Counseling, Concentration in Forensic Mental Health, M.A.

Psychology graduate student speaking with police officers.

Bridge Mental Health and Justice – Specialize in Forensic Counseling

The Forensic Mental Health concentration within the Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to address the unique mental health needs of offender populations. This specialized track serves as a foundational step toward earning the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor License (LMHC). The curriculum combines in-depth training in counseling theory, assessment, and treatment, with practical experience in forensic and criminal justice settings. Students will gain hands-on skills and knowledge, while also having the opportunity to pursue a thesis or independent study for those interested in research or continuing their graduate studies.

Upon graduation, students will meet the required master’s-level competencies for licensure, including comprehensive experience in forensic counseling and mental health treatment. The program includes courses in psychopathology, criminal behavior, group counseling, and forensic counseling techniques, alongside a robust internship component, ensuring students are well-prepared for a career in mental health counseling within the criminal justice system.

Key courses include topics such as psychological assessment, forensic treatment, evidence-based therapies, and counseling diverse populations, with practicum hours counting toward the LMHC licensure requirements. The program’s 12-credit internship allows students to apply their learning in real-world forensic settings, providing invaluable experience for future counselors.

Program Highlights

  • Required courses - 60 credits
  • Specialize in offender counseling and forensic treatment
  • Meet LMHC licensure requirements upon graduation
  • Complete a 600-hour internship in forensic settings
  • Pursue a thesis or independent study project

Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?

Transform lives in the justice system by specializing in forensic mental health counseling. Take the first step toward a rewarding career today.

Advance Your Career in Forensic Mental Health – Influence Change in Counseling, Justice, and Rehabilitation

  • Student at Criminal Justice & Counseling Career Fair shaking hands with an employer.

    Specialized Forensic Counseling Training

    This program offers targeted coursework in areas such as criminal behavior, forensic assessment, and evidence-based treatment. Students will gain a deep understanding of how to address the mental health needs of offender populations, preparing them to work effectively in criminal justice settings. Through hands-on training, you'll be equipped to handle the unique challenges of forensic mental health counseling.

  • A photo of the campus globe. Two pink-flowered trees are planted on each side.

    Licensure and Career Preparation

    Designed to meet the educational requirements for the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor License (LMHC), this program ensures you're not only gaining specialized knowledge but also fulfilling the licensure criteria needed to practice as a licensed mental health counselor. With courses in psychopathology, ethical standards, and counseling diverse populations, you’ll be prepared to support clients with a wide range of needs in various professional environments.

  • Smiling student intern at work, sitting in front of a bookcase.

    Practical Experience in Forensic Settings

    Through a 12-credit, 600-hour internship, students will apply their classroom learning to real-world forensic mental health settings. This internship provides valuable, hands-on experience working with offender populations and other at-risk groups. It’s an opportunity to develop essential counseling skills, refine treatment strategies, and gain exposure to the operational dynamics of mental health counseling within the criminal justice system.

What Can You Do with a Forensic Mental Health Counseling Concentration?

A concentration in Forensic Mental Health Counseling at the graduate level prepares you for a wide range of careers that combine mental health counseling with the criminal justice system. With this specialized training, you’ll be equipped to address the complex psychological needs of individuals involved in the justice system. Here are some potential career paths:

  • Clinical Supervisor in Forensic Settings
  • Correctional Counselor
  • Crisis Intervention Specialist
  • Forensic Mental Health Counselor
  • Juvenile Justice Counselor
  • Mental Health Case Manager
  • Psychologist in Criminal Justice Settings
  • Reentry Program Coordinator
  • Victim Advocate or Victim Services Counselor
Smiling graduate students celebrating at commencement.

Course Requirements

Program Description

A concentration in forensic mental health within mental health counseling will prepare students for jobs that address the mental health needs of offender populations and is a first step toward fulfillment of a Massachusetts mental health counselor license (LMHC).  Our curriculum is designed to offer specialized training in theory, assessment, and treatment, and will provide students with applied experience in forensic and/or criminal justice settings. Students interested in research or in continuing their graduate education will have the opportunity to complete a thesis or independent study project. Upon graduation, students will meet masters-level knowledge and experience requirements for subsequent licensure in mental health counseling. To review the handbook on Forensic Mental Health refer to link below

https://MHC+FMHC+Student+Handbook+2020.pdf

To learn about requirements for a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts, please see 262 CMR 2.0 at the following link:

http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/mh/regulations/rules-and-regs/262-cmr-200.html

Master of Arts in Counseling

The Department of Psychology offers a 60-credit graduate program in counseling designed to serve the student who plans to enter the applied fields of counseling after receiving the M.A. The program offers four specialized tracks: school counseling, school adjustment counseling , forensic mental health counseling and mental health counseling.

Program Policies

The M.A. program must be completed within seven years of the first course counted toward the degree. Since courses are offered in a sequence rather than each semester, planning with advisors is imperative. Upon acceptance into the program, the student is assigned an advisor who will assist in planning a program to fit individual needs. There will be continual evaluation during the course of study with students apprised of their progress. A favorable evaluation is necessary for continuation in the program. The granting of the degree is based on professional competence, completion of the program of study, and satisfactory performance in a comprehensive exam or professional portfolio.

To accommodate students who work and/or have other substantial demands placed upon their time, courses are offered during the evenings and/or late afternoon. Important exceptions to this schedule are the Pre-practicum, Practicum and Internship experiences. While some placements permit flexible scheduling, many place restrictions on scheduling. Since these experiences are an essential component of counselor training, students must plan for the flexibility that will allow them to complete these requirements.

Dispositional Assessment

Candidates will be subject to an ongoing dispositional assessment coordinated by the faculty advisor in collaboration with cooperating course instructors, faculty supervisors, and site supervisors. In order for a candidate to advance academically from semester to semester, advance to a Field Placement or graduate with an M.A. Counseling degree, they must hold no unresolved "0" or "-1" scores in their dispositional record.

Any candidate who fails to achieve and maintain a satisfactory level on the Dispositional Assessment will be subject to review by the Graduate Committee in Counseling who may determine that the candidate can proceed without intervention or may work with the candidate (or provide a designated faculty member to work with the candidate) on a remedial plan. The Graduate Committee in Counseling may also decide the candidate is not eligible to proceed academically or proceed to Field Placement. If a candidate's assessment displays "0" or "-1" scores, the Graduate Committee in Counseling may remove them from a Field Placement.

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements for MA programs, including Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and School Adjustment Counseling  are:

  • Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Applicants with a firm foundation in psychology, education, or related field are highly preferred. [Note - applicants with degrees in unrelated fields may enhance their application through the successful completion of undergraduate courses in Statistics, Child or Adolescent Development, Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Counseling, and/or Behavior Modification, as appropriate to the targeted degree program.
  • A 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA.
  • Applicants must submit the Graduate Admissions application specifying either Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, School Adjustment Counseling, OR School Counseling AND whether they would like to attend full-time or part-time.
  • Applicants must submit three letters of reference, including at least one academic reference.
  • Applicants must submit a personal statement that describes (1) reason for interest in the field, (2) assessment of personal strengths and limitations, and (3) goals of graduate study.
  • Applicants must submit a professional vitae or resume, including information on prior and/or current volunteer and /or employment positions.
  • Applicants selected for interviews must attend a formal interview with members of the graduate admissions committee.
  • Applicants applying to the School Counseling program or School Adjustment Counseling must submit passing scores in Communication and Literacy Skills portions of the Massachusetts Educators Certification Tests (MTEL).
  • Applicants may  transfer in up to 6 graduate credits toward their degree program, assessed following successful matriculation.
  • In extraordinary circumstances, one or more of the above requirements may be waived by the graduate admissions committee.

The closing date for receipt of all admissions materials is February 1st.

Notice of acceptance will occur on or about April 15th for study beginning the following September.

Due to the competitive natures of these programs, we require a nonrefundable program deposit of $150.00 within 10 days of acceptance. This deposit is used to ensure your space in the program. The deposit is applied to your first registration as a matriculated student in the Fall semester immediately following your acceptance. If we do not hear from you within 10 days, we will assume you have selected an alternative direction, and we will close your matriculation.

Forensic Mental Health Counseling-60 credits

Required Courses- 48 credits

Internship Requirements- 12 credits-600 hours

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages.

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated graduate students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • February 1

    Application deadline for fall admission

  • Full-time

    Or part-time options

  • Comprehensive training

    for diverse careers

     

Expert Faculty with Diverse Specialties

Your professors and counseling faculty come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and specialties, but all share a commitment to scientific inquiry. Small class sizes mean you’ll have easy access to faculty eager to help you master and expand upon your coursework as well as collaboration and networking opportunities with your fellow students.

Faculty member and a student at commencement ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling program?

Prospective students should access the graduate application online at connect.westfield.ma.edu/apply/

The following material must be received for an application to be reviewed:

  1. Completed graduate application and $50 application fee. In your application, please indicate your concentration preference: Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, School Adjustment Counseling, or School Counseling. Additionally, please specify if you will be attending full-time or part-time.
  2. Official transcripts indicating a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. 
  3. Applicants must submit three letters of reference, including at least one academic reference. 
  4. Applicants must submit a personal statement that describes (1) reason for interest in the field, (2) assessment of personal strengths and limitations, and (3) goals of graduate study. 
  5. Applicants must submit a professional vitae or resume, including information on prior and/or current volunteer and/or employment positions. 
  6. Applicants applying to the School Counseling program or School Adjustment Counseling must submit passing scores on the Communication and Literacy Skills portions of the Massachusetts Educators Certification Tests (MTEL). 

The closing date for receipt of all admissions materials is February 1st for fall admission.

Applicants with a firm foundation in psychology, education, or related field are highly preferred. Note - applicants with degrees in unrelated fields may enhance their application through the successful completion of undergraduate courses in Statistics, Child or Adolescent Development, Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Counseling, and/or Behavior Modification, as appropriate to the targeted degree program.

Applicants selected for interviews must attend a formal interview with members of the graduate admissions committee. 

Notice of acceptance will occur on or about April 15th for study beginning the following September. 

Due to the competitive nature of these programs, we require a nonrefundable program deposit of $150.00 within 10 days of acceptance. This deposit is used to ensure your space in the program. The deposit is applied to your first registration as a matriculated student in the fall semester immediately following your acceptance. If we do not hear from you within 10 days, we will assume you have selected an alternative direction, and we will close your matriculation.

How long will it take me to complete the master’s degree?

Full-time students typically complete the program in three years, while part-time students take about four years, offering flexibility to accommodate diverse schedules.

How are courses offered?

Most courses are offered in-person during the evening on campus with the some online or remote synchronous courses offered, providing a convenient schedule for our students. It's essential to note that an exception to this is the flexibility required to complete practicum hours during the daytime.

Do I have to submit GRE/MAT or MTEL scores when I apply?

No, we do not require a GRE or MAT.  

Is graduate housing available?

Discover graduate living at Welch Hall Apartments – your gateway to a vibrant community and tailored amenities. Choose from four-person apartments featuring single and premium single rooms, all inclusive of utilities and internet. Make connections by signing up as a group or embark on an individual adventure with like-minded roommates. Revel in the comfort of fully furnished apartments, boasting a well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, cozy bathrooms, and inviting shared living spaces.

Your convenience is our priority – enjoy free laundry facilities on campus and parking at an affordable rate. Immerse yourself in academic pursuits with easy access to the campus library or prioritize your well-being at our fitness centers.

Whether you prefer cooking with your roommates or opting for a meal plan, relish access to an array of campus dining options, including late-night and takeaway choices. Elevate your graduate experience with Welch Hall Apartments – where living meets exceptional comfort and convenience.

For more information contact housing@westfield.ma.edu or 413-572-5402.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Yes, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available each year for graduate students. These opportunities are competitive and are awarded to students with excellent academic records who are enrolled in a graduate degree program.

This valuable opportunity can enhance your academic journey and provide valuable experience. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this enriching program!

Learn more about graduate assistantships.

Will I receive academic support?

Yes, students have a dedicated advisor – your compass through class choices and beyond. Beyond academics, your advisor becomes a mentor, guiding you on further education and career paths. We're not just about classes; we connect you to resources like the Banacos Center and the Reading & Writing Center. At every step, we're here to ensure your success is our priority.

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Counseling, Concentration in Forensic Mental Health, M.A.