SMHCA Partner Highlight — National Louis University (NLU)

National Louis University (NLU) is a distinguished private university with a long-standing commitment to empowering professionals through high-quality education and community-focused partnerships. With more than 135 years of history, NLU has built a tradition of expanding access to higher education, fostering innovation, and preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to their fields and communities. 

NLU’s partnership with SMHCA reflects a shared commitment to raising the standards of mental health education, expanding professional development opportunities, and strengthening the pipeline of well-prepared counseling professionals in Florida and beyond. Through collaboration, SMHCA and NLU co-create educational experiences, support workforce development, and provide avenues for students and professionals to connect, learn, and grow.

As a partner, NLU brings strong academic resources, a commitment to community engagement, and a shared vision for mental health advocacy — helping shape the future of counseling practice together.

About National Louis University

National Louis University (NLU) is a private, accredited institution with campuses in Chicago, Illinois and Tampa, Florida, and a robust online learning environment. NLU serves tens of thousands of students annually and has a growing community of over 100,000 living alumni who are active in professions such as education, psychology, human services, business, and healthcare. 

NLU’s mission is to inspire and empower learners to advance in meaningful careers and contribute positively to their communities. The university values innovation, access, and inclusion, and is dedicated to educating students who are prepared to lead and serve in a diverse and changing world. 

NLU Academic Programs — Training Tomorrow’s Mental Health Professionals

NLU offers a wide range of career-focused programs across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Students interested in mental health counseling and related fields will find academic pathways that build the knowledge and skills needed for impactful practice, leadership, and service. 

Relevant Degree Programs

While NLU’s offerings span many disciplines, key areas that are particularly relevant for current and aspiring mental health counselors include:

• Counseling (M.S.) — graduate-level preparation for clinical and counseling roles. 

• Psychology (B.A., M.A.) — foundational understanding of human behavior and psychological theory. 

• Human Services, Applied Behavioral Sciences — undergraduate paths that prepare students for service-oriented careers. 

• Social Work (B.S.W.) — degree with a strong community service and clinical skill component. 

• Related behavioral sciences and social sciences programs — offering breadth of practice-oriented study. 

Whether students pursue undergraduate preparation, advanced counseling degrees, or continuing education, NLU integrates academic excellence with real-world applicability designed to enhance career readiness. 

Why NLU & SMHCA Partner

The collaboration between SMHCA and NLU reinforces a shared mission to:

• Expand access to quality counseling education and professional resources.

• Support students and emerging professionals through events, networking, and training.

• Bridge academic preparation with the needs of the mental health workforce.

• Promote continuous learning and community engagement in mental health care.

Together, SMHCA and NLU work to strengthen the profession, advocate for best practices, and support counselors at every stage of their career.

Key National Louis University (NLU) Links to Share

General University & Admissions

• NLU Main Website (About & Overview): https://nl.edu/

• Find a Program / Program Finder: https://nl.edu/academics/program-finder/

• Graduate Admissions: https://nl.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/

• Apply Now (Free Application): https://nl.edu/apply-now/

Academic Colleges & Departments

These links are great if you want to point site visitors to relevant schools and departments:

• College of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences: https://nl.edu/college-of-psychology-and-behavioral-sciences/

Counseling & Mental Health Programs

For site visitors interested in counseling careers, licensure prep, and mental health training:

• M.S. in Counseling (Illinois – CACREP Accredited): https://nl.edu/college-of-psychology-and-behavioral-sciences/programs/ms-in-counseling-illinois/

• M.S. in Counseling (Virtual Live Classroom – Online): https://nl.edu/college-of-psychology-and-behavioral-sciences/programs/ms-in-counseling-virtual/

➤ These counseling programs prepare students for professional counseling settings, include practicum/internship components, and meet educational standards for counselor licensure in multiple states.

Psychology & Related Programs

Great links for psychology students and professionals exploring broader behavioral health study:

• M.A. in Psychology (Illinois): https://nl.edu/college-of-psychology-and-behavioral-sciences/programs/ma-in-psychology-illinois/
  (Focus on human behavior, community psychology, and teaching of psychology.)

Social Work & Human Services

For counseling professionals who may collaborate with social work and community practice:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): https://nl.edu/undergraduate-college/programs/bachelor-of-social-work/
  (Prepares students for direct practice, advocacy, and community well-being roles.)

Additional Academic Offerings

• NLU Program Finder (All Programs Available): https://nl.edu/academics/program-finder/
  (Use this as a master list of all degrees, certificates, and areas of study.)

Explore NLU Academic & Counseling Programs

•  About National Louis University

•  Find a Program at NLU

•  M.S. in Counseling — Illinois

•  M.S. in Counseling — Virtual Live Classroom

•  M.A. in Psychology

•  Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

• ✍️ Apply to NLU (Free Application)

•  Graduate Admissions