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Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Online, MAEd

Seattle University’s online MAEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree develops ethical, reflective and culturally competent leaders for mental health settings.  

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About this Program

Leading Online Counseling Degree for Highly Skilled, Justice-Oriented Mental Health Counselors and Change Agents

With Seattle University’s Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, you’ll graduate with a graduate degree in counseling which will prepare you for state professional counselor licensure. Additionally, you’ll have completed the educational components for the Washington State Substance Use Disorder Certification.

Seattle University is here to support your journey in becoming a mental health leader, social change agent and advocate in counseling by offering a online counseling degree that you can complete from anywhere in the United States.

To provide support, you’ll have access to a personalized Student Success Coordinator and flexible scheduling to fit around your work schedule. Our faculty, who are leaders in their respective areas of research, are also committed to the success of the whole person.

Our Online Counseling Degree at a Glance

Learn how an Online Counseling Degree will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University master's degree can be.

The degree earned upon completion of the program is a Master of Arts in Education with a specialty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, also listed as an MAEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Degree Requirements

Discover an online counseling degree set up for your success:

  • The first two years of the program are offered in a format in which courses are online and asynchronous (no Zoom classes but weekly structure and deadlines.)
  • There is a summer residency requirement that takes place over four days at the end of July at the Seattle University campus after the first and second years in the program.
  • The 3rd year of the program is a hybrid experience in which students complete an in-person practicum and internship at an approved site wherever you live in the United States while taking an online synchronous group supervision course that meets once a week.

This is the only program in the nation where graduates are eligible to pursue Washington State substance use disorder certification upon graduation. This distinction positions our clinical mental health counseling graduates to provide integrated care.

  1. Integrate critical knowledge essential for professional counselors in a diverse society.  
  2. Demonstrate foundational skills with self-awareness in practice settings.  
  3. Prepare strategies for social justice within and beyond practice settings.  
  4. Engage in relationships which demonstrate our professional dispositions.

What You’ll Learn

See the core classes you’ll take and what you’ll learn as a student at this program.

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#3 Best Social Services Jobs

Substance Abuse Counselors and Mental Health Counselors — U.S. New & World Report, 2024

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Flexible Format

Study online, from anywhere in the United States.

Faculty-Led Special Topic Session

Designed for Your Success

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Classes on Your Schedule

The first two years of the program are offered in a format in which courses are online and asynchronous (no Zoom or video conferencing classes but weekly structure and deadlines). Your third year includes synchronous courses.

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Summer Residency for In-Person Connections

Engage at a summer residency at Seattle University for four days after the first and second years in the program. You’ll develop clinical skills, connect with cohort members and meet the staff and faculty.

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Practicum and Internship for Real-World Experience

The third year of the program is a hybrid experience in which students complete an in-person practicum and internship at an approved site near you. With both a practicum and internship, you will graduate ready to make a difference as an effective mental health counselor.

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World Class Faculty

Our counseling faculty are nationally renowned leaders in their field. They are well published and engage in innovative research and policy surrounding mental health counseling within our global community. They are counselor-scholar-advocates who bring a wealth of experience to the online classroom.

The Seattle University Counseling Department is committed to preparing ethical, self-aware counselors devoted to social justice, equity, and anti-racism. We develop students’ multicultural and social justice competence to ensure an understanding of systemic oppression that will help them advocate with and for marginalized communities. Our graduates are change agents that promote justice and foster individual and collective wellbeing through their integrity, reflective practice, and sustained efforts addressing inequities in their counseling.

Seattle University’s Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program prepares you for work in various community settings, such as youth service agencies, mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities and private practice.

Our graduates become highly respected:

  • Agency counselors
  • School-based mental health professionals
  • College counselors
  • Consultants
  • Mental health advocates
  • Counselor in private practice
  • Counseling supervisor

Hear From Our Current Students

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Alexis Lowe

"I am glad I chose Seattle U. The online program allows me to remain working, present with my family, and pursue my educational dreams. I’m impressed with how active, helpful, and engaged faculty are with students and their willingness to help and answer questions even outside of office hours. I have created many friendships with other students in my program as well."

Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling '25

Featured Faculty

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help!

Diana Calderon

Admissions Counselor

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