M.Ed. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Relationship, Marriage & Family

Clinical Mental Health Foundation (CACREP-Accredited) coursework covers diagnosis and treatment planning, counseling theories and crisis intervention. RMFC Specialization courses include relationship and family counseling, advanced family systems and a specialized internship experience.

Students complete a 100-hour practicum (one semester) and a 600-hour internship (over two semesters) that includes extensive counseling experience with couples, families and groups. Clinical training is enhanced through supervised experiences at William & Mary’s on-campus counseling clinic, where students work directly with community members under faculty supervision.

This specialization prepares graduates for dual licensure as both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Virginia. Graduates gain versatility to work with individuals, couples, and families across diverse settings while understanding how relationship and family systems influence mental health and wellness.

During the Program:

Students complete all required coursework (60 credit hours) and supervised clinical experiences. In the final semester, students are eligible to sit for the NCE or NCMHCE through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Our curriculum fulfills all classroom and clinical instruction requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor in Virginia and most other states, as well as certification by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC).

After Graduation:

Virginia licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requires a master’s degree, 60 hours of graduate coursework, a 3,400-hour post-master's clinical residency (approximately 2 years), and successful completion of the licensure examination. Graduates work under supervision toward full licensure while employed in clinical settings.

Interstate Practice:

With the launch of the Counseling Compact in 2024, licensed counselors can now practice across state lines in participating states, offering unprecedented flexibility for graduates seeking to serve clients in multiple locations.

Graduates work in diverse settings including private practice (individual, couples and family therapy), community mental health agencies, hospital family services, employee assistance programs, and faith-based counseling centers. Many alumni pursue dual licensure, expanding their scope of practice and career flexibility. The Virginia LMFT median salary is $80,670.

Application materials include your unofficial transcript(s)a personal statement, a resume/CV, and three recommendations. We encourage prospective students to begin an application, as the portal provides a clear overview of all application requirements, including the personal statement prompt.

All of our on-campus programs in School Psychology and Counseling Education (SPACE) invite top candidates to interview as part of the admission criteria. Interviews are held via Zoom.

Looking for the application deadline? See our Deadlines & Decisions page.

Students may apply for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA. If you have questions about your financial aid package, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@wm.edu.

All applicants are automatically considered for available scholarships, and recipients will be notified directly if selected for an award.

Some assistantships are available each year for students in the Master's in Counseling programs. The School of Education gives priority to doctoral applicants when awarding assistantships before considering master's students. Applicants can indicate their interest in being considered for an assistantship directly within the application by selecting the appropriate checkbox and responding to a few questions about their relevant skills and experience.