Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Track
Gain the Skills and Training to Become a Professional Counselor
Begin Your Career in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP)'s Master of Applied Psychology - Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MAP-CMHC) track prepares students for impactful professional careers in the mental health field. Specifically, the curriculum prepares students to apply for Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) status, sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey.
Through a combination of focused coursework, applied learning experiences, and training in counseling theory and practice, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to assess, support, and counsel individuals, families, and communities across a range of clinical and community-based settings.
Your Path to Professional Counseling
The MAP-CMHC takes a two-pronged approach to preparing future counselors by aligning with both national credentialing standards and New Jersey state licensure requirements. Graduates fulfill the educational requirements necessary to apply for New Jersey licensure as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) while also becoming eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
This dual focus positions students for professional opportunities both within New Jersey and across the broader counseling profession. After meeting the additional post-graduate requirements established by the State of New Jersey, graduates may pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Please note: Licensure and certification requirements vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. Students are responsible for reviewing current requirements with the appropriate licensing and credentialing organizations. Completion of the MAP-CMHC curriculum does not, by itself, guarantee licensure, certification, or credentialing.
Prepare for the National Exam
Designed to align with the content areas assessed by the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the Track's 60-credit curriculum provides training in the core domains of professional counseling, including:
- Assessment and evaluation
- Career development
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Group counseling
- Human growth and development
- Professional orientation and ethics
- Social and cultural foundations
Students receive coursework intended to position them for success on the NCE, used by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a key part of the credentialing process.
Applied Training and Professional Development
The MAP-CMHC combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on learning opportunities designed to build counseling skills and professional competencies. Through supervised training at affiliated practicum sites, students apply counseling concepts in real-world settings while developing a strong foundation in ethical and professional practice.
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in a wide range of settings, including:
- Behavioral health agencies
- Community mental health agencies
- Hospitals and healthcare organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Private practice settings
- Schools and colleges
Career Outlook and Opportunities
Demand for mental health professionals continues to climb. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations over the coming decade.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in a variety of settings, including:
- Community mental health centers
- Correctional facilities
- Educational settings
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Nonprofit and community-based organizations
- Private practice
- Residential treatment facilities
- Substance use treatment centers
Whether your goal is to work with children, adults, families, or communities, the MAP-CMHC track provides the academic preparation needed to begin a rewarding career in professional counseling.
Why Rutgers GSAPP
At Rutgers GSAPP, students benefit from graduate-level training within a nationally recognized school of psychology dedicated to educating the next generation of mental health professionals. The MAP-CMHC track combines robust academic coursework with hands-on learning experiences that cultivate ethical, culturally responsive, and effective practitioners.
Graduates are well prepared to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities and to meet the growing demand for behavioral health professionals.
Contact Us
