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MA, Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness/Post-Master's Advanced Certificate, LGBT Health, Education, and Social Services

In this dual-degree program, you will acquire the knowledge and clinical training to become a licensed mental health professional, gain a deeper understanding of the issues affecting the LGBT population, and develop the skills to address them. Graduates meet the academic requirements for New York State licensure and work in community agencies, mental health centers, addiction treatment centers, and private practice.

We seek candidates who are committed to the promotion of equity and social justice and hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university. It is helpful to have some experience in the mental health field, whether paid or volunteer.

This program is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for 2015 through 2025. Graduates of this program meet the academic requirements for licensure in the state of New York. Each state sets their own policies, regulations, and standards for licensure. If you intend to pursue licensure in a state other than New York, you should consult our Licensure page for more information on whether our program meets the academic requirements for licensure in that state and whether there is additional coursework you may need to complete to meet that state’s requirements. Non-dual-degree program options are also available for the MA and the post-master's advanced certificate. 

Official Degree Title

Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness and Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate in LGBTQ+ Health, Education, and Social Services

Degree

MA Adv Cert

Application Deadline

Fall Start:
December 15

Plan Code

CMLG

Credits

66

Format

Full-time

Contact

Admissions Information

212-998-5030 steinhardt.gradadmissions@nyu.edu

Program Information

212-998-5555 applied.psychology@nyu.edu

How to Apply

These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.

Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.

1. Prepare Your Application

Résumé/CV

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application. Be sure to include all relevant work experience, including any part- or full-time work experience or volunteer experiences in clinical settings.

Short Answer Questions and Case Study

Pursuing a degree in counseling is a significant commitment that involves emotional, academic, and personal investment. It is essential to thoroughly consider your motivations, readiness, and the challenges you may face on this journey. In the application, you will be prompted to take the time to reflect deeply on your decision to pursue this path and share your personal reflections with five short answer questions and a case study.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit two letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.

Transcripts

Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary institution (college/university) you have attended or are attending. Please note: This includes transcripts from institutions where you received transfer credits or did not complete a degree.  Make sure to request an official copy of the transcript(s) in advance of the deadline.

Transfer Credits

We understand accepted transfer credits may be clearly listed on your degree awarding institution’s transcript. The Office of Graduate Admissions still requires a transcript from the initial credit-granting institution where you took the course(s). Delay in listing and uploading these transcripts can significantly delay the application review process.

Institutions Outside the US or Canada

If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE international credentials evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.

See detailed instructions.

GRE

Not required.

Proficiency in English

See testing requirements.

2. Apply

Application

Start your application now

After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.

Application Fee

You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.

Mailing Additional Items

If any application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials to NYU Steinhardt, Office of Graduate Admissions, 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680.  Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline. Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.

Application Policies

Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.

Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.

Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.

3. Receive Your Admission Decision

Decision

You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late November for Spring semester enrollment and in late March or early April for Summer or Fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.