Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness Degree

This program provides opportunities to develop a compassionate mindset toward those in need of a helping hand. You will examine evidence-based practices that can support clients who are struggling to cope with mental, emotional or behavioral issues. At GCU, you will be encouraged to grow into a more effective communicator, transformative leader and innovative thinker.

Expand your perspective by engaging with a community of peers as well as instructors who are knowledgeable in their field. Through focused coursework, you will be taught the following core competencies:

• The health challenges commonly faced by individuals with behavioral or mental health disorders
• The implementation of communitywide programs focused on preventive or interventional approaches
• The fundamentals of evidence-based research in the mental health and wellness field
• Early and modern ethical models in relation to the mental health and wellness professions

Some of the mental health and wellness courses included in this program explore the following topics:

• Professional ethics, cultural diversity and cultural competence in the mental health and wellness field
• Group dynamics, process structures and group facilitation strategies in therapeutic and organizational settings
• Planning, developing and implementing intervention programs to address mental health issues beyond individual clients
• The integration of the mental health, wellness and healthcare fields, with a look at common mental health disorders, treatments and supportive services
• Documentation, evidence-based research and policies in the mental health and wellness field
• Careers and common job responsibilities in the mental health and wellness field

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the coursework by completing the Mental Health and Wellness Capstone, which includes an exploration of practical applications in the field.

This master’s in health and wellness could be an appropriate choice for you if you’re interested in expanding your understanding and enhancing your career qualifications in the mental health field. This program is designed for professionals who may have some experience in the behavioral health field and want to elevate their degree, or for those interested in changing careers. This degree does not lead to licensure. Instead, you will explore means of integrating mental health concepts into your field of expertise as a working professional.

Future leaders with this MS in Mental Health and Wellness are taught to deliver education and coaching to clients in a non-clinical setting, with an emphasis on working toward a healthier lifestyle and better quality of life.

Over one in five adults in the U.S. live with a mental illness, and more than one in five youth ages 13 to 18 have had a debilitating mental illness at some point.² Even those without a diagnosed mental illness may at times struggle with mental health and wellness and could potentially benefit from behavioral health services, such as those that focus on self-care and coping techniques.¹ Given the prevalence of mental health issues, there is a need for professionals who have qualifications in mental health and wellness.

GCU’s master’s in health and wellness degree is designed to help prepare graduates to tackle challenges in a variety of fields. Although this degree does not lead to clinical licensure and no degree can guarantee a specific career outcome, you will be taught to support others with evidence-based mental health intervention in areas such as:

You can integrate your care for others and your knowledge in the proper evaluation and treatment of mental health challenges in non-licensure settings. Some examples of specific, non-licensure career paths you might pursue include case manager, program manager, safe house program assistant or social services assistant.³

As you explore your options for furthering your academic qualifications, you should consider whether the school you’ve chosen is institutionally accredited. Institutional accreditation is an indicator of the quality of the school. GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university that offers a wide range of degrees and certificate programs, helping graduates to pursue their career goals.

The decision to go back to school is a significant one. Before you enroll in a health and wellness degree online or on campus, you should take the time to research the program and the career field. You should consider whether a particular mental health and wellness program will help you pursue your career goals. The following frequently asked questions and answers can jumpstart your research.

Begin working toward your dream of helping others strengthen their mental health and emotional resilience. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s health and wellness courses online or on campus in the evenings.