Clinical counselors help individuals and families overcome mental health challenges and emotional issues that prevent them from living life to the fullest. They may work with a wide range of clinical populations, including those with severe or chronic mental illness, but typically see clients who are struggling with more common mental and emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, personal crises, or other life challenges.

Clinical counselors conduct clinical interviews, develop treatment plans, provide psychotherapy, and collaborate with physicians and other specialists on medication and related interventions. They assist clients with identifying personal emotional issues and behavior patterns that may be hindering them and work through those challenges in a safe and supportive space.

Clinical counselors work in a wide range of settings including private practice, community agencies, public and private schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, and other mental health facilities.

M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Specialization

• Offered in Chicago and Grayslake, Illinois.
• Two years full time (six semesters) or three years part time (Grayslake students attend classes just one day a week—Saturdays from 9 to 5).
• On average, 100% of actively participating students secure practicum/internship placements by September and at sites that meet LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) standards.
• Curriculum incorporates the eight content areas outlined by the National Board of Certified Counselors, preparing students to sit for Professional Counselor licensure in Illinois (LPC and LCPC).
• Program is unique in that students receive a solid foundation in the principles of clinical psychology, in addition to gaining the essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills they need to be outstanding clinical counselors working with a range of clinical populations and a variety of emotional and psychological conditions.
• Students learn the theoretical frameworks and scientific bases of clinical psychology, the ethical and professional guidelines of clinical psychology and the counseling profession, and the impact of diversity and cultural issues in the mental health field.
• Students may choose a concentration that requires additional field-based clinical training held at participating sites. Concentrations include: Child and Adolescent Treatment, Health Psychology, Latino Mental Health, Supervision and Leadership in Community Mental Health, Treatment of Addiction Disorders, and Generalist.

M.A. in Counseling Psychology

• Offered in Washington, D.C.
• Two years full time (six semesters) or three years part time.
• The M.A. in Counseling Psychology is designed in accordance with licensure requirements in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, and can be adjusted to conform with the requirements for licensure in other nearby states in the region.
• Program is unique in that students receive a solid foundation in principles of clinical psychology, in addition to gaining the essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills they need to be outstanding counseling psychology professionals working with a range of clinical populations and a variety of emotional and psychological conditions.
• Students learn the theoretical frameworks and scientific bases of clinical psychology, the ethical and professional guidelines of clinical psychology and counseling profession, and the impact of diversity and cultural issues in the mental health field.
• Courses are offered in an evening format that accommodates the needs of working professionals.