A new College of Medicine is coming to D’Youville – Click here for more.

Pre-Mental Health Counseling

  • Undergraduate (BS) + Masters (MS)
  • 6 Years
DYU9_Wellness_Lodge_Counseling_Room

Help others find balance, healing, and hope. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at D’Youville University prepares compassionate, skilled professionals to support individuals, families, and communities through life’s challenges. Rooted in evidence-based practice and a commitment to social responsibility, the program combines classroom learning, supervised clinical experience, and interprofessional collaboration to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings—ranging from hospitals and schools to community agencies and private practice—empowering others to improve their mental health and overall quality of life.

Job Titles to Explore

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Clinical Counselor
  • School-Based Mental Health Counselor
  • Substance Use and Addiction Counselor
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Crisis Intervention Specialist
  • Behavioral Health Clinician
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • College or Career Counselor
  • Program Coordinator or Case Manager
  • Community Outreach or Wellness Advocate

Employment Settings to Explore

  • Hospitals and Medical Centers
  • Community Mental Health Agencies
  • Private Counseling Practices
  • Schools and Educational Institutions
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Rehabilitation and Recovery Centers
  • Substance Use Treatment Facilities
  • Nonprofit and Social Service Organizations
  • Government and Public Health Agencies
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
  • Faith-Based or Culturally Specific Counseling Programs

Employment Settings to Explore

  • Pathway to Licensure: Gain the knowledge, skills, and supervised experience required to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State.
  • Hands-On Clinical Training: Develop practical counseling skills through supervised fieldwork and internships in real-world community settings.
  • Interprofessional Collaboration: Work alongside students in nursing, psychology, public health, and social work—mirroring integrated behavioral healthcare teams.
  • Dedicated Faculty Mentorship: Learn from experienced clinicians and educators who provide individualized support and guidance throughout your training.
  • Mission-Driven Learning: Join a university committed to social responsibility, service, and improving access to quality mental healthcare.
  • Flexible and Supportive Environment: Benefit from small class sizes, personalized advising, and a community that values balance, empathy, and lifelong learning.
  • $59,190
    Median Wage for CMHC in 2023
  • 18%
    Job growth 2022-32 from US Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Online
    Combination of Synchronous & Asynchronous Courses
  • Hybrid
    Online & Weekend Class Format

Pathway Options

You can choose to apply to enter the Masters of Mental Health Counseling (MS) degree from any program, but we recommend enrolling into one of the following as the Pre-Mental Health Counseling Pathways to best align yourself to the curricular requirements and ensure prerequisite courses are completed: 

  • Psychology (BA)
  • Communication Science & Disorders (BS) 

There are two tracks recommended to set yourself up for applying to the Mental Health Counseling (MS) program. These options allow completion of the undergraduate and doctoral program in 6 years. 

  • Pre-Mental Health Counseling Pathway:  

There is currently no early assurance pathway available for direct entry into the Mental Health Counseling (MS) program. We encourage students that are interested in pursuing Mental Health Counseling to enrolled in the Psychology (BA) or Communication Science & Disorders (BS) program. 

Pre-CMHC BS+MS

Lean more about Pre-Mental Health Counseling Pathway degrees