Why Study Mental Health Counseling?
Belmont’s M.A. in Mental Health Counseling is unique among counseling programs.
Combining rigorous study in contemporary scientific psychotherapy with the wisdom, insight and values of the Christian tradition of caring for souls, this one-of-a-kind graduate program will give you practical tools and techniques to more effectively treat your patients. Moreover, it will also expand your capacity for compassionate and professional service.
Our program, drawing students from a variety of backgrounds, is led by a diverse faculty who remain engaged in research, academic writing, and clinical practice to ensure students are equipped with the training and skills required to practice as counselors after graduation. While fulfilling standards for accreditation, the faculty and curricula offer spiritual and theological foundations concomitant to psychotherapeutic training that will prepare students to become practitioners who are prepared and empowered to ethically treat clients holistically.
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Clinical Experience in the Nation's Health Care Captial
Studying Mental Health Counseling at Belmont University means immersing yourself in the heart of Nashville, the nation's health care capital. With access to approximately 50 field experience sites across the city, students gain hands-on training in diverse clinical settings. These internships provide deep exposure to the realities of clinical mental health counseling, allowing students to engage in a variety of professional experiences, including collaboration with clinicians, participation in client care activities, and involvement in essential counseling practices. Belmont’s strong connections within the Nashville health care community create unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and career preparation.
As part of Belmont’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, students in the School of Mental Health Counseling also benefit from interprofessional collaboration in our Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation. Here, you’ll train alongside other health care students in state-of-the-art labs and simulation centers designed to mimic real-world clinical environments. This immersive, hands-on approach ensures that graduates enter the workforce with confidence, experience, and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary health care teams—making Belmont the ideal place to launch your career in mental health counseling.
Our Mission Statement and Program Objectives
The School of Mental Health Counseling seeks to train professional counselors who will act ethically as agents of the ministries of healing and transformation through efficacious counseling theory, techniques, skills, and respect for diversity.
Program Objectives for Mental Health Counseling
- Identify and resolve ethical issues using current codes of ethics
- Become knowledgeable and apply multicultural and cross-cultural counseling skills and current competencies
- Utilize culturally relevant strategies based on human growth and development
- Integrate vocational counseling knowledge into holistic counseling strategies
- Select and utilize efficacious counseling theories, skills, and techniques
- Facilitate care throughout the lifespan using Christian and pastoral theological perspectives of human suffering
- Demonstrate appropriate screening practices and leadership of groups
- Select and utilize appropriate and ethical assessment instruments and techniques
- Select and utilize appropriate and ethical research methods for the improvement of counseling services
- Apply the Competencies for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling
- Be committed to serve as Christian advocates for clients and their communities
What You'll Learn
As a student in the master's level Mental Health Counseling program, you will choose one of four specialty tracks. Each requires 60 hours of coursework and common classes in Techniques of Counseling, Foundations of Clinical Practice, and more. The second year of the program includes a Practicum and Internship experience at one of the dozens of site affiliations in the Greater Nashville Area, or Belmont can form a new affiliation with a practice you prefer, as long as it meets all CACREP requirements. All of these specialty tracks prepare you for variations in care approaches, practice settings, and licensure requirements so that you may impact others as early as the second year of this program, and beyond.
Methods of Instruction
The instruction for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling and Pastoral Therapy tracks within the Mental Health Counseling Program at Belmont University are primarily taught on campus with the exception of the Field Education element. Program faculty in these tracks teach all curriculum face to face with the students. The School Counseling Track is taught solely online with the exception of one weekend intensive per semester.
Program Details
The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling degree is a 60 credit hour program. For students enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty track, the program satisfies the educational requirement for licensure as a Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider in the State of Tennessee. For those enrolled in the Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling specialty track, the program satisfies the educational requirements for licensure as a Marital & Family Therapist in the State of Tennessee. For students enrolled in the Pastoral Counseling specialty track, the program satisfies the academic requirements for licensure as a Clinical Pastoral Therapist in Tennessee. The School Counseling track satisfies requirements for licensure as a school counselor in the state of Tennessee.
Students are required to complete a practicum and internship consisting of 700 clock hours of counseling and counseling related activities in an approved site or agency as a part of the program. Normally, students will complete 24 semester hours of course work prior to beginning their practicum experience. School Counseling students must complete a pre-practicum class consisting of observations during their first year. Students will be required to pass a background check and show proof of approved professional liability insurance prior to beginning the clinical experience component of the program.
Degree Plans
Graduate Student Life at Belmont
As a graduate student at Belmont University, you are in an exceptional environment to develop yourself and reach your highest potential. In the classroom, you will meet knowledgeable professors and fellow students who are both dedicated and supportive in helping you succeed.
Moreover, Nashville’s diverse economy boasts an array of sectors from finance to health care and tech, providing students with plenty of chances to explore their potential. In short, there are few places as well-suited for career growth as Belmont with its entrepreneurial spirit and a wealth of connections in Nashville and beyond.
Get Involved
Join a pharmacy club, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and enjoy basketball games, concerts, chapel services and much more. On campus, you’ll find countless opportunities to become involved in activities, helping the surrounding community and gaining valuable experience along the way.
Learn more about opportunities for graduate students
In order to matriculate through the program, students must be admitted, complete all degree and assessment requirements, and apply for graduation.
The following links assist with matriculation through the 60-hour master's programs from admission to graduation.
Student Handbooks
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track
- Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling Track
- Clinical Pastoral Therapy Track
- School Counseling Track
Field Experience Manuals
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the following programs in Belmont University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences: the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (M.A.) and the Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs (M.A.).
Outcomes & Alumni Success
The School of Mental Health Counseling alums are highly sought out professionals who are licensed in the field as professional counselors, pastoral therapists, marriage and family therapists, school counselors, or higher education faculty. These professionals work in clinical mental health counseling agencies, schools, research facilities, and universities across the United States.
Committed to Your Success
Students in the School of Mental Health Counseling leave the program with knowledge of counseling as appropriate for clients from all walks of life, acceptable practices based on the codes of ethics, current counseling techniques, research practices, assessment procedures when working with clients, the ability to diagnose and treat clients using current treatment plans and diagnostic practices, and the ability to integrate spirituality into the counseling process. Enhanced knowledge in these practices enables alum to become licensed as clinical professionals and work as leaders in the field.
Our high passing rates on state board exams (100% over the past three years) offers an advantage to students seeking employment and licensure after meeting state board requirements. The program’s current CACREP accreditation status in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy tracks allow students the opportunity to become licensed in most states.
97% of College of Pharmacy & Health Science graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, or enlisted in the military within 6 months of graduation and 97% of employed graduates are in positions that align with their short or long term career goals.
Learn more about Career & Professional Development at Belmont
Alumni Testimonials
Briera Nix
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Nashville Emotional Wellness Counseling
“My time in my master’s program was truly an unforgettable journey! From day one, the professors were incredibly kind, supportive, and always willing to go the extra mile to help us succeed. When COVID hit during our first year, everything changed—classes went virtual, internships moved online, and the experience we had imagined was flipped upside down. It was frustrating at times, but our professors never gave up on us. They adapted, encouraged us, and made sure we still gained the skills we needed. Their passion and dedication kept us going, and I’m forever grateful for the love and support they poured into us!”
Emily Keller
“My experiences at Belmont were rich with relationships, both with professors and my peers, unique educational opportunities and the chance to develop my personal identity as a counselor. Through my time in the Clinical Mental Health program, I was able to learn more about my unique therapeutic interests and develop my clinical skills by blending my newfound knowledge of clinical theory with practical application. I left Belmont feeling equipped with knowledge, a deeper sense of empathy and with a strong clinical foundation. My time in the master's program was so transformative that I decided to pursue my PhD in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Education and Supervision at Belmont as well. I am deeply grateful for my time at Belmont thus far and the ways the professors, my cohort and the Christian curriculum continue to inform my practice as a counselor today.”
Katelyn Ramsay
Master of Arts in Mental Health and Counseling
Fort Lauderdale, FL
“Hi! My name is Katelyn Ramsay and I have lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for most of my life until I recently moved to Nashville in August to start my graduate degree at Belmont University. I am currently a first-year student working toward my Masters in Mental Health and Counseling with the goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Being a part of this program has truly been an exceptional and rewarding experience. The faculty are not only highly knowledgeable and experienced in the field but also deeply invested in the success and well-being of their students. Their mentorship and encouragement create an enriching environment where students feel supported and challenged to grow both personally and professionally. Through this program, I am developing the skills and confidence needed to make a meaningful impact in the mental health field after graduation in August 2026!”
Kelneccia Denman
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
Mental Health Counseling, LPC | Family Children's Service
“My experience in the program taught me to know what's expected of me and those around me, who have a hand in my professional development. I also learned how to provide proper care to those struggling with mental and emotional health. I formed relationships that will last a lifetime. Belmont’s Mental Health Counseling program was a great opportunity for growth both professionally and personally.”
Lydia Lomahan
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
“Hi, my name is Lydia Lomahan, and I am a current second-year student in the Mental Health Counseling Program at Belmont University. I chose Belmont because the Mental Health Counseling Department houses an incredible faculty, and I was eager to learn from them. To this day, I am beyond grateful for the influence of wonderful counselors and educators who have shaped my mind and set me up for success. I also chose Belmont because its counseling program uniquely emphasizes spirituality, and I view this as an integral component that is highly worth considering in the counseling room. The support from professors and peers in this program is unparalleled, and I consider it an incredible privilege to learn interpersonal skills every day from such highly skilled individuals. I am forever grateful for the Mental Health Counseling program at Belmont University. Not only have I gained the techniques necessary to become an effective practitioner and helper, but more importantly, I have learned valuable lessons about human suffering and what it means to sit well with people who are in pain.”
Mackenzie Donahoo
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
“My experience in the Clinical Mental Health program at Belmont has surpassed my expectations. The professors are incredibly supportive and encouraging, and it is clear that they genuinely care about their students' academic success. During my first few months in the program, I have encountered numerous experiences that will benefit my future career as a licensed professional counselor. My classes are filled with engaging discussions, allowing me to learn from my professors and classmates. I have particularly enjoyed having open conversations about our shared field of study. All of our assignments, which have explored various aspects of counseling, such as practicing sessions, researching counseling techniques, and engaging in discussion panels, have been valuable to my education and are invaluable to me as I pursue this degree. I have felt supported every step of the way during my time at Belmont!”
Michael Musarra
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
“Belmont University's master's in clinical mental health program was an amazing program that allowed me to feel both successful in and outside of the program! The faculty and staff at Belmont truly care about their students and they were always eager to support the students whenever we needed them! 10/10 would recommend.”
Career Possibilities
Mental health counselors have a diverse range of career possibilities, including clinical mental health counseling, marriage, couples and family counseling, clinical pastoral therapy, and school counseling. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing need for mental health services across various settings such as schools, hospitals, and community organizations. Counselors in these fields work with individuals, couples, and families to address issues like relationship dynamics, emotional challenges, and behavioral disorders. Educational requirements typically include at least a master's degree in a relevant field, along with licensure for practice. Overall, the career outlook for mental health counselors remains strong, with average salaries around $46,050 annually.
This track satisfies the academic coursework requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and the Licensed Professional Counselor with the Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP) in Tennessee. Graduates of this track can work in a variety of settings, such as clinical mental health counseling facilities, nonprofit agencies, addiction treatment centers, career counseling centers, adult probation offices, hospital counseling centers and in private counseling practices. 100% of our CMHC graduates passed the National Counseling Exam (NCE).
This specialty track qualifies you to apply for licensure as a Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Tennessee. Graduates go on to work with individuals, couples and families in a variety of counseling settings. Being licensed as a marriage, couples and family therapist does not limit your ability to work with individuals. The designation refers more to the approach—an LMFT is trained to help each client within the context of his or her social environment and relationships, past or present. 75% of our MCFC students passed the MFT Clinical Exam.
This track satisfies the academic requirements for licensure in the state of Tennessee as a Clinical Pastoral Therapist. While a Clinical Pastoral Therapist will have a practice that looks very similar to that of an LPC, LPC-MHSP, or LMFT, the difference is in their reliance on faith, spirituality and theology, in addition to psychotherapy, to help people who are suffering. Graduates can work in a variety of settings including clinical mental health counseling facilities, faith-based counseling centers, psychiatric hospitals and in private practice. Zero students have taken the licensure exam in this track.
The School Counseling Track prepares graduate students to serve as school counselors in public or private pre-k-12 schools. The program satisfies the educational requirement for licensure as a School Counselor in the State of Tennessee. There is a 100% passing rate on the Praxis Exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students must complete 60 semester-credit-hours to graduate. If students take 12 hours each fall and spring and 6 hours each summer, it is possible to graduate within 2 years.
This could affect licensure so you will want to meet with your advisor to review requirements for the state in which you will eventually become licensed. We can help you meet requirements if we know early in your program.
Your will start your practicum in the summer of your first year. This means you will be seeing clients as early as your third semester. Faculty will help you prepare for this.
Our program’s field experience coordinator will meet with you and help you with site placement. Ultimately, you must interview with the site, but you are not on your own finding an appropriate place as you may find in some counseling programs.
You will complete a total of 700 clock hours of field experience (minimum) while in the program. These hours are completed over three semesters during practicum and two separate internships.
The state has requirements for each separate specialty area before licensure or certification can occur. School counselors follow requirements from the Tennessee Education Agency whereas Clinical Pastoral Therapists, Professional Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists follow requirements from the Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists. School counselors can apply for certification right away whereas other specialties must attain an internship license from the state board before practicing. Full licensure requires completion of clinical hours occurring after graduation under supervision by a state licensed supervisor. Follow the board requirements for each specialty area.
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College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Linda Arce
Senior Admissions Coordinator
615.460.5193
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