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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
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"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.

Dept Flyer
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. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

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. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
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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EIU's programs, resources, and facilities are available to all students regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes is strictly prohibited.