program provides students with the skills necessary to become effective clinical mental health counselors. As the first program of its size to gain CACREP accreditation in Iowa, graduates with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling pursue a variety of positions at mental health agencies, college campuses, or in private practice.
CACREP Accredited
Buena Vista University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
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Why Should I Choose a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from BVU?
BVU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program prepares students to address the growing need for accessible, professional mental health services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers within mental health counseling are projected to significantly grow over the next decade. This program is CACREP-accredited and meets the requirements for Iowa professional licensure under section 31.6(2) of the Bureau of Professional Licensure of the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. Other state requirements can be checked at: State Board Directory | NBCC.
This program is offered through our online format and can be completed in as little as 24 months. Classwork is completed online through Canvas. Students in Practicum and Internship also have bi-weekly, virtual class meetings. Three start terms for classes: August, January, and May, with online assignments combined with a four-day, face-to-face summer residency held during the first and second summers of enrollment in Storm Lake. Room and board is available for a nominal fee.
To meet the requirements to become a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, students must have a passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Students have the option of testing 90 days before completing the program. Additionally, as a CACREP-accredited program, the six-week review process confirming degree requirements is waived, allowing BVU students the opportunity to enter their field soon after graduating.
In addition to the full master’s program, BVU now offers a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensure Only option for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in counseling and need to complete coursework to qualify for licensure.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure Only
NOW ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Already have a master’s degree in counseling? BVU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure Only allows you to complete the coursework required to qualify for licensure without repeating an entire degree program. Interested in learning more? Contact Graduate Programs at grad@bvu.edu.
Begin your transcript review HERE
Apply for Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure Only HERE
Meet the Professor
A member of our core counseling faculty will tell you about the program at BVU. We will discuss the counseling profession and the benefits of our online learning environment. Learn about clinical experiences, emphasis areas, and extra-curricular opportunities. Register now for a virtual informational session.
American Counseling Association
Buena Vista University counseling students are trained according to the ethics and professional identity outlined by the American Counseling Association (ACA) and Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.
Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International
Buena Vista University has an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International, BetaEpsilon Upsilon. This organization focuses on assisting members towards excellence through professional development, wellness, community engagement, and more. More information can be found on the chapter page.
On-Campus Residency
Face-to-Face Experience and Skill Building
As part of our clinical mental health counseling programs, students take part in a four-day clinical skill-building residency at our beautiful campus on the shores of Storm Lake, Iowa. This time of learning is one of the highlights of the program, when students get to know others in their cohort and gain experience working on in-person skills with classmates.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Buena Vista University’s Graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is an Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). As a newly approved provider, our program offers regular, continued education presentations remotely. Social workers and licensed marriage and family therapists are also invited to attend these presentations to meet state requirements for continuing education.
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MEREDITH LAGESCHULTE
Working full-time and being the mother of two busy high schoolers, BVU offers the flexibility I need. The CMHC program is designed to ensure supportive learning, with small cohorts that create a sense of community, even as a virtual learner. There’s strong engagement by teaching staff and tremendous connection amongst peers. This, partnered with high standards for learning that align with CACREP standards, gives me confidence in being competent and prepared for career advancement. I am very excited to utilize my learning and serve my community as a mental health counselor.
Program Mission, Vision, and Values
Counseling Program Vision
The BVU Counseling program prepares a community of ethically- and culturally-competent, trauma-informed practitioners who promote wellbeing by empowering individuals and families across the lifespan, challenging inequities, and contributing to the counseling profession and society in meaningful ways.
Counseling Program Mission
The BVU Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides innovative, accessible, and student-centered education rooted in best practice and nationally recognized counselor education standards, as outlined by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). We prepare students to become licensed professional counselors who are engaged practitioners, leaders, and social change agents.
Counseling Program Objectives
- The educational experiences of Buena Vista University’s Counselor Education program are grounded in evidence-based theories, wellness, and development.
- The educational experiences of Buena Vista University’s Counselor Education program cultivate culturally reflective practitioners through social advocacy and diverse learning experiences.
- The educational experiences of Buena Vista University’s Counselor Education program focus on the core elements of an effective helping relationship and counselor identity.
- The educational experiences of Buena Vista University’s Counselor Education program models lifelong professional development, self-awareness, and experiential learning.
Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)
Students who are enrolled in the 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program must successfully pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) before they continue into their internship experience. The CPCE consists of the 8 core counseling knowledge areas:
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Social and Cultural Diversity
- Human Growth and Development
- Career Development
- Counseling and Helping Relationships
- Group Counseling and Group Work
- Assessment and Testing
- Research and Program Evaluation
The Buena Vista University Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program utilizes the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), published by the Center for Credentialing and Education Inc. (CCE), which is an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors Inc. (NBCC).
Learn moreCourses & Application Requirements
Our comprehensive M.S.Ed. curriculum will prepare students for practice, by developing skills in counseling assessments, research, and advanced counseling practices. Through supervised practicums, students will graduate with hands-on experiences that will prepare them for the real world of counseling.
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Financial Aid
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Learn MoreNo GRE Required
BVU does not require students to take the GRE for admission — saving you time and money.
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