Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling

Prepare for a career as a licensed mental health professional or to pursue further studies in psychology, counseling, or related fields. With its emphasis on cultural humility, social justice, and evidence-based clinical practice, our program trains you to serve the diverse mental health needs of individuals, groups, communities, and systems and to advocate for social change that promotes mental wellness.

Mental Health Counseling Program Webinars

At a Glance

How many courses?


Most students take 20 courses (60 credits total). 

How long will it take?


Full-time students typically finish in two years.

When can I start?


You can begin the program only in the fall semester.

How much does it cost?


To estimate your total program cost, multiply the number of credits required in your program by the tuition cost per credit.

Mental Health Counseling Program Tracks

Students have the option to pursue licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts through the 60-credit program, or complete the 48-credit non-licensure program. 

The Integrated Behavioral Health track is a pathway for students seeking to work as Mental Health Counselors in integrated medical settings.

This track will prepare students to work with clients in urban communities, including community mental health centers, public hospitals, and community clinics.

The Dual Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry and Mental Health Counseling is designed for individuals who wish to pursue graduate studies that combine counseling and psychology with studies in religion.

Main Curriculum

During the two-year program, you can choose between a 60-credit licensure-track or a 48-credit non-licensure track program of study. Each program requires you to complete an internship with one of our Boston-based partner organizations.

Requirements


  • Courses: 16 or 20
  • Credits: 48 or 60
  • Comprehensive Exam
During the two-year program, you can choose between a 60-credit licensure-track or a 48-credit non-licensure track program of study.

48-Credit Track

  • The 48-credit, two-year program will prepare you for further studies in counseling, such as doctoral degrees in psychology and further studies in public policy, law, and business, or fields in which a solid counseling foundation is desirable. 
  • The track is an option for students who do NOT plan to pursue licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or other states that require completion of an integrated, 60-credit Master’s degree.

60-Credit Track

  • The 60-credit, two-year program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
  • When students graduate from this program, they will be eligible for entry-level counseling positions and prepared, with postgraduate supervision and experience, to obtain licensure and accreditation for advanced skills/specialization.

48-Credit Master's

The 48-credit, two-year program will prepare you for further studies in counseling or fields in which a solid counseling foundation is desirable. Our graduates go on to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology and further studies in public policy, law, and business. The 48-credit hour Mental Health Counseling track is an option available for students who do NOT plan to pursue licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or other states that require completion of an integrated, 60-credit Master’s degree.

60-Credit Master's

The 60-credit, two-year program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. When you graduate from this program, you will be eligible for entry-level counseling positions and prepared, with postgraduate supervision and experience, to obtain licensure and accreditation for advanced skills/specialization. 

Specialized Concentrations

The Mental Health Counseling program* curriculum provides an opportunity for students to take five elective courses in various topic areas. Students may also elect to focus their electives in one of the following specialized concentrations.

*Please note: Students in the Integrated Behavioral Health and Dual Degree MHC/STM tracks are not eligible to do a specialized concentration due to fewer elective course available in their curriculum. For more information on concentrations, please discuss with the concentration director, listed below.

Integrated Behavioral Health Track


 

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Contemporary healthcare models emphasize a “whole-person” approach that addresses mental health concerns as well as the physical conditions that impact health and well-being. The Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) Track trains students with the basic skills necessary to be a mental health counselor as well as the specialized skills to deliver behavioral health assessment and intervention in an integrated medical setting.

In the second year of the program, students in the IBH Track complete a practicum in an integrated behavioral health setting where they provide direct mental health counseling services as well as consultation to medical health clinicians (physicians, nurses, nutritionists, etc.).

Prospective students interested in the IBH Track should indicate their interest in the Master’s in Mental Health Counseling application.

Mental Health Counseling Urban Scholars Program


 
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The Mental Health Counseling (MHC) Urban Scholars Program is designed to train counselors equipped to address the complex mental health needs of people living in urban communities. Consistent with the Lynch School of Education and Human Development’s three-pronged mission to enhance the human condition, expand the human imagination, and make the world more just, the MHC Urban Scholar Program uses the lenses of ecological, decolonial and liberation psychology theory to critically examine sources of mental distress and mental wellness for people living in urban contexts. 

Prospective students interested in the MHC Urban Scholars Program should indicate their interest in the Master’s in Mental Health Counseling application.

Dual Master of Arts (M.A./M.A.) in Theology and Ministry and Mental Health Counseling


 

Learn how to integrate theories and practices of mental health counseling with studies of spirituality and pastoral care. Pair your M.A. in Mental Health Counseling with an M.A. in Theology and Ministry and earn a dual degree in three years. Alumni of the MHC/STM dual degree program graduate license-eligible as a professional mental health counselor and work in mental health agencies, shelters, pastoral placements in parishes, campus ministry programs, prisons, and youth and young adult programs.

Dual Degree Students may follow the 60- or 48-credit MHC curriculum.

Prospective students are required to apply separately and be admitted to both the School of Theology & Ministry and the Lynch School.

"Transforming Light: The Stained-Glass Windows of Boston College." Images from the West wall, Oratory alcove, Gargan Hall, Bapst Library. Page 47: Sermon on the Mount. Christ surrounded by his apostles.

Our Students & Alumni

Faculty

Practicum

Much of the second year of the program focuses on the internship, where you will have opportunities to hone your counseling skills. We emphasize the importance of culture and context, encouraging you to acquire a community-oriented understanding of the settings in which you serve. Our dedicated Director of Practicum Experience works to pair you with pre-practicum and practicum placements that fit your goals including community mental health centers, substance abuse clinics, day treatment programs, eating disorders clinics, public schools, hospitals, and college counseling centers.

By the Numbers

#8

Student Counseling and Personnel Services

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

129

students

11:1

student-to-faculty ratio

Careers

Roles

  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Counselor & Multicultural Specialist
  • Clinical Case Manager
  • Research Assistant
  • Research Health Science Specialist
  • Psychologist
  • In-Home Family Therapist
  • Cognitive Trainer
  • Substance Abuse Clinician

Organizations

  • The Home for Little Wanderers
  • Addiction Treatment Center of New England
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Justice Resource Institute
  • Veterans Health Administration
  • Vinfen
  • Italian Home for Children
  • Boston Medical Center
  • The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders

Tuition & Aid

Education should level the playing field. We feel the same way about financial aid.

The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $11.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable. 

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Application & Deadlines

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Prerequisite Information: Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology should have completed at least 2 of the following foundational psychology courses: General Psychology, Personality Theories, Abnormal Psychology, or Developmental Psychology. Highly-qualified applicants who have not yet met this criteria may be conditionally admitted with a requirement that the courses be completed before the program begins.

A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required. The fee is waived for select applicants.

Deadlines Fall 2025:

  • Priority Deadline: December 10
  • Final Deadline: January 15
  • Applications completed by the Priority Deadline will be reviewed first and receive priority consideration for admission and scholarship. 
  • Applications completed by the final deadline will be considered for admission and scholarship on a space-available basis.

Resume

To be uploaded to your online application.

In addition to your academic history and relevant volunteer and/or work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.

Personal Statement

To be uploaded to your online application.

In 1,000 words maximum, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations. We cannot guarantee that statements exceeding 1,000 words will be reviewed in full and thus encourage you to meet this word count guideline.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one strongly preferred to come from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all college/university study are required.

Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside the United States should view the "International Students" section for additional credential evaluation requirements.

Please begin your online application before submitting your transcripts. Details on how to submit transcripts and international credential evaluations can be found within the application. In order to ensure your transcript reaches our office, it is important to review and follow the instructions.

Standardized Tests

GRE scores are not required. If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.

Please view the "International Students" section for information on English Proficiency test requirements.

Writing Sample

Not required.

International Students

Applicants who have completed a degree outside of the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript(s) completed by an evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University.

Applicants who are not native speakers of English and who have not received a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result that meets the minimum score requirement.

Please use link below for full details on these requirements.

Requirements for International Students

Accreditation

The Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) through March 2027. Upon successful completion of the Lynch School of Education and Human Development's 60-credit Master’s in Mental Health Counseling program, students earn an endorsement from Boston College for licensure in Massachusetts. The 600+ hours of practicum and internship experience students receive exceed current Massachusetts requirements for initial licensure as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). For more information about mental health counseling licensure, including if you are seeking licensure in another state, please visit the “LSEHD Counseling Licensure Disclosure” page.

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Contact Us

  gsoe@dos5.net
  617-552-4214