Master of Science in Counseling with specialization in Clinical Mental Health
The Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health is designed to prepare candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with individuals, groups, and families presenting with a variety of mental and emotional disorders, as well as to promote mental health and wellness. The program prepares students to be capable and responsive licensed professional counselors in a variety of settings, as well as to engage in consultation and collaboration with other professionals.
Employment Opportunities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that mental health counselor positions will grow by 25% through 2029. Mental health counselors may work in a variety of mental health settings like hospitals, mental health centers or organizations, schools, wellness centers, employee assistance programs, private or group practices, among others. Some careers are:
- Mental Health Counselor
- Psychotherapist
- Clinical Therapist
- Child and family Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
This program is currently not accredited by CACREP. It is the responsibility of the student to understand all current requirements for licensure in the state/territory where they plan to seek initial licensure.
Admissions are subject to program capacity.
About the Program
The Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health is a fully online graduate
program designed to prepare students for professional licensure and clinical practice in diverse mental health
settings. Delivered through the Online Division of the Metro Orlando Campus, the program is grounded in a
developmental, multicultural, and ethical framework. It equips future counselors with the competencies needed
to address the emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs of individuals, families, and communities across
the lifespan.
Students engage in a curriculum aligned with national counseling standards and gain supervised clinical experience
through practicum and internship courses. The program fosters critical thinking, ethical decision-making, cultural
humility, and advocacy skills essential for today’s mental health professionals.
Delivery Type
The program is part of the Online Division of the Metro Orlando Campus.
Licensure disclosures: AGMU has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification as a Mental Health Counselor in specific states.
Program Administration & Faculty
Dr. Julio A. Cruz Rodríguez, LPC, LMHC, CPC, NCC, ACS
Doctorate in Education (Educational Management & Leadership); MA in Counseling; Post-Master’s Certificate in Mental Health Counseling. Licensed in PR, WI, FL, IA, NV. National Certified Counselor; Approved Clinical Supervisor; Qualified Supervisor (FL); Certified Mentor/Supervisor (PR); Primary Supervisor (NV); Certified Sexologist; Certified Telehealth Practitioner. Over ten years in private practice, counselor education, and clinical supervision.
Dr. Dorelys Rivera Dávila, LPC, LMHC, NCC
EdD in Guidance & Counseling; MEd in Guidance & Counseling; BA in Social Work. Licensed in FL and PR. National Certified Counselor; Qualified Supervisor (FL). 15+ years in counseling, education, and clinical supervision with expertise in faith-integrated practice.
Dr. Mary Ann Martínez Santiago, LPC, LMHC, CCMHC, ACS
EdD in Guidance & Counseling; MEd in Guidance & Counseling; certifications in Sex Therapy and Marriage & Family Therapy. Licensed in PR and FL. NCC, CCMHC, ACS. Nearly three decades of experience in counseling, supervision, and higher education.
Dr. Carmen England Bayrón, LMHC, LPC
EdD in Counseling & Guidance; MS in Counseling (Family, Marriage & Children); BS in Human Resources Management. Licensed in FL and PR. 20+ years in higher education, clinical practice, and supervision in multicultural settings.
Dr. Billy Santiago Bermúdez, LP, NCC
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology; MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology; BA in Social Sciences (Psychology). Licensed Psychologist (PR). NCC. 20+ years in counselor education and clinical supervision; private practice specializing in addiction counseling and mental health services.
Dr. Lucilo Salas Pérez, LPC
EdD in Counseling; MEd in Counseling; BA in Special Education (Visual Impairments). Licensed in PR. Certifications in School Counseling, LGBT Clinical Intervention, and Distance Counseling/Therapy. Extensive experience in clinical practice, teaching, and community engagement.
Dr. Vicmarie Vargas Acevedo, LP
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology; BA in Psychology. Licensed Psychologist (PR). Certified in Health Psychology; trained in Clinical Supervision in Counseling. Experience across clinical practice, counselor education, and supervision.
Mission
To produce graduates with a national, international, and global perspective; respect for human diversity; an understanding of scientific principles; and advanced skills as practitioners who facilitate optimal mental and emotional health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities.
Program Learning Objectives
- PLO 1. Explain professional practices, ethical and legal standards, historical foundations, and professional roles.
- PLO 2. Employ cultural, social justice, advocacy, theoretical approaches, and strategies to counseling relationships with diverse populations.
- PLO 3. Apply human growth and development theories and principles to counseling practices, promoting development and wellness across the lifespan.
- PLO 4. Apply theories, strategies, and models of career development, counseling, and decision-making with culturally diverse populations.
- PLO 5. Apply theories, skills, and approaches to counseling practice integrating ethics, consultation, and crisis intervention.
- PLO 6. Apply theoretical, ethical, cultural, and social justice skills, methods, and principles to group counseling practice.
- PLO 7. Administer testing and measurement instruments using ethical standards, cultural sensitivity, and appropriate statistical concepts for individual and group assessment.
- PLO 8. Analyze research and statistical methods and strategies in evidence-based practice, supervision, and program evaluation, considering ethical and cultural implications.
- PLO 9. Apply skills and practices to address issues in clinical mental health counseling practice, integrating ethical, cultural, diversity, and advocacy perspectives.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited or internationally recognized institution with a GPA ≥ 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (graduate credit may help demonstrate aptitude if GPA < 3.0).
- Official transcripts from institutions where a degree was earned (additional transcripts may enhance the application).
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals who can assess aptitude for graduate education in counseling.
- A 2–4‑page personal essay.
- A résumé or curriculum vitae (CV).
- An interview with the program’s admission committee.
Program Costs
Annual Evaluation Report
View 2024–2025 Annual Evaluation Report.
Financial Information
View Financial Aid Information