Online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The upcoming application deadline is April 1st for the CMHC program. Start your application today!
Program Also Offered On-Campus ›
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Online is a three-year post-bachelor’s online program designed to meet state licensure requirements for professional clinical mental health counselors in Washington state.
Our online mental health counseling degree combines academic curriculum, three required on-campus residency experiences, and clinical training experiences. It is a robust academic experience that teaches you how to engage your clientele from a holistic approach: biologically, psychologically, spiritually, and culturally.
Instructors seek to equip students to serve individuals from different backgrounds with widely different needs. The program has a unique multicultural focus with an emphasis on social justice. Additionally, the program places a strong emphasis on integrating the curriculum with Christian worldview.
Program Quick Facts
- Next start: August 29, 2023
- 60 credits
- $677 per credit
- $13,540 average annual tuition costs (2022–23)
- Application deadlines: Jan. 31, and April 1
- 36 months
- Flexible, asynchronous program format
- Fully accredited university
Virtual Information Session
Join us for a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling information session:
View all upcoming info sessions.
Licensable Degree for the State of Washington
Our graduate counseling program meets the requirements for licensure in Washington State. Graduate knowing that you can become a fully licensed counselor. Licensure information for other states is also available.
Application Deadlines
Fall Start
January 31st Priority Application Deadline
April 1st Main Application Deadline
University Accreditation
Not all online programs are accredited—something you never have to worry about at NU.
Exceptional Education
80+ years of experience and knowledge went into creating our online courses.
Faith Integration
Every course includes a component that helps you relate the subject to your faith.
Faculty Who Care
Our instructors are experts who love students and bring out their very best.
Looking for quick answers to your questions?
Hear Directly From Students

A Word from the Program Director
I think the most rewarding part of our mental health degree program is the residency experience. This opportunity allows students to gain the hands-on experience necessary and to know how to apply the skills needed to do the work of counseling. It also allows students and faculty to become more deeply acquainted and for students to learn from each other.
Robert Campbell, Psy.D.
Assistant Professor and CMHC Program Director, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Why Choose an Online Master Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwest University?
- Obtain a degree from a university accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- Take a step toward practicing as a licensed counseling professional.
- Have both the flexibility of an online program and the support of a blended program—one that has periodic face-to-face interaction with faculty and fellow students.
- Incorporate your faith experience with academic learning and applied skills.
- Gain a deeper understanding of cultural context, enabling yourself to serve a broad range of clientele.
- Gain the opportunity to shift your career into the counseling field from other disciplines.
Practicum and Internship Sites
Northwest University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has seen a high rate of success in students obtaining Practicum and Internship sites for their applied clinical practice. While placement at clinical sites is not guaranteed by CMHC program faculty, the Directors of Clinical Training for both on-ground and online modalities provide a formal orientation to the process of searching for and obtaining placements based upon CMHC program requirements. In addition, they provide site contacts and mentorship throughout the search processes. Students are expected to take the initiative to search for and secure sites given resources and direction from the Directors of Clinical Training.
View Course Descriptions
You can explore program details such as course descriptions and graduation requirements for this program in our academic catalog.
Go to the Catalog
Questions about this program?
I would love to answer any questions about the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that you may have.
Daniela Steinkamp, M.A.
Director of Student Services
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
425-889-5249