Counseling

Support Mental Health and Well Being

Licensed Mental Health Counselors have a master’s degree in counseling and provide evaluation, assessment, treatment and consultation services for adults and children, families and communities.

Tuition & Fees

60 credits
(8-credit practicum also available)

$805 per-credit

$3,415 Graduate Assistantships available per semester
(enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per semester)

Length & Format

3 years
to graduate

In Person
program with evening classes

Looking for an online program? We have that, too!

About The School of Health Sciences

Russell Sage College is the region’s premier institution for health professions, offering the most comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

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Become an LMHC

This master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology is approved by the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions. Graduates are eligible to take the exam required to practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York state.

(We offer a Community Psychology master’s for those not seeking licensure as a LMHC.)

Master’s candidates who want to work with individuals with mental health needs and criminal justice involvement may add a certificate in Forensic Mental Health.

Candidates may also apply for the Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor in Training (CASAC-T) certification, administered by the New York State Office of Substance Abuse Services.

Take academic, clinical, and research classes in the behavioral sciences and build therapeutic skills under the supervision of licensed professionals. In addition to core courses, we offer courses in family counseling, psychopharmacology, and substance abuse counseling.

Hands-on experiences will build your understanding of psychological research and counseling practice and offer opportunities for professional development.

As a counseling psychology master’s candidate, you will work therapeutically with clients under the supervision of licensed, registered professionals.

Recent settings include the Capital District Psychiatric Center, Albany Medical Center Behavioral Pediatrics, and the Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center. Our internship coordinator helps you search for placements.

You will also conduct research and may be eligible for research funding from Russell Sage’s Broughton Graduate Fellowship or Paul Search Research Award in Community Psychology, or from the American Psychological Association.

Students have presented research at the American Psychological Association’s national and regional conferences and Russell Sage College’s Graduate Research symposium.

  • Sage’s cost-per-credit is low compared to private institutions. Plus, we offer a 10% discount for employees of organizations in the Workforce Development Partnership program.
  • Our counseling master’s program is primarily an evening program, with some weekend and online courses. You can complete your degree in three to four years while you work full time.
  • Full-time faculty have Ph.D.s in counseling, clinical, or community psychology.

Mental Health Counseling vs. Social Work

Many students ask whether they should pursue becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 

While your career path is a personal choice, we wanted to help you by breaking down the difference in licensing requirements in New York state, so you can understand your educational journey, licensing requirements, and scope of practice for each route.

Compare LMHC and LCSW (PDF)

Easily Apply

Applicants should complete Russell Sage’s graduate program application and provide:

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Applicants should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Applicants should have completed undergraduate courses in social science statistics, history and systems of psychology, and three additional courses in behavioral sciences
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • One- to two-page career goals essay
  • Current resume
  • GRE scores are not required
Apply Now

Course Requirements

Credits and Completion

Our master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology program is 60 credits and can be completed full time in approximately three years.  The program has been registered with New York State Education Department as meeting the educational qualifications leading to licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in New York State.

Students enrolled in the Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology Masters Program may also elect to pursue a Certificate in Forensic Mental Health.

View Program Catalog
Psychology Graduate Programs Handbook 2024-2025

This master’s degree in Counseling and Community Psychology prepares students for work as Licensed Mental Health Counselors in accordance with the best practices in education and training recognized by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council. Graduates have a foundation in ethical practices, understand intersectionality of multiple identities and respect multicultural perspectives.

The M.A. in Counseling and Community Psychology Program is accredited by the
Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for the period of November 2020 through November 2028.

Number of applicants58
Number of acceptances54
Percent accepted93%
Number of enrollees35
Percent enrolled65%
Number of total students (part-time and full-time)84
Graduates (Aug/Dec/May)19
Number of core full-time faculty7
Faculty to student ratio1:12
Courses taught by adjunct faculty19%
Percent of graduates from 2019 to 2021 who are now Licensed Mental Health Counselors in NYS60%

M.A. in Counseling & Community Psychology 2022-2023

Personal advising, experienced faculty

Our master’s program comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.

Alicia
Harlow, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology, Chair and Graduate Program Director

Learn more about Alicia
Gayle Morse
Gayle
Morse, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

Learn more about Gayle
Patricia A.
O’Connor

Professor of Psychology

Learn more about Patricia
Justin
Kimber, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology

Learn more about Justin

“Students with a master’s degree in counseling walk out the door with jobs. There’s such a need for counselors that they have jobs immediately.”

Gayle Morse, Ph.D., Professor
Group of students gathered around a professor

Your Career with a Master’s in Counseling

Graduates of Sage’s Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology program become Licensed Mental Health Counselors and enter private and group practices or join state and county agencies, health care systems, universities, school districts, human service agencies and more.

Meet Students and Alumni from our Counseling Master’s Program

Student
2023, 2026
Ruth Martin

Six days after Ruth Martin’s internship at Unity House’s PROS ended, she returned as an employee. “This is my dream …

Read More
Alumni
Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology Master’s Program (M.A.) 2023
Amanda Abel

Amanda Abel ’23 is already applying her M.A. in Counseling and Community Psychology as a mental health counselor for Northpointe …

Read More
Student
Kiara Maher

Kiara Maher is a Troy native and always knew of Russell Sage College as a “tight community.”  But what really …

Read More
Student
Evangeline Murphy

“I am motivated to work with underserved populations, specifically for nonprofits,” says Evangeline Murphy, who is pursuing a master’s degree …

Read More
Student
2022
Nana Ama Boateng

Counseling and Community Psychology master’s degree candidate Nana Ama Boateng was one of five Russell Sage College students who participated …

Read More
A person in a red blouse sits with hands clasped during a counseling session, with tissues and clipboard nearby

Explore Psychology Career Paths with a Master’s Degree

Psychology is a broad and rewarding field, offering professionals the chance to make meaningful impacts in people’s lives. With a master’s degree in psychology, you gain access to a wide range of opportunities — whether you’re passionate about clinical work, human services, research, or specialized roles in schools, communities, and corporations. The need for mental […]

Still Exploring Your Options? Consider Related Graduate Programs:

Online Mental Health Counseling and Community Psychology
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Forensic
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Community
Psychology
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Criminal Justice and Community Corrections
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Need help?
Alicia Harlow, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Chair and Graduate Program Director
[email protected]
518-244-2223

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