The mission of the CCNY Mental Health Counseling program is to equip individuals from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and experience needed to become licensed professional counselors. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in counseling theory and practice for preventing and alleviating psychological distress. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, ethical, and culturally competent mental health services that address the needs of increasingly diverse communities.
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Empowering Future Mental Health Counselors
OUR STUDENTS
Transforming Lives
Through Counseling
Collectively, our students embody our mission to advance psychological knowledge and apply it to societal transformation. Our students are passionate about making a difference in the mental health field, coming from diverse backgrounds, with many holding a baccalaureate degree in Psychology or a Master’s in General Psychology. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience in community clinics, schools, and hospitals, developing a deep understanding of psychological development and ethical issues in counseling.
Equipped with the skills to offer culturally competent services, our students are prepared to meet the mental health needs of diverse communities, individuals, and clinical concerns. Graduates leave the program ready to work as professional counselors and contribute meaningfully to mental health care in both private and public settings.
OUR FACULTY
Expert Practitioners
Shaping Future Counselors
ALUMNI PROFILE
Sebastian Cordoba ’16
I truly believe that I made the most out of my time as an MA student at CCNY!
I took courses that enriched my research skills; I had the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses, such as Applied Statistics and Lifespan Development; and I had the accessibility to amazing mentorship by teachers whose research and teaching experience closely resembled mine.
Sebastian is now a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at London Metropolitan University and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the City College of New York, CUNY. He co-founded London Metropolitan University’s Gender and Sexual Diversity Research Group and serves as a member of its steering committee, continuing to contribute to critical conversations in the field.
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Contact Us
Any questions?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re a prospective student, current student, or community member, feel free to reach out to us.
Department of Psychology
Masters Program in Mental Health Counseling
North Academic Center, Room 7/120
160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
e: mhcprogram@ccny.cuny.edu
p: 212-650-5709 | 212-650-5708
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am -5.00pm
📍Campus Map
NAC 7/318 I 212.650.5438
tfloyd@ccny.cuny.edu
Dr. Tiffany Floyd, Program Director
NAC 7/201 I 212.650.5716
rmelara@ccny.cuny.edu
Robert Melara, Department Chair
NAC 8/133 I 212.650.5680
aestes@ccny.cuny.edu
Abigail Estes, Administrative Coordinator
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Pathway to Professional Mental Health Counseling
The Department of Psychology at the City College of New York offers a full-time Master of Arts degree program in Mental Health Counseling. The program satisfies all New York State education requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor. For more information about these requirements please visit the New York State Education Department.
Application Deadline –
February 1st – Fall Semester
**Applications completed by January 1st receive a decision by March 15th.
60 credit
2 year
program
Application Process
Admissions Info
Applicants must have either: an undergraduate degree in Psychology OR completion of the following five prerequisite courses (or equivalents): Introductory Psychology, Child Development, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality / Personality Psychology, Experimental Psychology
A minimum GPA of 3.2 overall and 3.5 in psychology courses is generally expected. Additionally, applicants should have earned at least a B in all prerequisite courses. While candidates with lower GPAs may still apply, their applications may be less competitive.
Admission is based on a comprehensive review of the applicant’s academic record and potential for success in the program.
International Students
Whether you are obtaining or maintaining a non-immigrant international student status, please visit the two links below for the latest information on deadlines, requirements, and specific issues.
CUNY: Student Guide & Tutorial
CCNY: International Students Overview , Graduate Studies Application
How to Apply?
To apply, visit the Admissions Office Graduate Studies Overview webpage for step-by-step instructions on create an account, paying the application fee, and submitting materials. Required materials include a
- The CCNY Graduate Admissions Application Form.
- Personal Statement.
The personal statement should be no more than one single-spaced page/two double-spaced pages describing why one is interested in the field of Mental Health Counseling and any formative educational and/or applied experience to-date. - Diversity Statement.
A brief statement describing ways that you have—either in your professional and/or personal life—thought about or practiced being sensitive or responsive to individual differences. The essay must be limited to no more than one double-spaced page or half a page of single-spaced. - Two letters of recommendation
(at least one letter should be academic i.e., from a past instructor, preferably an instructor from a psychology course). If relevant to one’s experience, then another letter should be from someone who is familiar with the applicant’s training, extant skills, and aptitude for the counseling profession. - Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with the initial application, but official transcripts must be submitted if and when one is admitted into the program. - Resume/CV
- Test scores such as GRE & TOEFL.
The GRE is NOT required for admission, however, if the GRE was taken then test scores should be submitted in the associated section of the application form.TOEFL scores are required if English is not your native language and you haven’t completed at least two years of full-time study at a university in an English-speaking country. For details on the TOEFL requirement and information for international applicants, click here.
The Mental Health Counseling program requires
TOEFL/IELTS scores: 550 (PBT), 79-80 (IBT) or 6.5.
Where do I send application’s supporting documents?
FAQ
Accreditation & Career Prospects
Q: Is the program accredited by CACREP or MPCAC?
The program is not currently accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). However, it aligns with the requirements of CACREP and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), and the program is actively pursuing MPCAC accreditation. While not CACREP/MPCAC accredited, graduates generally meet licensure requirements in other states.
Q:Will completion of this program allow me to become a licensed professional counselor?
Yes. The program meets all educational requirements for LMHC licensure in New York. Graduates are eligible to take the licensing exam and complete the required post-graduate supervised work experience. For details, visit the NYS Mental Health Counseling License Requirements.
Q: Can I work while completing the program?
The program is intensive. First-year students may work up to 20 hours per week, but second-year students, who must complete a 600-hour internship, will find it challenging to work even part-time.
Q: Are there research opportunities?
Research is not required but students may seek opportunities within the Department of Psychology. Given the program’s demanding nature, students should carefully consider their time commitments before pursuing research.
Q: Can I work as a Teaching Assistant (TA)?
Yes. All accepted students can apply for a Teaching Assistant (TA) position within the Department of Psychology. Compensation depends on the course.
Admissions & Application Process
Q: What happens after I submit my application?
Faculty review all applications, and strong candidates are invited for interviews, which begin in mid-February and may continue through early April. Final decisions are typically made by April 15th. Applicants can track their status in ApplyYourself.
Q: How competitive is the admissions process?
The program receives up to 200 applications annually and accepts 20-30 students per cohort (modal cohort size: 24).
Q: Do you accept students for the spring semester?
No, students are admitted for the fall semester only.
Q: Do you accept part-time or non-matriculated students?
No, this is a full-time program requiring four consecutive semesters of coursework and supervised fieldwork.
Q: Will older coursework be accepted?
There is no strict policy, but at least some prerequisite courses should have been completed within the last five years.
Q: Can students with lower academic credentials still be considered?
Yes. Applications are reviewed holistically, considering improvements in academic performance and relevant experience.
Q: What additional non-academic requirements exist?
Applicants must have supervised work or volunteer experience helping others and must provide a letter from a supervisor verifying this experience. An admissions interview is also required.
Q: Can non-psychology majors apply?
Yes. Non-psychology majors must complete the five prerequisite courses before starting the program. At least three of these courses must be completed at the time of application.
Program Structure & Coursework
Q: Do students find their own practicum and internship placements?
The program provides a list of pre-approved sites, but students may propose additional placements, pending program approval. Placements are competitive, so early application is encouraged.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Up to 9 graduate-level credits may be transferred with approval from the program director. Courses must have been completed within the last five years.
Q: Does the program offer online courses?
No. The program is fully in-person and requires on-campus attendance.
Financial Information
Q: What is the tuition?
For current tuition rates, visit the City College Bursar’s website.
Q: Is financial aid or funding available?
Yes. Available scholarships include:
- Rosner Fellowships: $5,000 (first-year students)
- NYS Office of Mental Health Scholarship: $5,000 (second-year students)
- Pauline Mei Memorial Scholarship: $1,000 (second-year students)
All scholarships require a FAFSA submission. Students can also explore loans and Teaching Assistant (TA) positions.
Deferrals & Other Considerations
Q: Can I defer admission if accepted?
Yes. Admission can be deferred for one year. After that, a new application is required.
Q: I am an international student. Do I need to take the TOEFL or another English proficiency test?
Possibly. The following minimum scores apply:
- TOEFL (PBT): 550
- TOEFL (IBT): 79-80
- IELTS: 6.5
Applicants from exempt countries (e.g., Australia, Canada (except Quebec), UK, India) do not need to take the exam.
Contact Us
Any questions?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re a prospective student, current student, or community member, feel free to reach out to us.
Department of Psychology
Masters Program in General Psychology
North Academic Center, Room 7/209, 216
160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
e: vtartter@ccny.cuny.edu
p: 212-650-5709 | 212-650-5708
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am -5.00pm
📍Campus Map
NAC 7/209, 216 I 212.650.5709 | 212.650.5708
vtartter@ccny.cuny.edu
Vivien C. Tartter, Program Director
NAC 7/201 I 212.650.5716
rmelara@ccny.cuny.edu
Robert Melara, Department Chair
NAC 8/133 I 212.650.5680
aestes@ccny.cuny.edu
Abigail Estes, Administrative Coordinator
Our Career Outcomes
Building Careers with Impact
As demand for psychologists continues to grow, with an estimated 13,000 openings annually over the next decade, this program is your gateway to a thriving career. Whether you aspire to open your own clinic, expand your knowledge, or make a meaningful impact on society, the journey begins here.
Contact Us
Any questions?
We’re here to help! Whether you’re a prospective student, current student, or community member, feel free to reach out to us.
Department of Psychology
Masters Program in General Psychology
North Academic Center, Room 7/209, 216
160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031
e: vtartter@ccny.cuny.edu
p: 212-650-5709 | 212-650-5708
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am -5.00pm
📍Campus Map
NAC 7/209, 216 I 212.650.5709 | 212.650.5708
vtartter@ccny.cuny.edu
Vivien C. Tartter, Program Director
NAC 7/201 I 212.650.5716
rmelara@ccny.cuny.edu
Robert Melara, Department Chair
NAC 8/133 I 212.650.5680
aestes@ccny.cuny.edu
Abigail Estes, Administrative Coordinator
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