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.
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
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.
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, Couple 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.
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.
Courses You'll Take
MHC 5011, Foundations of Clinical Practice 3 Hours
This course is an advanced survey of the practice of clinical psychotherapy. The purpose of the course is to orient students to the contemporary field of clinical psychotherapy and prepare them to engage in direct clinical care of persons. The course will explore the roots of contemporary psychotherapy in the Western cure of souls tradition. Also, students will be exposed to a range of psychological and theological resources applicable in the clinical encounter. These resources will include understandings of what it means to be human, theories of human development and the dynamics of relational systems, the diagnosis of mental and relational dysfunction, and approaches to clinical intervention and treatment. This will all occur in the context of understanding the formation of the professional self of the psychotherapist.
MHC 5013, Christian Perspectives on Psychopathology & Human Suffering 3 Hours
This course is an introductory survey of the phenomenon of psychopathology from the perspective of a Christian theological world view. What are the various forms psychopathology takes and how are they accounted for from a contemporary scientific perspective? How is this “soul suffering” accounted for from a spiritual/religious world view? How can this form of human suffering be addressed and/or ameliorated? These questions will be explored both historically as well as cross culturally.
MHC 5014, Diagnosis & Treatment of Mental Disorders 3 Hours
This course is an introduction to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM shall be understood in the historical context of the “cure of souls” tradition. Students will explore the history, development and current iteration of the APA’s diagnostic system. Students will also correlate the process of diagnosis with the development of treatment plans.
MHC 5015, Spirituality & Theories of Human Development 3 Hours
This course is an exploration of the nature of spiritual/religious experience across the life-cycle. Students will be introduced to a variety of theories of human development and the interface of those theories with the shape of moral, religious and spiritual experience at various points of the life-cycle. The course will explore the relationship between biological and environmental influences on the structuring of character and personality and how this influences the formation of individual, family and group spirituality.
MHC 5016, Diversity & Social Justice in the Clinical Encounter 3 Hours
This seminar explores ways of understanding the cultural context of relationships and institutions as they contribute to complex social identities in individuals and disclose the necessity of analytical and clinical skills for addressing an increasingly complex society. The range of issues to be explored includes: race, ethnicity, class, age, gender, sexual orientation, cognitive and physical characteristics, and religion.
MHC 5017, Professional Ethics in the Clinical Encounter 3 Hours
This course is an exploration of the moral dimensions of, and the ethical and professional issues relevant to, clinical mental health practice. Codes of professional ethics and state laws pertaining to the practice of professional counseling, marriage & family therapy, and clinical pastoral therapy will be examined. Through the use of case studies, students will explore the complex moral and ethical dynamics that emerge in the course of clinical practice.
MHC 5018, Theories & Methods of Psychotherapy Research 3 Hours
This course seeks to introduce students to the process of research both through and about psychotherapy. Students will explore the history of research about psychotherapy and how this research can inform the formation and maintenance of caring relationships. Students will also be introduced to processes through which the actual practice of psychotherapy may be the source of new knowledge for and about the discipline. Ethical guidelines for research in psychotherapy will be addressed.
MHC 5019, Techniques of Counseling & Psychotherapy 3 Hours
A fundamental skills and techniques course for master’s level counseling students. The purpose of the course is to provide students with their initial counseling experiences under supervised conditions and for the student to experience a didactic and experimental training with the focus of the course on the development of basic counseling skills which include invitational skills, reflection skills, summarization skills, challenging skills, goal setting skills, assessment skills, application of a theoretical orientation and application of therapeutic technique. The course will include interactive lecture, demonstration, discussion, participation in skills practice, student to student role playing, student video demonstration of skills, and individual supervision.
MHC 5160, Psychological & Theological Perspectives on Human Sexuality 3 Hours
Sexuality is a dimension of human existence that is inescapable. As human beings we do not merely act sexually, rather, we are sexual as living beings. This course will seek to explore this dimension of human existence through the lenses of both psychology and theology. Students will be exposed to the historical understandings of human sexuality that we have inherited from our traditions as well as contemporary scientific and theological understandings.
MHC 6010, Practicum in Mental Health Counseling 3 Hours
The practicum is an introductory exposure to the setting of clinical mental health counseling. Students will participate in counseling related activities such as staff meetings, case conferences, record keeping, individual clinical supervision as well as direct client contact in assessment, co-counseling and counseling activities. Students will also participate in a weekly group supervision session under the leadership of program faculty.
MHC 6110, Internship in Mental Health Counseling I 3 Hours
The internship is a more intense exposure to and engagement in the setting of clinical mental health counseling. Students will participate in counseling related activities such as staff meetings, case conferences, record keeping, individual clinical supervision as well as direct client contact in assessment, co-counseling and counseling activities. Students will also participate in a weekly group supervision session under the leadership of program faculty. Students are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week in the clinical setting.
MHC 6210, Internship in Mental Health Counseling II 3 Hours
A continuation of Internship in Mental Health Counseling; I. Exposure to and engagement in the setting of clinical mental health counseling. Students will participate in counseling related activities such as staff meetings, case conferences, record keeping, individual clinical supervision as well as direct client contact in assessment, co-counseling and counseling activities. Students will also participate in a weekly group supervision session under the leadership of program faculty. Students are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week in the clinical setting.
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.
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.
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.
Degree Plans- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Track
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track
- Clinical Pastoral Therapy Track
- School Counseling Track
- 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 Couples, Marriage, and Family Therapy allows 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.
Mental health counselors have a diverse range of career possibilities, including clinical mental health counseling, marriage, couple 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, couple 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.