--- title: "Mental Health Counseling - Advanced Certificate" url: "/academics/programs/mental-health-counseling-certificate" type: program date: 2026-06-07 updated: 2026-06-07 --- # Mental Health Counseling - Advanced Certificate **Bridge language and cultural barriers for the students who need your support most.** School counselors are a vital part of the educational leadership team, helping students build the academic and social skills they need to thrive from elementary school through college and beyond. Designed for counselors who have already earned a master's degree, this advanced certificate prepares you for New York State certification and the work of supporting the next generation of students. [Request Information](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information)[Apply to Manhattan University](/graduate/admissions/apply)[Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences](/academics/kakos) Image ![Counselor and person in a consultation in office for support and help](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/mental-health-counseling.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=0AXhj383) Certificate 27 Up to 2 Years (part-time) What Set's Us Apart what-sets Path to NYS Licensure Meet New York State's educational requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor in clinical practice. Build on Your Master's Designed for counselors who already hold a related master's degree and want to advance toward clinical credentials. Learn From Practitioners Study with faculty who are working mental health counselors, school counselors, and psychologists in the field. Clinical Training Gain hands-on experience through a supervised practicum and a two-semester internship in clinical settings. Broad Clinical Scope Prepare to assess and treat conditions from anxiety and depression to substance use and adjustment disorders. Individualized Plan Work with the program director to map a course plan based on the graduate coursework you have already completed. The Manhattan University Difference What Sets Us Apart This advanced certificate is built for master's-prepared counselors pursuing clinical licensure in New York State. You will build on your existing degree, train with faculty who are practicing clinicians, and prepare to deliver mental health counseling across a wide range of clinical settings. Intro above Cards Cards (border around each item) white 0 What Will You Learn what-learn The Manhattan Advantage What You Will Learn You will learn to use assessment instruments, conduct clinical evaluations, and design treatment plans and case management, as well as prevention, discharge, and aftercare services. Building on your master 's-level training, you will study effective methods for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality and adjustment disorders, and learn to help clients develop strategies for parenting and career skills, family and relationship challenges, and the prevention of substance abuse. Through a supervised practicum and a two-semester internship, you will apply these skills directly in clinical settings, preparing you to deliver counseling services across medical, mental health, and independent practice environments. [View Full Curriculum and Course Information](https://catalog.manhattan.edu/graduate/artsandscience/sobs/#4) Image ![Counselor with a child and parent for discussion about education.](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/school-counseling-cert-2-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=n9ODgw3p) landscape white 0 Why Study in New York City why-nyc Why Study in New York City New York City offers an unmatched setting for training as a mental health counselor, with a dense network of outpatient centers, hospitals, residential facilities, and community agencies that serve clients from all backgrounds. Located in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, near Manhattan and lower Westchester, our campus places you within reach of the practicum and internship sites where you will apply your clinical skills directly. Working alongside licensed practitioners across the city's diverse communities, you will gain the supervised clinical experience that prepares you for licensure and for a career delivering direct counseling services in a wide range of settings. Image ![Aerial photo of New York City](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/nyc-3200x1800.jpg?h=f0fb51a5&itok=p09sBu3Y) landscape dark 0 Careers & Outcomes careers Eyebrow What Will You Do Heading Potential Career Opportunities The Mental Health Counseling program prepares graduates to provide direct clinical and counseling services across medical, research, mental health, and independent practice settings. Graduates are equipped to assess, treat, and support individuals facing a wide range of mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Hide filter UI Off white 0 About The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. With strong pre-law and pre-health advising and a focus on ethical, engaged scholarship, Kakos graduates leave prepared to lead, and the University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (*Wall Street Journal*, 2026), evidence of where that preparation leads. [Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences](/academics/kakos) Image ![View of campus in the fall at Manhattan Univeristy](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-01/2025-campus-outside-1920x1080.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=Q1UZ7cv-) square white 0 Admission Information admission-info ## Application Requirements - Applicants for master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or institution. - Applicants for advanced certificates must hold a bachelor's and a master's degree, both from accredited institutions. - An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required, although other factors may be considered in the admission decision. - Graduate applications are submitted through a centralized application service (CAS) platform. You will need to create a user account to track your application submission. #### Required Documents - [Apply Online to Manhattan University](/graduate/admissions/apply) - Undergraduate Transcript(s) – Unofficial transcripts can be used in order to make an admissions decision. Official college transcripts are required prior to enrollment. - Personal Statement - Applicants are required to submit a statement that reflects their program interest and personal and professional goals. - At least one letter of recommendation from a professional reference. - Current Resume - $75 Application Fee #### Required Documents **International Students** **Transcripts** - All international applicants who were educated outside of the United States for their undergraduate and/or graduate degree must provide a course-by-course evaluation report (which should be inclusive of your official transcripts) provided by one of the agencies listed on the [NACES website](https://www.naces.org/members). **English Language Requirement** Non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate their English proficiency. This can be done in three ways: - TOEFL iBT (minimum overall score - 4) - CEFR-Common European Framework of Reference (minimum overall score - B2) - IELTS (minimum overall score - 6.5) - Duolingo (minimum overall score - 110 out of 160) If the primary language of your university or college program was English, you may qualify for a waiver. light 0 Content Prepare for the Real World At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help. [Apply Today](/admissions/apply) [Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit) [Request Information](/admissions/undergraduate/request-information) Image ![Aerial photo of Manhattan University](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-03/drone-2025-3200x2400.jpg?h=9b8bd6ff&itok=xYR2ar43) landscape Hide filter UI Off dark 0 Manhattan University's Mental Health Counseling advanced certificate prepares master's-prepared counselors for New York State licensure eligibility.