Rider’s M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to become skilled, compassionate professionals ready to support individuals, families, and communities. Whether you’ve long envisioned a career in counseling or are now seeking a more purposeful path, our program provides the knowledge, skills, and supervised clinical experiences you need to make a difference.
A Growing Field with Expanding Opportunities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% growth in employment for mental health counselors by 2033, far above the national average. This strong outlook reflects a rising demand for professionals who can address today’s mental health needs across diverse settings, including private practice, hospitals, community agencies, and schools.
Integrating Evidence-Based and Creative Approaches
Rider’s program provides the foundation and training for aspiring counselors to obtain licensure and pursue meaningful careers in the clinical mental health field. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based counseling methods and extensive clinical field experience, with opportunities to explore innovative approaches to healing, such as expressive and creative modalities. Many students find that their personal or professional backgrounds enrich their counseling practice, helping them connect with clients in transformative ways.
Comprehensive Training and Specialized Options
Students gain the skills to support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disordered eating, poor self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, addictions, and more. All students complete coursework covering the core CACREP content areas as well as the CACREP clinical mental health counseling specialty area requirements.
Students may pursue a concentration in dance/movement therapy or choose from a range of electives, such as courses on sport counseling, creativity, play therapy, family counseling, trauma and body image.
