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MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Launch Your Counseling Career

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program at Palo Alto University is dedicated to training highly effective counselors and future leaders who promote mental health, wellness, social justice, and vocational well-being. Our accredited program focuses on reducing human suffering by preparing students to make a positive impact in their communities.

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Core Values

Graphic Icon Diversity & Inclusion: We create an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff.
top-notch Top-Notch Education: Our expert faculty delivers exceptional academic and clinical training.
social-justice Social Justice & Empowerment: We empower students to address social privilege and oppression.
research Research & Scholarship: Students benefit from cutting-edge research and scholarship.
community Community Service: We provide science-informed services to local and global communities.

Explore more about our Counseling Department, where you’ll discover how we cultivate future leaders and innovators in the counseling field.

View Counseling Faculty Here

Built for Licensure and
Real-World Impact

Palo Alto University’s MSW program is designed to lead directly to licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. From day one, students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements and community partnerships. With flexible online delivery and a curriculum aligned to state requirements, our graduates are prepared to meet the moment—whether working in schools, healthcare, justice systems, or community mental health settings.

97%

of PAU students Match with APA-Accredited Internships & Graduate Fully Prepared for Licensure, Clinical Leadership & Research-Driven Careers

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67% of MA Graduates Have Secured or Are Negotiating Employment by Graduation

Put Your Passion for Helping Others to Work

Ready to start a rewarding career in counseling, expand your job options, or change your career path? The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University is your gateway
to success.

You can earn your degree from a fully accredited university in just two years! Online or hybrid formats available.
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Program Highlights

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CACREP Accredited

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In-Person Residencies

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Flexible Learning Options

67% of MA Graduates

Who Should Apply?

Recent Graduates
Bachelor's degree holders in psychology, social work, or related fields.

Career Changers
Professionals transitioning to a counseling career.

Working Adults
Those needing flexible online or hybrid learning options.

Aspiring Counselors
Individuals passionate about making a difference in mental health.

Future Leaders
Candidates aiming for leadership roles in the counseling profession.

Application Deadline

Fall 2025: Apply by July 14, 2025

 

The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program admits students on a rolling basis for the spring term, which starts in April, and the fall term, which starts in September. Both terms offer an Online format. Fall term offers students a Hybrid format and the opportunity to complete the program in either 9 or 11 quarters.

Please visit our State Authorization page to see if we operate in your state.
Learn More

Strong Job Growth for LPCCs & MFCCs Over the Next 10 Years!

LPCCs: +23% job growth.*

 

Driven by increasing demand in healthcare, education, and private practice.

MFCCs: +16% job growth.*

 

Rising opportunities in hospitals, outpatient care, and schools.

Learn more about the job outlook for LPCCs and MFCCs on the BLS website.
Learn More

Learn More About Our Counseling Department & Expert Faculty

The Counseling Department faculty bring strong backgrounds in clinical practice, research, advocacy, counselor education, and other disciplines that are the basis of practice as a clinician, researcher, counselor educator, and supervisor.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

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Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution or the international equivalent. For applicants to the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online program, you must be located in a state in which we are authorized to provide online education. While no prerequisites are required to apply, we strongly recommend applicants to have related volunteer or work experience in the mental health field.

GRE scores are not required for admissions to PAU master's degree programs. GRE scores will not be considered in the review of applications, even if students provide them.

Palo Alto University offers students a multicultural focus that emphasizes culture, social justice, and families that students experience in weekly live classes. Students benefit from the latest academic research and clinical approaches while tailoring their experience to the culture and community in which they live and practice, all in a program format that fits into their busy lives.

  • The hybrid program is offered weekday evenings. Courses are held on the PAU campuses or live via Zoom.
  • Classes take place Monday-Thursday evenings from 4-6 pm or 6-8 pm or 6-8:50 pm, depending on the cohort.
  • All skill-based clinical work is done in an appropriate clinical or classroom setting

With the time savings from your online classes, you will be able to take three classes per quarter – which means earning your degree in just nine quarters. Staying local while participating in a distance learning (online) master’s degree program gives students the best of both worlds.

Online: Distance Learning Format

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Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution or the international equivalent. For applicants to the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online program, you must be located in a state in which we are authorized to provide online education. While no prerequisites are required to apply, we strongly recommend applicants to have related volunteer or work experience in the mental health field.

GRE scores are not required for admissions to PAU master's degree programs. GRE scores will not be considered in the review of applications, even if students provide them.

Palo Alto University offers students a multicultural focus that emphasizes culture, social justice, and families that students experience in weekly live classes. Students benefit from the latest academic research and clinical approaches while tailoring their experience to the culture and community in which they live and practice, all in a program format that fits into their busy lives.

  • The hybrid program is offered weekday evenings. Courses are held on the PAU campuses or live via Zoom.
  • Classes take place Monday-Thursday evenings from 4-6 pm or 6-8 pm or 6-8:50 pm, depending on the cohort.
  • All skill-based clinical work is done in an appropriate clinical or classroom setting

With the time savings from your online classes, you will be able to take three classes per quarter – which means earning your degree in just nine quarters. Staying local while participating in a distance learning (online) master’s degree program gives students the best of both worlds.

MA in Counseling Residencies: Residency Information

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Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution or the international equivalent. For applicants to the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online program, you must be located in a state in which we are authorized to provide online education. While no prerequisites are required to apply, we strongly recommend applicants to have related volunteer or work experience in the mental health field.

GRE scores are not required for admissions to PAU master's degree programs. GRE scores will not be considered in the review of applications, even if students provide them.

Palo Alto University offers students a multicultural focus that emphasizes culture, social justice, and families that students experience in weekly live classes. Students benefit from the latest academic research and clinical approaches while tailoring their experience to the culture and community in which they live and practice, all in a program format that fits into their busy lives.

  • The hybrid program is offered weekday evenings. Courses are held on the PAU campuses or live via Zoom.
  • Classes take place Monday-Thursday evenings from 4-6 pm or 6-8 pm or 6-8:50 pm, depending on the cohort.
  • All skill-based clinical work is done in an appropriate clinical or classroom setting

With the time savings from your online classes, you will be able to take three classes per quarter – which means earning your degree in just nine quarters. Staying local while participating in a distance learning (online) master’s degree program gives students the best of both worlds.

Tuition & Fees

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Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution or the international equivalent. For applicants to the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online program, you must be located in a state in which we are authorized to provide online education. While no prerequisites are required to apply, we strongly recommend applicants to have related volunteer or work experience in the mental health field.

GRE scores are not required for admissions to PAU master's degree programs. GRE scores will not be considered in the review of applications, even if students provide them.

Palo Alto University offers students a multicultural focus that emphasizes culture, social justice, and families that students experience in weekly live classes. Students benefit from the latest academic research and clinical approaches while tailoring their experience to the culture and community in which they live and practice, all in a program format that fits into their busy lives.

  • The hybrid program is offered weekday evenings. Courses are held on the PAU campuses or live via Zoom.
  • Classes take place Monday-Thursday evenings from 4-6 pm or 6-8 pm or 6-8:50 pm, depending on the cohort.
  • All skill-based clinical work is done in an appropriate clinical or classroom setting

With the time savings from your online classes, you will be able to take three classes per quarter – which means earning your degree in just nine quarters. Staying local while participating in a distance learning (online) master’s degree program gives students the best of both worlds.

General Grad Degree Requirements

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Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution or the international equivalent. For applicants to the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Online program, you must be located in a state in which we are authorized to provide online education. While no prerequisites are required to apply, we strongly recommend applicants to have related volunteer or work experience in the mental health field.

GRE scores are not required for admissions to PAU master's degree programs. GRE scores will not be considered in the review of applications, even if students provide them.

Palo Alto University offers students a multicultural focus that emphasizes culture, social justice, and families that students experience in weekly live classes. Students benefit from the latest academic research and clinical approaches while tailoring their experience to the culture and community in which they live and practice, all in a program format that fits into their busy lives.

  • The hybrid program is offered weekday evenings. Courses are held on the PAU campuses or live via Zoom.
  • Classes take place Monday-Thursday evenings from 4-6 pm or 6-8 pm or 6-8:50 pm, depending on the cohort.
  • All skill-based clinical work is done in an appropriate clinical or classroom setting

With the time savings from your online classes, you will be able to take three classes per quarter – which means earning your degree in just nine quarters. Staying local while participating in a distance learning (online) master’s degree program gives students the best of both worlds.

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CACREP Accreditation Fully Accredited Training

Our mix of academic offerings lends itself well to lifelong learners. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees can be complemented with our continuing education programs, all of which strengthen clinical, research, and on-the-job skills.

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Cohort Model

PAU’s on-campus format uses a cohort system. You will be assigned to a group of students who will have the same schedule and sequence of courses for their entire program. You will be enrolled continuously and to complete your degree on schedule with their cohort.

Why Cohorts?

Support and openness – you will study together, encouraging and assisting others when needed. You will also develop the familiarity and trust to discuss tough issues and personal experiences.

Cohort Model

PAU’s on-campus format uses a cohort system. You will be assigned to a group of students who will have the same schedule and sequence of courses for their entire program. You will be enrolled continuously and to complete your degree on schedule with their cohort.

Why Cohorts?

Support and openness – you will study together, encouraging and assisting others when needed. You will also develop the familiarity and trust to discuss tough issues and personal experiences.

Cohort Model

PAU’s on-campus format uses a cohort system. You will be assigned to a group of students who will have the same schedule and sequence of courses for their entire program. You will be enrolled continuously and to complete your degree on schedule with their cohort.

Why Cohorts?

Support and openness – you will study together, encouraging and assisting others when needed. You will also develop the familiarity and trust to discuss tough issues and personal experiences.

Cohort Model

PAU’s on-campus format uses a cohort system. You will be assigned to a group of students who will have the same schedule and sequence of courses for their entire program. You will be enrolled continuously and to complete your degree on schedule with their cohort.

Why Cohorts?

Support and openness – you will study together, encouraging and assisting others when needed. You will also develop the familiarity and trust to discuss tough issues and personal experiences.

Online & Hybrid Learning Format

The hybrid program is offered weekday evenings. Courses are held on the PAU campuses or live via Zoom.

Classes Take Place:
Monday-Thursday Evenings
4-6PM PST or 6-8PM PST or 6-8:50PM PST (Depending on Cohort)

All skill-based clinical work is done in an appropriate clinical or classroom setting. And with the time savings from your online classes, you will be able to take three classes per quarter – and that means earning your degree in just nine quarters.

Staying local while participating in a distance learning (online) master’s degree program gives students the best of both worlds.

Palo Alto University offers students a multicultural focus that emphasizes culture, social justice, and families that students experience in weekly live classes. Students benefit from the latest academic research and clinical approaches while tailoring their experience to the culture and community in which they live and practice, all in a program format that fits into their busy lives.

 

The hybrid program is offered weekday evenings. Courses are held on the PAU campuses or live via Zoom.

Classes Take Place:
Monday-Thursday Evenings
4-6PM PST or 6-8PM PST or 6-8:50PM PST (Depending on Cohort)

All skill-based clinical work is done in an appropriate clinical or classroom setting. And with the time savings from your online classes, you will be able to take three classes per quarter – and that means earning your degree in just nine quarters.

Staying local while participating in a distance learning (online) master’s degree program gives students the best of both worlds.

Palo Alto University offers students a multicultural focus that emphasizes culture, social justice, and families that students experience in weekly live classes. Students benefit from the latest academic research and clinical approaches while tailoring their experience to the culture and community in which they live and practice, all in a program format that fits into their busy lives.

Quick Application Checklist

How To Apply

PAU uses the American Psychological Association’s (APA), Psychology Centralized Application Service (PSYCAS). In preparation for applying, you will need a copy of your transcript(s) available for your review. All materials should be submitted through the PSYCAS system, not directly to the PAU Admissions Office.

Start Your Application
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Once Your Application is Complete

Complete applications will be reviewed within a few weeks of completion. Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a group interview that lasts approximately two hours. Participants are evaluated by both current students and MA in Counseling faculty. Interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis.

Support and openness – you will study together, encouraging and assisting others when needed. You will also develop the familiarity and trust to discuss tough issues and personal experiences.

Complete applications will be reviewed within a few weeks of completion. Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a group interview that lasts approximately two hours. Participants are evaluated by both current students and MA in Counseling faculty. Interviews are scheduled on a rolling basis.

Become a Nationally Certified Counselor upon Graduation

Our MA in Counseling program has been evaluated and determined to provide the necessary educational coursework for eligibility for national certification.

State Authorization

Our MA in Counseling program has been evaluated and determined to provide the necessary educational coursework for eligibility for national certification.

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Office of Admissions and Outreach

Palo Alto University’s Office of Admissions and Outreach is eager to answer all your admissions questions and connect you with helpful resources as you embark on your application process.

Please direct all general inquiries to admissions@paloaltou.edu, or you can call 650-417-2039. Due to our remote work, our phone line is not staffed live. Please leave us a message, and we will return your call shortly.

Contact Admissions Today