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Clinical Mental Health Counseling 3+2
With LVC's accelerated dual-degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in just five years.
The CMHC program features an evidence-based curriculum, along with opportunities to get real-life experience through internships and a practicum. You’ll also develop ethically focused clinical and interpersonal skills through classroom and hands-on learning.
Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to join the ranks of clinical mental health counselors. You will be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) and to apply for Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) status.
The CMHC Program at LVC has submitted a self-study to CACREP. We are currently in the review process and will provide updates about the accreditation process as they become available.
Learn More About the Program
Taught by highly-regarded faculty who are experts in their fields, you’ll be immersed in a curriculum that quickly gets you comfortable working in a wide variety of settings, with a wide variety of people. By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a career in workplaces like schools, community agencies, integrative healthcare organizations, and private practices.
18%
projected job growth in counseling, 2022–32 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
#2
mental health counselor ranking as a profession (U.S. News & World Report, Best Social Services Jobs, 2023)
100%
pass rate on the National Counselor Exam for the program’s first three classes
LVC’s CMHC program is designed to meet the educational requirements to be licensed as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. Additional requirements to obtain licensure are mandatory, including but not limited to passing the state licensure exam and acquiring the requisite supervision hours. Students should consult the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board to determine the requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Students interested in licensure outside Pennsylvania can contact the American Counseling Association or the National Board of Certified Counselors to access licensure requirements for other states. The student is responsible for contacting the appropriate board for licensing and certification information.
Please consult Dr. Lou Manza, chair and professor of psychology, at manza@lvc.edu for additional information.
Career Opportunities
With a healthy job outlook and growing demand for mental health counselors, you can bring healing and well-being to the world in many different ways.
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Behavioral Counselor
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Mental Health Counselor
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Social Worker
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Substance Abuse Counselor
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Family Therapist
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Addiction Counselor
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Crisis Intervention Specialist
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School Counselor
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Health Educator
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Sports Counselor
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Marriage Counselor
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Career Counselor
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Child and Adolescent Counselor
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Clinical Supervisor
In Their Words
I have a passion to help others in my future. What better way to be fulfilled in life than helping others as a job? I specifically chose CMHC because I am very interested in distorted thinking, trauma-informed care, and aiding adults facing mental health challenges.
Jordan Stum
’23, M’25,
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The flexibility in course formats has helped me manage extracurricular activities, including playing an NCAA sport and working, which I expect to carry over into my practicum and internship experiences. The professors in the undergraduate and graduate phases are incredibly supportive and accessible in and out of the classroom.
Katie Pounder
’22, M’24,
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
LVC prepared me very well. It made … the workforce less intimidating than it could have been. I learned the foundations of how to conduct and interpret research and how to determine if research was valid … which has been incredibly useful in my personal and professional life.
Jennifer Arnold
’13,
Licensed Professional Counselor, Annville Psychological Services
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Find Your People
As a CMHC student at LVC, you’ll get close to your peers and professors, strengthening your collaborative and professional network.
