Masters Degrees

Master of Arts in Professional Mental Health Counseling

Program Details

Credits: 60 semster hours
Program Length: 8 semesters (part-time and full-time study available)
Program Start: Summer, fall, or spring
View program of study in current course catalog
Program Co-Directors: Stella Kerl-McClain, Ph.D., sbk@lclark.edu, 503-768-6077 and Amy Rees-Turyn, Ph.D., arees@lclark.edu, 503-768-6074

Our 60-credit Master of Arts degree program allows students to emphasize working with either children/adolescents or adults and to choose from a rich array of electives to begin gaining expertise in areas of special interest. A majority of states now require a 60-credit degree for licensing and this degree program makes this prospect readily available to our students.

Programs in Professional Mental Health Counseling prepare students to become mental health counselors who work in a variety of settings such as community mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, the corrections system, community colleges, colleges and universities,  residential treatment centers, and private practice.  

Courses emphasize grounding in human development, multiple theoretical perspectives, and empirically-informed practices.  Classes offer opportunities to apply knowledge to realistic client problems and counseling situations. Classroom interaction with peers and faculty contributes to developing professional skills, the ability to accept feedback, learn from supervision, and  develop an expanding network of peers. The variety of personal, cultural and educational backgrounds and views of our students enhance classroom discussions and enrich your educational experience.   Faculty members use diverse instructional approaches and are committed to continuing reflective practice to increase our effectiveness in preparing professional counselors.  

Strong partnerships with—approximately 100—community organizations extends our learning environment beyond the campus (into the many settings in which counselors and client meet, work, and live).  Through practicum and internship work in these settings, students learn by applying their knowledge and skills under supportive supervision and feedback.   In these experiences, students expand their knowledge,  gaining valuable early experience and develop confidence in becoming a professional counselor.

Our programs are designed to meet the requirements of the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. The program is accredited by the Council for Counseling and Counseling Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which is the leading national accreditation body for master’s-level professional counselors.  

Students have the option of pursuing part- or full-time study. Classes are scheduled mostly in the evenings and afternoons to serve those who work while obtaining a degree.  By attending Lewis & Clark you will join a supportive community of colleagues who often continue their relationships in their professional lives beyond graduate school.

Master of Science Option

Program Details

Credits: Minimum of 63 semester hours
No direct admission is available for this program (see below)
Thesis project required
View program of study in current course catalog

There is also a Master of Science option in Professional Mental Health Counseling. The M.S. curriculum is for students who have interest and potential in psychological research. Students must first be accepted into the M.A. concentration. Admission to the M.S. concentration requires that the student be active, successfully complete CPSY 530 Research Methods and Statistics I with a grade of B or better, be enrolled in CPSY 531 Research Methods and Statistics II, present a preliminary research proposal, secure the commitment of a faculty adviser to chair a thesis committee, have a defined timeline for completion of the project, and have formally applied to the M.S. program. Full admission is granted when the faculty approves a proposal that meets these criteria.