Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Naropa’s M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a three-year graduate program that combines rigorous academic training, contemplative practice, and about 700 hours of supervised clinical experience. Through six unique concentrations, you’ll deepen your capacity to serve others with compassion and insight—while preparing for licensure and a meaningful career as a counselor. Ready to explore your eligibility and scholarship opportunities? Start by checking below.
Discover Your Eligibility for Naropa’s Counseling Program
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Complete this quick form to find out if your state licensure requirements are aligned with Naropa’s course of study.
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About the Program
There are six areas of concentration within Clinical Mental Health Counseling, providing students the opportunity to deepen their practice as a helping professional. Our concentrations reflect the diverse approaches to health and healing utilized within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling field, as well as the diverse nature of individuals.
Transpersonal Art Therapy
Your passion for art can be used as a tool for healing—for both yourself and others. Learn how to leverage creative energy for the greater good with contemplative and clinical approaches.
Somatic Counseling
Earn a master’s degree in counseling that helps you utilize the mind/body connection for healing. Become a somatically informed counselor prepared to work with individuals and families in diverse settings.
Somatic Counseling: Dance/Movement Theories & Practice
Harness the joy and healing power of movement for yourself and others. Prepare to be a movement/dance therapist in this somatic counseling master’s program.
Buddhism-Informed Contemplative Counseling
Take a deep dive into world wisdom traditions and learn how to apply the principles of mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy in a clinical setting.
Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling
This concentration is firmly rooted in mindfulness and transpersonal traditions, supporting students’ development of present-moment awareness.
Nature-Based Transpersonal Counseling
Nature’s power to improve our mental health is profound. Gain counseling skills, leadership capabilities, and experience in a number of nature-based therapeutic modalities.
Hear from Graduate School of Counseling Grads
Sofia Drobinskaya
A graduate of Naropa’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling program, Sofia Drobinskaya initially studied law and worked as a human rights activist in Moscow. Although she loved her job, she noticed she was constantly focused on “outside” change and wanted to uncover how it would feel to heal the “inner” piece.
Paula Gasparini-Santos
A graduate of Naropa’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Transpersonal Art Therapy program, Paula Gasparini-Santos is a Brazilian-born artist living in Boulder, Colorado. Paula utilizes art to support her heart’s calling to help people and shares how art can reveal universal truths to being human.
Program Overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program encourages introspection and mind/body awareness as well as a holistic approach to the development of professional counselors.
The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is uniquely designed to balance personal and professional development. You’ll graduate with a stronger sense of self and the confidence to use a social justice framework in supporting individuals, families, and communities in need.
Contemplative Approach to Mental Health
Naropa’s contemplative approach to Clinical Mental Health Counseling is based on the Buddhist concept that humans are basically good. This philosophy assures us that, whatever our issues, each of us is essentially healthy at our core. The ability to uncover innate basic goodness — or “brilliant sanity” — builds confidence in both the counselor’s ability to help the client and the client’s ability to heal themselves.
Social Justice Framework
Naropa’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling students approach clinical work through a strong social justice lens, applying their understanding of oppression and social injustice to the therapeutic relationship. Students are required to evaluate their own internal biases and life experiences. As a result, our future counselors are better prepared to work with marginalized clients in a compassionate, socially aware manner that promotes healing rather than causing further harm.
Real-world Clinical Experience
As a student in this program, you will engage in two clinical placements; a practicum and an internship. As you experience real-world counseling scenarios and explore your own biases, life experiences, and personal philosophies, you will develop the skills to become a compassionate professional counselor.
Program Format
Our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a three-year degree consisting of regular coursework and about 700 hours of field-based clinical experience.
Students complete their practicum and internship during their last year and a half of study, both at a community agency and under the supervision of professionals. Students engage in a Summer session between Years 2 and 3, in order to support continuity of care with clients during practicum and internship.
Students are also provided with university supervision during the Winter intersession of their third year, again to support continuity of care during internship.
Quick Facts
- Unique mindfulness-based approach
- 3 out of 4 graduate students qualify for financial aid or scholarships
- 80+ agency settings for practicum and internships
- 700+ hours of field experience at Clinical Mental Health Counseling sites
- Licensure support
- Small classes
- Six concentrations
- Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling and Somatic Counseling concentrations delivered in residential and low-residency formats
Why Choose Naropa?
Mindfulness Focus
Naropa’s mindfulness approach intersects with all Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentrations. We see meditation as a powerful tool for helping aspiring professionals find their place in an increasingly complex society. We practice contemplative education, which means that we value the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) and seek to attend to the whole person during the educational experience.
Experiential Learning
Another important accent of contemplative education is its focus on first-hand experience. In addition to learning about concepts, we place students into direct experience and engagement with the subject matter, so they can “see for themselves.” Thus, the education at Naropa is highly experiential.
Eastern & Western Wisdom Traditions
Naropa promotes a holistic approach to counseling that blends world wisdom traditions, Western approaches to mental health, and multicultural education. We believe there is a unique opportunity for utilizing contemplative practices within work for social justice. The two are mutually supportive and beneficial. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to face the challenges of a changing world and its multiple perspectives.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students demonstrate knowledge of core counseling curriculum.
Students demonstrate proficiency in clinical counseling skills.
Students demonstrate professional competence in counseling.
Career Opportunities with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA Degree
Graduates of our programs go on to employment in a variety of clinical and educational settings.
- Clinical Mental Health Counselor: in agency, hospital, or private practice settings where one works with individuals and groups to improve their mental health.
- Specialized Counselors: in the areas of addictions, family counseling, and relational counseling.
- Advocacy: in client and professional concerns, specifically legislation, professional leadership, and consultation. : take on a leadership role within a clinical or institutional setting.
FAQS about the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
What can you do with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
How do I obtain Professional Counseling Licensure?
Licensure and accreditation requirements vary across the United States and internationally. To practice Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Colorado, individuals must have a Masters’ level education and register through the State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, as well as fulfill a series of requisites. To obtain information about licensure in other states, see our State Authorization Federal Regulations Resource.
What sets Naropa’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree apart from other programs?
Naropa’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree includes areas of emphasis (e.g., mindfulness-based modalities, transpersonal awareness, and contemplative pedagogy) that are not available anywhere else in the country.
