Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Accreditation

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to meet the standards and requirements set forth by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). As of August 2025, all initial requirements have been met, and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program will apply for initial accreditation once all required accreditation documents have been completed. It is important for applicants to note that only CACREP can determine the final dates and accreditation decisions. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and Methodist University cannot determine accreditation status or timeline.

The CMHC Program aims to follow the proposed timeline for initial accreditation review and acknowledges that CACREP review, and communication timelines may vary depending on staffing and other factors.

Planned Accreditation Timeline

• August 2023 – Program begins, inaugural cohort enrolled
• May 2025 – Inaugural cohort graduates
• December 2025 – CACREP Self Study Submission
• Date of site visit: TBD
• Date of decision meeting and expected response from CACREP: December 2027

Program Accreditation & State Licensure

Graduation from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), is necessary for eligibility to apply for state licensure and may impact ability to sit for licensure examinations, which may also be required for licensure application. State licensure requirements for licensed mental health providers vary from state to state. Students are encouraged to review the requirements for the state in which they desire to be licensed.

Common Career Paths & Salaries

Salary varies widely by position, but according to BLS and Payscale.com, these are typical salaries for three career paths:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor: $54,000
• Substance Abuse Counselor: $48,520
• Marriage and Family Therapist: $49,880

Average Tuition Cost

Tuition cost for the MU Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is $545 per credit hour, for a total of $32,700 for the program prior to transfer credits and financial aid being applied.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

More than 97% of MU students receive some form of financial aid, with the University offering more than $24 million annually to students for scholarships. If a student is active military, family of active military, or a veteran, they may also qualify for MU’s military education benefits.