Mental Health Counseling, M.S.

Degree Type
Master of Science
Department

Admission to the MS in Mental Health Counseling program is competitive.  Applications for this program are accepted only for fall semester entry.  To ensure consideration for the program students must apply before March 1. 

Blurred photo of a three-person discussion

SUNY Old Westbury’s Master of Science degree program in Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare professional counselors to practice in a variety of settings, including independent practice, community agencies, managed behavioral health care organizations, integrated delivery systems, hospitals, employee assistance programs and substance abuse treatment centers.

Old Westbury’s “licensure qualifying” program prepares its students to sit for the exam for licensure in New York State as a Mental Health Counselor.

Mental health counselors are highly skilled professionals who provide a full range of services including:

  • Assessment and diagnosis
  • Psychotherapy
  • Treatment planning and utilization review
  • Alcoholism and substance abuse treatment
  • Psychoeducational and prevention programs
  • Crisis management

 

admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • Baccalaureate degree in Psychology or other relevant field from a regionally accredited institution. Minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate work, with at least a 3.0 average in psychology courses, or strong evidence of recent academic achievement. Applicants holding graduate degrees in a related field will be evaluated using their graduate grade point average, which must be a minimum of 3.0.
  • Successful completion of 15 credits of undergraduate coursework in Psychology is required. Credits in General Psychology, Statistics, Experimental Methods or Research Methods in Social Science, Abnormal Psychology and Personality Theory are recommended.
  • Completed application for admission to the MS in Mental Health Counseling Program Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
  • Completion of 250 word personal statement.
  • Admission interview with MHC faculty
  • Applications for this program are accepted only for fall semester entry.

International Students

International students must meet additional criteria, including the following TOEFL scores: paper exam = 550; computer exam= 213; Internet exam= 80. Students taking the IELTS English (Cambridge) exams must pass with a broad band score of 6.5. Students must also have their overseas documents evaluated by an evaluation service that is a NACES member. Preference is given to applicants who have work or volunteer experience in activities related to counseling.

Contact

Fred Millán

Distinguished Service Professor
Director, Mental Health Counseling
Psychology
School of Arts and Sciences
Building
New Academic Building
Room
2073
E-mail