Forensic Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Overview
About the Forensic Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
About the Program
Forensic Mental Health Counseling Program Facts
Format
On Campus
Schedule
Fall admission only; semester & summer schedule
Credits Required
60
Time Commitment
Two years, full-time
Cost
2026-2027 Academic Year
$1,176 per credit
Fees
2026-2027 Academic Year
$490 per semester (full-time student)
Ways to Save
Apply By
Fall: February 1 (Priority Deadline), June 15 (Final Deadline)
Upcoming Events
Explore the Forensic Mental Health Counseling Program
The M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program at RWU is one of less than 10 such programs in the United States. Students complete necessary coursework to satisfy state licensure requirements to become independent mental health clinicians, while learning how to effectively serve and support specialized populations connected to the judicial system including incarcerated individuals, court-ordered mentally ill patients, victims, police, and more.
Forensic Mental Health Counseling Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling seeks to:
- Prepare graduate students for careers as master's level mental health counselors in forensic settings
- Prepare graduate students for further academic training at the doctoral level (Psy.D.) in applied, clinical, experimental, or legal psychology
- Provide students with training in the areas of clinical assessment and intervention
- Provide students with internship/practicum experiences that will promote and develop professional skills in clinical forensic psychology
The Forensic Mental Health Counseling program is designed to provide the necessary coursework and professional hours to fulfill state licensure requirements for students to become independent mental health clinicians (commonly with an LMHC, LCMHC, LPC, or similar designation). The Program allows for approved course substitutions and additional practicum hours as necessary to allow students to fulfill specific state licensure requirements.
Graduates in Forensic Mental Health Counseling are able to:
- Expertly administer and interpret the WAIS-IV and WISC-IV and their protocols as well as the MMPI-2 and other personality inventories
- Conduct and write up initial clinical interviews, Mental Status Examinations and compile complete client social history
- Provide and initial case conceptualization with case write-up and proposed treatment plan
- Operate effectively in a group design form of treatment
- Provide psycho-educational services in areas of expertise
Graduates of the program typically seek employment as mental health counselors or pursue study at the doctoral level, most commonly in Psy.D. programs.
Employers of our Graduates
- Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital (IL)
- Arbour-Fuller Hospital (MA)
- Central New York Psychiatric Center
- Danville Police Department (CT)
- Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health (PA)
- Joseph J. Peters Institute (PA)
- Justice Resource Institute (MA)
- Lifespan (RI)
- MA Department of Children and Families
- Massachusetts Treatment Center
- Metropolitan Police Department of DC
- Michigan Attorney General's Office - Criminal Division
- Newport County Community Mental Health Center (RI)
- Rhode Island Department of Corrections
- Riverbend Community Mental Health, Inc. (NH)
- South Bay Mental Health Center (MA)
Doctoral Programs
- Alliant International University (Psy.D.)
- Antioch University (Psy.D.)
- LaSalle University (Psy.D.)
- Nova Southeastern University (Psy.D.)
- Pacific University (Psy.D.)
- Regent University (Psy.D.)
- Spaulding University (Psy.D.)
- University of Denver (Psy.D.)
- University of Indianapolis (Psy.D.)
- William James College (Psy.D.)
Campus Visit Request
Interested in meeting us in person and touring our beautiful campus? Fill out our campus visit request form to set up a time to visit Bristol, RI!
Virtual Information Sessions
Short on time or just want to learn more about us from the comfort of your home, school, or office? Join us for a Virtual Information Session.
In the fall of 2020, we provided a series of expert lectures spanning a number of topics in forensic and legal psychology:
- Topics in Legal Psychology: How Jurors Think About the Death Penalty: A Cognitive and Affective Paradigm and Investigative Eyewitness Procedures: Safeguards for Law Enforcement to Reduce Erroneous Convictions Due to Mistaken Identification
- A Qualitative Analysis of Adults Who Committed Murder as an Adolescent: Implications for Post-Miller Hearings
- Hegemonic Masculinity: Impact on Sexual Aggression and Intervention Strategies
The Practicum and Internship Experience
Clinical licensure requirements in most states require two semesters of practicum and two semesters of internship. Students will work with the graduate practicum placement coordinator to secure a clinical practicum by the spring of their first year. Students will complete Clinical Practicum I (Psych 591) during the spring semester of their first year along with a 60 hour (about 4 hours/week) clinical practicum. Clinical Practicum II (Psych 592) will be completed during the summer between their first and second years and will require a total of 120 hours (about 8 hours/week). Students will then complete Clinical Internship (Psych 598) during the fall and spring semesters of their second year along with a 300 hour (about 20 hours/week) clinical placement. Students receive clinical supervision on-site from a supervisor employed at the training placement who has entered into a training agreement with RWU. Additionally, students have weekly small group supervision with a licensed member of the psychology faculty at RWU.
Practicum sites
- Arbour Counseling Services
- BH-Link Crisis Response Center
- Bridgewater State Hospital
- CODAC Behavioral Healthcare
- Communities for People
- Gateway Emergency Services
- Gateway Healthcare
- High Point Treatment Center
- Juvenile Court Clinics in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island
- Massachusetts Correctional Institute through Wellpath
- Massachusetts Department of Youth Services
- Massachusetts Treatment Center for Sexually Dangerous Persons
- Newport Community Mental Health
- North American Family Institute (NAFI-RI)
- Ocean Tides School
- Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction, Inc.
- Providence Behavioral Health Associates
- Providence Municipal Court
- Providence Police Department
- Rhode Island Department of Corrections
- Rhode Island Family Court
- Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital- Competency Restoration Unit
- Rhode Island Training School at Cranston
- The Providence Center
- Thrive Behavioral Health
- Tides Family Services
- West Warwick Police Department
The M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare students to obtain licensure in the United States to provide clinical counseling services in forensic settings or with forensic-related populations. Licensure requirements vary by U.S. state. The University and the Psychology Department make every effort to provide clarity on the Forensic Mental Health Counseling curriculum and the degree to which it meets each state's current licensure requirements. Students should consult the licensure requirements in their state of intended employment for the most current and accurate information as licensure requirements change frequently.
Mental Health Licensing Requirements By State
Completion of the M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program does not guarantee employment or eligibility for a license or credential. While the University curricular requirements for the Forensic Mental Health Counseling program and corresponding state requirements are detailed below to our best knowledge, some states may have new or additional requirements including, but not limited to, criminal background checks, additional coursework, and further clinical experience, that may impact your ability to gain employment or licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of licensure can I pursue following completion of the M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program?
The most common credentials include the LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), or LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) designation. Each state is different, and you should consult the licensure requirements in your state of intended employment to determine the license or credential available.
Mental Health Licensing Requirements By State
These licenses are designed for those who wish to become independent mental health clinicians. In some cases, M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling students may choose to go on to further study in (most commonly) a PsyD program and earn a doctoral level license as a psychologist.
Why do I need a license?
If you wish to provide independent counseling or therapy, you must have a clinical license. Licensing ensures that those providing clinical therapy services have undergone significant academic and professional training and met specific requirements to do so. A clinical license is very often a necessity for insurance billing purposes once you are employed as a clinician.
What do I need to do to obtain a license as a master's level clinician?
An independent clinical license can be pursued after completing a license-eligible master's degree program. For most states, a license-eligible master's degree includes 60 credits of graduate-level coursework including significant field hours. Generally, the field hours are the largest difference between a traditional master's degree program and a license-eligible master's degree program.
In most cases, students must complete the following to be eligible for licensure:
- License-eligible master's degree program (commonly 60 credits) including significant practicum and internship hours supervised by faculty.
- Post-graduate supervised work experience working under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or mental health counselor, or someone otherwise deemed by statute to serve as a supervisor. Most states typically require the equivalent of two or three years of full-time supervised experience.
- Successful completion of required board exam for your intended state of employment. While the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) is often used, each state may have different requirements.
Is obtaining a CACREP-accredited master's degree necessary to obtain licensure?
No. As of 2021, no U.S. states require a CACREP-accredited master's degree for licensure. In 22 states, students with a CACREP-accredited degree may be able to bypass the course verification process when applying for licensure. Otherwise, in all states students can provide course syllabi from master's level coursework for state licensing boards to verify that course content meets the requirements for state licensure. Roger Williams University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation is regarded as the highest standard of institutional accreditation for colleges and universities in the United States. CACREP provides an optional accreditation for counseling programs; only some of the Forensic Mental Health Counseling programs in the United States have chosen to pursue the accreditation.
Can I only practice with forensic-related populations after completing the program?
No. Our students are prepared for the same licensure options as a general clinical/counseling student. The primary difference with the M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Counseling at RWU is that it has a series of courses specifically relating to working with forensic populations and your field placement will be working with forensic-related populations. The core mental health counseling coursework meets the same licensure requirements as general clinical programs.
The Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling seeks to:
- Prepare graduate students for careers as master's level mental health counselors in forensic settings
- Prepare graduate students for further academic training at the doctoral level (Psy.D.) in applied, clinical, experimental, or legal psychology
- Provide students with training in the areas of clinical assessment and intervention
- Provide students with internship/practicum experiences that will promote and develop professional skills in clinical forensic psychology
The Forensic Mental Health Counseling program is designed to provide the necessary coursework and professional hours to fulfill state licensure requirements for students to become independent mental health clinicians (commonly with an LMHC, LCMHC, LPC, or similar designation). The Program allows for approved course substitutions and additional practicum hours as necessary to allow students to fulfill specific state licensure requirements.
Graduates in Forensic Mental Health Counseling are able to:
- Expertly administer and interpret the WAIS-IV and WISC-IV and their protocols as well as the MMPI-2 and other personality inventories
- Conduct and write up initial clinical interviews, Mental Status Examinations and compile complete client social history
- Provide and initial case conceptualization with case write-up and proposed treatment plan
- Operate effectively in a group design form of treatment
- Provide psycho-educational services in areas of expertise
Graduates of the program typically seek employment as mental health counselors or pursue study at the doctoral level, most commonly in Psy.D. programs.
Employers of our Graduates
- Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital (IL)
- Arbour-Fuller Hospital (MA)
- Central New York Psychiatric Center
- Danville Police Department (CT)
- Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health (PA)
- Joseph J. Peters Institute (PA)
- Justice Resource Institute (MA)
- Lifespan (RI)
- MA Department of Children and Families
- Massachusetts Treatment Center
- Metropolitan Police Department of DC
- Michigan Attorney General's Office - Criminal Division
- Newport County Community Mental Health Center (RI)
- Rhode Island Department of Corrections
- Riverbend Community Mental Health, Inc. (NH)
- South Bay Mental Health Center (MA)
Doctoral Programs
- Alliant International University (Psy.D.)
- Antioch University (Psy.D.)
- LaSalle University (Psy.D.)
- Nova Southeastern University (Psy.D.)
- Pacific University (Psy.D.)
- Regent University (Psy.D.)
- Spaulding University (Psy.D.)
- University of Denver (Psy.D.)
- University of Indianapolis (Psy.D.)
- William James College (Psy.D.)
Campus Visit Request
Interested in meeting us in person and touring our beautiful campus? Fill out our campus visit request form to set up a time to visit Bristol, RI!
Virtual Information Sessions
Short on time or just want to learn more about us from the comfort of your home, school, or office? Join us for a Virtual Information Session.
In the fall of 2020, we provided a series of expert lectures spanning a number of topics in forensic and legal psychology:
- Topics in Legal Psychology: How Jurors Think About the Death Penalty: A Cognitive and Affective Paradigm and Investigative Eyewitness Procedures: Safeguards for Law Enforcement to Reduce Erroneous Convictions Due to Mistaken Identification
- A Qualitative Analysis of Adults Who Committed Murder as an Adolescent: Implications for Post-Miller Hearings
- Hegemonic Masculinity: Impact on Sexual Aggression and Intervention Strategies
The Practicum and Internship Experience
Clinical licensure requirements in most states require two semesters of practicum and two semesters of internship. Students will work with the graduate practicum placement coordinator to secure a clinical practicum by the spring of their first year. Students will complete Clinical Practicum I (Psych 591) during the spring semester of their first year along with a 60 hour (about 4 hours/week) clinical practicum. Clinical Practicum II (Psych 592) will be completed during the summer between their first and second years and will require a total of 120 hours (about 8 hours/week). Students will then complete Clinical Internship (Psych 598) during the fall and spring semesters of their second year along with a 300 hour (about 20 hours/week) clinical placement. Students receive clinical supervision on-site from a supervisor employed at the training placement who has entered into a training agreement with RWU. Additionally, students have weekly small group supervision with a licensed member of the psychology faculty at RWU.
Practicum sites
- Arbour Counseling Services
- BH-Link Crisis Response Center
- Bridgewater State Hospital
- CODAC Behavioral Healthcare
- Communities for People
- Gateway Emergency Services
- Gateway Healthcare
- High Point Treatment Center
- Juvenile Court Clinics in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island
- Massachusetts Correctional Institute through Wellpath
- Massachusetts Department of Youth Services
- Massachusetts Treatment Center for Sexually Dangerous Persons
- Newport Community Mental Health
- North American Family Institute (NAFI-RI)
- Ocean Tides School
- Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction, Inc.
- Providence Behavioral Health Associates
- Providence Municipal Court
- Providence Police Department
- Rhode Island Department of Corrections
- Rhode Island Family Court
- Rhode Island State Psychiatric Hospital- Competency Restoration Unit
- Rhode Island Training School at Cranston
- The Providence Center
- Thrive Behavioral Health
- Tides Family Services
- West Warwick Police Department
The M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare students to obtain licensure in the United States to provide clinical counseling services in forensic settings or with forensic-related populations. Licensure requirements vary by U.S. state. The University and the Psychology Department make every effort to provide clarity on the Forensic Mental Health Counseling curriculum and the degree to which it meets each state's current licensure requirements. Students should consult the licensure requirements in their state of intended employment for the most current and accurate information as licensure requirements change frequently.
Mental Health Licensing Requirements By State
Completion of the M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program does not guarantee employment or eligibility for a license or credential. While the University curricular requirements for the Forensic Mental Health Counseling program and corresponding state requirements are detailed below to our best knowledge, some states may have new or additional requirements including, but not limited to, criminal background checks, additional coursework, and further clinical experience, that may impact your ability to gain employment or licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of licensure can I pursue following completion of the M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program?
The most common credentials include the LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), or LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) designation. Each state is different, and you should consult the licensure requirements in your state of intended employment to determine the license or credential available.
Mental Health Licensing Requirements By State
These licenses are designed for those who wish to become independent mental health clinicians. In some cases, M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling students may choose to go on to further study in (most commonly) a PsyD program and earn a doctoral level license as a psychologist.
Why do I need a license?
If you wish to provide independent counseling or therapy, you must have a clinical license. Licensing ensures that those providing clinical therapy services have undergone significant academic and professional training and met specific requirements to do so. A clinical license is very often a necessity for insurance billing purposes once you are employed as a clinician.
What do I need to do to obtain a license as a master's level clinician?
An independent clinical license can be pursued after completing a license-eligible master's degree program. For most states, a license-eligible master's degree includes 60 credits of graduate-level coursework including significant field hours. Generally, the field hours are the largest difference between a traditional master's degree program and a license-eligible master's degree program.
In most cases, students must complete the following to be eligible for licensure:
- License-eligible master's degree program (commonly 60 credits) including significant practicum and internship hours supervised by faculty.
- Post-graduate supervised work experience working under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or mental health counselor, or someone otherwise deemed by statute to serve as a supervisor. Most states typically require the equivalent of two or three years of full-time supervised experience.
- Successful completion of required board exam for your intended state of employment. While the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) is often used, each state may have different requirements.
Is obtaining a CACREP-accredited master's degree necessary to obtain licensure?
No. As of 2021, no U.S. states require a CACREP-accredited master's degree for licensure. In 22 states, students with a CACREP-accredited degree may be able to bypass the course verification process when applying for licensure. Otherwise, in all states students can provide course syllabi from master's level coursework for state licensing boards to verify that course content meets the requirements for state licensure. Roger Williams University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation is regarded as the highest standard of institutional accreditation for colleges and universities in the United States. CACREP provides an optional accreditation for counseling programs; only some of the Forensic Mental Health Counseling programs in the United States have chosen to pursue the accreditation.
Can I only practice with forensic-related populations after completing the program?
No. Our students are prepared for the same licensure options as a general clinical/counseling student. The primary difference with the M.A. in Forensic Mental Health Counseling at RWU is that it has a series of courses specifically relating to working with forensic populations and your field placement will be working with forensic-related populations. The core mental health counseling coursework meets the same licensure requirements as general clinical programs.
Hear from Hawks
Internship, Leadership Roles Prepare Graduate Student for Clinical Therapist Position
Kelice Agosto, a 2023 graduate of the M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program, has secured a position as a clinical therapist at Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater, Mass. Agosto was the Graduate Student Commencement Speaker at the University Commencement held May 19, 2023.
A Buckeye Becomes a Hawk: Going Small for Grad School
Lyndsey Sheldon, RWU Class of 2023Lyndsey Sheldon grew up in a small town in Ohio where everybody knew everybody. After undergraduate life as a Buckeye, she knew it was time to find a tight-knit experience for grad school. “When I knew it was time to get my masters and really buckle down, I knew a small community with interactive professors is what I needed,” she said.
Read full storyApplication Requirements
Application Process
To be considered for admission to the M.A. Forensic Mental Health Counseling program, applicants must hold an earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Each application will be reviewed using a portfolio approach - all parts of the application will be considered, inclusive of grades and trend of grades, letters of recommendation, the letter of intent, and other information that candidates for admission may wish to submit.
Application Materials
1. Completed application form and $55 application fee
An application fee is not required for RWU students.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain transcripts on behalf of RWU students.
3. Letter of Intent (no more than two double-spaced pages) describing your interest in Forensic Mental Health Counseling, career goals and how you can positively contribute to the graduate program at Roger Williams University
4. Three letters of recommendation attesting to your potential to succeed in graduate school. All three letters should come from academic sources (professors) who can speak to your performance in the classroom. One letter may come from an internship supervisor or employer, if appropriate. You should select recommenders who know you well, can speak about your character and work ethic, and can attest to your ability to handle graduate level coursework.
Uploading Materials
Once an applicant has submitted the application form they will have access to a portal to upload all supplemental materials (transcript copies, letter of intent, portfolio, resume, etc.)
Alternatively, documents can be submitted via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu.
Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:
Office of Graduate Admission
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809
Additional Requirements and Testing
The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for admission. Applicants with an overall GPA below 3.0 are strongly encouraged to take either the GRE or MAT.
International Applicants
International applicants are required to submit an external transcript evaluation. If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results is also required to apply to graduate programs.
International applicants should read additional requirements for non-U.S. residents using the link below.
