Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Why Choose Our Program?
Jacksonville University offers a two-year, full-time Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling. It is the recipient of the 2024 Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Outstanding Master's Counselor Education Program Award and the 2024 Innovation in Counseling: Counselor Education Community Engagement Award from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Following a hybrid format, cohort model, this program allows for self-paced and in-person classes. Our program is:
- CACREP accredited with emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling
- Ideal for working professionals who want to create individual relationships with professors and peers
- Full-time, 2 year 60-credit-hour program
- Meets the educational requirements for State of Florida licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Jacksonville University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is offering a 12-credit hour Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy. Please visit the program website for more information.
Start your application
Applications are open for Fall 2025!
Application Deadlines
| Task | Deadline or date |
|---|---|
| Final Deadline | February 15, 2025 |
VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the program director and advisor to ask questions about our curriculum and admissions process.
About Our Program
We are accredited through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) under the 2016 standards. The JU CMHC accreditation is valid through October 2027, at which time an application for re-accreditation will be submitted. All JU CMHC program graduates have been recognized as having graduated from a CACREP accredited program.
State of Florida Course Requirements for Licensure
JU’s CMHC Core Curriculum has a specialization in clinical mental health counseling. It also offers a concentration in Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling. This degree meets the academic requirements for licensure as designated by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling for both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. The program has not made a determination whether the curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure in states outside of Florida.
Students are encouraged to review the state standards and guidelines and notify the faculty advisor of practice preference so that the appropriate site placement is secured for the practicum and internship.
- Standards for Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Standards for Marriage & Family Therapy
- View our Course Schedule/Curriculum Summary
A hybrid style will be used for courses with class attendance once a week in fall/spring semesters and twice a week during the summer semester. Students are also required to complete a rigorous 800 hour community-based clinical field experience as part of their academic training.
How to Apply
- Completed JU Application
- Unofficial Transcripts for All Degrees Conferred
- Statement of Intent
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- The following may be requested of students with a 3.0 GPA or below:
- GRE / GMAT Scores
Clinical mental health counselors
Mental health counselors offer guidance to individuals, couples, families and groups that are dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well-being.
Clinical mental health counselors offer a full range of services, including:
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Psychotherapy
- Treatment planning and utilization review
- Brief and solution-focused therapy
- Alcoholism and substance abuse treatment
- Psychoeducational and prevention programs
- Crisis Management
Dr. LaTonya Summers takes her expertise to TedxKnow Pain, Know Gain
"When I decided to apply for the local TEDx conference, I asked myself what I would want to say to the world. We were 13 months into the pandemic, and as a mental health educator, I knew how much we were hurting and how much more devastating the impact was going to get. I outlined a talk on how to process pain differently, and 'Know Pain, Know Gain' was accepted. I feel honored to have had this experience not only because it challenged me to be vulnerable about my own life story, which I had never done, but also for the opportunity to have an international platform to help others manage their mental wellbeing."
Dr. LaTonya Summers
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Missing a course for Florida licensure?Non-Degree Seeking Students
Do you already have a master's degree but are missing courses to become licensed as a LMHC or LMFT in Florida? Jacksonville University offers hybrid and online courses such as Human Sexuality, Counseling in Community Settings, and Addictions Counseling for non-degree seeking students.
"Along with a rigorous curriculum, the CMHC counseling program at JU offers students unconditional support and guidance to a bright future. This experience has allowed me to build unforgettable relationships with colleagues and faculty, as well."
Contact InformationRequest for Information
Contact Information Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School of Applied Health Sciences
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 256-7000
Email: graduateadmissions@ju.edu