Customize your counseling course plan.
Students may complete the the M.A. in clinical mental health counseling program with or without a dance/movement therapy concentration. Clinical mental health students not enrolled in the dance/movement therapy concentration may choose two elective courses that fit their career goals and interest areas, such as play therapy, disordered eating, trauma and creativity. Students will also gain specialized skills in working with clients facing addictions and advanced training in psychopathology.
Please refer to the main clinical mental health counseling program page for details on accreditation and other important program information.
All students in the M.A. in clinical mental health counseling program meet educational requirements for several professional credentials:
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Board Certified Coach (BCC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and many other states
Clinical mental health counseling students not enrolled in the dance/movement therapy concentration may also complete educational requirements for the:
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
- Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
With additional coursework, clinical mental health counseling students not enrolled in the dance/movement therapy concentration may also complete educational requirements for the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) certificate.
Please visit the Graduate Education and Human Services - How to Apply page for details on how to apply.
Unique elective course offerings
The counseling faculty strive to provide a diverse range of electives that reflect student interests, faculty expertise and current events in the counseling field.
Clinical mental health counseling students not enrolled in the DMT concentration can choose two electives as part of their 60-credit program of study.
Elective offerings include
Coursework and fieldwork requirements
Clinical mental health counseling students not enrolled in the dance/movement therapy concentration complete 60 credits of coursework and 700 hours of fieldwork.
- All clinical mental health counseling students take the same 45-credits (36 credits of core courses and 9 credits of fieldwork).
- Clinical mental health counseling students not enrolled in the dance/movement therapy concentration take 15-credits of coursework in: addictions, advanced psychopathology, and two electives from the program’s diverse range of electives (e.g., play therapy, disordered eating, trauma, creativity).
For more information, please visit the catalog.
Accelerated option for psychology majors
The accelerated degree option allows qualified undergraduate psychology majors at Rider University to accelerate earning their master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling without a concentration in dance/movement therapy. Contact the program coordinator to learn more.
Contact
Professor, Director of Ed.S. Counseling Services Program, & M.A. Clinical Mental Health Program
Bierenbaum Fisher Hall
eahia [at] rider.edu
609-896-5339
Academic Focus: Counseling Services