Colorado offers a range of mental health counseling programs designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in the expanding field of mental health care. These programs emphasize addressing the diverse needs of individuals and communities, providing specialized training in areas such as substance abuse counseling, family therapy, and trauma-informed care.
Whether you are pursuing a degree, certification, or licensure, you will benefit from high-quality education, experienced faculty, and practical clinical experiences. In this guide, we will discuss some of the popular mental health counseling programs in Colorado, helping you identify the ideal program to begin your path in this essential profession.
Mental Health Counseling Programs in Colorado
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering mental health counseling programs in Colorado:
- Colorado Christian University
- Adams State University
- Grand Canyon University
- Troy University
- Capella University
- University of Colorado Denver
- National University
- Walden University
- The Chicago School
Colorado Christian University
Online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
At Colorado Christian University, you can enroll in the online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and prepares you to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE), which is required for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in many states.
The program requires the completion of 60 credits to graduate. You will progress through the curriculum by taking two courses at a time, with each course lasting seven weeks. While the accelerated pace keeps you engaged, the lighter course load helps prevent overwhelming workloads. Most students complete the program within approximately three years.
The curriculum is divided into the following components:
- 39 credits of Counseling Core Coursework
- 4 credits of Electives
- 4 credits of Bible and Theology Coursework
- 4 credits of Residency Activities
- 9 credits of Practicum and Internship Work
The core coursework covers a wide range of counseling topics. For example, the Counseling and Helping Relationships course introduces major counseling theories, their philosophical bases, research foundations, and practical applications.
In the Psychopharmacology course, you will gain knowledge about the use of medication in treating mental health disorders. Topics include psychodynamics, psychokinetics, neuronal function, and neuroanatomy.
The Theories of Groups and Group Counseling class provides an analysis of group work principles, such as group leadership, communication, decision-making, and multicultural considerations.
Other required core courses include:
- Telemental Health
- Appraisal
- Lifestyle and Career
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Professional Ethics and Clinical Practice
Additional coursework includes residency activities, theology studies, and electives. The three residency classes focus on developing practical clinical skills for individual, family, and group counseling. Theology requirements involve taking two of three classes: Theological Foundations for Counseling, Spiritual Formation for Counseling, or Spiritual Formation Retreat.
For electives, you can choose from a variety of options, including:
- Introduction to Play Therapy
- Anxiety and Mood Disorders
- Child and Adolescent Diagnosis and Treatment
- Grief and Loss Counseling
- Military Veteran Clinical Counseling
The practicum and internship components complete the program. The three-credit practicum requires a minimum of 100 supervised hours of counseling work. You will have an on-site supervisor for guidance and will participate in weekly supervision sessions with professors and peers.
The internship is conducted in two parts, allowing you to engage in full-time counseling duties while receiving supervision from both your on-site supervisor and professors. This hands-on experience ensures you are prepared for professional practice.
To apply to this program, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Answer required essay prompts.
- Submit a government-issued photo ID.
- Complete a criminal background check.
- Participate in an admission interview if required.
Adams State University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
The CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling program at Adams State University offers two tracks: school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. The school counseling track leads to licensure as a school counselor in Colorado, while the clinical mental health counseling track fulfills the educational requirements needed for designation as an LPC in Colorado.
If you select the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track, you will prepare to work in private practice, residential treatment facilities, community mental health agencies, and other settings. This track requires the completion of 60 credits of coursework and field experiences.
Your training begins with foundational classes such as Introduction to Research, which provides an overview of the role of research in counseling. In this class, you will study qualitative, quantitative, and action research methods and learn how to critically evaluate information.
Another foundational class, Multicultural and Diversity Issues, focuses on sociocultural influences on identity development. You will examine topics such as oppressive systems, change theory, advocacy principles, and strategies to counteract negative forces and inequities.
Early coursework in the program also includes the following classes:
- Life Span Development
- Counseling Theories and Helping Relationships
- Group Counseling
- Career Development
- Couples and Family Systems
You will continue with specialized coursework in trauma counseling, assessment, and addiction counseling. In the Ethics and Professional Issues class, you will study legislation, regulations, and court decisions that impact professional conduct, while developing your professional identity.
The program includes a practicum, during which you will work in a supervised setting to apply the counseling techniques and skills learned in your coursework. This experience allows you to refine your understanding of the counseling relationship and develop your personal counseling approach.
Once you complete the core requirements, you will transition to the specialization phase, focusing on clinical mental health counseling. For example, the Diagnosis and Psychopathology course examines the development of the DSM and explores classification systems, etiology of mental disorders, and treatment options.
The Counseling Modalities for Clinical Mental Health course teaches evidence-based counseling techniques, interventions, and modalities for addressing various client issues, including co-occurring disorders.
The final phase includes a two-part internship, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in day-to-day counseling activities such as conducting individual sessions, case consultations, and paperwork. Supervision during this phase supports your professional growth and self-awareness.
To apply for this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher. If your GPA is below this threshold, submit a letter addressing your GPA.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- Provide two online recommendation forms from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and professional potential.
- Answer short-answer questions addressing topics such as your plans for using the counseling degree, your preparation for graduate-level work, and your understanding of the counseling process.
Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Another option available to you for earning your counseling degree is the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offered by Grand Canyon University (GCU). This program requires you to complete 62 credits and typically takes about three years to finish. Each course is accelerated, lasting just eight weeks.
The curriculum emphasizes advanced studies in areas such as counseling, addiction, trauma, and lifespan development. For instance, in Substance Use Disorders and Addictions, you will examine the processes involved in treating individuals with substance use disorders. Additionally, the Counseling Skills course introduces counseling processes, orientations, and techniques aimed at building trust with clients and creating effective treatment plans.
Early in the program, you will complete foundational coursework such as:
- Professional Counseling, Ethical, and Legal Considerations
- Theories and Models of Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Counseling Couples and Families
- Counseling the Culturally Diverse
Additional required courses focus on specific topics. For example, the Human Sexuality and Issues of Aging course examines psychological, social, moral, and biological aspects of sexual development and aging. Similarly, the Lifespan Development course addresses various developmental stages throughout the human experience.
In Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma Counseling, you will study theories and strategies for trauma counseling and crisis intervention. This course also examines various forms of abuse, methods for detection, and the legal and ethical issues involved when addressing domestic violence and child abuse.
You will also take courses related to research and assessment, including the following:
- Research Methods and Program Evaluation
- Assessment, Tests, and Measurements
- Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Assessment of Mental and Emotional Health Status
The final phase of this program includes a practicum and a two-part internship. The practicum serves as an introductory experience during which you must complete at least 100 hours of supervised clinical work, including 40 hours of direct client contact. Weekly supervision sessions via Zoom are also required.
The internship builds upon the practicum by allowing you to engage in more independent work. While still being supervised, you will have greater opportunities to work directly with clients and participate in the responsibilities of a professional counselor.
To apply to this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may submit GRE scores with a minimum combined score of 300 on verbal and quantitative sections.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Provide a completed registration form for the program.
Once your application is submitted, a GCU counselor will contact you to guide you through the admissions process.
Troy University
Online Master of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling
Troy University provides an online Master of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling program requiring the completion of 48 credits. Most full-time students can finish the program in just two years, making it one of the shorter options available.
The curriculum includes two types of classes: required core courses and electives. The required core courses lay the groundwork for your training as a substance abuse counselor. For instance, the Professional Orientation and Ethics course provides an introductory overview of the counseling profession, covering historical figures, modern approaches, and the professional roles you will fulfill.
Another foundational course is Facilitation Skills and Counseling Techniques, where you will acquire basic counseling skills essential for effective practice. This course combines didactic learning, experiential exercises, and demonstrations from instructors.
Other required core courses include:
- Group Dynamics and Counseling
- Theories of Counseling
- Counseling Diverse Populations
- Research Methodology
- Vocational Psychology and Career Development
Additionally, you will take Behavior Pathology, a course that examines psychological disorders, their origins, and treatment planning while familiarizing you with the DSM system. Another required course is Evaluation and Assessment of the Individual, which focuses on gathering and evaluating client information to make informed treatment decisions.
The elective portion of the curriculum allows you to choose three courses from the following options:
- Physiological Dynamics of Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Drug Education, Prevention, and Intervention
- Treatment of Addictive Family Diseases
- Treatment Theories and Modalities of Addictive Diseases
- Treatment of Behavioral Addictions
The practicum provides your first field experience, requiring you to accumulate 100 supervised hours, with at least 40 hours involving direct client contact. This hands-on opportunity enables you to apply your classroom knowledge in a supportive environment, enhancing your counseling skills and treatment planning abilities.
The program culminates in the Addictions Counseling Internship, which requires 600 clock hours of supervised work, with 240 hours spent in direct client service. This internship gives you real-world experience with individual and group counseling, client assessments, and treatment planning.
To gain unconditional admission to this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or a 3.0 GPA for the most recent 30 credits of undergraduate coursework.
- Achieve an acceptable score on the GRE.
- Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities.
- Provide one letter of recommendation.
Capella University
Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
At Capella University, you can enroll in the online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This program provides a foundational understanding of mental health counseling. You will gain skills in building relationships, assessing and treating clients, understanding cultural differences, and maintaining ethical standards.
The program begins with core courses that establish essential knowledge in clinical mental health counseling. Following these foundational courses, you will choose specialized courses based on your interests, culminating in hands-on training experiences.
To complete the program, you must fulfill requirements for 13 core courses, four specialization courses, two in-person residencies, one practicum, and two internships. This program holds accreditation from CACREP.
You can personalize your studies by selecting one of the following specializations:
- Addiction Treatment and Recovery: This specialization helps you understand and address substance-related disorders and addictive behaviors. You will study addiction theories, treatments, and interventions, while considering cultural, ethical, and legal aspects.
- Child and Adolescent Counseling: This option focuses on supporting the emotional and social development of children and teenagers. The curriculum includes topics like play therapy, family therapy, and interventions for challenges faced by young individuals.
- General Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This flexible option allows you to choose from a variety of courses within the program, shaping your education according to your preferences.
Throughout the program, you will develop both foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective counseling practice. Special focus is placed on delivering counseling services that are culturally and ethnically sensitive.
Upon completing this 98-credit program, you will be prepared to:
- Apply clinical mental health counseling theories and research in real-world settings.
- Provide culturally sensitive counseling services.
- Engage in critical thinking and clear writing within the counseling field.
- Adhere to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics.
- Communicate professionally with understanding and respect.
- Ensure that your practices meet state and national standards for clinical mental health counselors.
For admission, you must provide the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Official bachelor’s transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
- A 3–6 page goal statement explaining your interest and aptitude for clinical mental health counseling.
- A valid government-issued photo ID.
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