mental health phd online

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• Colleges and Schools

Online Doctor of Behavioral Health – Clinical

Prepare for a successful career in the modern health care industry with a Doctor of Behavioral Health with a clinical concentration from the College of Health Solutions. The DBH degree program with a clinical concentration is designed to support master’s-level clinicians by offering advanced learning opportunities in behavioral interventions, medical literacy and entrepreneurship.

Quick facts

Next start date: 08/22/2024

Total classes: 13

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours: 60

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Behavioral Health (Clinical) (DBH) ? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is a clinical DBH degree?

What will i learn in a doctorate of behavioral health program.

• Medical literacy: Understand the nuances of disease pathophysiology, progression and treatment.
• Integrated behavioral interventions: Learn how to effectively engage and treat patients in primary care and other medical settings.
• Entrepreneurship: Leverage your unique skill set to meet the demands of the 21st century health care market.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Learn about the DBH degree with a clinical concentration.

What you’ll learn through the asu online doctorate in behavioral health with a clinical concentration.

The DBH degree with a clinical concentration program offers you a range of specialized courses that provide targeted instruction on key topics in behavioral health and clinical work, including:

What can you do with a behavioral health degree?

Graduates of the ASU Online doctorate in behavioral health with a clinical concentration can pursue a variety of career opportunities throughout the health care sector, such as:

Prestigious faculty

As a student in the DBH degree program, you’ll benefit from distinguished faculty members who continue to practice and actively engage with the medical community. They’ll provide you with applicable perspectives on behavioral health and clinical methods. Faculty highlights include:

• Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
• Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• Harnessing big data to improve patient outcomes.
• Using state-of-the-art cognitive, behavioral and neuroscience techniques to study the components of human communication.
• Utilizing advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.

Admission requirements

Applicants to the DBH degree program must have a master’s degree (in any field) from a regionally accredited institution, and must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions. Additionally, candidates must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor’s degree program or in their applicable master's degree education. 

Application requirements

Students with a master’s degree in counseling, family therapy, nursing, occupational health and social work are encouraged to apply, though other fields of study are also considered. The most competitive candidates are master's degree-level professionals who are either currently employed or aspire to work in a clinical capacity in an integrated health care organization.

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Graduate admission application and application fee.
• Supplemental application.
• Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts.
• At least one professional letter of recommendation.
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.

The terms “licensed” and “license eligible” refer to a license to practice, which are issued by state licensing boards like the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. Some examples include:

• Licensed or license-eligible behavioral health clinician with a master’s degree-level education.
• Master’s degree-level medical or ancillary health care provider, such as licensed nurses, dietitians and occupational therapists.

Developing the health workforce of the future

At the College of Health Solutions, students and faculty research solutions to pressing global health challenges while preparing the health workforce of the future. Ongoing partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more. 

Barrett honors scholars.

faculty members.

$14.5 million

in research expenditures.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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Psychology (MS)

• Best Online Ph.D.s In Counseling

Best Online Ph.D.s In Counseling Of 2024

Updated: Mar 21, 2024, 1:45pm

For aspiring counselors, psychologists and therapists, a Ph.D. in counseling is the last rung of the educational ladder—the springboard to an advanced role in the field.

A doctorate in counseling requires specialized understanding and training that can lead to positions in clinical practice, consulting, research and administration. And if you want to teach at a higher learning institution, a Ph.D. can qualify you for prestigious academic roles like tenured professor, department head or dean.

Earning a doctorate is a major commitment that entails years’ worth of classroom study, clinical practice and fieldwork, and researching and writing a dissertation. That’s why an online Ph.D. in counseling can be a practical and attractive option.

Online programs offer learners the flexibility to study at their own pace at their convenience, and they can also be a much more affordable alternative to traditional on-campus learning.

Below, we survey the best online counseling Ph.D. programs as determined by key criteria like affordability, flexibility and student outcomes. We also explain the importance of accreditation and explore factors to consider before earning a Ph.D. in counseling online.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked five accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D. in counseling degrees in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We listed all five schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Master’s In ABA Online Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Counseling Psychology
• Best Online Psychology Degrees
• Best Online Psychology Master’s Degrees

Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling Options

Should you enroll in a ph.d. in counseling online, accreditation for online doctorate programs in counseling, how to find the right online ph.d. in counseling for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d.s in counseling, concordia university-irvine, university of the cumberlands, the chicago school at los angeles, colorado christian university, denver seminary.

Graduate Tuition

$795/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

The Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Concordia University Irvine , a private Christian college located in Southern California’s Orange County, is a hybrid program that requires coursework, two in-person residencies and an internship before concluding with a dissertation project that draws on original research.

Noteworthy in CUI’s approach is an “integrated dissertation track” that involves students in research from the outset of the program. Introducing the dissertation process at the start of the program lets students integrate their coursework subject matter with dissertation seminar discussions.

The doctorate is meant for licensed professional counselors and does not lead to licensure. Applicants need a master’s in counseling or a related field, preferably from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision, models and application of trauma-informed practice
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for in-person residencies and campus-based courses

$415/credit (in-state)

The University of the Cumberlands ’ Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision is a three-year program designed to accommodate students who work full time. A private Christian institution, the University of the Cumberlands demonstrates its commitment to affordability through a “One Price Promise” pledge, which makes all textbooks free.

The curriculum encompasses advanced clinical work, leadership and advocacy, research and scholarship, supervision and teaching. All students enroll in the same core courses before choosing a specialization such as leadership, addiction counseling or advanced counseling.

Applicants to this program must have a valid professional certificate or license in their home state.

• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 66 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Theories and techniques of clinical supervision, online teaching and learning in counselor education
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,703/credit (in-state)

Designed for students who are already licensed counselors or are eligible for licensure, the Chicago School ’s online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision is a full-time program that usually takes three years to complete.

Touted as “sensitive to difference,” the program trains students to apply best practices and principles toward specific populations, with the goal of being able to serve those communities more effectively.

Doctorates require 60 credits of coursework, a 600-hour internship and a dissertation. Two in-person residencies at the school’s Los Angeles campus are also mandatory. California residents are eligible for financial aid through the state’s Cal Grant.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced multicultural/diversity issues in counselor education and supervision, telebehavioral approaches in counseling and supervision
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an internship

$698/credit (in-state)

A fully accredited, non-licensure program rooted in biblical teaching, Colorado Christian University ’s Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision prepares students for various leadership roles in the counseling profession.

Degrees are contingent on completing a 600-hour internship, two in-person residencies at the school’s Lakewood, Colorado, campus, and a dissertation. Students usually take two courses at a time, in seven- or 14-week blocks, and the program can be completed in nine semesters of consecutive coursework.

On top of tuition, all students pay a resource fee that covers technology resources, course materials and textbooks.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements:60 credit hours
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership, ethics, and advocacy in CES, research skills I and II
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an internship and two residencies

$870/credit (in-state)

Rooted in Christian precepts, Denver Seminary ’s Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision promotes a “cohort” learning model wherein students bond in a close-knit group that studies and ultimately graduates together.

Faculty mentoring is also a program priority. Faculty mentor students primarily virtually but also in person during three required residencies on Denver Seminary’s campus, located in the foothills of the Rockies.

Coursework for the four-year, full-time program centers around two live online evening sessions plus two hours of asynchronous learning activities and assigned reading and writing every week. In addition to the core coursework, requirements include a 600-hour internship, a clinical practicum and a fourth-year dissertation.

• Application Fee: $45
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced cultural foundations in counseling, advanced marriage and family counseling
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for three in-person residencies and an internship

Several factors will determine whether enrolling in a Ph.D. in counseling online makes sense for you. Important points to consider include:

• Career goals. Weigh whether a Ph.D. in counseling matches your career aspirations. For instance, if you’ve set your sights on academia, clinical practice, research or some other goal in the counseling field, talk to a program representative about how their program will help you get there.
• Accreditation. Confirm that an accrediting body vetted by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education has accredited the online program you’re considering. This ensures the program meets certain quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by licensing boards and potential employers.
• Licensing. If your goal is to become a licensed counselor, make sure the program fulfills the education requirements for licensure in the state where you plan to practice.
• Flexibility. Online college offers flexibility, but not everyone has the self-discipline and time management skills needed to succeed in a distance program. Conduct an objective assessment of whether your learning style would suit online learning. Then research whether your prospective program offers support services like academic advising and counseling.
• Financial considerations. Evaluate the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees and all additional expenses. Explore whether you’re eligible for funding options like grants, scholarships, assistantships or employer tuition reimbursement programs.
• Admissions requirements. Many counseling doctoral programs require applicants to hold a master’s in counseling or a related field. Make sure you meet the admissions criteria for any program you apply to.

Institutional accreditation verifies the overall quality and effectiveness of an entire college or university. This accreditation status depends on a rigorous third-party assessment of an institution’s mission, educational programs, faculty qualifications, student services and financial governance, among other factors.

To qualify for federal student aid, you must attend an institutionally accredited university. Employers, credentialing bodies and other higher learning institutions may not recognize your degree if it comes from an unaccredited school. You can confirm a college’s accreditation status by looking for the accreditation page on its website or searching the directories on CHEA’s website .

Programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs and departments within broader educational institutions. Any program receiving programmatic accreditation must be part of an institutionally accredited college or university.

CACREP accredits counseling programs in the United States. Check whether your prospective online Ph.D. in counseling program is accredited by using CACREP’s online directory. Some states require counselors to hold a CACREP-accredited degree to qualify for licensure.

Ready to start your search for an online counseling doctorate? Let’s narrow down your options.

Consider Your Future Goals

Several factors will influence your choice of an online Ph.D. in counseling program. Of these, arguably the most important are your career expectations and how they align with what the program provides.

If you intend to pursue counseling licensure after earning your doctorate, make sure the program meets your state’s educational requirements to become a licensed clinical professional counselor .

Do you want to specialize in a particular area of counseling? Prioritize programs that offer coursework focused on your area of interest or whose faculty have similar specialties. Also, consider whether each program helps students find local practicum and internship opportunities in your desired counseling field.

At a more general level, look for facts and figures on student outcomes from your program. Graduation rates, job placement rates and citations in academic research can all indicate a program’s quality and the potential career opportunities it offers.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Total tuition for the online Ph.D. in counseling programs ranked on this page ranges from approximately $27,000 to more than $100,000. Financing possibilities for these programs vary from school to school—and your personal financial situation will determine your eligibility for financial aid. To find out what you may qualify for, you’ll need to do some research.

Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine your eligibility for federal student aid programs, such as direct PLUS loans , direct unsubsidized loans and federal work-study programs . Online students are usually eligible for federal aid, but some programs may have specific eligibility requirements, so check with your school’s financial aid office. (It’s a good idea in general to consult with your school’s financial aid office for personalized guidance.)

Other financing options to consider include:

• Scholarships. Some schools offer scholarships and grants specifically for doctoral students, including those enrolled in online programs. They can be merit-based, need-based or specific to certain disciplines.
• Fellowships. Some Ph.D. programs offer fellowships—financial support in the form of a stipend or tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
• Employer sponsorship. If you currently have a job, check with your employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorships. If your Ph.D. program is relevant to your present role or a potential future role at the company, some employers may be willing to cover part of its cost.
• Private student loans. Private student loans from banks, credit unions and online lenders are available if you need additional funding beyond federal and institutional aid.

Before you commit to any financing option, carefully review all terms and conditions, including interest rates and repayment terms. Stay on the lookout for any potential impact on your financial situation after you graduate.

Is getting a Ph.D. in counseling worth it?

A Ph.D. can lead to more and better career options. It’s usually necessary, for instance, if you aspire to become a licensed psychologist, counselor educator or leading researcher. If tuition costs seem like an insurmountable hurdle, explore whether you can get funding through research grants, scholarships or an assistant position. Ultimately, only you can decide whether a Ph.D. program’s potential benefits justify the time and money you’ll commit.

Can you do a Ph.D. completely online?

It’s possible to earn a Ph.D. in counseling entirely online through accredited institutions that offer distance learning programs. Programs like those above feature the same rigorous curriculum and academic standards as in-person programs along with the flexibility of distance learning.

What is a Ph.D. in counseling called?

A Ph.D. in counseling is commonly known as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counseling psychology , general counseling, or counselor education and supervision. The exact degree title depends on its specialization.

How hard is a Ph.D. in counseling?

Earning a Ph.D. in counseling requires a major investment of time and intellectual effort. In advanced coursework, students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of challenging subject material. Many doctoral programs also incorporate clinical training, in which students work directly with clients under the supervision of licensed professionals. Additionally, Ph.D. programs usually require you to complete a dissertation and defend it in front of a committee.

How long does it take to get your Ph.D. in counseling?

Ph.D. programs usually require four to six years to complete, if you enroll full time. Part-time students may need longer. The time needed to research, write and defend a dissertation varies and can impact program length.

Jeff Tompkins is a writer and teacher of English as a Second Language living in New York City. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1967 and was educated at Brown University and University College London. His articles and reviews have appeared in CHA Review of Books and Films, the Brooklyn Rail, the Chicago Review of Books, PopMatters, Words Without Borders, and other outlets.

Mental Health, PhD

Bloomberg school of public health, phd program description.

The PhD program is designed to provide key knowledge and skill-based competencies in the field of public mental health. To gain the knowledge and skills, all PhD students will be expected to complete required coursework, including courses that meet the CEPH competency requirements and research ethics; successfully pass the departmental comprehensive exam; select and meet regularly with a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) as part of advancing to doctoral candidacy; present a public seminar on their dissertation proposal; successfully pass the departmental and school-wide Preliminary Oral Exams; complete a doctoral thesis followed by a formal school-wide Final Oral Defense; participate as a Teaching Assistant (TA); and provide a formal public seminar on their own research.  Each of these components is described in more detail below. The Introduction to Online Learning course is taken before the start of the first term.

Department Organization

The PhD Program Director, Dr. Rashelle Musci ( [email protected] ), works with the Vice-Chair for Education, Dr. Judy Bass ( [email protected] ), to support doctoral students, together with their advisers, to formulate their academic plans; oversee their completion of ethics training; assist with connections to faculty who may serve as advisers or sources for data or special guidance; provide guidance to students in their roles as teaching assistants; and act as a general resource for all departmental doctoral students. The Vice-Chair also leads the Department Committee on Academic Standards and sits on the School Wide Academic Standards Committee. Students can contact Drs. Musci or Bass directly if they have questions or concerns.

Within the department structure, there are several standing and ad-hoc committees that oversee faculty and student research, practice and education. For specific questions on committee mandate and make-up, please contact Dr. Bass or the Academic Program Administrator, Patty Scott, [email protected] .

Academic Training Programs

The Department of Mental Health supports multiple NIH-funded doctoral and postdoctoral institutional training programs:

Psychiatric Epidemiology Training (PET) Program

This interdisciplinary doctoral and postdoctoral program is affiliated with the Department of Epidemiology and with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the School of Medicine. The Program is co-directed by Dr. Peter Zandi ( [email protected] ) and Dr. Heather Volk ( [email protected] ). The goal of the program is to increase the epidemiologic expertise of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals and to increase the number of epidemiologists with the interest and capacity to study psychiatric disorders. Graduates are expected to undertake careers in research on the etiology, classification, distribution, course, and outcome of mental disorders and maladaptive behaviors. The Program is funded with a training grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Drug Dependence Epidemiology Training (DDET) Program

This training program is co-led by Dr. Renee M. Johnson ( [email protected] ) and Dr. Brion Maher ( [email protected] ). The DDET program is designed to train scientists in the area of substance use and substance use disorders. Research training within the DDET Program focuses on: (1) genetic, biological, social, and environmental factors associated with substance use, (2) medical and social consequences of drug use, including HIV/AIDS and violence, (3) co-morbid mental health problems, and (4) substance use disorder treatment and services. The DDET program is funded by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse. The program supports both pre-doctoral and postdoctoral trainees. 

Global Mental Health Training (GMH) Program

The Global Mental Health Training (GMH) Program is a training program to provide public health research training in the field of Global Mental Health. It is housed in the Department of Mental Health , in collaboration with the Departments of International Health and Epidemiology. The GMH Program is supported by a T32 research training grant award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Dr. Judy Bass ( [email protected] ) is the training program director. As part of this training program, trainees will undertake a rigorous program of coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, public mental health and global mental health, field-based research experiences, and integrative activities that will provide trainees with a solid foundation in the core proficiencies of global mental health while giving trainees the opportunity to pursue specialized training in one of three concentration areas that are recognized as high priority: (1) Prevention Research; (2) Intervention Research; or (3) Integration of Mental Health Services Research. This program supports pre- and post-doctoral trainees.

The Mental Health Services and Systems (MHSS) Program

The Mental Health Services and Systems (MHSS) program is an NIMH-funded T32 training program run jointly by the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Health Policy and Management and also has a close affiliation with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Elizabeth Stuart ( [email protected] ) is the training program directors.

The goal of the MHSS Program is to train scholars who will become leaders in mental health services and systems research. This program focuses on producing researchers who can address critical gaps in knowledge with a focus on: (1) how healthcare services, delivery settings, and financing systems affect the well-being of persons with mental illness; (2) how cutting-edge statistical and econometric methods can be used in intervention design, policies, and programs to improve care; and (3) how implementation science can be used to most effectively disseminate evidence-based advances into routine practice. The program strongly emphasizes the fundamental principles of research translation and dissemination throughout its curriculum.

For more details see this webpage .

Epidemiology and Biostatistics of Aging

This program offers training in the methodology and conduct of significant clinical- and population-based research in older adults. This training grant, funded by the National Institute on Aging, has the specific mission to prepare epidemiologists and biostatisticians who will be both leaders and essential members of the multidisciplinary research needed to define models of healthy, productive aging and the prevention and interventions that will accomplish this goal. The Associate Director of this program is Dr. Michelle Carlson ( [email protected]) .

The EBA training grant has as its aims:

• Train pre- and post-doctoral fellows by providing a structured program consisting of: a) course work, b) seminars and working groups, c) practica, d) directed multidisciplinary collaborative experience through a training program research project, and e) directed research.
• Ensure hands-on participation in multidisciplinary research bringing trainees together with infrastructure, mentors, and resources, thus developing essential skills and experience for launching their research careers.
• Provide in-depth knowledge in established areas of concentration, including a) the epidemiology and course of late-life disability, b) the epidemiology of chronic diseases common to older persons, c) cognition, d) social epidemiology, e) the molecular, epidemiological and statistical genetics of aging, f) measurement and analysis of complex gerontological outcomes (e.g, frailty), and g) analysis of longitudinal and survival data.
• Expand the areas of emphasis to which trainees are exposed by developing new training opportunities in: a) clinical trials; b) causal inference; c) screening and prevention; and d) frailty and the integration of longitudinal physiologic investigation into epidemiology.
• Integrate epidemiology and biostatistics training to form a seamless, synthesized approach whose result is greater than the sum of its parts, to best prepare trainees to tackle aging-related research questions.

These aims are designed to provide the fields of geriatrics and gerontology with epidemiologists and biostatisticians who have an appreciation for and understanding of the public health and scientific issues in human aging, and who have the experience collaborating across disciplines that is essential to high-quality research on aging. More information can be found at: https://coah.jhu.edu/graduate-programs-and-postdoctoral-training/epidemiology-and-biostatistics-of-aging/ .

Aging and Dementia Training Program

This interdisciplinary pre- and post-doctoral training program is an interdisciplinary program, funded by the National Institute on Aging, affiliated with the Department of Neurology and the Department of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine, the Department of Mental Health at the School of Public Health and the Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences at the School of Arts and Sciences. The Department of Mental Health contact is Dr. Michelle Carlson ( [email protected] ). The goal of this training program is to train young investigators in age-related cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Program Requirements 

Course location and modality is found on the BSPH website .

Residence Requirements

All doctoral students must complete and register for four full-time terms of a regular academic year, in succession, starting with Term 1 registration in August-September of the academic year and continuing through Term 4 ending in May of that same academic year. Full-time registration entails a minimum of 16 credits of registration each term and a maximum of 22 credits per term.

Full-time residence means more than registration. It means active participation in department seminars and lectures, research work group meetings, and other socializing experiences within our academic community. As such, doctoral trainees are expected to be in attendance on campus for the full academic year except on official University holidays and vacation leave.

Course Requirements

Not all courses are required to be taken in the first year alone; students typically take 2 years to complete all course requirements. 

Students must obtain an A or B in all required courses. If a grade of C or below is received, the student will be required to repeat the course. An exception is given if a student receives a C (but not a D) in either of the first two terms of the required biostatistics series, but then receives a B or better in both of the final two terms of the series; then a student will not be required to retake the earlier biostatistics course. However, the student cannot have a cumulative GPA lower than 3.0 to remain in good academic standing. Any other exceptions to this grade requirement must be reviewed and approved by the departmental CAS and academic adviser.

Below are the required courses for the PhD; further Information can be found on the PhD in Mental Health webpage. 

BIOSTATISTICS

Must be completed to be eligible to sit for the departmental written comprehensive exams.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH COURSES

For Department of Mental Health doctoral students, a research analysis is required entailing one additional course credit.  PH.330.840 Special Studies and Research Mental Health  listing Dr. Volk as the mentor.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

The School requires that at least 18 credit units must be satisfactorily completed in formal courses outside the student's primary department. Among these 18 credit units, no fewer than three courses (totaling at least 9 credits) must be satisfactorily completed in two or more departments of the Bloomberg School of Public Health. The remaining outside credit units may be earned in any department or division of the University. This requirement is usually satisfied with the biostatistics and epidemiology courses required by the department.

Candidates who have completed a master’s program at the Bloomberg School of Public Health may apply 12 credits from that program toward this School requirement. Contact the Academic Office for further information.

SCHOOL-WIDE COURSES

Introduction to Online Learning  taken before the first year.

ETHICS TRAINING

PH.550.860 Academic & Research Ethics at JHSPH  (0 credit - pass/fail)  required of all students in the first term of registration.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) connotes a broad range of career development topics that goes beyond the more narrowly focused “research ethics” and includes issues such as conflict of interest, authorship responsibilities, research misconduct, animal use and care, and human subjects research. RCR training requirements for JHPSH students are based on two circumstances: their degree program and their source of funding, which may overlap. 

• All PhD students are required to take one of two courses in Responsible Conduct of Research, detailed below one time, in any year, during their doctoral studies.
• All students, regardless of degree program, who receive funding from one of the federal grant mechanisms outlined in the NIH notice below, must take one of the two courses listed below to satisfy the 8 in-person hours of training in specific topic areas specified by NIH (e.g., conflict of interest, authorship, research misconduct, human and animal subject ethics, etc.).

The two courses that satisfy either requirement are:

• PH.550.600 Living Science Ethics - Responsible Conduct of Research  [1 credit]. Once per week, 1st term.
• PH.306.665 Research Ethics and integrity  [3 credits]. Twice per week, 3rd term.

Registration in either course is recorded on the student’s transcript and serves as documentation of completion of the requirement.

• If a non-PhD or postdoctoral student is unsure whether or not their source of funding requires in-person RCR training, they or the PI should contact the project officer for the award.
• Students who may have taken the REWards course (Research Ethics Workshops About Responsibilities and Duties of Scientists) in the SOM can request that this serve as a replacement, as long as they can provide documentation of at least 8 in-person contact hours.
• Postdoctoral students are permitted to enroll in either course but BSPH does not require them to take RCR training. However, terms of their funding might require RCR training and it is their obligation to fulfill the requirement.
• The required Academic Ethics module is independent of the RCR training requirement. It is a standalone module that must be completed by all students at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. This module covers topics associated with maintaining academic integrity, including plagiarism, proper citations, and cheating.

PhD in Mental Health  

Department of Mental Health candidates for the degree Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) must fulfill all University and School requirements. These include, but are not limited to, a minimum of four consecutive academic terms at the School in full-time residency (some programs require 6 terms), continuous registration throughout their tenure as a PhD student, satisfactory completion of a Departmental Written Comprehensive Examination, satisfactory performance on a University Preliminary Oral Examination, readiness to undertake research, and preparation and successful defense of a thesis based upon independent research.

PhD Students are required to be registered full-time for a minimum of 16 credits per term and courses must be taken for letter grade or pass/fail. Courses taken for audit do not count toward the 16-credit registration minimum.

Students having already earned credit at BSPH from a master's program or as a Special Student Limited within the past three years for any of the required courses may be able to use them toward satisfaction of doctoral course requirements.

For a full list of program policies, please visit the PhD in Mental Health  page where students can find more information and links to our handbook.

Completion of Requirements

The University places a seven-year maximum limit upon the period of doctoral study. The Department of Mental Health students are expected to complete all requirements in an average of 4-5 years. 

Learning Outcomes

The PhD program is designed to provide key knowledge and skill-based competencies in the field of public mental health. Upon successful completion of the PhD in Mental Health, students will have mastered the following competencies:

• Evaluate the clinical presentations, incidence, prevalence, course and risk/protective factors for major mental and behavioral health disorders.
• Differentiate important known biological, psychological and social risk and protective factors for major mental and behavioral disorders and assess how to advance understanding of the causes of these disorders in populations.
• Evaluate and explain factors associated with resiliency and recovery from major mental and behavioral disorders.
• Evaluate, select, and implement effective methods and measurement strategies for assessment of major mental and behavioral disorders across a range of epidemiologic settings.
• Critically evaluate strategies for the prevention and treatment of major mental and behavioral disorders as well as utilization and delivery of mental health services over the life course, across a range of settings, and in a range of national contexts.
• Assess preventive and treatment interventions likely to prove effective in optimizing mental health of the population, reducing the incidence of mental and behavioral disorders, raising rates of recovery from disorders, and reducing risk of later disorder recurrence. 

According  to the requirements of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), all BSPH degree students must be grounded in foundational public health knowledge. Please view the  list of specific CEPH requirements by degree type .

Online PhD & PsyD Programs in Counseling and Psychology – Doctoral Programs

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“Knowing my long-term goal helped me sift through the various programs to find the one with coursework that was a great match for me. It’s well worth your time to find a program where you’ll be engaged in learning what truly interests you, as this will pave the way for your career contribution.”

Sarah Budd, PsyD, Gambit Coaching & Consulting

Mental health issues are at an all-time high in the United States. Statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health show that one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness. These numbers increased substantially due to isolation and job loss during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In the wake of the global pandemic, the counseling field has seen an unprecedented surge in demand, highlighting the critical need for highly skilled practitioners. According to a report by the American Psychological Association (APA), psychologists have experienced a significant increase in workload since the onset of COVID-19, underscoring the urgent requirement for advanced expertise in mental health care. This data presents a compelling case for pursuing a PhD in counseling, as the current landscape not only offers an opportunity to impact society’s well-being profoundly but also promises a dynamic and rewarding career path for those equipped with the highest level of academic and practical proficiency in psychology.

While many mental health positions in counseling, social work, or other related fields require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, earning a doctoral degree in counseling or psychology can position someone to deepen their clinical and research experience or lead teams of mental health professionals to treat more patients.

A commonly asked question is: what is the difference between counseling and psychology? While the two fields share the purpose of helping individuals and families navigate difficult emotional situations or disorders, two significant differences between the two careers are the types of research performed and the types of patients seen. 

Psychologists with doctoral degrees are often trained in quantitative (objective and countable) research methods and are positioned to help people with serious mental illnesses. On the other hand, counselors with doctoral degrees are trained in qualitative (subjective and observable) research methods and often see patients with short- to long-term adjustment disorders. With a doctoral degree, both psychologists and counselors are positioned to teach in universities, lead cutting-edge research teams, and lead teams of mental health professionals. 

So what is required to apply for a doctoral degree in counseling or psychology? Master’s degree holders in two-year counseling or psychology can continue their studies through a doctoral program which typically takes three to seven years and requires extensive research, clinical work, and writing a dissertation. While there are several online doctoral degree programs available in counseling, a few online doctoral programs in psychology are available to serve the education needs of those who want to earn a degree while working full-time or attending to family responsibilities. 

To match pace with national mental health needs, the occupational outlook for doctoral degree holders in counseling and psychology is trending upward. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023), between 2022 and 2032, openings for psychologists are projected to grow by 6 percent nationally, a rate that is as fast as the national average for all occupations. In addition, the BLS shows the median annual salary for psychologists is $85,330 in 2023, which includes professionals with master’s and doctoral degrees.

Read on to learn more about online doctoral degree programs in counseling and psychology.

Meet the Expert: Sarah Budd, PsyD

Dr. Sarah Budd is an organizational psychologist specializing in helping teams and organizations increase their effectiveness. She is an executive and leadership coach (ICF PCC), certified in CliftonStrengths, Hogan Assessments, Kantor Structural Dynamics, and Whole Person Coaching. 

Dr. Budd holds a master’s in organizational psychology and a PsyD in leadership psychology. Her background is in management operations. She is a coach, facilitator, and principal for Gambit Coaching & Consulting and adjunct faculty for William James College. She has created and led numerous workshops from one hour to three days, emphasizing a collaborative, customized, action-oriented approach. She serves on the board of Oregon’s Organization Development Network. In the evenings and weekends, she enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, two chickens, and one dog.

CounselingSchools.com: How has earning a doctoral degree in counseling or psychology enhanced your career?

Dr. Budd: Earning a PsyD allowed me to expand the ways I help my clients. The degree significantly enhanced my ability to navigate the complex challenges that our leaders face in today’s world, equipped me with a wealth of practical tools, and fostered my personal growth. It’s given me a deep referral network in fellow students, supervisors, and professors. In short, earning this degree not only gave me the necessary knowledge but it also gave me the building blocks for my career.

CounselingSchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective doctoral student in counseling or psychology?

Dr. Budd: First, it’s important to find a program that aligns with your long-term goals. As a leadership psychologist, we spend time helping leaders identify their goals and chart out their course toward them. Your doctoral program is no different. Knowing my long-term goal helped me sift through the various programs to find the one with coursework that was a great match for me. It’s well worth your time to find a program where you’ll be engaged in learning what truly interests you, as this will pave the way for your career contribution.

Second, set yourself up for success. These programs are a major, major commitment. If you’re like me and completed your doctorate while working and raising a family, your time will be stretched very thin. Plan accordingly. For some of us, that means waiting for the timing to be right (whether that’s kids growing a little older or saving money first); for others, that means identifying what you need to keep in your life because it makes you feel like a balanced person, and what can wait for your degree to be complete before you pick it up again. These programs will require sacrifice on our part—allow yourself to be the one who chooses what the sacrifice will look like because you’ve planned for it.

Types of Doctoral Programs in Counseling and Psychology

When it comes to doctoral degrees, there are several programs in counseling. Aspiring psychologists searching for PhD programs should know there are two accrediting organizations. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits master’s and doctoral degrees in counseling, and the American Psychological Association (APA) accredits doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral residency programs in psychology. 

To choose the best program, applicants are advised to consider their future career goals and interests. In general, PhD programs in counseling prepare graduates to focus on patient adjustment issues such as anxiety, depression, couples counseling, behavior disorders, and substance abuse. By comparison, PhD programs in psychology may also see patients or specialize in clinical research and administer psychological assessments measuring intelligence, emotional relation, or neurological capabilities.  

Here are two lists of PhD programs in counseling and psychology included in CACREP- and APA-accredited programs.

CACREP-accredited PhD Programs in Counseling

• EdD in Counselor Education and Supervision : This is a practical degree program focusing on applying solutions to mental health problems from an administrative or teaching role; a clinical internship may not be required.
• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision : This is designed for those who want to work in theoretical, clinical, teaching, and leadership roles; a clinical internship is typically required.

It is worth noting that as of 2013, new university teaching faculty members in CACREP-accredited programs must have a doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program to be eligible for employment. Additionally, licensure requirements vary by position and state requirements, and earning a doctoral degree from a CACREP-accredited program prepares candidates for the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) to become a licensed counselor. 

APA-accredited PhD Programs in Psychology

• PhD in Counseling Psychology : This is a foundational degree that leads to various positions seeing patients in clinical practices, research, teaching, and supervisory roles in private or public healthcare facilities.
• PhD in Psychology : This is a general degree program that can be broad or specific in its focus and includes clinical and research components; a one-year internship may be required.
• PhD in School Psychology : This school counseling degree program prepares future school psychologists to work with youth and behavioral issues that interfere with learning and socialization.
• PsyD in Counseling Psychology : Students in PsyD programs focus on client interaction, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment and learn practical applications of research-based psychology practices; a one-year internship may be required.

Online Counseling and Psychology Doctoral Program Accreditation

As mentioned above, master’s and doctoral counseling degree programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). There are more than 900 CACREP-accredited programs in the United States. Programs demonstrate their academic rigor through a two-part process of self and peer assessment and must prove that their mission, curriculum, and teaching meet high standards of excellence. 

In addition, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes CACREP as an accrediting body, and nine of the 86 CACREP-accredited PhD programs in counseling are offered through online programs. 

As for psychology, the American Psychological Association (APA) currently does not accredit any online doctoral programs. Therefore, the APA urges students wishing to pursue an online doctoral degree in psychology to seek online PhD programs in psychology that hold regional or national accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education or an accrediting body approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

Typical Admissions Requirements for Doctoral Programs in Counseling and Psychology

Each doctoral program has its own unique admissions requirements. Here are some standard admissions requirements for online doctoral degree programs in counseling and psychology: 

• A master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program or a master’s degree from an accredited psychology program 
• Criminal background check
• Current license or be eligible to apply for licensure in the state of residence 
• GPA of 3.0 or higher from master’s degree program
• GRE scores 
• Interview with an admissions committee
• Letters of reference
• Official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Previous clinical experience in counseling or psychology 
• Statement of career or research goals

Supervised Clinical Hour Requirements – Doctoral Programs in Counseling and Psychology

Counseling programs accredited by CACREP include a supervised clinical hours component to prepare students to work one-on-one with patients. CACREP requires students to complete skill development preparation before being eligible for supervised clinical experience. 

A minimum of 700 hours of supervised experience is required, and hours are divided into two categories: practicum and internship. Practicum hours must total 100, and at least 40 of those hours must be in direct service with clients. 

As for internship hours, the minimum requirement is 600 hours, of which students must spend 240 in direct service with clients. CACREP defines direct service hours as ”the supervised use of counseling, consultation, or related professional skills with actual clients (can be individuals, couples, families, or groups) to foster social, cognitive, behavioral, and affective change.” The organization does not count tasks in administration and observation as direct service hours.

As for APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology, students are encouraged to keep well-documented records of their supervised clinical hours. Depending on the state where licensure is sought, a psychologist must earn 1,500 to 6,000 supervised clinical hours. 

Licensure requirements vary by state, and students are advised to carefully research the number of supervised hours required for each state listed on the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) website.

Here are some examples of accredited online PhD programs in counseling and psychology.

Online Doctoral Programs in Counseling

Adams State University

Adams State University offers an online PhD in counselor education and supervision program. Accredited by CACREP in 2017, this program requires four one-week summer residencies. This program’s mission is to position counseling professionals in a diverse range of counseling positions and advance the knowledge base through scholarly inquiry. 

With a PhD in this field, graduates can find work as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers in academic settings. Students must write a dissertation or a comparable research project related to counseling or counselor education and supervision to complete the doctoral program. 

• Location : Alamosa, CO
• Duration : 66 semester hours; approximately four years
• Accreditation : CACREP

Amridge University (Hybrid) 

Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Amridge University offers a hybrid PhD program in professional counseling. This research-oriented program requires 60 semester-hours beyond the master’s degree, and additional courses may be necessary if a counselor wants to seek professional licensure. Students enrolled full-time can complete the program in four years, depending on the completion of dissertation requirements. 

Courses focus on counseling theories, human development, problems with abuse and addiction, cultural diversity, and research. Graduates from this program are experienced in qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistical skills, and theoretical and practical counseling knowledge. 

• Location : Montgomery, AL
• Duration : 60 semester hours; approximately four years
• Accreditation : Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a fully online EdD in pastoral care and counseling. With rotating start dates, students can complete this 57-credit program in just three years and transfer up to 50 percent of the total degree credits. Students in this program take courses offered in eight-week terms. This program isn’t designed to meet state counseling licensure requirements but is open for licensed counselors and non-licensed counselors to pursue. 

This doctoral program is designed for pastors, licensed counselors, marriage and family therapists, and clinical social workers who want to incorporate biblical counseling skills into their work. Graduates from this program complete a dissertation and benefit from a practice-focused degree program solving real-world problems with advanced research. 

• Location : Lynchburg, VA
• Duration : 57 credit hours; approximately 2.5 years

Oregon State University (Hybrid) 

Located in Corvallis, Oregon, the College of Education at Oregon State University offers a hybrid PhD program in counseling. Students in this program are members of a multi-state cohort that has included participants from western states Oregon, Washington, California, Hawaii, and Alaska. The in-person classes take place on weekends twice each quarter in Portland, Oregon, making the courses accessible for students traveling from outside the area to attend these courses. 

This part-time program aims to develop a specialized area of professional counseling and requires a dissertation and an internship. Applicants must submit transcripts and be screened for personal and emotional suitability to apply for admission. Prior experience in counseling is encouraged, and a 3.0 GPA in the final 90 credits of undergraduate and graduate work count as favorable qualifications. New cohorts begin every summer quarter.

• Location : Corvallis, OR
• Duration : 94 quarter-credits; approximately three to five years

Shippensburg University  

For more than 50 years, Shippensburg University has offered master’s-level counseling programs and currently provides a part-time EdD in counselor education and supervision. The mission of this hybrid program is to develop students’ expertise in advanced practice and clinical supervision. Students can complete this program part-time or full-time and take their courses in a cohort model over three years. 

Graduates from this program are prepared for a full range of leadership roles, including educational, clinical, and administrative roles managing crisis and disaster response teams and trauma-informed care. 

Building upon theoretical and clinical concepts covered in the 60-credit master’s degree, EdD courses are offered online and on-campus on evenings and weekends. Students move through this cohort model for the first three years and require additional semesters to complete their dissertation defense requirements. 

• Location : Shippensburg, PA
• Duration : 60 credit hours; approximately three years

University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online 66-credit PhD program in counselor education and supervision. With an emphasis on preparing students for careers in research and higher education, students in this program benefit from the convenience of pursuing an advanced degree without giving up full- or part-time work. Courses include advanced counseling theories and skills, leadership & advocacy in professional counseling, and neuroanatomy & behavioral medicine for professional counseling. 

This interdisciplinary program comprises faculty from the Department of Education and School of Counseling. Faculty from education teach students leadership courses, while the school of counseling education coursework, advising, clinical experiences, and dissertation research and writing. Graduates from this program pursue specialized careers as research and counseling psychologists specializing in addiction, advanced counseling, and leadership. 

• Location : Williamsburg, KY
• Duration : 66 credit hours; approximately three years

Online Doctoral Programs in Psychology

Northcentral University

Northcentral University in La Jolla, California, offers one of the few online PhD programs in psychology. Designed to meet the growing interest in and need for advanced educational opportunities in psychology, this program emphasizes critical thinking, theoretical, and practical skills. 

This program does not prepare students to become licensed psychologists. However, ten specializations are available, including industrial/organizational psychology, in which students can choose a non-clinical internship practicum experience. 

Graduates are prepared for many careers such as behavior analyst, clinical case manager, college professor, health information manager, behavioral counselor, and researcher. Courses begin every Monday, and students can choose from ten specializations: addictions, the psychology of gender and sexual fluidity, general psychology, gerontology, health psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, mental health policy and practice, trauma and disaster relief, and counseling psychology, with or without a California state licensure track. 

Northcentral University also offers an online doctorate of marriage and family therapy (DMFT) program.

• Location : La Jolla, CA
• Duration : 60 credits; approximately three years
• Accreditation : Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)

Walden University  

Walden University offers an online PhD in psychology with a non-clinical/non-licensure focus. This program aims to prepare students for teaching, research, and consulting positions. Applicants to this program can transfer up to 55 credits. 

In addition, students can choose from six specializations to tailor their studies to future careers in educational psychology, health psychology, research in psychology, social psychology, teaching in psychology, or design a unique specialization.

To apply, students must have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in a related field from an accredited school and meet general admission requirements. Once admitted, students can pursue a fast-track option, increasing their course load from two to three credits per term so long as they maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students in this program are supported with online resources, faculty, and academic coaching services. 

• Location : Columbia, MD
• Duration : 65 quarter-credits; approximately three to eight years
• Accreditation : Higher Learning Commission

Jobs for PhDs & PsyDs in Counseling or Psychology 

With a PhD in counseling or psychology, graduates have expanded access to career opportunities in teaching, administration, and clinical settings. Here are three jobs for graduates of counseling and psychology doctoral programs. 

Become a Community Mental Health Counselor

After a community is impacted by trauma such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or war, a community mental health counselor steps in to help communities process their losses. 

Through speaking with individuals and groups after a disaster, community mental health counselors, also known as crisis counselors , serve as outreach personnel in community and civic organizations. In addition, a community mental health counselor can be a pivotal part of the reunification and future development of neighborhoods, families, and organizations by providing mental and emotional support to community members after a community disaster. 

Become a Forensic Psychologist

When a crime is committed, much attention is given to the perpetrator. The role of a forensic psychologist is to determine the motive of a specific or often-occurring crime. 

Forensic psychologists perform interdisciplinary work that spans criminal justice, law, and psychology. For example, forensic psychologists can be pivotal in crime prevention by analyzing criminal risk factors and serving in court-appointed rehabilitation roles for convicted criminals by questioning alleged criminals, interviewing crime-scene witnesses, and investigating actual crime scenes. 

Become a Military, Army, or Veteran Counselor

Returning military veterans often find reentry to civilian life difficult for various reasons. Veterans’ counselors help military vets mentally process their experiences, and services are available to veterans who have been honorably or generally discharged. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI 2020) estimates that one in four active-duty members experiences signs of mental illness, with the top three afflictions being post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Veterans’ counselors can help military veterans develop coping skills at one of the 170 veteran affairs (VA) medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the United States. 

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Rachel Drummond has used her expertise in education and mindfulness to guide aspiring counselors since 2020. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating reflective mindfulness into counseling techniques, helping readers understand how mental and physical well-being can enhance their professional practice and personal development in counseling.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog , inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

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Enter a Search Term

Mental health counseling, phd.

• Westchester

This PhD in Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Next Generation Leaders

This program is designed to train mental health counselors in advanced clinical and supervisory skills, prepare counselors to conduct research that will further the profession’s knowledge base, and foster the next generation of leaders who will be teachers and advocates for the mental health counseling profession across the country.

Advance your education

• Students emerge as highly skilled professionals in therapeutic practice and research, well-positioned to be leaders in the field and advocates for their clients and the profession.
• Master-level students gain advanced professional training, opportunities for intensive research, and opportunities to significantly advance the field of mental health.
• Specializations include grief counseling, substance abuse counseling, and positive psychotherapy and counseling.

Take Courses Like…

Throughout the curriculum, you’ll receive intensive training focused on advanced clinical issues, counseling education, supervision, and research focused on the promotion of mental health and the counseling profession.

Graduates leave the program equipped with a solid foundation in counseling built upon a combination of coursework, fieldwork, seminars, and guided research.

• MHC 731 Theories and Methods of Counselor
• MHC 732 Theories and Methods of Counselor Supervision
• MHC 831 Doctoral Dissertation Seminar I

Add Opportunities And Experiences

A small and selective program—accepting approximately 10 students per academic year—means small classes, in which students are exposed to evidence-based counseling approaches for demographically and clinically diverse populations.

Students work closely with faculty to develop and carry out independent research projects culminating in a doctoral dissertation. These activities are designed to integrate counseling intervention and research skills training, preparing graduates for a variety of counseling, policy-based, advocacy, teaching, and research careers.

The Department of Psychology’s strong community of faculty, professionals, and alumni in the field of mental health equip doctoral students with an established network of support. Both faculty and alumni hold key leadership positions in the New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA).

Each semester, the department offers a speaker series inviting leading researchers and professionals to talk about current and pertinent issues in the field.

“This unique doctoral program will provide mental health professionals with the opportunity to take their training and knowledge to the next level in a way that will help them stand apart from the crowd. In essence, we are seeking to develop the next wave of leaders in counseling that will help significantly advance the study and treatment of mental health.” –Paul Griffin, PhD, Department Chair

Professional Associations

Students and faculty can interact, join, and present at regional, state, and national association conferences. This includes developing partnerships to conduct critical research on topics impacting individuals seeking mental health counseling services and beyond. Faculty have a longstanding and collaborative relationship with the following key organizations, allowing them to guide students in establishing professional connections during their time in the program.

• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• American Counseling Association-New York (ACA-NY)
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
• New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA)
• Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
• North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NARACES)
• New York Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)

Choose Your Career

Career options.

The PhD program prepares candidates for a multitude of growing careers, including:

• Community mental health
• Mental health policymaking
• Private practice
• University teaching

What You Need to Know

Students who substantially meet the following requirements will be invited to an interview with the departmental admission screening committee:

• An earned master’s degree in mental health counseling with a curriculum equivalent to that of Pace University’s 60-credit graduate master of science program in mental health counseling.
• Earned graduate-level GPA of 3.6 or higher.
• Submitted letters of recommendation, personal statement, and official academic transcripts.
• Students are required to complete 100 clinical hours in a supervised clinical setting for MHC 710: Doctoral Practicum in Mental Health Counseling
• Students are required to complete 600 internship hours of supervised experiences in at least three of the five doctoral core areas (counseling, teaching, supervision, research and scholarship, leadership and advocacy) for MHC 725 & MHC 726: Doctoral Internship I & II
• Be eligible for New York State limited permit in mental health counseling.
• Obtained a limited permit in New York State.
• Be licensed in mental health counseling in New York State.
• Be licensed in mental health counseling in a state other than New York.

CACREP Annual Assessment Reports

MS and PhD Programs in Mental Health Counseling-Field Placement Site Supervisor Training (PDF) Please read and review the PowerPoint Training and the MS and/or corresponding PhD Field Placement Practicum and Internship Handbook as part of our CACREP Accreditation Requirement.

MS and PhD Programs in Mental Health Counseling Field Placement Site Supervisor Training Verification (PDF) Site supervisors are required to complete this form each semester that they sponsor MS and/or PhD Practicum or Internship students as part of our CACREP Accreditation Requirement.

• Meet Program Faculty
• PhD Student Handbook
• PhD Field Placement Practicum and Internship Handbook
• PhD Program of Study Curriculum Worksheet
• Dissertation Template

The following is Pace University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program Objectives (POs) Assessment Report for the program's annual review. This plan includes input from the various stakeholders including: aggregate student assessment data that addresses student knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions; demographic and other characteristics of applicants, students, and graduates; and data from systematic follow-up studies of graduates, site supervisors, and employers of program graduates.

The assessment data compiled and analyzed is based on a five-point scale which is constituted as:

• Ineffective
• Somewhat Ineffective
• Very Effective

Program goals are baselined at a minimum standard of 80% to designate “meeting standard” or above. Our students continued to receive high quality academic instruction, strong clinical practicum experiences, and internship professional roles among five doctoral core areas, including:

• Supervision
• Research and scholarship
• Leadership and advocacy.

99% of our stakeholders indicated that the program was Effective or Very Effective in meeting the program objectives. Again, 99% of our stakeholders indicated that the program was Adequate, Effective, or Very Effective in meeting the program objectives.

View complete Program Objectives (PO) Annual Assessment Report for 2022–2023 (PDF)

99% of our stakeholders indicated that the program was Effective or Very Effective in meeting the program objectives. 100% of our stakeholders indicated that the program was Adequate, Effective, or Very Effective in meeting the program objectives.

View complete Program Objectives (PO) Annual Assessment Report for 2021-2022 (PDF)

The following is Pace University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program Objectives (POs) Assessment Report for the program’s annual review. This plan includes input from the various stakeholders including: aggregate student assessment data that addresses student knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions; demographic and other characteristics of applicants, students, and graduates; and data from systematic follow-up studies of graduates, site supervisors, and employers of program graduates.

• Somewhat Effective

Our previous program goals have been baselined at a minimum standard of 85% to designate “meeting standard” or above. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while students continued to receive high quality academic instruction, strong clinical practicum experiences, and internship professional roles among five doctoral core areas, including: (1) counseling; (2) supervision; (3) teaching; (4) research and scholarship; (5) leadership and advocacy, all transitioned to remote platforms. The results of our annual Program Objectives assessment were impacted due to classes and field placements transitioning to remote platforms. This resulted in all of our constituencies adapting to multiple modalities, including academic instruction, clinical telehealth services and provisions, and remote supervision. Several of our students needed to secure new practicum placements and/or professional roles for internship as their original sites either fully paused services or could not support the requirements associated with CACREP standards and/or New York State Office of the Professions regulations. As such, we have adjusted our baseline minimum standard from 85% to 80% for this academic year to reflect these adjustments. Additionally, we have also included Adequate, Effective, and Very Effective in the five-point scale to calculate our aggregate outcome. While this baseline adjustment has been made, the program will continue to document, review and report any changes based on the 85% original baseline.

97% of our stakeholders indicated that the program was Adequate, Effective or Very Effective in meeting the program objectives.

View complete Program Objectives (PO) Annual Assessment Report for 2020-21 (PDF)

The assessment data compiled and analyzed is based on a five point scale which is constituted as:

• Very Effective.

Program goals are baselined at a minimum standard of 85% to designate “meeting standard” or above.

97% of our stakeholders indicated that the program was Effective or Very Effective in meeting the program objectives.

View complete Program Objectives (PO) Annual Assessment Report for 2019-20 (PDF)

Part I: Narrative

During the 2018-2019 academic year, the faculty and staff of the Doctor of Philosophy programs in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University conducted an annual review of the program. The program’s core objectives remain focused on fostering student development in advanced clinical and supervisory skills, training them to become proficient researchers that will advance knowledge on issues pertaining to mental health and counseling, and to promote future leaders of the profession who will serve as both educators and advocates. Past and current students’ dissertations have examined key issues in clinical mental health counseling and counselor education. To assist them in their studies, graduate assistantships and adjunct teaching assignments continue to be offered to doctoral students in the department. Based on the feedback that we received during the CACREP Site Visit in May 2018, the changes outlined below were implemented:

• MHC 707: Qualitative Methods in Counseling Research (4 credits)
• MHC 710: Doctoral Practicum in Mental Health Counseling (4 credits)
• MHC 726: Doctoral Internship II in Mental Health Counseling (0 credits)
• MHC 734: Advanced Theory & Practice of Counseling (4 credits)

Additionally, the department modified the following course curriculum to include Leadership and Advocacy (CACREP Section 6 Standard B 5.d.-Accreditation): MHC 733: Leadership & Advocacy in Mental Health Counseling

Further, the MHC 710: Doctoral Practicum in Mental Health Counseling course at the master’s level is now a significant preparation for our program. Michael Tursi, Ph.D. (from the counselor education doctoral program at the University of Rochester) continues to advance our practicum and internship courses, including MHC 725: Doctoral Internship I in Mental Health Counseling and MHC 726: Doctoral Internship II in Mental Health Counseling. Both courses are significantly structured and students’ progress is documented throughout.

Part II: Graduates and Pass, Completion, and Job Placement Rates

• Number of Graduates: 6
• Program Completion Rate: 100% for the 2018-2019 academic year
• Estimate of Job Placement Rates: Many of our students enter our program either as licensed and/or certified counselors, limited permit holders, and/or apply for permits in mental health counseling while enrolled. The graduates who complete their doctorate in May 2019, are employed either full time or part in mental health counseling settings, school setting, and/or teach as adjuncts in counseling or related areas.

View complete Program Objectives (PO) Annual Assessment Report for 2018-19 (PDF)

During the 2017-2018 academic year, the faculty and staff of the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University conducted an annual review of the program.

We focused on following up on emphasizing ethical standards in the key practice courses within the program. We have included this focus as it relates to internships, practicum experiences, as well as other courses. We stress the importance of ethics and multicultural diversity in the foundations course, the introductory counseling courses, as well as the group counseling, family counseling, social and cultural foundations, and the elective LGBTQA+ course.

In the past year, the practicum course has evolved into a robust preparation for the internship courses. Dr. Michael Tursi, a new addition to our department with a doctorate in counselor education from the University of Rochester, has brought fresh perspectives into this course as well as into the doctoral-level internship course.

Finally, the department determined that additional faculty in the field of mental health counseling was needed. We have hired two new full-time faculty in the counselor education field to start in the Fall 2018 semester.

• Number of Graduates: 27
• # tested: 5
• # passed: 3
• # passed: 5
• Program Completion Rate: 100% for 2017-18 Academic Year
• Estimate of Job Placement Rates: Approximately 60% of our graduates are currently employed in a counseling or a counseling-related capacity.

View complete Program Objectives (PO) Annual Assessment Report for 2017-18 (PDF)

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Mental health in the workplace: a conversation bridging research and practice.

A mental health researcher and an HR professional have a wide-ranging conversation on how to better promote mental health in the work place.

Activity, Sleep & Dementia

Untangling relationships among sleep, physical activity, and brain health may suggest ways to reduce dementia risk. 

Research Identifies Characteristics of Cities That Would Support Young People’s Mental Health

Survey responses from a global panel that included young people provide insights into what would make cities mental health-friendly for youth. 

What We Do in the Department of Mental Health

We are the only department of mental health in a school of public health in the U.S. We bring together experts across disciplines—from childhood adversity to aging, workplace health to global health—to understand mental health, prevent and manage mental health and substance use disorders, and advocate for improved access to mental health services. Dedicated to advancing research and public health practice, not clinical training, our faculty are committed to educating the next generation of mental health researchers and professionals and giving students the foundational skills to improve mental health in their communities and globally.

Department of Mental Health Highlights

One-of-a-kind department.

We are the only department dedicated to mental health in a school of public health in the U.S.

Spanning the Life Course

Faculty, staff, and students carry out research on   childhood, adulthood, and later life mental and behavioral health, and study the determinants of mental health at each stage of the continuum from mental wellness to mental illness.

Teaching and Training

We are committed to educating and mentoring students to become leaders in public mental health practice and research.

From Research to Implementation

We identify determinants, develop and test interventions, and evaluate strategies for implementing and sustaining these interventions through evidence-based policy. 

Mental Health Programs

The Department of Mental Health offers a doctoral program, a master's program in health science, and a combined bachelor’s/master’s program. We also offer postdoctoral training, two certificate programs, and a special Summer Institute.

Bachelor's/Master of Health Science (Bachelor's/MHS)

The Bachelor's/MHS program gives Public Health Studies majors at Johns Hopkins University an opportunity to seamlessly extend their undergraduate studies to graduate-level coursework and research.

Master of Health Science (MHS)

The MHS in Mental Health is a nine-month degree program that provides a foundation in the research methods and content-area knowledge essential to public mental health.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD program provides advanced training in the application of research methods to understand and enhance public mental health.

Centers in the Department of Mental Health

The Department of Mental Health houses several centers that bring together faculty, students, and community partners across multiple departments and schools in pursuit of improving public mental health.

Center for Mental Health and Addiction Policy

Johns hopkins center on aging and health, moore center for the prevention of child sexual abuse, wendy klag center for autism and developmental disabilities, renee m. johnson, phd, mph.

Dr. Johnson uses social epidemiology and behavioral science methods to investigate injury and violence, substance use, and overdose prevention.

Follow Our Department

Department news, bloomberg faculty receive new grant to launch first-ever center on workplace mental health, carlina carter named to the indispensable role of blacks at johns hopkins university project, upcoming events, support our department.

A gift to our department can help to provide student scholarships and internships, attract and retain faculty, and support innovation.

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Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

Learn the theory and practice of educating and supervising future counselors in clinical settings and in your own higher education classroom.

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Expand your impact. Empower others. Teach the next generation of counselors.

Learn the theory and practice of educating and supervising future counselors in clinical settings and your own higher education classroom.

Expand your impact. Empower others. Teach the next generation of counselors. Are you ready to apply your counseling expertise to a new challenge? Earning a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision could be how you take your career to the next level, whether in the classroom or in a leadership capacity. Your courses will cover the advanced leadership skills needed to drive change as an administrator in behavioral health agencies and beyond. Coursework in areas like research design, counselor education, and inferential statistics will also help you prepare to contribute original knowledge to the counseling field.

By the numbers

Phd in counselor education and supervision.

The fully accredited online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from University of the Cumberlands teaches the knowledge and skills you need to launch a career in research and postsecondary teaching in counseling programs across the United States. Our program also covers the advanced leadership skills needed to drive change as an administrator in behavioral health agencies and beyond.   

Our curriculum covers the five major domains of contemporary counselor education curriculum: advanced clinical work, supervision, teaching, research and scholarship, and leadership and advocacy. The program breaks down into three essential components: core CES coursework, professional research and field experience coursework. In total, you’ll complete 66 post-master’s credit hours, including courses such as:  

• Advanced Counseling Theories and Skills
• Theories and Techniques of Clinical Supervision
• Leadership & Advocacy in Professional Counseling
• Online Teaching & Learning in Counselor Education
• Advanced Educational Research 

Finally, you’ll work in collaboration with graduate faculty members to research, write and defend an original dissertation that advances knowledge in the counseling profession. You’ll graduate equipped with:  

• Mastery that prepares you for a teaching career in higher education environments  
• Administrative expertise preparing you for leadership in clinical and educational settings  
• Advanced clinical skills aimed to maximize proficiency in an independent practice milieu  
• Independent research skills preparing you to make original contributions to your field  

Course Requirements

• CES 700 - CES Program Orientation  
• CES 704 - Professional Writing  
• CES 705 - Introduction to CES: Professional Identity  
• CES 715 - Online Counseling and Supervision  
• CES 730 - Andragogy in Counselor Education and Supervision  
• CES 731 - Multicultural Issues in Counselor Education and Supervision  
• CES 733 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Counselor Education and Supervision  
• CES 735 - Advanced Counseling Theories and Skills  
• CES 831 - Theories and Techniques of Clinical Supervision  
• CES 833 - Leadership & Advocacy in Professional Counseling  
• CES 835 - Online Teaching & Learning in Counselor Education  
• CES 837 - Neuroanatomy & Behavioral Medicine for Professional Counseling  

And one elective from the following:

• CES 737 - Trauma Counseling: Etiology, Treatment, and Interventions  
• CES 710 - Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Interventions in Mental Health Counseling  
• COUN 538 - Introduction to Play Therapy  
• COUN 540 - Human Sexuality in Counseling  

*CES 738 or CES 851 may also be used to fulfill elective credits

• CES 931 - Advanced Clinical Practicum  
• CES 953 - Advanced Clinical Internship I  
• CES 955 - Advanced Clinical Internship II  

Nine hours of the degree are earned through a series of courses focusing on research methods and research activities. The research courses culminate in the completion of a dissertation. Both CES 734 and CES 850 are required for all students. Each student will select either CES 851 or CES 738 depending on the methodology you intend to pursue with your dissertation research. Students may take both advanced research design courses and count one as their elective.

• CES 734 - Quantitative Research Design  
• CES 850 - Qualitative Research Design  
• CES 851 - Advanced Qualitative Research Design OR CES 738 - Advanced Quantitative Research Design
• CES 838 - CES Comprehensive Exam  
• CES 736 - Dissertation Seminar  
• CES 839 - Advanced Educational Research  

Students must be enrolled in a minimum of two semesters of dissertation coursework for a total of six (6) credit hours. 

• CES 950 - Dissertation  
• CES 951 - Dissertation  

NOTE ON DISSERTATION CREDITS AND PROCEDURES: The candidate must file an Intent to Graduate at the beginning of term of intended completion; must schedule Oral Dissertation Defense at least two weeks prior to Intended Date; and must file approved dissertation with Program Director prior to graduation. 

Department of Counseling Sample Syllabi *The syllabi in this folder are samples and may not reflect the most current syllabus content

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Mission and goals.

The mission of UC's PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision online program is to develop counselor educators and supervisors who are innovative in their contributions to the profession through research, leadership, advocacy, and clinical excellence.

Counselor Education and Supervision Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor: $101,340

As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, you’ll provide an opportunity for your supervisees to discuss any work-related issues and difficulties they may have and help determine possible ways for them to be resolved. 

Psychologist: $81,040

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. 

Mental Health Program Manager: $101,340

Mental Health Program Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of their mental health facility. 

Educational or Career Counselor: $60,140

Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services. 

Compliance Manager: $71,690

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere. 

Postsecondary Teacher: $79,640

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.

Common Questions

All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation – and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.

A Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision is a doctoral degree that equips counseling professionals to teach in higher education classrooms. As a graduate counseling student at Cumberlands, you’ll learn the theory and practice of educating and supervising future counselors in clinical settings, as well as leadership skills you can apply in education, behavioral health, and human services settings.  

With your Ph.D. in Counselor Education and supervision, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of counseling career paths, including: counselor educator, licensed professional counselor supervisor, clinical director, regulatory affairs director, quality assurance director, compliance manager, compliance operations manager, risk manager, academic leadership, or assistant professor in a related field.   

As it turns out, University of the Cumberlands is one of the only higher education institutions to offer synchronous, CACREP-accredited programs online! When a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision online program is available online, it provides a flexible, synchronous format to make it possible to pursue your studies even while working as a counselor. Admissions requirements typically include a CACREP-accredited master’s degree in counseling or the equivalent, as well as an active professional counseling license.

When considering pursuing an online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision it is important to remember that a PhD is the same as a doctorate, and degree programs at this level are typically research-intensive and require an original dissertation. As a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision online student, you’ll be taking courses in areas like research design, counselor education, and inferential statistics to help you prepare to contribute original knowledge to the field of counseling.

Pursuing your doctoral degree in counseling education and supervision could be one way to enhance your career and drive change on a larger scale. Some reasons you may find it worthwhile to further your education with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program are that postsecondary education roles in the field of mental health are expected to increase by 12 percent between 2021 and 2030; a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision offers the chance to build on your past education and experience while preparing to take your career in a new direction; and the median annual salary for postsecondary counseling professors was $77,500 in 2021, nearly $30,000 more than most other counseling professions. 

Faculty Experts

Get to know your future CES professors.

Dr. Lekesha Davis

Contact information.

Dr. Christian J. Dean

Dr. Marina Gilberti Bunch

Cacrep assessment.

The CACREP Council accredits the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Addiction Counseling program, PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision, and the related Doctorate of Educational Leadership Online (EdD) Program. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that accredits counselor-preparation graduate degree programs. For more information, visit  https://www.cacrep.org . 

CACREP Outcomes for the Department of Counseling at University of Cumberlands:

Vital Statistics:   2017 ,  2018 ,  2019 ,  2020

Program Evaluation Outcomes Report:   2015-2018 ,  2021 ,  2022

Interested in learning more about how our PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program can help you achieve your professional goals? We're ready to talk.

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Mental Health Counseling, Ph.D.

• Mental Health Counseling, PhD

In This Section

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Why a Ph.D. in Counseling? 

Keeping with Belmont’s understanding of its mission within the context of Christian higher education, this degree program will train master’s level mental health professionals to accomplish their goals—becoming doctoral level professors and/or practitioners ready to train tomorrow’s mental health professionals or highly-skilled clinicians who work with clients within a variety of settings across the mental health care continuum.

The program helps mental health professionals enhance their counseling and research skills to improve treatment efficacy while exploring connections between personal spiritual beliefs, biases and client diversity.

Drawing students from a variety faith backgrounds, Belmont’s diverse faculty and staff with varied life experiences and educational backgrounds represent an ecumenical approach to the Christian faith which focuses on hospitality and inclusion. Their diversity of thought will challenge you to think differently and prepare you for the variety of clients you will encounter in professional practice.

This degree is distinctive among contemporary doctoral counseling programs in that it embodies advanced spiritual and pastoral theological understandings of the care of human beings in addressing the depth and complexity of human suffering.

What You'll Learn 

The PhD in Mental Health Counseling is designed to train leaders, teachers and researchers in the field of mental health counseling who can integrate the most advanced scientific resources of the field with a comprehensive understanding of human spiritualities and their impact on the health and wellness of the diverse populations composing society.

The program consists of two tracks, each leading to a different professional field of service. The Advanced Clinical Practice track is designed to allow currently licensed mental health professionals to become leaders in the field of clinical practice by advancing their knowledge and skills to the doctoral level and by developing the specialty area of spiritually integrated counseling/psychotherapy in their practice. The Counselor Education and Supervision track is designed to prepare persons for careers in higher education and research with specialization in the role of spirituality in human life and development.

Available Tracks

Advanced clinical practice add.

Advanced Clinical Practice: 55 Semester Credit Hours This track provides academic training for practicing mental health professionals to serve as highly skilled clinicians in many settings including private practices, community mental health agencies, addiction recovery centers, research agencies, behavioral health agencies, government mental health positions and research centers, among others. Students will learn advanced skills and research practices beyond those achieved at the master’s and basic licensure level to assist families, children and individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges.

Download the degree plan

Counselor Education & Supervision add

Counselor Education & Supervision: 57 Semester Credit Hours

This track provides the academic training for counselors to work as faculty in higher education, serve as clinical supervisors training the next generation of counselors or serve as highly skilled mental health practitioners in a variety of mental health counseling practices.

Emphasis is placed on teaching, researching, supervision and practice.

Method of Instruction

The Ph.D. in Counseling at Belmont University is primarily taught online with some face-to-face components. At least once each semester, students will come to Belmont’s campus for an intensive weekend of face-to-face instruction. All other components of the program will be conducted virtually.

Career Possibilities

• Private Practice Therapist
• Counselor in a non-profit
• Counselor in a school setting
• Therapist in an agency

Program Details

Minimum degree requirements & courses add.

The program consists of two tracks, each leading to a different professional field of service. There is a range of 55-57 hours required to complete the program.

• Foundational Courses: 33 hours
• Practical Courses: 6 hours
• Counselor Education: 18 hours
• Advanced Clinical Practice: 16 hours

Students in the Counselor Education track are required to complete a practicum and internship consisting of 700 clock hours of counseling and counseling related activities in an approved site or agency as a part of the program. Normally, students will complete 24 semester hours of course work prior to beginning their practicum experience. Students will be required to pass a background check and show proof of approved professional liability insurance prior to beginning the clinical experience component of the program.

See All Program Requirements

 Download the degree plans

Download the Student Handbook

Courses You'll Take

• CTM 6013 Spiritual Development and Religious Experience 

This course is an advanced study of human development focusing on the spiritual and religious dimensions of that process. Students will explore the psychological, sociological, anthropological, historical, phenomenological and theological research and literatures that have contributed to our understandings of this dimension of human life. Special attention will be given to the application of research to clinical practice.

• CTM 6016 Advanced Group Therapy - Theory and Practice 

Building on prior study of group dynamics and therapy, this course is an advanced study of the theory and techniques of group psychotherapy. Students will explore current research and literature in group therapy as well as emerging trends. Special emphasis with be placed on application of research to clinical practice.

• CTM 6015 Mental Health Care in Contemporary Society 

This course is an advanced exploration of the ways in which cultural and contemporary social influences shape how mental health care is conceptualized and practiced. From the taxonomy of mental disorder and its various treatments to the economic and political influences, mental health care is shaped by powerful forces in our society. The course will especially focus on the practitioner’s ethical competencies and professional advocacy responsibilities.

• CTM 6014 Clinical Supervision and Leadership: Theory and Practice

Competent clinical practice requires an intense and extended experience of practice under qualified supervision. This course explores the nature, theories, methods and skills required to provide ethically competent supervision in a culturally diverse society. The course pays particular attention to the supervisor’s responsibilities to the well-being of both clients and the profession of mental health care.

• CTM 6017 Advanced Human Systems in Clinical Practice 

This course is an advanced study of the application of human systems theory in counseling and psychotherapy. Students will explore current research in marital and family therapy. Emphasis of the course is the conceptualization of human suffering and its amelioration from the perspective of the ecology of living systems.

• CTM 6630 Advanced Internship II 

This course provides for counseling expertise in the clinical, supervision, research and teaching setting. The experience includes a minimum of 300 clock hours in this course. Students experience both direct delivery and weekly individual and group supervision.

• CTM 6610 Advanced Practicum 

This course provides for counseling expertise in the clinical, supervision and teaching setting. The experience includes a minimum of 100 clock hours. Students experience both direct delivery and weekly individual and group supervision.

• CTM 6008 Advanced Psychometrics and Assessment 

This course builds on basic psychometric and assessment training. The course will explore advanced principles of test design and clinical use. Multicultural competencies with instrument selection and administration will be emphasized. Different types of assessment are evaluated and conducted. Particular attention is devoted to the psychometric principles of test construction and assessment's use in research.

• CTM 6220 Advanced Qualitative Inquiry

This course allows students the opportunity to apply knowledge of qualitative research methodology. Students apply knowledge of qualitative research designs, sampling methods and other such topics related to research conceptualization, data collection processes, and problem investigation in counseling. Students design and conduct a qualitative research study in this course.

• CTM 6019 Advanced Quantitative Statistical Analysis

This course introduces students to advanced quantitative research methodology and statistics. Students conduct and interpret statistical analysis using SPSS for a variety of quantitative research designs. Students are exposed to ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA, MANCOVA, factorial analysis and a variety of other parametric and nonparametric statistics and mixed methods in this course. Special attention is given to choosing appropriate research statistics based on research questions and conducting an appropriate analysis.

• CTM 6007 Advanced Theories of Change 

This course is an advanced inquiry into the theories of change undergirding the many methods and techniques employed by mental health professionals. The course will explore the theories of change in counseling and psychotherapy approaches such as psychodynamic therapies, behavioral therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapies, family systems therapies, as well as newer approaches such as neurolinguistic programing, brain spotting and EMDR.

• CTM 6009 Advanced Vocational Discernment & Counseling 

This course teaches advanced career counseling principles and examines connections between life career development, vocational discernment, spirituality and mental health. Students apply the world of work, career decision-making theories, the process and techniques of career counseling, the interrelationship between career and life balance issues and theories of mental health with clients. Special attention focuses on career development with regard to issues of diversity and multicultural and social justice frameworks.

• CTM 6999 Dissertation

During this course, students work on a major research project, the dissertation, in conjunction with a faculty dissertation committee. Students design a research proposal, submit an IRB, conduct ethical research, analyze data, devise findings and conclusions, and submit a final dissertation manuscript while meeting regularly with the dissertation committee chair and committee members. This course may be repeated for credit until the dissertation committee designates student completion.

• CTM 6018 Qualitative Inquiry 

This course introduces students to qualitative research methodology. Students become familiar with qualitative research designs, sampling methods and other such topics related to research conceptualization, data collection processes, and problem investigation in counseling. Special attention is given to choosing appropriate research designs and methods in qualitative research.

• CTM 6019 Quantitative Statistical Analysis

This course introduces students to quantitative research methodology and statistics. Students become familiar with quantitative research designs, sampling methods and other such topics related to research conceptualization, data collection processes and problem investigation in counseling. Special attention is given to choosing appropriate research designs and methods in quantitative research and analyzing/computing statistical data.

• CTM 6225 Research Seminar 

This seminar allows students to focus on and develop their major research project. Students will be expected to present a formal research proposal during the seminar. Emphasis of the seminar is to identify a researchable problem, design a research project, write a lucid and concise scholarly proposal, and present the research proposal and findings in appropriate technical form. Each student will produce a first draft of a dissertation research proposal.

• CTM 6012 Seminar: Advanced Clinical Practice 

This seminar is an advanced study of mental health practice through an in-depth exploration of the actual practices of the students enrolled. Foci of the seminar will vary from semester to semester depending upon the needs of the group. Topics may include the practice of spiritually integrated psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, the practice of clinical supervision, couples therapy, clinical practice as research laboratory, etc. Students must be engaged in an acceptable clinical practice site throughout the course of the seminar. Adherence to HIPAA regulations will be required.

• CTM 6006 Spiritual Traditions in Global Perspective 

We live in a diverse society saturated with a variety of spiritualities. This course is an advanced study of the diverse manifestations of spirituality brought to the clinical encounter by clients and clinicians alike. Students will engage in an in-depth exploration of the historical backgrounds as well as the diverse social manifestations of spiritualities associated with the wisdom traditions of the world such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Indigenous traditions. The course will give special attention to the interface between the clinician’s spirituality and that of the client.

• CTM 6005 Spirituality in the Clinical Encounter 

This course is an advanced study of human spiritual dynamics as they are present in the clinical encounter of mental health counseling. The course will explore ways in which client spirituality informs and is related to assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and techniques adapted to specific client needs. Students will also explore methods for increasing awareness of how their own spiritual development, convictions and identity impact the clinical encounter and outcomes. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of this dimension of clinical practice, the impact of cultural diversity on spirituality and principles of ethical competence in practice.

• CTM 6011 Teaching, Writing & Publishing in the Counseling Field

This course offers practical knowledge on teaching in higher education and teaches professional writing and presenting skills. Students learn how to evaluate topics, submit a conference proposal, design a dissertation proposal, write a dissertation, write a grant proposal, author journal articles and be an effective teacher. The role of a counselor educator with regard to writing and teaching will be examined.

• CTM 6620 Advanced Internship I 

This course provides for counseling expertise in the clinical, supervision, research and teaching setting. The experience includes a minimum of 300 clock hours. Students experience both direct delivery and weekly individual and group supervision.

• CTM 6404 Seminar: Special Topics in Counselor Education 

Special topics in counselor education. This seminar may be repeated for credit with a change in topic.

• CTM 6405 Seminar: Special Topics in Spirituality and Mental Health Practice

Special topics in the relationship of spirituality and mental health practice. This seminar may be repeated for credit with a change in topic.

Matriculation Requirements add

In order to matriculate through the program, students must be admitted, complete all degree and assessment requirements, and apply for graduation.

The following links assist with matriculation through the 55 to 57-hour PhD program from admission to graduation.

• Admissions Requirements
• Courses and Graduation Requirements
• Downloadable Degree Plans
• Student Handbook

Accreditation add

The program is preparing to seek accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

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• Application Deadline: August 2, 2024
• Classes Start: August 25, 2024
•   Streamlined pathway to a doctoral degree
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•   Fully online coursework without campus visits

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• Program Features

Reach the highest level of counseling education

A reputable online program for working professionals to earn their EdD in Mental Health Counseling.

Flexible Pathways

Schedule your education around your life.

Virtual Classrooms

Study at your own pace with 100% online coursework.

CACREP-Aligned Curriculum

Gain valuable clinical skills and prepare for licensure.

Practicum Hours

Hands-on experience through your field practicum.

View Admission Requirements

About the program.

Support human well-being and contribute to the body of knowledge in mental health counseling

The online Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) at American International College (AIC) offers a streamlined pathway to reach the terminal level of counseling education. With this degree, not only can you provide mental health counseling, but you will also be qualified for faculty roles in academia where you can contribute to the body of knowledge in the field through research.

AIC has a long-standing history of making education more accessible for people of all backgrounds, with a legacy centered around diversity, access, and inclusion. With this degree, you can become a part of this legacy by providing access to mental health care for diverse groups of people in need in your community and educating the next generation of mental health counselors.

• 100% online coursework : Study at your own pace
• No campus residencies:  Stay close to home
• Field practicum hours : Put classroom theory into real-world practice
• Enroll full-time or part-time : Schedule your education around your life
• CACREP-aligned curriculum : Get prepared for licensure in most states

The program is based on an integrated curriculum that trains you as a capable counselor and educator well-versed in theory, research, and clinical skills. It offers flexible enrollment options and no campus travel, making it an ideal choice for working professionals.

• 66 Credit hours
• 700 Practicum/internship hours
• 3 Intakes per year
• Full-time: 7 trimesters (2 years and 3 months)
• Part-time: 11 trimesters (3 years and 7 months)
• $830 per credit hour + fees*

*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees.

Students from a number of states are welcome to apply to American International College’s EdD in Mental Health Counseling program. Please see our State Authorization page for more detailed information.

Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet all state licensing requirements as promulgated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or by the appropriate board in the state in which they wish to practice. For specific information, contact your state or provincial certification/licensing board.

AIC participates in the National Council State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), which establishes comparable national standards for the interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs.

American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The EdD MHC program’s curriculum is aligned with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP) to prepare you for licensure in most states. (Students are responsible for ensuring they meet all state licensing requirements.)

Field Placement Practicum

How does the field placement process work?

Experiential learning in your community is one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of earning your degree. Practicum hours are guided and directed by AIC faculty in collaboration with your on-site field supervisor 

How do field placement services help me?

Concurrent coursework and field experiences connect theory with practice. Field placement provides 700 hours of real-world, hands-on mental health counseling experience. Your placement coordinator will guide you through the process and work alongside you. 

How should I prepare for my field placement? 

You will be an active participant in searching for your field experiences, letting you seek opportunities that fit your interests and career goals. You’ll be responsible for reaching out to agencies in your community. Your placement coordinator will guide you through the process and assist when possible. 

To be considered for enrollment in this program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in psychology or closely related field
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Personal statement 

Online EdD Counseling Curriculum

This course emphasizes diversity in relation to the theories, issues, and trends related to multicultural counseling and family consultation. The focus is on the impact of diversity on psychological, physical and social health and growth. Coursework covers studies of the attitudinal and behavioral patterns of diverse people based on life stage, religious beliefs and rituals, sexual orientation, gender identity, racial identity, ethnicity, cultural beliefs and rituals, familial dynamics, socioeconomic status, and intellectual and physical differences. Students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to provide competent counseling and consultation to diverse individuals, groups, and families. (3 credits)

This course encompasses the understanding of substance use disorder within the criteria of the current DSM and addiction as a disease within the medical model. Students will be introduced to contemporary theories on the social, physiological, psychological, and emotional components of addiction. The appropriate mental health counseling treatment modalities for addiction and co-occurring disorders will be reviewed and practiced through an understanding of the stages, effects, and processes of addiction. This course will cover prevention, interventions, and outreach strategies related to addiction and recovery counseling. Medically assisted treatment will also be discussed. (3 credits)

This course covers the major theories of human lifespan development in relation to the well-being of individuals and mental health counseling. Students will engage in a comprehensive study of major theories of physical, cognitive, affective, and social development and their application to mental health counseling and psychological interventions. Students will relate developmental theory to real-life developmental issues and to the understanding of learning and personality development. Through case studies and a review of literature, students will understand the nature of the developmental needs and potential issues of individuals and families at each developmental stage of life. (3 credits)

This course covers major theories and principles of psychopathology and intervention in relation to mental health counseling. Students will engage in a comprehensive study of the identification and diagnosis of psychopathology and mental health treatment planning for abnormal, deviant, or psychopathological behavior. This course includes the study of the assessment of psychopathology and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of crises, short-term mental health issues, and long-term mental health issues. Students will study the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) for the criteria of diagnoses in relation to intake, assessment, treatment planning, and counseling. Case studies will be examined to address the physiological, biological, and environmental factors related to psychopathology across the human lifespan. (3 credits)

Sally Van Wright EdD ’19

"I want to learn more, I want to study more, but I don’t want to stop doing what I’m doing to help people."

Eugene Isaak EdD ’19

"I really like the atmosphere here, and I really like the people. They’re really engaged here; they really care. I discovered that AIC is a big part of this community. I was amazed at the interconnection — not just the people, but the programs and outreach."

  3 intakes per year

  Full-time or part-time

  100% online coursework

MHC Program Outcomes

The doctoral Mental Health Counseling program is designed to meet the educational requirements for a licensed mental health counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and similar professional designations in other states. You will gain experience addressing mental health issues, human dynamics, and social justice for various individual or group cases, institutions, or workplaces. The program is based on a balanced, sequential scientist/practitioner model and emphasizes the interrelation of theory, research, and practice.

Numbers Tell the Story of Mental Health in America

Frequently asked questions.

It depends on your schedule, and the choice is yours. You can complete this program on a full-time basis and earn your degree in two years and three months (seven trimesters). Or, you can enroll in the program part-time and earn your degree in three years and seven months (eleven trimesters).

The online MHC program costs $830 per credit hour + fees* for a total investment of $54,780. Financial aid  may be available to our online students.

Yes. Our faculty members are experienced practitioners. They are experts in their field and dedicated to your success in diverse counseling settings.

Employment Outcome

161,588  median total annual wages*.

Job postings in 2021 (up 28% since 2018)

The most common industries employing mental health counselors, by the number of employees, are as follows:

Projected 10-year Growth  

Outpatient care centers (41%)

Individual and family services (16%)

Elementary and secondary schools (10.5%)

Colleges, universities, junior universities, and professional schools (6.35%)

• General medical and surgical hospitals and specialty hospitals (6.08%)
• Residential care facilities (3.13%)
• Administration of human resource programs (2.64%)
• Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals (2.47%)
• Justice, public order, and safety activities (1.68%)

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lightcast, DataUsa.io

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EdD vs PhD: What’s the difference?

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• PsyD vs PhD

Top 5 Online Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling Degrees

Obtaining a Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling is a popular choice today. The demand for mental health counselors is rising fast. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 22% increase in demand for mental health counselors by 2028. ( BLS.gov )

Getting a Ph.D. in this specialty has never been easier. Today, you can earn your Ph.D. online without leaving your home. Below are the best five online Ph.D.s in Mental Health Counseling.

#1 Northcentral University

Northcentral University provides an online Ph.D. in Mental Health Policy and Practice offers the student a strong base in research and theory. The four-year program also promotes awareness of ethics and respect for diversity. After you complete your Ph.D., you will possess advanced critical thinking and communication skills that will help you to become a better mental health counselor, educator, and leader. ( NCU.edu )

This Ph.D. program in mental health counseling is taught by professors with doctoral degrees in their respective fields. They will teach you to appraise mental health education literature regarding the application of organizational management and behavior health and to develop a solid knowledge of forensic casework.

Most graduates take positions in top leadership positions in mental health service organization and delivery in private enterprise or state government.

Required courses include:

• Research Methods
• Tests and Measurements
• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
• Research Design Planning
• Components of the Dissertation
• IRB and Data Collection
• Mental Health Service Policy
• Evidence-Based Treatments
• Psychology and Finance
• Mental Health and the Courts

#2 Capella University

Capella University has an online Ph.D. in General Counselor Education and Supervision that provides students with mental health counseling skills to advance as a counselor, educator, researcher, and leader in the field. This four-year Ph.D. program offers you the opportunity to practice real-world application of theories while building essential skills in mental health counseling, research, supervision, and leadership. ( Capella.edu )

Highlights of this online Ph.D. program are:

• Doctoral experience: You will be prepared for success from the start with integrative experiences to help you progress to your required dissertation
• Professionally respected program: The Ph.D. program is accredited by CACREP, and offers a curriculum that is built around professional standards for mental health counseling education.
• Scholar-practitioner faculty: Learn the newest theories and practices in the field from skilled and experienced faculty who work today in their professions.
• Residency: Advance the skills you develop in your Ph.D. program by interacting with professors and students.
• Practicum: Apply your newly learned skills and knowledge in the field by contacting clients directly.
• Advanced Research in Human Development
• Doctoral Comprehensive Examination
• Foundations of Advanced Social Science Research and Design
• Quantitative Methods for Counselor Education Research
• Leadership and Advocacy in Counseling

#3 Walden University

Walden University offers an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in Forensic Mental Health Counseling. ( Walden.edu )

The online doctoral program in counselor education and supervision is designed to teach the student how to evaluate the practice and theory of counseling through quantitative and qualitative research. This education prepares the student as a leader and educator in mental health counseling.

Doctoral students are required to show an advanced grasp of counseling theory, as well as an understanding of advanced group counseling and individual counseling skills. With the use of experiential practice, technology, collaboration, and contextually relevant course of study, students will be prepared to take leadership positions in the mental health counseling field.

With the forensic mental health counseling specialty, students will obtain the skills needed to be an active practitioner, educator, or leader within the criminal justice and legal systems. Students explore several assessment tools and techniques that are essential in forensic psychology and learn how to apply their research conclusions to forensic clinical settings.

Required classes include:

• Advanced Counseling Theories
• Clinical Supervision
• Survey Research Methods
• Professional Consultation, Program Evaluation, and Leadership
• Teaching in Counselor Education
• Understanding Forensic Psychology
• Assessment in Forensic Psychology
• Ethical Issues and Professional Responsibilities in Forensic Psychology

#4 Liberty University

Liberty University provides an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision that gives students advanced training in mental health counseling, counselor education and supervision, leadership and advocacy and research and scholarship. The four-year, accredited program is designed for students who want to enhance their counseling career options and be mentored by experts in counseling and mental health education. ( Liberty.edu )

The department’s faculty has a passion for teaching students at the doctoral level the essential mental health counseling techniques that can make a huge difference with families and in schools. Graduates leave this online program ready to be counseling leaders in public, private, and government settings.

The curriculum gives students the skills and knowledge in advanced counseling, supervision, counselor education, leadership, and advocacy to succeed at the highest levels of mental health counseling.

• Advanced Theory Application
• Dissemination of Research and Scholarship
• Teaching Internship
• Supervision Internship
• Counseling, Research, and Leadership Internship

If you earn your Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Liberty University, you are getting a degree from a university where the online programs are ranked in the top 1% of 2,000 online universities. Graduating from this top-notch program will set you apart from others in the field.

#5 Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers an online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision that will help you to become a better counselor, educator and supervisor in private or public organizations. Graduates of this four-year, online Ph.D. program will have the skills and background to be hired for a full-time faculty position in psychology and mental health counseling departments at colleges and universities. ( Saybrook.edu )

As a counselor educator, you will possess advanced skills and knowledge in teaching, clinical supervision, research, advocacy, and leadership. This degree prepares you for many rewarding positions, such as:

• Teaching as full time or part time faculty in counselor education at the bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. level.
• Supervising mental health counselors.
• Advocating to enhance the lives of at-risk families and individuals.
• Offering meaningful change in your community and the counseling field.
• Conducting mental health and psychological research with a humanistic focus.

Required courses include Introduction to Counselor Education; Leadership, Advocacy, and Ethics in Counselor Education; and Instructional Theory.

PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership Degree Transform Mental Health Care

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Prepare for a Career in Behavioral and Mental Health Administration with Liberty’s PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership

Are you an experienced behavioral health professional looking to take the next step in your career? With Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership, you can develop the skills needed to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations. Throughout this program, you will be trained in advanced research methods as well as practical leadership skills – providing you with an effective blend of theory and praxis to facilitate your career growth.

The skills you gain throughout the doctorate in behavioral health leadership can help equip you for a variety of job opportunities. You could go on to pursue a career in research or teach at the collegiate level, or you may take on top-level administrative positions in behavioral health settings. The PhD in Psychology is a research-oriented program, so the courses you take will emphasize a more theoretical approach to human behavior – enabling you to solve important problems in the field.

As a graduate of our online psychology program, you can be better equipped to pursue leadership roles, manage teams and organizations, and address research issues within the field of behavioral health. Partner with us and prepare to make a greater impact on your community as a research expert and leader in psychology.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership Degree?

At Liberty, we’re committed to helping you reach your goals without putting your life on hold. That’s why we’ve designed our PhD in Psychology to be 100% online. With our top-notch distance learning platform, you’ll have the freedom to pursue your doctorate from the comfort of home. Additionally, you can complete this degree in as little as 3 years – faster than a typical doctoral program – saving you time and money.

Like many students, you may be wondering whether an online education offers the same rigor and credibility as an on-campus program. At Liberty, you can rest assured that the degree you’re earning is of the highest quality. We are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) – and our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . With an online degree from Liberty, you can prepare to pursue your career goals with confidence.

Throughout the PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership degree program, you’ll study under faculty who have advanced degrees and years of experience in related fields. Drawing on what they have learned in their own careers, our professors will teach you effective leadership techniques, essential research methods, and important ethical considerations. With their guidance, you can gain an in-depth understanding of human thought and behavior. You’ll also receive support from our faculty as you develop your own original research to contribute to the current body of knowledge in the field of psychology.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership Degree Online?

This program is broken down into 3 parts: core psychology courses, the behavioral health leadership specialization, and a dissertation sequence. With such a well-rounded array of courses, you can build on your previous study and experience in psychology and behavioral health while preparing for new roles in leadership and administration.

The core courses cover a variety of topics such as research, statistics, and analysis. You’ll also study the relationship between Christianity and psychology – particularly how a biblical worldview is compatible with empirical research in psychology and how they can be used together in the pursuit of truth. Additionally, you’ll explore how to effectively teach the subject of psychology at the college level in both residential and online settings. By developing a strong foundation in research and teaching methods, you can train to become a thought leader in your field.

Within the behavioral health leadership specialization, you’ll explore the concept of management in behavioral and mental health settings. Some of the topics you’ll study include theories and research in behavioral health, leadership and development, strategic planning and management, and contemporary topics in behavioral health. You will also be able to customize your degree by choosing from a list of available courses. Depending on which topics interest you, you could study grant writing, program evaluation, organizational consulting, behavioral healthcare policy, or healthcare financial management.

Lastly, you will round out your degree by completing a rigorous sequence of dissertation courses. As you research, write, and defend your dissertation, you can explore important issues in behavioral health and develop valuable research to help address challenges and further advances in your field.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Administrator/director of a behavioral or mental health organization
• Grant writer
• Nonprofit organization leader
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Featured Courses

• PSYC 718 – Theories and Research in Behavioral Health
• PSYC 780 – Strategic Planning and Management
• PSYC 828 – Contemporary Topics in Behavioral Health
• PSYC 840 – Leadership and Development

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides (login required).
• View the PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook .
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s PhD in Psychology Online Program

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liberty accredited.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).

How long does it take to complete this program?

You can complete this doctorate in behavioral health leadership in as little as 3 years!

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PhD/MPhil Mental Health

Postgraduate research degree

You will join a research community that is leading the way in how we look at mental health care and communication. Research will be enhanced by the outcome focused environment of our Centre for Mental Health Research

Research centres and groups

• Mental Health

Key information

Affiliations

Our links with Bart's Trust, UCL Partners and others has helped create research-active clinical academic posts, ensuring research is undertaken under the supervision of respected clinical experts.

Mental Health Postgraduate research degrees PhD/MPhil course Overview

As an PhD/MPhil researcher at City’s Centre for Mental Health Research , you will be contributing to a body of knowledge and expertise. Making a direct impact on people’s health and well-being.

Our research on Mental Health addresses the complex links between mental and physical ill-health. We cover including some of the biggest healthcare challenges facing society, such as dementia and depression.

We work closely with clinicians, patients, carers and service managers across a range of disciplines to carry out research to improve mental health care and communication for people of all ages in all settings.

Our pioneering approach to involving patients and carers throughout the research process has earned us an international reputation. Bolstered by strong links with government bodies and major health charities.

Study for an MPhil/PhD

Doctoral level study involves independent academic research, supported by supervisors, that makes an original contribution to knowledge within the discipline.

There are two main routes to doctoral-level research degrees (PhD) within the School.

The main approach - MPhil/PhD by major thesis - centres on conducting original research and presenting this in a thesis of around 70,000 words (and no longer than 100,000 words).

An alternative route to doctoral qualification is PhD by publication. This involves the candidate either linking together a coherent body of previously conducted research papers with a critical commentary (PhD by prior publication) or preparing and submitting a series of papers for peer reviewed publication during the period of registration (PhD by prospective publication).

Further details of these two routes are given below:

MPhil/PhD by major thesis

The standard route involves the accepted candidate pursuing a research project under the guidance of their supervisors over a period of 3 years (full-time) or 4-6 years (part-time).

MPhil and PhD study will commonly involve a structured programme of research activity. Comprising systematic literature review, pilot or developmental study, and main study phases.

PhD by publication

Prior publication: Candidates who have already published a series of significant research papers submit these together with an accompanying analytical commentary. This body of work must be principally the candidate's own work.

The number and range of publications must be sufficient. This is to demonstrate that the work forms a coherent contribution to knowledge or scholarship within the particular field. This typically involves around six papers.

Prospective publication: Candidates publish several (generally around four to six papers, dependent on their depth, quality, significance and impact) significant research papers. You will address various aspects of your research topic during their period of PhD registration.

Prospective publication

You will publish several (generally around four to six papers, dependent on their depth, quality, significance and impact) significant research papers. You will address various aspects of your research topic during their period of PhD registration.

These published (or accepted for publication) papers together with a critical analysis which draws together your published work will be submitted in a single thesis of between 40,000 and 80,000 words. (including the publications). This word count might vary by subject discipline.

As with the prior publication route, the accompanying critical commentary identifies your knowledge and skills acquisition, their part in developing the research, and the relevance and importance of the work within the submitted publication series.

For full details about the City PhD programme structure, please see the Guide for Research Students .

Requirements

Entry requirements.

Entry requirements vary by subject area and applicants should approach academic staff working in their area of interest. Here you can discuss your proposal ahead of submitting an application.

Applicants should normally hold an upper second class honours degree or the equivalent from an international institution. Where the applicant's academic profile shows no evidence of training in research methods, it will normally be recommended that students first complete an MSc or MRes programme. This is to prepare them for MPhil/PhD studies.

Substantial employment or research experience may be considered for some subject areas alongside or in place of academic qualifications.

English requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of at least 7 (with a minimum of 7.0 in writing) is required.

For more information see our main entry requirements page.

Visa requirements

If you are not from the European Economic Area / Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study.

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

• Students on courses of more than six months
• Students on courses of less than six months
• Students on a pre-sessional English language course.

For more information see our main Visa page .

Fees and funding

Full-time Home/UK: £5,000 per year

Part-time Home/UK: £2,500 per year

Full-time International: £13,500 per year

Part-time International: £6,750 per year

Fees for doctoral candidates are charged annually and cover registration, supervision and examination.

Fees are subject to review each year and may vary during your period of registration. Where applicable, fees for City's programmes will be subject to inflationary increases in each academic year of study commencing in September . Our policy for these increases is set out in our terms and conditions of study .

Support for PhD study

Prospective students are encouraged to explore doctoral Grants and funding opportunities such as:

• NIHR and MRC Fellowship schemes
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Specialist scholarship schemes (such as those provided by Arthritis UK, Diabetes UK, and the British Heart Foundation)
• Research Council studentship awards , if available.

Our bursaries are non-repayable sums of money granted by the University, usually based on need.

Our loans are repayable sums of money granted by the University or other body.

Our scholarships are when the University pays towards your Study fees. You may also be eligible for further funding.

Fully funded ESRC studentships are currently available to Doctoral Researchers for entry in October 2024 through the SENSS Doctoral Training Partnership .

Postgraduate Doctoral Loans

The Government has introduced a new Postgraduate Doctoral Loans scheme which can provide a loan of up to £25,000.

This will be over three years to support study for a doctoral degree.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study. It can be used alongside any other forms of support you may be able to receive.

For more information, please see our Postgraduate Doctoral Loans page .

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees.  Find out more about additional expenses .

Academic support

City has a well-established structure and processes to support your research .

Supervision

MPhil/PhD students can become integral members of the School’s research teams based in their Research Centres. Our centres assist students in completing their studies. A range of research groups are available to support MPhil/PhD students.

MPhil/PhD students are assigned to a team of supervisors, usually two academics who are expert in the field of the student's study. Students meet regularly with supervisors, reviewing, their learning needs and planning, work towards progression.

Full-time students will meet with their supervisors at least twice a term part time students at least once a term to record notes from these meetings and other indicators of progress on the web-based system, Research And Progress (RAP) .

Progress is monitored by an annual review, where students have the opportunity to discuss their research design and written work with an advisor. They also have access to support from Senior Tutors.

All students working towards a PhD (other than those undertaking doctoral study by prior publication or as a structured programme) initially register for MPhil studies. When their study has developed, they may apply to be upgraded to PhD student status which nvolves an oral examination.

Upgrading occurs between 12 and 18 months for full time study and between 24 and 30 months for part time study.

Research students are supported by student representatives who meet with the student-staff liaison committee. Here they can respond to any student concerns that cannot be addressed by supervisors.

All MPhil/PhD students can access a wide range of MSc modules and other training programmes across City, normally without charge.

Workshops, seminars and retreats are organised for students across the School and within particular areas.

Institution-wide research activities can also contribute to your development as a researcher. An annual programme of research and enterprise development activities is also run for students.

The  City Doctoral College can provide more information about graduate degrees.

How to apply

In the first, instance, we recommend that you visit the School of Health & Psychological Sciences and the relevant Research Centre. Here you can read about our research and establish areas of specific staff interest. This will enable you to identify whether the School of Health & Psychological Sciences at City is the best place for your study.

Details of relevant academic staff can be found here .

Following this you need to submit a formal online application with a curriculum vitae and a 1-2 page proposal of study. This should include:

Background and rationale including other work in the area leading up to the PhD study.

Proposed methodology such as aims, design, participant groups, measures, analysis.

Potential outcomes of the research in terms of academic outputs (papers and presentations) and real world impact (e.g., its potential usefulness for teachers/ speech language therapists etc.).

We realise that at this stage you may not have a completely clear plan of study, and that the proposal is likely to change after you begin study. The proposal gives us an idea of your writing and organisational ability, motivation and rationale for the study and potential wider benefits.

See here for guidance on writing your research proposal .

Select one of the available starting dates to start your application.

• 1 st Oct 2024
• 1 st Feb 2025

For further application enquiries please contact our PGR enquiries team .

PhD projects from SHPS

Agency, social identity & justice in mental health: a collaboration with young people, clinicians & academics across philosophy, ethics & neuroscience.

The project has established a new collaboration to investigate agency, identity and justice in youth mental health.

Research centre: Centre for Mental Health Research

Academic: Professor Rose McCabe

Status: Ongoing project

View case study site

Improving quality of life and health outcomes of patients with psychosis through a new structured intervention for expanding social networks (SCENE)

This research will try an approach that is different from what health services currently do. It will carry out several research studies, involving patients and different health professionals.

Accessibility and acceptability of perinatal mental health services for women from Ethnic Minority groups (PAAM)

This research will assess to what extent women from ethnic minorities do not attend appointments at specialist services and how they are referred to two Mother and Baby psychiatric hospital units.

Status: Completed project

Boosting baby behaviour and bonding in parents with enduring difficulties in managing emotions and relationships (BOOST)

The BOOST trial aims to establish whether parents with enduring difficulties in managing emotions and relationships, consent to and complete this video feedback intervention

Academic: Professor Sally McManus

Music-assisted programmes: Developing communication in autism spectrum disorder through music-making (MAP)

The project aims to develop a set of music-assisted intervention programmes to increase spoken language ability in 24-60-month old nonverbal or minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder.

Academic: Dr Jacqueline Sin

Tackling chronic depression - adapting and testing a technology supported patient-centred and solution-focused intervention (DIALOG+) for people with chronic depression (TACK)

This research aims to develop a new approach to help patients with depression. We will see if DIALOG+ is acceptable by asking people with depression their opinions on the approach.

The role of staff and team communication in reducing seclusion, restraint and forced tranquilisation in acute inpatient mental health settings

This study will be the first to examine staff and team communication in mental health wards, identifying the communication that leads to successful de-escalation.

Academics: Dr Mary Lavelle and Professor Rose McCabe

Co-production project to improve access to primary healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers experiencing mental distress

The aim of this coproduction project is to develop resources to support help-seeking and aid communication about health needs between asylum seekers and refugees and primary healthcare practitioners.

Academics: Susannah Hermaszewska and Dr Jacqueline Sin

Co-designing culturally engaging alcohol intervention to reduce harm in Nepal

This study will be the first to use Experience-based Co-design and Photovoice to explore how community assets can be best incorporated in co-designing an alcohol intervention for future evaluation.

Improving outcomes in patients who self-harm – Adapting and evaluating a brief psychological intervention in Emergency Departments (ASsuRED)

The study will investigate how to better support people who attend Emergency Departments (EDs) who have thoughts of taking their own lives or have harmed themselves.

Academics: Professor Rose McCabe and

ENRICH into practice: informing the successful introduction of peer workers into mental health services (ENRICHMENT)

This study builds on the 5-year NIHR-funded ENRICH peer support research programme to optimise implementation of peer support in mental health services and so maximise benefits.

Academic: Steve Gillard

Self-harm and suicide in males

The first part of the PhD will be to assess the effects of psychosocial interventions for self-harm compared to comparison types of treatment in males versus females.

Academics: Dr Kirsten Barnicot and Professor Rose McCabe

Find a supervisor

See our full list of academic staff and potential supervisors in Department of Nursing.

Dr Sally Barlow

Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing

Department of Nursing

Dr Martin Cartwright

Senior Lecturer in Health Services Research

• Department of Health Services Research and Management

Tracy Lindsay

Senior Lecturer

Useful links

• Doctoral College
• School of Health & Psychological Sciences
• Student wellbeing
• Terms and conditions

Contact details

Shps doctoral enquiries.

+44 (0) 20 7040 5972

[email protected]

• Call us on 1300 272 509
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100% online

Master of Applied Mental Health

Develop advanced skills in mental health care and wellbeing.

Accelerated 100% Online

2 years part-time

Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Oct

You may be eligible for FEE-HELP. Learn more .

$42,300 total course fee

Take hold of your future career

Applications close in 38 days

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Download a course guide

Fill in your details to download an interactive course guide containing:

• course information
• career pathways
• how online study works
• course fees
• how to apply

Shape mental health care

Begin or enhance your career with a qualification in applied mental health, enabling you to lead holistic positive change. This course integrates academic, practice, and lived/living experience expertise.

4.3 out of 5

23.2% growth predicted over a 5-year period.

Endless career options

You will be ready for the next step Work as a Clinical/ Project Coordinator amongst other roles.

Accelerated & 100% online

Study that’s flexible

Coursework and assessments designed to fit around your needs.

Support seven days a week

Learning advice and study assistance

Dedicated support services designed for your study discipline.

Shape the mental health care of the future

Begin or enhance your career with a contemporary qualification in applied mental health, enabling you to lead holistic positive change. Guided by recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and integrating academic, practice, and lived/living experience expertise, this immersive program bridges gaps in conventional mental health training and safely prepares you for broad and meaningful work across the human lifespan.

Informed by Monash’s world-class research, clinical and industry connections, the Master of Applied Mental Health will equip you to understand and work with the complex range of factors that impact mental health and wellbeing, and empower others to do the same.

Upon graduating, you’ll have gained understanding of mental health and wellbeing policy and practice across priority areas, worked directly with an industry partner to solve a real-world problem, and produced a digital portfolio that prepares you for future employment.

Please note that this course is not accredited by the  Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Our APAC accredited courses include the Graduate Diploma in Psychology and the Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced . 

What you will learn  

Be prepared with understanding and skills to prevent issues before they occur, respond when they do, and adapt across diverse situations.

• Acute and complex care Learn how to best support individuals across the lifespan within some of the most challenging industry settings.

Build a digital portfolio to enhance your career opportunities in mental health and wellbeing.

Our worldwide Psychology rankings

Monash is a leader in groundbreaking research and teaching excellence and has consistently achieved an enviable reputation across the world.

Pathway to a masters degree

You can graduate with a Master of Applied Mental Health in approximately 2 years part-time accelerated, after completing 12 units (72 credit points total).

You can also exit the course after completing approximately:

• 0.7 years part-time accelerated, 4 units (12 credit points), and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate of Applied Mental Health; or
• 1.4 years part-time accelerated, 8 units (24 credit points), and you’ll receive a Graduate Diploma of Applied Mental Health

Applied Mental Health

Graduate certificate.

0.7 years part-time accelerated

Foundations of mental health practice

Psychology: Allies in Indigenous health and wellbeing

Digital technologies in mental health care

Counselling skills for mental health and wellbeing

Graduate Diploma*

Supporting families for child and youth mental health

Supporting mental health and wellbeing in older adults

Disability and inclusive practice

Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace

*Exit point only.

Addiction and recovery

Family violence practice foundations

Suicide prevention and support

Capstone project

Unit Code: PSY5011

Contact Hours: 20-24 hours of study per week

Duration: 6 weeks

Description:

Guided by a case study approach, you will follow the journey of people through their experience of mental health concerns and navigating health systems. You will further your understanding of how the mental health system works within Australia, the types of community-based organisations, services, and resources available to individuals experiencing a mental health issue, and the barriers that interfere with mental health promotion and recovery from an episode of illness. Using contemporary strengths based models, you will consider how to conceptualise mental health concerns from a multidisciplinary perspective, develop your skills in critical and reflective thinking, and support people towards living well.

Unit Code: PSY5012

In this unit, you will have the opportunity to develop practical skills required to improve Indigenous mental health equity and cultural safety in healthcare. You will undertake five modules based on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework, covering the domains of respect, reflection, communication, safety and quality, and advocacy.

You will learn the importance of cultural humility, how culture relates to wellbeing, and how worldview influences in guiding thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The unit facilitates your understanding of the impacts of implicit bias, stigma and racism and the influence of your own culture when working with culturally diverse others. Such an understanding provides the context for self-reflective practice, cultivating respect in order to relate to clients as a whole person, rather than merely focusing on symptoms and diagnosis of disorders.

You will learn to integrate an awareness of lived experiences, and how to communicate in a culturally safe manner. Grounded in a strengths-based approach, you will learn to apply principles from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Psychology, as well as other psychology of indigenous peoples.

Unit Code: PSY5013

Digital technologies are increasingly being used to support wellbeing and to detect, treat and manage mental health problems. These technologies include telehealth, apps, chatbots, robots and wearables. These technologies have the potential to provide suitable, evidence-based, accessible care to a wide range of individuals. However, these technologies also raise a number of concerns such as privacy, regulation and guidance.

In this unit you will:

(1) learn about existing digital mental health services and frameworks;

(2) synthesise information regarding the benefits and barriers of digital mental health technologies, and;

(3) evaluate the implementation of digital mental health services across diverse settings and populations.

Unit Code: PSY5014

Contact Hours: 20-24 hours per week

Relational communication skills are fundamental in supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing in any professional context. In this unit you will augment your understanding of how to build person-centred connections which foster safety for yourself and others. Through experiential learning about key interpersonal skills you will recognise their application in different contexts and theoretical approaches to counselling practice, and gain experience in the use of these techniques to support others. Integrative activities will provide opportunities to consider the influence of your own values, biases, and beliefs, which is a core aspect of self-reflective practice.

Unit Code: PSY5015

This unit will focus on developing your knowledge of child and youth mental health and your skills to support their parents and broader families. You will learn about common child and adolescent mental health problems, the bidirectional relationships that intrapersonal, interpersonal, and social-cultural factors have with child and youth mental health, and the unique needs of LGBTIQA+ families.

You will develop an understanding of the role of parental carers in child and youth mental health, interpersonal skills for communicating with carers about their parenting behaviours, and intervention delivery skills for providing ethically informed and evidence based carer support for child and youth mental health.

Unit Code: PSY5016

This unit will focus on mental health and wellbeing throughout the lifespan into older adulthood. You will gain an understanding of optimal ageing, including when changes occur across a variety of social (e.g., working and retirement), psychological (e.g., mental health) and biological (e.g., brain health) areas. Modifiable lifestyle factors and associated interventions to help optimise and promote healthy ageing will be considered, along with how we might communicate key messages in support of person-centred care and wellbeing.

The unique challenges of working with older adults, and in particular older adults who experience complex mental health, addiction, and interconnected concerns will also be explored.

Unit Code: PSY5017

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) estimates that 1 in 6 Australians live with a disability. In this unit you will further your understanding of ableism, disability and inclusive practice, and the intersection between mental health and disability.

You will have the opportunity to develop skills that are relevant to working in varied contexts with people who have lived and living experience of disability and those who support them. This learning will be positioned within key frameworks to allow for a thorough examination of societal barriers, such as access to services and employment, and possible solutions to better facilitate the inclusion of people with lived experience of disabilities.

This unit will assist you to appreciate the complex impacts of disability and work towards more inclusive practices.

Unit Code: PSY5018

Enhancing wellbeing is of benefit to both individuals and organisations. This unit introduces you to determinants of workplace health and how an understanding of organisational psychology principles can be applied to address organisational issues and generate interventions which enhance the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and teams in the workplace. You will also learn about assessing and cultivating physical and psychological safety in the workplace.

Unit Code: PSY5019

This unit explores lived and living experiences of addiction and recovery. You will consider the ways in which substance and behavioural addictions can impact individuals, families and communities, and the impact of dominant discourses and frameworks. Approaches to holistic care and wellbeing will be considered alongside insights into the intersect between addiction and co-occurring mental ill-health. Developing your skills in reflective and trauma informed practices will equip you with an understanding of how to support people across diverse contexts and potential next steps when more intensive interventions are required.

Unit Code: PSY5020

Family violence is a social issue with significant physical, financial, emotional and resource costs for individuals and communities. In this unit you will be introduced to contemporary knowledge and theories informing our current understanding of family violence, and critically examine how family violence impacts upon a diverse range of individuals. You will also learn about current family violence legislation and policy and some of the key approaches to assess and support responses to family violence.

Throughout the unit you will be encouraged to critically reflect upon your personal views, values and assumptions about family violence.

Unit Code: PSY5021

In this unit you will learn how to communicate about suicide safely, identify key drivers of suicide, and understand the skills required to provide support to individuals and communities. You will reflect on your capacity to reduce suicide and develop a plan for self-care when supporting people around suicide. You will integrate knowledge regarding suicide facts and trends, theories, risk and protective factors, and stigma to develop an understanding of why suicide happens. Systems-based suicide prevention approaches for communities and government policies will be explored, with a focus on groups of people who experience disproportionate rates of suicide.

A key focus of the unit will be the importance of lived / living experience understanding and inclusion.

Unit Code: PSY5022

This unit brings together the skills and knowledge built over the Master of Applied Mental Health and requires you to apply them to a real-world industry problem. The unit provides the opportunity for you to analyse a workplace issue relevant to mental health and wellbeing, using tools and frameworks applied throughout the course. Industry input will be secured to provide a real-world problem and enable you to test and refine your proposed solution. You will also be required to apply a reflexive approach that recognises the wider context and your role as a change-maker.

Entry Requirements

Flexible study.

The course is structured in three parts:

• Part A. Foundation studies
• Part B. Priority populations
• Part C. Priority areas

Need further clarification about our online course structure?

You can submit an enquiry directly to our student consultants by using the form listed on our contact us page . You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a call if you’d like to receive further information.

Foundation studies

These studies introduce you to the foundations of supporting mental health and wellbeing. They are designed to extend your existing understanding or experience and apply it specifically to mental health and wellbeing practice.

You must complete the following units:

Relational communication skills are fundamental in supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing in any professional context. In this unit you will augment your understanding of how to build person-centred connections which foster safety for yourself and others.

Through experiential learning about key interpersonal skills you will recognise their application in different contexts and theoretical approaches to counselling practice, and gain experience in the use of these techniques to support others. Integrative activities will provide opportunities to consider the influence of your own values, biases, and beliefs, which is a core aspect of self-reflective practice.

Priority populations

These studies apply your foundational understanding to focus on key population groups identified as a priority for mental health and wellbeing.

Priority areas

These studies apply your foundational understanding to focus on key priority areas identified as impactful to mental health and wellbeing.

There are two entry pathways into the Master of Applied Mental Health.

English requirements

Applicants must meet the English language requirements.

Eligible entrance via Graduate Certificate

Commence your studies via the graduate certificate of applied mental health , a post-graduate qualification that can lead you to further studies in the master of applied mental health., entry level 1 – masters degree (72 points to complete).

Entry Level 1 – Masters Degree (72 points to complete)

An Australian bachelor degree in any discipline (or equivalent qualification) with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60, plus two years relevant work experience in one of the following areas*.

*Relevant work experience in one of the following areas:

• Community Development
• Counselling
• Human Resources
• Human Services
• Public Health

An Australian bachelor degree in a cognate discipline**, or equivalent qualification, with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60.

**Cognate disciplines include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Social Work

Entry Level 2 – Prior postgraduate study experience (48 points to complete)

A Monash University Graduate Certificate of Applied Mental Health or equivalent with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60,

A Monash University Graduate Diploma of Psychology or equivalent with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60,

A Monash University Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) or equivalent with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60,

A Monash University bachelors honours degree in Psychology with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60.

For the Master of Applied Mental Health, the estimated cost is $3,525.00 per unit. You may be eligible to receive a FEE-HELP loan to cover part or all of your tuition. Fees are subject to change annually.

Looking for clarification on fees or scholarships?

Enquire with our course consultants and schedule a call to get your questions answered.

Scholarships

We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.

Your Monash Master of Applied Mental Health is designed to accommodate your busy life, with built-in flexibility through six teaching periods each year.

You’ll complete your world-renown qualification in a dynamic virtual classroom and access course material when and where it suits you, taking advantage of a dedicated support network available extended hours, 7 days a week.

Study flexibly online

Undertake the same qualification as on-campus student, but 100% online. You’ll gain the skills required by the digital workforce and study in a way that suits your lifestyle.

Discover more about online study.

Support before, during and after your studies

When you study online with Monash, you’ll experience the same level of flexible support as your degree offers. Course consultants can answer your questions about online study and guide you through your course selection and enrolment. Student advisers are available 7 days a week to assist with everything from enrolment queries to academic and study skills, with subject matters experts in each of your units to help you through unit content and assessments.

Career outcomes

The workplace of the future is an exciting and dynamic place. A Master of Applied Mental Health  degree is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to succeed in a constantly changing global environment.

What does the future look like for Health Managers ?

Skilled Health Managers are in demand and well-paid, especially those who can lead businesses into the digital space.

Industry Growth

Learn from the change makers

The Master of Applied Mental Health is a collaboration of Monash’s cutting-edge research and academic expertise. Guided by expert teaching staff employed as mental health clinicians, you will be guided to build, develop and refine skills in responding to mental health challenges.

The Monash online experience delivers a streamlined six-week teaching period, one of few such courses in Australia. It gives you the opportunity to engage in the learning material and study anywhere in Australia, whether you are inner-city, rural or remote.

Dr. Kim Johnston

Course convener master of applied mental health.

Kim Johnston is implementing a collaborative approach to mental health education, so graduates can deliver better wellbeing support.

Utilising her applied and interdisciplinary knowledge in mental health, she’s delivering her learnings to students in Monash’s online mental health courses.

Meet your academic team

Dr kim johnston.

Dr Kim Johnston holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and is the Course Coordinator of the Monash Online Applied Mental Health programs. She has a practice background in community mental health, specialising in youth mental health, family therapy, and substance addiction. She is passionate about transforming lives and communities through accessible, inclusive, and collaborative education about mental health and wellbeing.

I have enjoyed interacting, learning and engaging with like-minded people the most. These interactions have given me motivation and inspiration to keep going and quench my thirst for further knowledge as well as advance my professional career.

Angela Weerasekera

Health Graduate

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Courses designed for online.

Gain a world-class education, delivered through a dynamic virtual classroom and taught by leading academics.

You’ll have ongoing access to dedicated support services that have been specifically designed for your discipline.

Equipped for career success

You’ll graduate as an in-demand employee, ready to take the next step in your career.

Monash Online is a partnership between Monash University and Online Education Services (OES). Learn more .