Bring your experience and perspective
NYU’s Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program welcomes students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, including recent graduates and career changers who are committed to serving diverse communities and advancing equity through mental health counseling.
While experience in the mental health field is beneficial, the admissions committee considers each applicant’s full profile.
Competitive applicants typically demonstrate:

A commitment to the counseling profession
They exhibit a desire to support individuals, families, and communities through mental health counseling while working with diverse and underrepresented populations.

Academic readiness for graduate study
They are prepared for rigorous graduate coursework and the academic skills needed for success in a graduate-level program.

Preparedness for program expectations
They possess the ability to balance online coursework, required in-person clinical experiences, and the demands of full- or part-time enrollment.
Admissions requirements
A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for baccalaureate studies is required to apply to the program.
GRE scores are not required.
This program does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in the U.S. throughout the duration of the program.
Candidates whose native language is not English and who did not complete a four-year undergraduate degree taught in English must submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English scores.
Application checklist
Submit your online application and the required $75 application fee through NYU’s graduate admissions system.
Complete the required short-answer responses and case study, which allow the admissions committee to understand your goals, experiences, perspectives, and readiness for graduate-level counseling preparation.
Provide a current resume or CV highlighting your academic background, professional experience, volunteer work, and other experiences that have prepared you for graduate study.
Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended. If you have academic credentials from outside the U.S. or Canada, you will need to submit a credentials evaluation from an approved provider. Learn more about transcript requirements.
Provide two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic preparation, professional experience, and potential for success in a graduate-level clinical program.
If your native language is not English and you did not earn the equivalent of a four-year U.S. undergraduate degree in which English was the language of instruction, submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English scores.
Apply to the online mental health counseling program throughout the year
Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness offers cohort start dates in January and September, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early to receive an admission decision sooner and begin planning for enrollment.
Take the next step toward change
If you are committed to promoting equity and inclusivity while helping individuals, families, and communities thrive, take the next step toward becoming a mental health counselor. Pursue your counseling master’s online from NYU Steinhardt.