Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Preparing the Next Generation of Counselors
Note on Upcoming Cohorts
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program will not be accepting applications for the Fall 2026 Cohort.
The faculty have initiated a one-year pause in admissions to allow for restructuring. During this one-year pause, the program will integrate additional resources and explore options for expanded course offerings resuming in the fall quarter of 2027.
Please note that the pause in admissions is limited to the CMHC program alone and that other WWU Masters programs including School Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling will accept and review applications this year as usual.
While we are disappointed not to welcome a new cohort in the fall of 2026, the CMHC faculty are excited about the opportunity to strengthen and potentially expand the program in 2027.
Program Information
The Master of Science program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling involves a two-year full-time package of academic courses and supervised practice, with the option to complete a thesis. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Goals
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program prepares students for careers in federal, state, and local clinics, privately funded agencies, colleges and universities, and other mental health counseling positions. The program provides a general foundation in theoretical and applied perspectives of counseling in addition to offering the student a solid background in counseling. Special emphasis is placed on skill development, supervised practice, and on-site internships in various community and mental health clinics.
Application Requirements
- Prior to applying to the program, applicants must have successfully completed a course on research methods in psychology. We also strongly recommend applicants complete the following psychology courses: abnormal or personality; developmental or social; and cognition or neuroscience.
- All applicants must complete the Graduate School's ApplyWeb application and pay the $100 application fee.
- Within the application you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
- Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
- International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency and student VISA requirements.
Additional Application Requirements
- Three (3) Letters of Reference
- Each reference should be no more than one year old. Must include at least one from a professor who can comment on academic abilities.
- Resume or curriculum vitae, including all work and volunteer experiences relevant to counseling.
- Statement of Purpose: The WWU Counseling Program faculty and students are guided by a mission statement and program objectives that reflect our values and goals for training counselors. As you begin the application process, please take time to review the WWU mission and objectives and reflect upon your interest in and match with our program. Use this reflection and write an essay of about 1000 words to address the following:
- Describe the academic, professional, personal, and volunteer experiences that make you a strong candidate for graduate training in the WWU Counseling Program.
- Describe an experience you had working to promote equity, social justice, and/or access in your personal or professional life.
- Explain why you have chosen clinical mental health counseling as a professional path.