Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Trauma Emphasis
Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Trauma Emphasis
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Grand Canyon University is dedicated to preparing our graduate students to effectively address modern challenges in their respective fields. As an institutionally accredited university, we prioritize academic quality. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards set by our accrediting bodies.
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 (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved Dec. 9, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors as of May 2023, retrieved Dec. 9, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
As an aspiring trauma counselor, you may one day assist clients who are struggling with complex trauma, childhood trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You might work with victims of natural disasters, mass shooting events, assault or childhood abuse. Trauma counseling can be emotionally intense, but you may also find it to be a fulfilling career path.
This online trauma emphasis program can help prepare graduates for professional licensure. The program meets Arizona’s academic requirements for licensure as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Students who wish to practice in another state are responsible for verifying the state’s specific requirements.
Trauma counselors are employed in a range of settings, including:
Hospitals and clinics, including military hospitals
Prisons and juvenile detention facilities
Inpatient psychiatric centers and outpatient psychiatric programs
Community-based health centers
Nonprofit and faith-based organizations
Private practices
Domestic violence shelters
The master’s in clinical mental health counseling trauma emphasis is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. As a student, you will examine the causes and effects of trauma across the lifespan, and the intricacies of human behavior. There is a focus on the application of evidence-based research to assess and treat trauma-related disorders.
This mental health counseling program fulfills GCU’s mission of enabling students to be effective communicators, innovative thinkers, transformative leaders and global contributors. As a student, you are inspired to strive for professional excellence through the rigorous Christian worldview curriculum and applied supervised field experiences.
Flexible, Online Learning for Busy Professionals
The flexible online program is intended for working professionals. Most of the courses can be taken on a flexible schedule through an innovative digital platform that connects students to our knowledgeable faculty. The program also requires that all students complete supervised clinical fieldwork experience.
Take the first step to making an impact in the lives of those facing trauma.
GCU’s master’s in clinical mental health counseling features emphasis programs distinct to your career goals and interests. We offer pathways in Christian counseling, marriage and family therapy, and child and adolescent care, designed to empower you as a compassionate mental health professional.
If you are interested in working with clients impacted by trauma, read our responses to the questions below and get started on earning your master’s in clinical mental health counseling online degree.
Earning a master’s in clinical mental health counseling with an emphasis in trauma is worth consideration if you want to apply your innate qualities of compassion and empathy to serve others. The career outlook in this field is also expected to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 48,900 new jobs are estimated to open for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors each year from 2023 to 2033.1
To become a licensed mental health counselor, you must first earn your Masters in Clinical Mental Health with an Emphasis in Trauma Degree, followed by supervised clinical work experience. The MS in Clinical Mental Health program at GCU requires a practicum and two internships into the curriculum. Based on the state intended for licensure, there are requirements to complete a counseling state test and additional supervised hours.
The salary of trauma counselors can vary based on factors such as education, experience and location. In May 2023, substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, which includes trauma counselors, had a median annual wage of $53,710,2 according to the BLS. Salaries may be higher in specialized settings or for counselors with advanced certifications or extensive trauma-focused therapy experience.
The courses in this master’s in clinical mental health Counseling: trauma program were created to meet the academic requirements of 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 required for clinical licensure in all 50 states.
Students pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling trauma emphasis will complete the Counseling Practicum and two internships. These supervised experiences in the field culminate the students’ coursework and reinforce the advanced skills needed to be effective professional counselors.
In this program’s courses, you will thoroughly examine the following topic areas:
Interpersonal violence, including its contributing factors, treatment implications & best practices
Major counseling theories & principles: existential, cognitive behavioral & reality therapy
Culturally responsive counseling strategies and interventions
Short-term and longitudinal impacts of childhood trauma
Best practices for working with communities in crisis
Estimated job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors from 2023 to 2033.1
Median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors in May 2023.2
A traumatic experience can result in acute symptoms and long-term complications. Through intensive trauma counseling, individuals may begin to reclaim their health and wellness. Trauma counselors often choose this field as they are highly compassionate and empathetic individuals who heed God’s call to serve others. Enrolling in Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health with an Emphasis in Trauma can begin your pursuit toward becoming a qualified trauma counselor.
