--- title: "Counseling - Mental Health Counseling M.S." url: "/academics/programs/mental-health-counseling-ms" type: program date: 2026-06-09 updated: 2026-06-09 --- # Counseling - Mental Health Counseling M.S. **Build the clinical skill and compassion to help people through their most difficult moments.** Manhattan University's Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling meets New York State's educational requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor. Learn from faculty who are practicing clinicians, complete supervised clinical training in some of the most diverse communities in the country, and graduate ready to provide direct counseling services across a wide range of settings. [Request Information](/graduate/admissions/request-information)[Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit)[Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences](/academics/kakos) Image ![Young couple sitting and holding hands during consultation with psychologist](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/psychology-mental-health-counseling-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=FLRi-RrS) M.S. 60 2.5 - 3 Years What Set's Us Apart what-sets Path to NYS Licensure Meet New York State's educational requirements toward licensure as a mental health counselor in clinical practice. Supervised Clinical Hours Complete 700 hours of supervised, on-site counseling experience in clinics, hospitals, and agencies across the region. Faculty Who Practice Learn from licensed psychologists and mental health counselors who bring active clinical experience into the classroom. A Schedule That Fits Choose from afternoon, evening, and online courses, with summer sessions that help you finish your degree faster. A Diverse Cohort Join a small, culturally varied cohort drawn largely from the New York City area, enriching every discussion. Broad Clinical Scope Train to assess and treat conditions from anxiety and depression to substance use, eating, and personality disorders. The Manhattan University Difference What Sets Us Apart Manhattan University's Mental Health Counseling program combines rigorous clinical training with the personal attention of a small graduate cohort. You will learn from faculty who practice in the field, gain supervised experience across New York City's diverse communities, and build a clear path toward state licensure, all on a schedule designed to fit your life. Intro above Cards Cards (border around each item) white 0 Why Study Mental Health Counseling why-study The Manhattan Advantage Why Study Mental Health Counseling at Manhattan University? At Manhattan University, you prepare to become a licensed mental health counselor in a program built around clinical experience, expert mentorship, and genuine connection. Faculty who are practicing psychologists and counselors guide you as you accrue 700 hours of supervised, on-site counseling experience, develop a research-based study plan focused on the population you most want to serve, and build the assessment, treatment, and case-management skills the work demands. With small classes, a supportive cohort, and a location minutes from New York City's leading mental health hospitals, clinics, and agencies, you graduate ready to meet this moment with fortitude and compassion. [Explore Graduate Programs](/graduate/academics) Image ![person with hands outstretched with an rendering of a brain in their hands](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-06/psychology-school-counseling-2-3000x2000.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=p3qQ1y53) landscape white 0 Curriculum & Courses curriculum Heading Curriculum & Courses Explore coursework that builds the theory, clinical skills, and supervised experience you need to treat individuals, couples, and families through a systems-based lens. The 60-credit curriculum combines core courses with electives and a required practicum and internship sequence. The courses listed below are a sample of what you will take with this program. To view the full plan of study, please visit [Manhattan University's academic catalog](https://catalog.manhattan.edu/graduate/artsandscience/sobs/#7). Hide filter UI Off light 0 Why Study in New York City New York City offers an unmatched setting for clinical counseling training. Manhattan University sits minutes from the city and close to Westchester County and Long Island, giving students access to some of the nation's top mental health hospitals, clinics, and agencies. As a graduate student in the program, you will complete 700 hours of supervised, on-site counseling experience in some of the most ethnically and economically diverse communities in the country, learning to serve clients across a wide range of backgrounds and needs. This real-world experience builds the clinical judgment, cultural competence, and professional network that prepare you to practice with confidence after graduation. 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 Assessment and Diagnosis Use clinical assessment instruments and current diagnostic tools to evaluate clients and inform sound treatment decisions. Treatment Planning Develop and manage treatment plans and case strategies that guide clients from intake through discharge and aftercare. Counseling and Psychotherapy Apply evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy techniques to build therapeutic rapport and support lasting change. A Focused Study Plan Build a research-based study plan around a chosen population, tailoring your training to the clients you most want to serve. Practice in Many Settings Prepare to work in mental health centers, hospitals, residential facilities, agencies, and private practice. Ethics and Professional Standards Ground your practice in the law, ethics, and professional standards that protect clients and define the counseling field. Mental Health Counseling: Skills That Change Lives. At Manhattan University, you graduate ready to assess, treat, and support clients across the full range of clinical settings. The program builds the practical competencies that define effective, ethical mental health counselors. Intro above Cards Basic (no borders) white 0 ## Meet the Faculty The faculty in this program are more than professors; they are practitioners. Licensed psychologists and mental health counselors bring years of clinical experience into the classroom, accelerating your learning with the kind of real-world insight that only active practice provides. In small classes, they guide your academic, clinical, and professional growth from your first course through your final internship. [Meet The Faculty](/academics/kakos/departments/social-behavioral/faculty "Faculty | Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences") white 0 Careers & Outcomes careers Eyebrow CAREER OUTCOMES Heading Where a Mental Health Counseling Degree Can Take You Graduates of Manhattan University's Mental Health Counseling program build careers across clinics, hospitals, agencies, schools, and private practice, helping clients navigate mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Demand for these professionals is strong and growing. Hide filter UI Off light 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 dark 0 Program Costs & Aid program-costs ## Program Costs & Financial Aid Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused graduate education accessible and affordable. Graduate students may qualify for assistantships, scholarships, and federal aid that significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance. - [**View Tuition & Fees**](/graduate/tuition-fees "Tuition & Fees | Graduate") - [**View Graduate Assistantships**](/admissions/financial-aid/student-employment/graduate-lab-assistantships "Graduate and Lab Assistantships | Financial Aid") - [**Explore Scholarships Scholarships**](/admissions/financial-aid/loans-grants/scholarships-and-grants "Aid, Scholarships and Grants") - [**View Graduate Federal Aid and Grants**](/graduate/financial-aid "Grants and Loans | Graduate") A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible. [Learn More About Graduate Costs and Financial Aid](/graduate "Graduate Education") white 0 Admission Information admission-info ## Admissions Information for Manhattan University **Start Your Journey in Mental Health Counseling** Applying to Manhattan University is simple and straightforward. Review the requirements below to take the next step toward advancing your career. **Requirements:** - Bachelor's degree in engineering from a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (or recognized equivalent) - Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale - Undergraduate degree normally in the same discipline; applicants from other engineering disciplines may be required to complete prerequisite coursework - Official transcripts from all institutions attended [Learn More about Graduate Admissions](/graduate "Graduate Education") [Learn More about International Graduate Admissions](/graduate/admissions/graduate-requirements "Graduate Student Requirements") white 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 M.S. in Mental Health Counseling prepares you for New York State licensure with 700 hours of supervised clinical experience.