We’ll put you on the path to become an LMHC
Our master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology is approved by the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions. Graduates are eligible to take the exam required to practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York state.
(We offer a Community Psychology master’s for those not seeking licensure as a LMHC.)
Concentrations and Certificates
You can earn additional concentrations and credentials for more marketability.
Use your program electives toward a concentration in any of these areas:
Earn an additional certification:
Course Requirements
Credits and Completion
Our master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology program is 60 credits and can be completed full time in approximately three years. The program has been registered with New York State Education Department as meeting the educational qualifications leading to licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in New York state.
This program is registered with the New York State Department of Education and meets the education requirements for the New York state Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential. Students who want to become licensed in other states will need to research educational requirements specific to the state(s) of interest.
Application Requirements
Now taking applications for a fall 2024 start.
This new program is now taking applications for the fall 2024 semester. Space will be limited so apply by May 15, 2024, for a chance to secure your spot.
Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and should have completed undergraduate courses in Social Science Statistics, History and Systems of Psychology, and three additional courses in behavioral sciences.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- A one- to two-page essay describing your career goals
- A resume
- An RSC graduate school application
- GRE scores are not required
Our master’s program comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.
Gayle Morse, Ph.D., Professor “Students with a master’s degree in counseling walk out the door with jobs. There’s such a need for counselors that they have jobs immediately.”
Your Future Career with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology
Graduates of Russell Sage’s Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology program become Licensed Mental Health Counselors and enter private and group practices or join state and county agencies, health care systems, universities, school districts, human service agencies, and more.
Internships
As a counseling psychology master’s candidate, you will work therapeutically with clients in person under the supervision of licensed, registered professionals. Students will be guided through the process of finding an internship site near them by our dedicated internship coordinator.
Research
You will also conduct research and may be eligible for research funding from Russell Sage College’s Broughton Graduate Fellowship or Paul Search Research Award in Community Psychology, or from the American Psychological Association.
Professional Networking
Professional organizations and conferences are another opportunity to learn. Our students have presented research at the American Psychological Association’s national and regional conferences and Russell Sage College’s Graduate Research symposium.
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology Spotlights
Meet students and alumni from our counseling master’s program.