Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health: Child and Adolescent Counseling Emphasis

Q: What is child and adolescent counseling?

This counseling focus involves providing therapeutic services to young clients, some of whom may be struggling with diagnosed disorders, including ADHD, self-injury, depression and trauma-related disorders. However, children and teens do not necessarily need to have a mental health disorder to benefit from counseling. Counseling services can help kids who are struggling with common problems like bullying, low self-esteem, stress and family problems. Mental health counselors can help their young clients learn to talk through their emotions, acquire coping skills and develop healthy patterns of thinking and behaving. Counselors may also provide support to the entire family.

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Healthcare

Program

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders

Current Education Level

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Prepare to Help Youth With Psychological, Emotional and Behavioral Issues

Children and adolescents can be susceptible to a wide range of psychological, emotional and behavioral issues.^{(See disclaimer 1)} As a future clinical mental health counselor, you may decide to focus your practice on supporting the next generation by specializing in child and adolescent counseling.

Earn your Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders at Grand Canyon University. You will have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and clinical skills that you can use to support children and young people at all developmental levels.

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Evening

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Evening: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 74

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

The coursework in this program is non-transferable from other institutions.

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Earn an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree From GCU

Children and teens often experience problems that can affect their socioemotional health and behavioral patterns. Counseling can help those who are struggling with childhood and adolescence disorders, such as ADHD and eating disorders, and it can help those who may not have a diagnosable disorder but who are struggling all the same.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

When you become a child counselor, you can focus your practice on empowering kids and helping them cope with problems such as bullying and family dysfunction. At GCU, you can benefit from a broad curriculum that teaches you counseling theories and modalities suitable for children and teens. Your instructors will encourage you to develop strong communication skills and to explore ways of building rapport with your young clients.

All Clinical Mental Health Counseling Emphases

Marriage and Family Therapy

Christian Counseling

Trauma

Take Child and Adolescent Counseling Courses Online

GCU strives to accommodate the needs of our diverse student body. Working professionals can benefit from the convenience and flexibility that our online degree programs offer. You can earn your master’s in clinical mental health counseling online via our interactive e-learning platform, which enables you to connect with fellow learners and instructors and access your course material from anywhere. Our online learners enjoy the same quality instruction and comprehensive curriculum as our on-campus students.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

This Degree Is Offered Online

Coursework

Child and Adolescent Counseling Curriculum and Courses

GCU’s clinical mental health child and adolescent counseling courses are offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Explore psychological theories as they are applied specifically to children and adolescents. Areas of discussion include school and family life issues, child-parent relationships and developmental disorders.

The courses in this program are designed to meet the academic requirements established by the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. A master’s degree is a prerequisite for licensure in all 50 states.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Throughout this program, you will explore the following core topic areas:

The structure and dynamics of the family, including methods of family intervention and counseling
Children in families affected by domestic violence and abuse, including child abuse assessment and reporting
Theories of childhood and adolescent development
Assessments and treatments for young people affected by trauma, including parental substance abuse, family trauma and physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse

Before graduating with your master’s in clinical mental health counseling, you are required to complete a practicum and two internships to gain hands-on supervised experience in a clinical setting.

Develop Skills in Child and Adolescent Counseling

Compassionate and ethical care is at the heart of a career in counseling those with childhood and adolescence disorders. When you work to become a child counselor with a focus in childhood and adolescent disorders at GCU, you will be encouraged to embrace traits such as empathy and servant leadership. GCU is a private Christian university with a focus on integrating spirituality, Christian ethics and the Christian worldview directly into the curriculum. You will have the opportunity to think critically, explore diverse perspectives and develop child and adolescent counseling skills as you progress through the program.

This master's degree focuses on developing the following competencies in counseling:

Clinical assessment

Diagnoses

Research methodologies

Trauma counseling

Treatment of childhood and adolescence disorders

Careers

Career Opportunities in the Field of Child and Adolescent Counseling

GCU’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders meets the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Requirements can vary from state to state. You are responsible for understanding the specific requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.

As a future mental health counselor who specializes in child and adolescent populations, you may work with clients who struggle with issues such as:

Homelessness
Childhood trauma
Bullying
Child abuse or neglect
Substance abuse disorders
Eating disorders

As a counselor who specializes in childhood and adolescence disorders, you can pursue work in a variety of settings, including:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Hospitals and clinics
Private therapy practice
Social service agencies
Juvenile detention centers
Domestic violence and homeless shelters
Telehealth services
Schools

FAQ

Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling FAQs

To learn more about child and adolescent counseling and educational opportunities at GCU, review our responses to commonly asked questions.

What is child and adolescent counseling?

This counseling focus involves providing therapeutic services to young clients, some of whom may be struggling with diagnosed disorders, including ADHD, self-injury, depression and trauma-related disorders. However, children and teens do not necessarily need to have a mental health disorder to benefit from counseling. Counseling services can help kids who are struggling with common problems like bullying, low self-esteem, stress and family problems. Mental health counselors can help their young clients learn to talk through their emotions, acquire coping skills and develop healthy patterns of thinking and behaving. Counselors may also provide support to the entire family.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

What can you do with an adolescent and child counseling emphasis?

Earning a counseling degree with an emphasis in adolescent and child counseling can prepare you to pursue licensure as a clinical mental health counselor who specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents. Licensed professionals provide therapeutic services to address mental health concerns and childhood and adolescence disorders. Work settings include schools, hospitals, homeless and domestic violence shelters, private therapy practices, clinics, juvenile detention centers, telehealth service and social service agencies.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Why is child and adolescent counseling important?

Counseling children and adolescents is important because it can provide positive guidance and support during the formative years. Counseling creates opportunities for youth to flourish by identifying issues, improving communication skills, expressing emotions in a productive manner and fostering problem-solving capabilities. You may find counseling children and adolescents to be a meaningful career that helps improve the well-being of youth and their families.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

What is the job outlook for child and adolescent counselors?

Children and teens will always need qualified advocates to serve as stewards of their mental, emotional and social health. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track employment data or offer projections that are specific only to counselors who specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents. However, the BLS estimates job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors combined to increase by about 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 71,500 jobs in the field.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

How can you become a child and adolescent therapist or counselor?

To become a counselor who specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents, you will first need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as psychology or counseling. A concentration in childhood and adolescence disorders is not a requirement at this stage of your education. Then, you will need to earn a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, ideally with a concentration in childhood and adolescent counseling.

To qualify to pursue licensure, you must also complete your state’s minimum requirements for practicum hours and supervised internship hours. Finally, you will need to follow your state’s procedures for applying for licensure.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

What is the difference between an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an MS in Mental Health and Wellness?

Both of these programs are graduate degrees that can prepare you to pursue a career as a mental health professional, and both programs cover competencies in the counseling field. However, the MS in Mental Health and Wellness is a non-licensure degree program intended for professionals who wish to practice in non-clinical settings, whereas the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling leads to licensure and prepares you to work directly with patients in clinical settings.

In addition, their areas of focus are different. The MS in Mental Health and Wellness degree explores areas such as community health, human development and group dynamics. The clinical mental health counseling degree takes a deeper dive into counseling theories and modalities, developmental disabilities, trauma and psychopathology. This degree program also includes counseling practicum hours and internships to meet licensure requirements.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major74 credits

Degree Requirements74 credits

Core Courses

UNV-508

2 Total Credits

CNL-505

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of counseling ethics, legal standards, and responsibilities, including professional identity, report writing, record keeping, and service reimbursement for clinical mental health and school counselors. Additionally, the history of and current trends in counseling are addressed. Important goals of this course are to help students develop a strong personal and professional ethic, as well as an appreciation of the value of professional collaboration and identity.

CNL-500

3 Total Credits

CNL-501

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of the stages, processes, and effects of substance use disorders, biological, social, and psychological dynamics of substance use disorders, and the professional's role in prevention, intervention, and aftercare, including recovery and relapse prevention. This course explores theories and models of treatment of addiction disorders to include understanding different types of addiction disorders, effective skills, drug classification, and assessment. It also continues building foundational knowledge, utilization of professional resources, and exploration of standards to help students prepare for licensure/certification within the counseling industry.

CNL-515

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of counseling processes, including characteristics and behaviors that influence the helping processes. Included are age, gender, ethnic differences, verbal and nonverbal behaviors, personal characteristics, and orientations. The development of counseling techniques is emphasized, including establishing and maintaining the counseling relationship; diagnosing and identifying the problem; formulating a preventative, treatment, or rehabilitative plan; facilitating appropriate interventions; and successfully terminating the counseling relationship.

CNL-509

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society. Studies in this area include the following: attitudes and behaviors based on such factors as age, race, religious preference, physical disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture, family patterns, gender, socioeconomic status, and intellectual ability; individual, family, group, and community strategies for working with diverse populations; theories of multicultural counseling and identity development; multicultural competencies; and issues such as substance use disorders. Students examine a variety of cultural populations, exploring issues and trends that are associated with each population. Cultural considerations for immigrants, refugees, and undocumented citizens are also addressed.

CNL-520

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of group development, group dynamics, group counseling theories, and ethical standards with reference to professional and substance use disorders counseling. The course addresses group process components, appropriate selection criteria, developmental stage theories, group members’ roles and behaviors; and group leadership styles and approaches. The course includes didactic and experiential group learning. Required synchronous group experience: 12 hours. Prerequisite: CNL-515.

CNL-527

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces students to the basic principles of psychopharmacology and the effects of psychoactive substances. Students examine the behavioral, psychological, physiological and social effects of psychoactive substance use, and learn to recognize symptoms of intoxication, withdrawal, and toxicity. The class covers various screening options, limitations, legal implications, and the utilization of pharmacotherapy as part of substance addiction treatment.

CNL-530

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is divided into two distinct and separate sections. The first part of the course examines human sexuality and systems of sexual therapy. Psychological, biological, social, and moral perspectives on sexual development and functioning are also examined. The last part of the course provides an understanding of the nature of aging and older adults. Theories and strategies for facilitating optimum care of older adults are addressed. Elder abuse, dependent adult abuse, and neglect of the aging and older adults are explored. Sexuality, mental health, physical health, the role of substance use disorders, and family issues are also addressed.

CNL-518

3 Total Credits

CNL-521

3 Total Credits

CNL-545

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This eight-topic course is divided into three distinct and separate sections. The first three topics examine crisis intervention and trauma counseling; Theories and strategies of trauma counseling and facilitating crisis interventions are also addressed. The second three topics examine spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention strategies. The legal and ethical issues, the role of substance use disorders, and children in families where domestic violence and abuse occur are also addressed. The last two topics examine child abuse assessment and reporting. Legal and ethical issues and specific California child abuse assessment and reporting codes are also examined.

CNL-523

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to basic tests and appraisal in counseling. Individual and group approaches to testing, assessment, evaluation, behavioral observations, computer-managed and computer-assisted methods are addressed. The following statistical concepts are also addressed: scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, indices of variability, shapes and types of distributions, correlations, reliability, and validity.

CNL-525

3 Total Credits

CNL-540

3 Total Credits

CNL-610

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a conceptual framework for the use of assessment and diagnostic tools for the development of appropriate treatment interventions for a variety of behavioral health and substance use disorders. Included is an introduction to the use of the diagnostic tools, including the DSM, and the integration of diagnostic and assessment information, in the development of treatment plans.

CNL-605

3 Total Credits

CNL-644

2 Total Credits

PCN-670

3 Total Credits

PCN-673

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the developmental disabilities occurring in children and adolescents, as defined in the DSM. Students examine the following disorders and disabilities: specific language and learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory processing, and physiological developmental disorders, while learning assessments and measurements used in diagnosing. Students receive an overview of the neurological and cultural perspectives of developmental disabilities, and the unique needs of the families.

PCN-672

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a broad understanding of trauma related issues during childhood and adolescence. Students examine the various types of trauma, including neglect; physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse; family trauma; parental substance use; and domestic violence. Students learn assessment and treatment approaches designed for trauma occurring during childhood and adolescence.

PCN-671

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of common disorders among children and adolescents, as defined in the DSM. Studies in this area include the following: disruptive, impulse control and conduct disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, separation anxiety and selective mutism, trauma and stressor related disorders, PTSD, and adjustment disorders. Students also gain the knowledge and skills needed for treating these disorders.

CNL-624

2 Total Credits

Course Description

The practicum course is a distinctly defined, supervised clinical fieldwork experience in which the student develops basic counseling skills and integrates professional knowledge under the supervision of a faculty member or an on-site clinical site supervisor approved by the college or university with a minimum of 1 hour per week of individualized and/or triadic supervision throughout the practicum. Practicum students participate in an average of 1 ½ hours per week of group supervision via Zoom with a counseling faculty member or student supervisor who is under the supervision of a counselor education program faculty member on a regular schedule throughout the practicum. Documentation of a minimum requirement of 100 hours of counseling-related activities, which includes 40 direct client contact hours, is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. The practicum is completed prior to the internship; therefore, students may not progress to CNL-664A without the required amount of hours submitted, the required amount of individual and group supervision, and proper approval. This course has multiple synchronous required activities. Students must be prepared to be flexible in meeting the demands of this course in order to progress to the internship. Practicum/field experience hours: 100. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Students must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. Prerequisites: Completion of all didactic coursework in the program; a GPA of 3.0 or better; and maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million.

CNL-664A

4 Total Credits

Course Description

The internship course is a distinctly defined, supervised clinical experience in which the student refines and enhances basic counseling and student development of knowledge and skills, and integrates and authenticates professional knowledge and skills related to program objectives. The internship is performed under the supervision of an on-site clinical site supervisor approved by the college or university with an average of 1 hour per week of individualized and/or triadic supervision throughout the internship. Internship students participate in a minimum of 1 ½ hours per week of group supervision via Zoom with a counseling faculty member or student supervisor who is under the supervision of a counselor education program faculty member on a regular schedule throughout the internship. Documentation of 300 hours of counseling-related activities, which includes a required minimum of 120 direct client contact hours, is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. Internship hours: A minimum of 300 total hours of which 120 is total direct hours. Students must successfully complete CNL-624 before progressing to the internship. This course has multiple synchronous required activities. Students must be prepared to be flexible in meeting the demands of this course in order to meet the internship requirements. Practicum/field experience hours: 300. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Students must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. Prerequisites: CNL-624; a GPA of 3.0 or better; maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million; and college approval.

CNL-664B

4 Total Credits

Course Description

The internship course is a distinctly defined, supervised clinical experience in which the student refines and enhances basic counseling and student development of knowledge and skills, and integrates and authenticates professional knowledge and skills related to program objectives. The internship is performed under the supervision of an on-site clinical site supervisor approved by the college or university with an average of 1 hour per week of individualized and/or triadic supervision throughout the internship. Internship students participate in a minimum of 1 ½ hours per week of group supervision via Zoom with a counseling faculty member or student supervisor who is under the supervision of a counselor education program faculty member on a regular schedule throughout the internship. Documentation of 300 hours of counseling-related activities, which includes a required minimum of 120 direct client contact hours, is submitted electronically for verification and tracking. This course has multiple synchronous required activities. Students must be prepared to be flexible in meeting the demands of this course in order to meet the internship requirements. Practicum/field experience hours: 300. State licensure requirements may mandate additional hours. Students must review and adhere to their state board's additional requirements. Prerequisites: CNL-624 and CNL-664A; a GPA of 3.0 or better; maintenance of student professional liability insurance in the amount of $1 million, $3 million; and college approval.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Prepare to pursue a career to help empower children and adolescents to thrive. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about earning your master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree at GCU.

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Cullinan, C. C., PhD. (2018, March). Nemours KidsHealth. Taking Your Child to a Therapist. Retrieved Dec. 8, 2023.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved Dec. 8, 2023
Online courses exclude programs with residencies and field experience.
Indeed. (2023, March 10). How To Become a Child Therapist. Indeed. Retrieved Dec. 8, 2023.
ACA. Licensure Requirements. American Counseling Association. Retrieved Dec. 8, 2023.

Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health: Child and Adolescent Counseling Emphasis

Prepare to Help Youth With Psychological, Emotional and Behavioral Issues

Earn an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree From GCU

Take Child and Adolescent Counseling Courses Online

This Degree Is Offered Online

Child and Adolescent Counseling Curriculum and Courses

Develop Skills in Child and Adolescent Counseling

Career Opportunities in the Field of Child and Adolescent Counseling

CACREP Accreditation

Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling FAQs

Program Curriculum

Core Courses