Tampa Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Information

The Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Argosy University, Tampa is designed to provide the education, training and advanced skills required to pursue a career as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private and group practices, substance abuse treatment facilities, hospitals and clinics, correctional institutions, and government agencies.

The first step toward earning your Master of Arts (MA) degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is to apply today. You can learn more about financial aid options, available to those who qualify, by visiting our Financial Aid and Scholarships pages, or by contacting us to request more information.

About the Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Argosy University, Tampa

The Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60 credit hour program that can prepare students for professional careers as master’s level counseling practitioners. It meets Florida requirements for licensure and is accredited by the Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).*

The program is designed to integrate the theoretical and conceptual foundations of mental health counseling with training in appropriate client intervention and therapy skills. It emphasizes the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills that are essential for mental health counselors who are committed to providing quality services.

Our night and weekend class schedule is ideal for students who want to pursue a postgraduate degree while working full time. The program offers flexible weeknight and weekend schedule options, enabling working professionals to better balance the demands of career, family and school.

A strong commitment to mentorship by our diverse, accomplished faculty is the cornerstone of our program. Our engaged faculty utilizes a Scholar Practitioner Model, incorporating real-life experiences in the classroom curriculum. Instructors actively support students in having a comprehensive learning experience, including the publication of papers and participation in organizations and groups related to Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students may also participate in various Internship opportunities.

The program courses and curricula are designed to parallel prevailing licensure and certification requirements as closely as possible. Because of variations among states, each student should check with regional sources to confirm such requirements. Students are required to complete the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Evaluation (CPCE) while in the program. Upon successful completion of all course requirements and the CPCE, the student may need additional hours to test for licensure through the state of Florida.

What knowledge and skills can I gain from completing the Tampa Master of Arts (MA) degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

Students are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They can learn and develop strong counseling, clinical writing and speaking, and presentation creation and implementation skills. Our program supports students in developing effective communication and leadership skills, increased self-awareness, confidence, compassion and a commitment to advocacy.

Students can learn the application of core theory and research aspects of social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, and career development. They are also taught ethical and effective delivery of counseling and consultation services, the application of individual and group methods of assessment and evaluation, and the roles of research, statistical analysis needs assessment, and program evaluation. The program teaches clear and effective written and oral communication and interpersonal effectiveness.

Class time includes sessions in the Training and Learning lab, where they can gain practical experience with faculty and classmates. An audio/visual training facility within the lab allows students to record sessions and view live feedback from their instructor and classmates.

What career opportunities are there for graduates of the Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program?

Graduates of the Tampa Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling are prepared to serve as Mental Health Counselors. Once licensed, they can compete for a wide variety of positions in a variety of professional settings, including:

• Private and Group Practices – Counseling individuals, families, and groups.
• Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities – Graduates employed in this subspecialty work with inpatient and outpatient facilities, as well as with the court system.
• Hospital and Clinics – Graduates are employed as case managers, therapists, and clinical supervisors, serving clients with a variety of issues and severities.
• Correctional Institutions – In addition to helping clients develop new awareness and skills, graduates also provide support to families of individuals in correctional institutions.
• Veterans Administration – As graduates of a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CAPREP), students may work with military veterans.

How to Apply
The first step toward earning your Master of Arts (MA) degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is to apply today. You can learn more about financial aid options, available to those who qualify, by visiting our Financial Aid and Scholarships pages, or by contacting us to request more information.

*Argosy University, Tampa is an approved site for the delivery of Argosy University, Sarasota’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that is accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) under the 2009 standards. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs can be contacted at 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 535-5990 www.cacrep.org.