State University Of New York, College At Plattsburgh

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S. -- Mental Health Counseling

Format: Campus

Program Description:

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Mental Health Counseling Program is designed to provide graduate students with the values, knowledge, skills, experience, and credentials to pursue successful careers as licensed mental health professionals in a variety of public and private clinical settings.

The program provides instruction, seminars, internships, and clinical supervision to prepare graduates to join the ranks of professionals in their field. The Mental Health Counseling Program is registered with the NYS Education Department as a licensure-qualifying program.

Upon successful completion of the 60 credit hour program, graduates are qualified to take the Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (New York’s licensing exam). Passing this exam is required to obtain a Mental Health Counselor license in New York State. A Mental Health Counselor Limited Permit, that can be issued by the NYS Education Department upon graduation from the program, allows the graduate to practice as a Mental Health Counselor in New York State for up to three years while acquiring the 3000 hours of post-Master’s supervised clinical experience required for the clinical license.

A Mental Health Counselor license qualifies the practitioner to work in public or private mental health services including clinics, medical centers, and private practice.

Accreditation:

SUNY Plattsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. The Mental Health Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)

Eligibility Requirements:

* Prerequisites of 12 credits in psychology or closely related areas and specific course work in life-span development, statistics and computers
* A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript
* A minimum grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
* Scores above the 25th percentile on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
* Three letters of reference indicating candidate's ability and suitability to pursue graduate studies in counseling
* Satisfactory completion of a group activity, writing exercise, and interviews at Admissions Day
* Preference is given to applicants who have work or volunteer experience in activities related to counseling

# of Credits Required:

60 credit hours

International Student Requirements:

1. Students whose native language is not English must submit official documentation of their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. Required score: 550 or above (paper-based) or 79-80 or above (internet-based). 2. International students must provide official documents to prove that they have enough money to pay for their education, estimated at $26,000 per year.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition In-State Full Time:

8870 USD

Tuition Out of State Full Time:

15160 USD

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Distant Town

Size & Settings: 5,000 - 9,999