Earn your Master's Degree in Professional Counseling
- Pursue training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP accredited) and/or School Counseling. An optional emphasis in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling is paired with the clinical mental health counseling specialization.
- Become a National Certified Counselor upon graduation. Clinical Mental Health Counseling students meet the academic eligibility requirements for national certification by examination.
- Receive your Certificate of Completion in Trauma Counseling.
- Apply for your WI Substance Abuse Counselor – Initial Training (SAC-IT) license. Clinical Mental Health Counseling students are eligible for this license while enrolled in the program.
- Flexible class schedules with accelerated 2-year, full-time and part-time study options.
- Knowledgeable instructors who are licensed and well-connected in the counseling profession.
- Small class sizes for in-person interaction with student-oriented faculty and peers.
- Opportunities for employment in hospitals, schools, private practice, corrections setting, mental health clinics, substance abuse facilities and other clinical settings.
- Excellent preparation for a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision or doctoral studies in other related professions.
- Convenient learning experience, with 25% of coursework delivered online, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional priorities.
Post-Master's Certificates
If you already hold a master’s degree in counseling, and want to meet the education requirements for another specialization, Mount Mary offers Post-Master’s Certificate in Counseling for:
Prepare for an in-demand career. We'll help you get there.
Program Mission & Vision Statement
The mission of the Professional Counseling Program is to develop a diverse holistic learning community that prepares students for professional practice while developing a strong counselor identity, advocacy and leadership skills, integrity, and a deep sense of social justice. Students are trained to become multiculturally conscious trauma-responsive practitioners who are committed to the values and ethical principles of Mount Mary University and the counseling profession. The program fosters students’ development of self-awareness, knowledge, and the use of culturally inclusive practices to work with individuals, groups, and families in mental health, rehabilitation, and school settings.
The Professional Counseling Program is recognized as a diverse learning community that is intentional about inclusion and ensuring personal growth and accountability for all students as they learn to become multiculturally conscious trauma-responsive practitioners.
Alum & Student Accolades
Chiền Binh Nhỏ Sơn, clinical mental health counseling student, published "Counseling Adult Adoptee Clients with Multiple Minority Stress" in The Family Journal, in March 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807251330075
Lea Denny (2016 Alum) received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s College of Community Engagement & Professions in Dec 2024.
Lea Denny, LPC (2016 Alum), received the NASW-WI Chapter’s 2024 Public Service Award.
Shada Richardson and Adam Kinzer, school counseling students, received the 2024-2025 Wisconsin Well Bee's Consortium for the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant.
Lakesha Jones (2016 alum) published, Do the Work, in Feb 2024 that won the 2024 International Impact Book Award.
Amanda Long (2019 Alum) was selected for the 2024 National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program.
Jordan Brown, LPC (2016 Alum), published Self-Love Journal for Women: Prompts and Practices for Your Journey to Self-Worth, Self-Care, and Self-Acceptance.
Chiền Binh Nho Son, clinical mental health counseling student, was selected for the 2024 National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program.
Clinical mental health counseling students Matthew Colinelli, Melissa McDermott, and Gina Walter, received "Qualified Treatment Trainee (QTT) Graduate Student Award" in Fall 2023.
Chiền Binh Nhỏ Sơn, clinical mental health counseling student, received the Cream City Foundation 2023 LGBTQ scholarship.
School Counseling Savannah Thompson (2019 Alum) & Karin Houston (2013 Alum) were recipients of the 2023 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellows award.
Natyra Crawford, professional counseling student, was selected for the 2023 NBCC Minority Fellowship Program for Addictions Counselors.
Claire Whetter (2019 alum) and Bonneka Seals (2016 alum) received a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision in May 2024.
Elaina (“Meier”) Meier (2014 alum) received a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from UW-Milwaukee in May 2024.
Kirsten Thiemke (2018 alum) and Tory Elliot (2019 alum) received a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from UW-Milwaukee in 2024.
Katie Rodenkirch (2020 alum) received a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Northern Illinois University in 2023.
Angela Wusler (2019 alum) received a Ph.D. From New Mexico State University in 2023.