University of New Haven

What you'll study

This master's combines coursework in clinical practice, social determinants of health, service delivery systems and applied research. Core themes include assessment and diagnosis in mental health, evidence-based interventions, case formulation, ethics and professional practice, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration with allied health disciplines.

• Assessment and Intervention: clinical assessment techniques, psychotherapy principles, crisis intervention and brief therapies commonly used in community and primary care settings.
• Systems and Services: organisation of mental health services, integrated care models, service planning, funding and policy issues affecting community and public mental health.
• Research and Evaluation: research methods, programme evaluation, statistics for health professionals and translating evidence into practice.
• Population and Social Contexts: lifespan development, social determinants of mental health, trauma-informed approaches and work with diverse communities.
• Interprofessional Practice: collaborative working with nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and other allied professionals; communication and leadership in multidisciplinary teams.
• Practicum/Capstone: an applied practicum or field placement in a clinical, community or allied-health setting alongside a capstone project or supervised clinical portfolio that integrates theory and practice.

Programme delivery typically mixes seminars, small-group clinical skills labs, practicum placements and an applied research or capstone requirement. Elective options may allow specialisation in areas such as community mental health, addiction services, child and adolescent mental health, or health policy and administration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in psychology, nursing, social work, public health, rehabilitation sciences or a related discipline, with appropriate academic standing. Applicants with degrees in other fields who have relevant professional experience in health, social services or community work may also be considered.

• Academic background: a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with demonstrated ability to undertake graduate-level study.
• Professional experience: relevant work or practicum experience in healthcare, social care, education or community services is desirable and may strengthen an application.
• Prerequisites: prior study in statistics/research methods and foundational coursework in human development or mental health is advantageous; bridging courses may be required if these are absent.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement, academic transcripts, and references are normally requested. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to University of New Haven requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across clinical, community and administrative settings. Common career paths include employment as mental health practitioners in community health centres, behavioural health specialists, case managers, programme coordinators, and allied health coordinators. With further licensing or certification where required, graduates may progress to roles as licensed counsellors, clinical supervisors or independent practitioners.

Other opportunities include positions in hospital-based mental health teams, school and university counselling services, substance misuse and recovery programmes, criminal justice and correctional mental health services, public health departments, non-governmental organisations and policy or advocacy organisations. The degree also supports entry into doctoral-level study or research roles in applied mental health and social care.

Why study at University of New Haven

The University of New Haven offers a practical, career-focused approach with emphasis on applied training and multidisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from access to local clinical and community placement partners, small cohort sizes that support personalised supervision, and faculty with professional experience across clinical, public health and allied professions.

Teaching integrates contemporary practice, ethics and research, preparing graduates to work effectively within integrated care systems. Support services such as career counselling, placement coordination and skills workshops help students transition into employment or further study. The university's regional networks with hospitals, community agencies and allied health providers provide varied practicum opportunities to develop the hands-on experience employers value.