MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Transform Lives with Bennington’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Make a lasting impact on your community and meet the urgent need for mental health care in today’s world with Bennington College’s innovative and comprehensive Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Our 60-credit, low-residency program is designed to prepare learners for licensure in as little as 2 years. Each semester begins with a 10-day on-campus residency, fostering intensive learning and meaningful connections with faculty and peers. Between residencies, you’ll continue your studies remotely through dynamic online coursework, live discussions, and individualized faculty advising, blending hands-on support with flexible, independent learning.
Application details coming soon.
Learn more about this program.
Why Choose This Program?
- Bennington’s Progressive, Student-Centered Approach: Rooted in Bennington’s legacy of progressive education, this program prioritizes your unique journey as a counselor, allowing you to direct your learning path. You’ll cultivate a strong professional identity grounded in compassion and authenticity.
- Dedicated Faculty Support: You'll work with supportive faculty who bring real-world counseling experience and mentorship. You’ll meet regularly with a dedicated faculty advisor and course faculty for support, mentorship, and clinical placement supervision to ensure your success.
- Job Opportunities: Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a rapidly growing field, with a high need for competent and well-trained practitioners. This program prepares you to meet this need for meaningful and lasting employment.
- Grounded in State-of-the-Art Standards: Guided by core competencies from the American Psychological Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA), the program blends evidence-based Western practices with global approaches. You’ll be fully prepared to work toward licensure in clinical mental health counseling.
- Innovative, Arts-Based Therapeutic Training: With deep roots in Bennington’s renowned arts tradition, this program integrates narrative and expressive arts practices, preparing you to harness the healing power of creativity in your clinical practice.
Choose a Concentration that Aligns with Your Passion
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a general clinical mental health counseling track or three specialized concentrations to tailor your expertise:
- Expressive Arts Therapy: Build on your creativity by becoming a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, applying diverse art forms as therapeutic tools. You’ll learn to integrate music, movement, drama, and visual arts into your practice, adhering to IEATA guidelines.
- Narrative Therapy: Specialize in the transformative power of storytelling, inspired by the groundbreaking work of Michael White and David Epston. Through storytelling, media, and narrative construction, help individuals, families, and communities reshape their lives with intention and agency.
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression: Respond to the expanding need for inclusive, affirming counseling with this specialization. Gain expert knowledge in LGBTQIA+ issues, relational dynamics, and affirming therapeutic practices, preparing you to support clients across diverse sexual and gender identities.
Capstone or Thesis Path to Showcase Your Expertise
Whether you’re drawn to hands-on application or academic inquiry, choose from two paths to complete your degree:
- Capstone Path: Practical, project-based application of your skills.
- Thesis Path: A research-focused approach for those interested in advancing the field. Join a Compassionate Community
Our supportive, collaborative environment will nurture your professional and personal growth. Join us and take your first step toward a deeply fulfilling career.