Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
FULL-TIME STUDY
At Suffolk, you’ll learn to assess, diagnose, and treat clients with a variety of mental health issues. Through our rigorous scientist-practitioner model, you’ll also learn to incorporate research into everyday practice and apply empirically supported treatment approaches in your work. Our downtown Boston location maximizes your access to networking, internship, and employment opportunities at nearby hospitals and treatment centers, and puts you closer to underserved populations.
You'll train to function in a variety of community mental health settings (e.g., clinics, hospitals, prisons, college counseling centers, day treatment programs, rehabilitation facilities, outreach programs, after care centers, etc.). As you systematically complete the curriculum, you'll develop a competency base from which to perform effectively in your area of specialization.
You’ll also qualify to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts. Our two-year, 60-credit program—including a supervised clinical practicum—meets education and degree requirements mandated by the Massachusetts Licensing Board.
MSMHC Program Overview
Cost of Graduate Study at Suffolk
View current tuition and fees for this program
Financial Aid for Graduate Study
Suffolk University is pleased to offer merit-based financial aid to graduate students—these awards can be up to $15,500 per academic year. Merit-based aid is awarded based on the applicant's academic credentials presented on the admission application. No separate application is required for merit consideration.
Application Deadlines
Applications are for Fall semester only.
February 1 (Round 1)
April 1 (Round 2)
Applications will be considered on a rolling, space available basis until June 1. No applications will be accepted after June 1.
Application Materials
- Completed application—available September 18, 2023 for fall 2024 application
- $50 application fee (waived for students who visit campus)
- Resume
- Goal statement (essay)
- Two letters of recommendation; applicants who have earned their bachelor's degree within the past five years must submit two letters from academic references (Learn more)
- Unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary work. Admitted students enrolling in the program will need to have official transcripts, including proof of degree conferral, on file prior to their first class
- Interview by invitation
- Optional: GRE scores are not required as part of the application. Applicants who wish to submit their GRE scores are welcome to do so as part of their applications.
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE-Academic Scores (international students only)
View details about application materials required.
State Licensure
Suffolk University’s Masters in Mental Health Counseling meets the educational requirements qualifying graduates to be licensed to practice as a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts, subject to all other requirements for licensure in Massachusetts.
Suffolk’s program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure in the following states:
- Alabama; Arkansas; Connecticut; Georgia; Kentucky; Minnesota; New York; New Hampshire; North Carolina; Oregon; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; and Vermont
Students wishing to practice as a Mental Health Counselor in any of these states will need to take one more additional courses, depending on the state, in addition to satisfactorily meeting all other requirements for licensure in that state. Students should contact the licensure body for that state to determine what specific additional educational requirements they will need to complete to practice in that state.
Suffolk has not made a determination whether or not its program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the following states:
- Alaska; Arizona; California; Colorado; Delaware; Florida; Hawaii; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Michigan; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; Nevada; New Jersey; New Mexico, North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; Texas; Utah; Virginia; Washington; West Virginia; Wisconsin; and Wyoming
Students interested in obtaining a license to practice as a Mental Health Counselor in any of these states should contact the licensure body for that state to determine whether or not they need to complete any other educational requirements necessary to obtain a license to practice, in addition to satisfactorily meeting all other requirements for licensure in that state.
Courses & Requirements
Learn more about the classes, requirements, and different options available to complete the program.