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Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Work with outstanding, caring, and accessible faculty in facilities and researched-based training practices for Masters level professional counselors. The cohort model provides ongoing support and connections among students for a close-knit feel.

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Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
6 Semesters
Credit Hours
60 Total, 60 in Major
Careers
Counselors, Abuse, Marriage, Therapists

Why Study Clinical Mental Health Counseling at EIU?

  • State-of-the-art technology and facilities
  • Researched-based training practices.
  • Experiential learning opportunities
"I chose to attend EIU because of the availability of the course I was interested in. But more so, the structure of the course. It had more opportunities for internship and supervision which was something I was looking out for while picking a school to continue my education."
Anntoinnette Laryea
Clinical Mental health Counseling | Class of 2026
Anntoinnette Laryea, Clinical Mental health Counseling at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for applied work through practicum and internships
Hands-On Experience, Clinical Mental Health Counseling students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration in the M.S. in Counseling prepares you for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. It is a fit if you want to help people through counseling and are ready for experiential, practice-focused training.

View in Catalog
$50,000
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Mental Health Counselors
  • Substance Abuse & Behavioral Disorder…
  • Marriage & Family Therapists

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Extensive (5/5)
Personality Fit Social

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$30,300 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 30% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $9,090 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid →
30% of lifetime limit

$30,300 total, just 30% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Danessa Carter
Counseling Program Director & Associate Professor
dacarter3@eiu.edu
2104 Buzzard Hall
Danessa Carter Message Danessa

Message Danessa

or email dacarter3@eiu.edu directly
Dianne Timm
Chair, School of Human Development
dtimm@eiu.edu
2106 Buzzard Hall
217-581-5327
Dianne Timm Message Dianne

Message Dianne

or email dtimm@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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