M.A. Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling

About the Program

John Carroll University’s Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program empowers and inspires the next generation of counselors. The program is renowned for its community-focused training model, evidence-based live and asynchronous teaching, commitment to diversity and multicultural excellence, and faculty who are practicing counselors. Students in the program experience an accelerated online curriculum designed to meet the needs of their clients and communities.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Fieldwork starts in the second year (4th semester) with a unique practicum lab opportunity at Moore Counseling and Mediation Services (MCMS), one of the preeminent behavioral health treatment centers in northeast Ohio. Students who are out of state or not located in Northeast Ohio are not required to complete their practicum at MCMS and will be responsible for finding their own site.

At MCMS, students will gain experience in the following areas:

Group Counseling
Individual Counseling
Assessments/Screenings
Dual Diagnosing Services (Mental Health and AOD)
Clinic/Medical Care
Medicated Assisted Treatment
Women-Specific Care (Women’s Center)
Men-Specific Care (HEAT Program)
Employee Assistant Programming
Case Management Services
Specialized Dockets/Court-Ordered Clients (Vets, Human Trafficking, Mental Health, Drug Court)
Educational Services (Domestic Violence, Parenting, Anger Management)

Plus, John Carroll’s reputation and established connections with more than 80 top employers within the community means students will be connected to coveted internships and jobs.

Career Outlook

JCU graduate students begin working as counselors immediately upon graduation and it’s typical to be hired by their internship sites prior to graduation. In fact, in 2018-2019, 97% of graduates were employed as counselors within six months of graduation.

Given the rise of the U.S. Opioid Epidemic, Substance Use Disorders Counseling (SUDC) is a growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19% growth in employment for Ohio substance use and behavioral disorder counselors from 2014-2024. This makes the LCDC and LICDC credentials highly valued by employers.

Finally, PCCs will have the ability to maintain a private practice or supervise other counselors.

Application and Admission Information

- Successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- This program is a fall start only with limited space in the cohort. There is no set submission deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis upon completion. Admission decisions will be made based on space in the program.
- No GRE Required

- Free Application
- Official Transcript(s)
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Interview
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Photograph
- No GRE Required

- Tuition is charged at the College of Arts and Sciences rate
- Degree-seeking students eligible for federal student loans. For information about the loan process, contact Student Enrollment and Financial Services at (216) 397-4248.
- A limited number of graduate assistantships provide a tuition waiver for up to 15 credit hours per year plus a stipend. Students are expected to spend 20 hours per week working for the department.

Through successful completion of the Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree, graduating students complete the academic requirements for an initial license as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Mental Health Counselor. Typically after a period of supervised work post-graduation, you’ll be independently licensed and able to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders without supervision. Depending on the state where you will practice as a counselor, there may be additional post graduation requirements you need to fulfill. John Carroll staff are available to support students from enrollment to graduation to licensure.