VCU Online MS in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) offers a 60-credit master of science program in rehabilitation and mental health counseling through the College of Health Professions, with two CACREP-accredited concentration options: clinical mental health counseling and clinical rehabilitation counseling. These programs serve both on-campus and distance-learning students and prepare graduates for Virginia LPC licensure, the certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) credential, and the national certified counselor (NCC) credential.
Across both concentrations, students complete 48 credits of core didactic coursework plus a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship in supervised rehabilitation and mental health settings. Shared core courses include addiction counseling; introduction to rehabilitation counseling; introduction to mental health counseling; theories of professional counseling; group counseling theories and techniques; couples and family counseling; diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders; multicultural counseling; counseling techniques; and counseling practicum, among others. The curriculum emphasizes inclusive, culturally responsive training that integrates mental health and disability perspectives in all coursework, preparing students for roles in community services boards, rehabilitation hospitals, vocational rehabilitation agencies, private practices, and other settings.
The clinical rehabilitation counseling concentration focuses on working with people with disabilities and chronic illness in settings such as veterans administration facilities, vocational rehabilitation agencies, community-based organizations, and rehabilitation hospitals. In addition to the shared curriculum, students complete a supervised clinical practice in rehabilitation counseling and one three-credit elective tailored to their interests. Students in this concentration may sit for the CRC exam after completing 75 percent of their coursework and, upon passing and graduating, immediately qualify as certified rehabilitation counselors.
The clinical mental health counseling concentration prepares students to provide a variety of counseling services that address mental health and emotional well-being across diverse populations. Along with the common core, students complete a supervised clinical practice in mental health counseling and one three-credit elective that supports their practice goals. Both concentrations meet educational requirements for LPC licensure in Virginia, though additional supervised post-degree hours and an exam are required before independent practice.
Admission requirements are the same for both concentrations and formats. Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall or in the last 60 semester hours from an accredited institution and must submit official transcripts from all schools attended, a personal statement, three professional or academic references, and a current resume or CV. Accepted master’s students must complete clinical rotations in the United States, and those who have been out of the program for a year or more must reapply with new materials before registering for classes. Distance learning is limited to students living a significant distance from campus, and some courses may include synchronous online components.
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia, United States. VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Founded in 1955, the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling is a national leader in preparing certified rehabilitation and licensed professional counselors and currently operates one of the largest CACREP-accredited rehabilitation and mental health counseling graduate programs in the country. The MS in rehabilitation and mental health counseling, along with its two concentrations, is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP).
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MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling – Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Richmond, Virginia
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No
2 – The distance-learning program is a flexible program involving two in-person (skill development) courses, which are offered in an intensive one-week format on campus.
60
Fall
Can be completed in 2 years acclerated, 3 years regular or 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$784.00
$47,040.00
$784.00
$47,040.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Rehabilitation Counseling
No
2 – The distance-learning program is a flexible program involving two in-person (skill development) courses, which are offered in an intensive one-week format on campus.
60
Fall
Can be completed in 2 years acclerated, 3 years regular or 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$784.00
$47,040.00
$784.00
$47,040.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.