A Counseling degree that is relationally-oriented and trauma-informed.
Western Theological Seminary’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is rooted in the foundational realities that we are created in and for relationship, as image-bearers of the Trinitarian God and ambassadors of God’s shalom in a broken world. It offers the most contemporary, research-based training, while remaining deeply rooted in a longstanding Christian soul care tradition.
69
Credit Hours
3-5
Years to Finish
In Residence
What is your path to a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
Western Theological Seminary offers two in-person pathways to make the counseling program accessible to all.
FULL-TIME
COURSE SEQUENCE
Year 1
Fall
MN335 Foundations of the Christian Life
CC300 Foundations for Counseling
CC350 Helping Relationships: Skills & Practice
PR401 Abbey 1
Spring
MN336 Christian Interior Life
CC305 Professional & Ethical Issues in CMHC
CC320 Counseling Theories & Practice
PR402 Abbey 2
Summer
CC360 Research & Program Evaluation in CMHC
Counseling Elective Course
Year 2
Fall
CC370 Psychopathology
CC340 Counseling Throughout the Lifespan
CC335 Group Dynamics & Counseling
PR403 Abbey 3
Spring
CC355 Trauma & Crisis Counseling
CC371 Advanced Diagnosis & Treatment
CC330 Multicultural & Social Justice Issues in CMHC
PR404 Abbey 4
Summer
CC372 Testing & Assesment
CC410 Counseling Practicum
Year 3
Fall
CC345 Lifestyle & Career Development
CC411 Counseling Internship 1
CC403 Issues in Professional Practice 1
Counseling Elective Course
Spring
CC490 CMHC Capstone
CC412 Counseling Internship 2
CC404 Issues in Professional Practice 2
Counseling Elective Course
PART-TIME
COURSE SEQUENCE
Year 1
Fall
CC300 Foundations for Counsesling
MN335 Foundations of the Christian Life
PR401 Abbey 1
Spring
MN336 Christian Interior Life
CC305 Professional & Ethical Issues in CMHC
PR402 Abbey 2
Summer
CC360 Research & Program Responsibilities in CMHC
Year 2
Fall
CC350 Helping Relationships: Skills & Practice
CC370 Psychopathology
PR403 Abbey 3
Spring
CC320 Counseling Theories & Practice
CC330 Multicultural & Social Justice Issues in CMHC
PR404 Abbey 4
Summer
Counseling Elective Course
Year 3
Fall
CC335 Group Dynamics & Counseling
CC340 Counseling Throughout the Lifespan
Spring
CC355 Trauma & Crisis Counseling
CC371 Advanced Diagnosis & Treatment
Summer
CC372 Testing & Assesment
Year 4
Fall
CC345 Lifestyle & Career Development
Counseling Elective Course
Spring
CC490 CMHC Capstone
Counseling Elective Course
Summer
CC410 Counseling Practicum
Year 5
Fall
CC411 Counseling Internship 1
CC403 Issues of Professional Practice 1
Spring
CC412 Counseling Internship 2
CC404 Issues in Professional Practice 2
*Counseling Elective Courses
*Contact CMHC Program to see what will be offered in a particular academic year
- CC517 Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling
- CC518 Counseling Persons with Disabilities
- CC519 Counseling Couples & Families
- CC520 Trauma Informed Care in Ministry
- CC521 Leading with Care & Compassion (HWPEP)
- CC522 Counseling Children & Adolescents
WTS welcomes transfer students and transferred coursework. Contact Admissions to learn more.
Why is this program unique?
Be licensed and have an education fully integrated with your faith.
Hear from Dr. Elizabeth Pennock and Dr. Chuck DeGroat as they share the vision behind Western Theological Seminary’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the video below.
Mission
The mission of the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Western Theological Seminary is to equip students (1) with the knowledge and skills to provide clinical mental health counseling that is research-based, relationally oriented, trauma-informed, and rooted in the Christian soul care tradition, and (2) to provide professional clinical mental health counseling for diverse client populations.
Program Objectives
Trauma-Informed Counseling Practice
Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in facilitating client growth through the effective application of evidence-based, trauma-informed counseling theories and techniques in ways that foster holistic client development in the context of a strong therapeutic relationship.
Ethical Awareness and Integrity
Graduates will be able to effectively apply ethical decision-making models to counseling situations, perceptively analyzing clinical situations in a holistic manner for the sake of providing ethical care.
Cultural Competence and Humility
Graduates will have the ability to select and implement culturally sensitive counseling interventions and effectively engage with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds in ways that demonstrate sensitivity to the client’s unique beliefs, practices, and experiences.
Self-Awareness
Graduates will recognize their strengths and limitations with humility and wisdom, demonstrating the ability to effectively evaluate their personal development and counseling practice in order to make appropriate adaptations for future professional situations.
Christian Soul Care
Graduates will be able to articulate how the Christian soul care tradition informs the modern practice of clinical mental health counseling and will demonstrate the ability to provide counseling services from a theoretical framework that integrates the priorities of Christian care with professional counseling competency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MA in Clinical Mental Health CACREP Accredited?
Western Theological Seminary is seeking accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The initial CACREP Self-Study will be submitted in mid-2027, and the accreditation porcess can take an additional 18 months after submitting.
Have more questions about CACREP and how this is important? Contact admissions at [email protected] for more information.
Does this degree meet all educational requirements for licensed professional counselors in the State of Michigan?
Western Theological Seminary is accredited by The Association of Theological Schools (ATS). With this accreditation, the MA in Clinical Mental Health degree meets all educational requirements for licensed professional counselors in the State of Michigan.
What prerequisites are required to apply?
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required to apply for the MA in Clinical Mental Health.
Contact admissions at [email protected] to learn more.
What does this degree cost?
Tuition rates are set annually, and based on credit hours, and the same for all Masters programs at WTS. View current tuition rates here.
How long does it take to complete the MA in Clinical Mental Health?
The MA in Clinical Mental Health degree will take three years for full-time students and five years for part-time students.
How many credit hours is this program?
Students will complete a total of 69 credit hours.
Is this degree available online?
The MA in Clinical Mental Health is offered in residence at our campus in Holland, Michigan.
While the program is not available online, it is available in either a part-time or full-time course load.
Will getting a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepare me to get a state license outside of Michigan?
Western Theological Seminary’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets Michigan’s state requirements for licensure.
Please check the requirements of the state and country where you plan to practice.
Have questions about how to check licensing requirements? Contact us at [email protected].
Costs
AFFORDING sEMINARY
Tuition rates vary for different programs and degrees. At WTS, we understand that finances can be a major concern for prospective students. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and loan options.
Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Your application will be completed fully online. Once you complete your application be sure to watch your email. Some programs require additional interviews or follow up.
Have questions? Email us at [email protected].
1.
Create an Account
2.
Fill out an application
3.
Upload Requested Materials
4.
Request letters and additional materials
5.
Submit Your Application
6.
Attend a Program Overview Session and Group Interview
7.
Complete the psychological assessment online & schedule an individual Interview
8.
Admission Decision Released
Interested in Transferring to WTS?
At Western Theological Seminary, you can transfer your credits and join a community deeply committed to forming faithful Christian leaders. Let’s talk about how your journey can continue—and flourish—here.
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616.392.8555
101 E 13th St
Holland, MI 49423