Earn your master degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University Shreveport, a program designed to develop professional counselors.
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Prepare for professional counseling careers and doctoral study in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at LSU Shreveport. Emphasizing counseling skills and theory, the master’s degree program includes the academic requirements you need to be a licensed professional counselor in the state of Louisiana.
LSUS is accredited by CACREP, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, the most prestigious national accreditation body for counseling graduate programs. LSUS’ College of Education and Human Development is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This is important, because most jobs require graduate degrees from accredited universities, and some states offer special consideration to graduates of NCATE-accredited programs when they apply for state certification as school counselors. At LSUS, you’ll also find unique opportunities to work in the field and conduct research, and a level of personal interaction with faculty you won’t find in many graduate programs.
The second year of the master’s in clinical mental health counseling program includes practicum and internship opportunities that provide hands-on clinical experience. Some counseling courses include a self-assessment of wellness which is conducted by each student at the beginning and again at the end of the courses. There are also training opportunities for site supervisors, such as the Chi Sigma Iota mixers with site supervisors and PTSD workshops facilitated by licensed professional counselors.
Applicants must complete the online LSUS Application for Graduate Admission and submit transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Records. Applicants must also submit to msc@lsus.edu: (1) at least two letters of reference; (2) MSCMHC Program Application Form; and (3) Letter of Intent (essay) indicating your plans after the degree. All material must be received by the program director prior to the MSCMHC program application deadlines which are: March 30th for admission in the Summer term and early admission in the Fall semester, April 30th for the Fall Semester, and October 30th for the Spring semester. In addition, applicant's credentials should provide evidence of freedom from limitations that would jeopardize their success as a professional counselor.
Earn your master’s degree at LSUS and prepare for a career as a licensed professional counselor. The master’s in clinical mental health counseling program is also an excellent foundation to pursue doctoral degree programs in counseling or clinical psychology.
Graduate training model
The master’s in clinical mental health counseling program is based on the practitioner-scientist model of training, emphasizing clinical practice and scholarly knowledge. There’s also a strong focus on research design and methodology. A wellness model encourages counseling practitioners to look at the whole person and think about cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems from a developmental perspective.
Student life
LSUS is home to more than 70 student clubs and organizations that offer a variety of opportunities to get involved in the community and network with area professionals. This includes Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society (the International Counseling Honor Society), which hosts activities such as a licensed professional counselor mixer with counseling graduate students, area practitioners and supervisors.
Learn from the best
Our faculty are deeply engaged in diverse research areas – from motivational interviewing with high school students, to the impact of sexuality on quality of life for women with serious mental illness. One of our professors recently took part in the NPR program Health Matters, discussing “Gratitude and Positive Psychology,” resulting in a new practicum/internship site through the host of the show. Master’s in counseling faculty participate in local events such as Shreveport’s annual city-wide health fair. The program also offers a LGBTQ teen/parent social support group in the counseling clinic through which practicum and intern students can gain diverse clinical skills.
Financial aid for master’s in counseling graduate students
More than $12.4 million in scholarship money is awarded to LSUS students each year. Take some time to explore the types of financial aid you could qualify for.
Job placement rate for M.S. in Counseling alumni
“Many of the assignments in my classes required deep introspection and provided enormous benefit toward increasing self-awareness, benefiting my personal growth and preparing me for the challenging work of being a counselor. The openness of being able to choose topics of interest for assignments was a great fit for me, as it allowed me to research areas about which I am truly passionate. As a result, my research on integrating yoga with treating female trauma survivors invited me the opportunity to participate in presenting at the annual LCA conference. I was also fortunate to be hired as a student worker in the counseling office on campus. During my time as a student worker, working under great leadership meant that opportunities for professional growth were continually present.”Angie Pellerin (M.S. in Counseling, 2016)
2023-2024 CACREP Vital Statistics
2022-2023 CACREP Vital Statistics, MSC Newsletter, Annual Summative Report
2021-2022 CACREP Vital Statistics, Annual Summative Report
2020-2021 CACREP Vital Statistics, Annual Summative Report
2019-2020 - CACREP Vital Statistics, Annual Summative Report, Newsletter
2018-2019 - CACREP Vital Statistics, Annual Summative Report, Newsletter
2017-2018 - CACREP Vital Statistics, Annual Summative Report, Newsletter
LSUS psychology assistant professor Dr. Michael Becerra hosted a pair of Colombian psychology colleagues in Fall 2023 as part of an exercise of academic and cultural exchange.
LSUS master’s in clinical mental health counseling students have scored higher than the national average on their GSA comps (from the National Board of Counselors) – an exam based on the national counselor exam for state licensure. One of our students made an almost perfect score!
Professional counselors practice in a variety of settings in which counseling or other mental health services are offered, including:
Learn more about the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the program handbook.
Thinking about earning your master’s degree in counseling? You might also be interested in learning more about these graduate programs at LSUS.
Starting a successful career is closer than you think. With exceptional academics and generous financial aid, LSUS allows you to get your degree close to home while launching you to new heights.