West Coast University

Programme overview

West Coast University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit graduate program offered with 10-week terms and six trimesters, structured to be completed in under 2.5 years (29 months). The curriculum is described as CACREP-aligned and the program is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The delivery model includes flexible online and campus options and provides support for practicum and internship placements as well as career services.

What you'll study

The program sequence covers foundational counseling knowledge, applied skills, assessment, and fieldwork across 12 terms. Core course titles and credit hours listed by term include:

• Term 01: CMHC 505 Foundations of Clinical Mental Health and Counseling (3); CMHC 510 Professional Orientation: Legal and Ethical Issues (3)
• Term 02: CMHC 515 Counseling Theories and Practice (3); CMHC 530 Individual Counseling Skills and Practice w/ Immersive I (3)
• Term 03: CMHC 520 Crisis/Trauma Response and Intervention (3); CMHC 525 Social and Cultural Foundations (3)
• Term 04: CMHC 535 Human Growth and Development (3); CMHC 680 Psychopharmacology (3)
• Term 05: CMHC 665 Psychopathology (3); CMHC 650 Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling (3)
• Term 06: CMHC 550 Couples, Marriage and Family Counseling (3); CMHC 655 Human Sexuality (3)
• Term 07: CMHC 670 Individual Evaluation and Assessment (3); CMHC 560 Research Design and Program Evaluation (3)
• Term 08: CMHC 645 Group Counseling and Practice (3); CMHC 683 Contemp. Topics: Adv. Skills, Theories, and Legal/Ethics w/Immersive II (3)
• Term 09: CMHC 685 Practicum (3); CMHC 545 Career and Lifestyle Assessment (3)
• Terms 10–12: CMHC 690A Fieldwork: Internship I (2); CMHC 690B Fieldwork: Internship II (2); CMHC 690C Fieldwork: Internship III (2)

Entry requirements

The source page does not list specific admissions prerequisites. Prospective applicants should consult the university’s admissions office or program page for official entry criteria and application steps.

Career prospects

The curriculum is aimed at preparing graduates to work with individuals, couples, families and groups addressing conditions such as anxiety, depression, addiction and post-traumatic stress. The program highlights training in assessment, crisis and trauma response, psychopharmacology awareness, and addictions counseling, and provides practicum/internship experiences intended to support transition into counseling roles. The university also offers career support services that extend beyond graduation.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

West Coast University provides information about tuition and an estimated Cost of Attendance for the full program, and lists available financial aid mechanisms including scholarships, grants and federal loans. The published direct program costs (enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) show a per-credit tuition rate and itemized fees; the school also describes indirect cost estimates for living, transportation and personal expenses. For detailed eligibility and application guidance, contact the university’s Student Financial Services or financial aid page.