Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs

See today’s top accredited schools for online mental health counseling programs, learn about admission requirements and costs, and explore career options for after graduation.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Kyra Sutherland

Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent Success

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Updated: 12/16/2025

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Inside Real Online Programs in Mental Health Counseling
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Advantages of Earning an Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling
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What You'll Learn in an Online Mental Health Counseling Degree at the Master's Level
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An online master’s in mental health counseling can unlock many opportunities, including getting a license to practice anywhere in the United States. This degree also gives you the necessary skills to help people emotionally, mentally, therapeutically, and behaviorally. But which schools have what you’re looking for in a program: the right curriculum, flexible online programs, and a cost structure that makes sense for you? Start with a detailed ranking of the best online mental health counseling master’s, and then dive inside the programs themselves to get your journey started today.

Inside Real Online Programs in Mental Health Counseling

Want more details about some of today’s best online programs for your mental health master’s? Explore curricula, cost, courses, and more with these three spotlights.

New York University

New York University offers a two-year online master’s degree in mental health counseling. You can enroll full- or part-time to complete the 60 hours of coursework required. NYU’s degree combines core coursework with internship opportunities to help students understand group dynamics, ethical issues, theory and process, and abnormal psychology. Electives are also offered in bereavement counseling, marriage and family counseling, addiction counseling, career counseling, and more.

Each student participates in a counseling lab to establish basic counseling skills and sharpen self-awareness and insight. The lab is a prerequisite to the practicum, and the practicum is a prerequisite for any internships. Students must obtain a New York license in clinical mental health counseling to legally practice. NYU is accredited by the MPCAC (Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council) through 2025.

John Hopkins University

John Hopkins University offers a two-year online Master of Science in Counseling designed to help students become advocates in the counseling industry. There is also a specialization focusing on clinical mental health. Students have five years to complete the 60-credits of coursework and 600 hours of internship.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and at least two letters of recommendation. Students can expect to learn to assess needs, develop goals, and counsel individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. They also learn to facilitate group work in a mental healthcare setting as well as the competencies needed to evaluate and apply evidence-based practices.

University of Massachusetts, Boston

The University of Massachusetts, Boston offers a two-year Master of Science in Mental Health that prepares students to meet the requirements for licensure in Massachusetts. Students must complete 60 hours of coursework online and attend a 2-week course in-person at the University of Boston. The degree gives the knowledge and skills needed the first semester for the internship and practicum requirements in the second year.

This degree helps students identify and collaborate with people of different backgrounds and gain the skills and values required of mental health counselors. They can also pick a concentration if desired.

Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

One of the biggest advantages of earning an online master’s in mental health counseling is the ability to obtain a license to practice counseling. A bachelor’s degree does not provide this. Additional advantages include those detailed below.

1. Furthering your career

Obtaining a master’s degree in mental health counseling online allows you to further your career and possibly boost your salary. It teaches the approaches and skills necessary for counseling. This degree can open pathways to specialization or simply more advanced positions in the mental healthcare field.

2. Flexibility

Obtaining an online master’s degree in mental health counseling gives you the flexibility to complete coursework on your timeframe and in locations that work best for you. Most also allow for local practicums/internships, so you can fit them into your schedule and maintain the professional and personal balance you want.

3. Cost-effective

In many cases, online students pay resident tuition rates regardless of where they live. Add to that the savings in travel and an online degree is especially cost-effective.

What You’ll Learn in an Online Mental Health Counseling Degree at the Master’s Level

Students pursuing a master’s in mental health counseling can expect to learn about substance abuse, human development, human personalities, abnormal psychology, group counseling, trauma and suicide, assessment and testing, ethics, and more. They study how to identify, assess, and counsel individuals from multiple populations and backgrounds. Students also learn prevention methods, treatment, and program management options. Many courses also cover a basic understanding of psychopharmacology and how it affects mental health in patients.

Substance Abuse and Addictions

This course teaches students to examine and diagnose multiple substance addictions in varying populations. They learn about addictive behavior, the effects of various drugs, and therapeutic and counseling treatment options. Some courses even cover a patient’s addiction effects on family members.

Counseling Families and Couples

Students in this course review basic family system dynamics, theories, and techniques. The course covers theoretical foundations and ethical and legal issues regarding the family. Some schools offer specific marriage or parenting classes to meet the specific needs of clientele.

Crisis, Trauma, and Suicide

This course is an introduction to the concepts, theories, and principles of crisis management. Students learn modern techniques of crisis management within the community, family, school, and individual settings as well as the resolution and prevention of such problems.

Counseling Skills

This course introduces the skills, techniques, and processes for establishing a basic counseling relationship. Students learn the necessary attitudes and skills of an effective counselor and how those help clients. They also learn the process of helping the individuals.

This course presents the cultural context of the counseling relationship and how factors and concerns such as culture, ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic status, gender orientation, religious values, and other characteristics affect individuals.

Specialization Options in Online Mental Health Counseling Programs

Most master’s in mental health counseling programs allow you to choose a concentration or specialization. Different schools offer different concentrations. Below are five different concentrations to give an idea of the options available.

Addiction Counseling

Addiction counseling assesses a client’s willingness to change. Once this is established, a counselor helps identify triggers and how to avoid them. This concentration focuses on creating action plans, handling potential relapses, and repairing family relationships.

Rehabilitation Counseling

Rehabilitation counseling involves work with clients disabled by an accident or disease. Counselors help handle emotional issues, provide specialized career assistance, and more. They help clients find emotional support and new ways to be productive. Students in this course can expect to gain a lot of hands-on experience.

Mental Health and Wellness Counseling

Mental health and wellness counseling involves helping with emotional wellness struggles. Students learn different theories and practices and how they are effective. Mental health and wellness counselors guide individuals to their strengths and suggest coping methods for when troubling times arise.

Marriage and Family Counseling

When problems occur, many families seek counseling to repair relationships. A marriage and family counselor facilitates and guides individuals to improved communication. This concentration teaches students to stay objective and to be sensitive to all sides of a situation while teaching clients how to communicate.

Career Counseling

Career counseling is one of the more popular concentrations. Career counselors work in schools, businesses, and community agencies. Students are prepared to explore client’s aptitudes and interests and to help match them to the perfect work environment. A career counselor is responsible for helping throughout or during any part of a job search process.

Accreditation for Online Mental Health Counseling Degrees

Appropriate accreditation is an essential element to consider when choosing an online master’s degree program in mental health counseling. You can usually find which accreditations a school has on its website. If you can’t find it, call and ask.

Accrediting organizations for mental health counseling programs include the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Others like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (NCATE) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) are also worth exploring.

Above all when it comes to accreditation for an online master’s degree in mental health counseling, make sure the school you choose is accredited by a program that will allow you to get your license.

What You Can Do with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

There are many job opportunities available to someone with a master’s degree in mental health counseling. These include being a counselor for a clinic, an on-staff therapist for a police station, a school counselor, or a counselor in private practice. Some of the top careers for those with a master’s degree in mental health counseling are detailed below.

Rehabilitation Counselor

Whether a person has a physical, mental, or emotional disability, they need creative solutions. That is where a rehabilitation counselor comes in. Rehabilitation counselors work in a variety of community and state facilities helping the disabled live better lives.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$23,820	$35,950	$63,790

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019

Mental Health CounselorActuary

Mental health counselors focus on helping individuals, groups, and families with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Mental health counselors typically practice cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic theory, or a combination of these.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$29,520	$46,240	$76,080

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019

School Counselor

Many students have more needs than teachers can meet, which is where a school counselor comes in. School counselors help individuals and small groups work through anxiety, bullying, low academic performances, and any problems students may be having at home.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$34,380	$57,040	$96,090

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019

Marriage and Family Counselor

Marriage and family counselors help with issues like depression and substance abuse, but they do so within the family unit. These counselors also address relationship issues like domestic violence, marital conflicts, infertility, and parenting teenagers.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$32,070	$49,610	$87,770

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors diagnose and assess substance problems and addictions. They customize treatment plans for recovering clients and help them during a crisis or relapse. These counselors also help clients overcome self-doubt and denial, so they can achieve a full recovery.

10th Percentile	Median Annual Pay	90th Percentile
$29,520	$46,240	$76,080

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019

Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Mental Health Counseling

Earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling requires significant monetary commitment. Fortunately, many schools offer scholarships, work-study programs, fellowships, and governmental grants. Employer tuition assistance might also be available through an individual’s workplace. When considering a school, check its financial aid options to help in your decision.

What Your Online Master’s in Mathematics Might Cost

Program	No. of Credits	Cost/Credit	Total Cost
University of Massachusetts, Boston	60	$770	$46,200
New York University	60	$1,867	$112,020
John Hopkins University	60	$882	$52,920

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degrees

What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in mental health counseling?

Each school has a slightly different admission process, but there are many requirements that all schools have in common. Common elements typically include the following.

Transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Minimum GPA
Work experience

How long will it take to finish my online mental health counseling degree?

A master’s degree in mental health counseling typically takes two years of full-time coursework to complete. Part-time will take longer. A master’s in mental health counseling degree usually requires 60 credits, but there are also practicums and internships to consider. Also, if you’re attending online, not every course is offered during every part of the year. When considering which school to attend, check their timelines and requirements.

Can I earn a master’s in mental health counseling 100% online or do I need to visit campus?

This depends on the school. Some schools offer degrees completely online, while others offer a hybrid of online and on-campus classes. Some schools even offer online classes but require campus visits at the beginning of every semester. Check with the individual schools to find out for sure.

Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs

The road to selecting the right online master’s in mental health counseling may seem daunting, with considerations ranging from cost and program quality to potential career options. Luckily, our carefully curated list of the top online master’s programs in mental health counseling is here to guide you. Whether you’re drawn to clinical mental health counseling or specialized areas like marriage and family therapy, these programs not only offer schedule flexibility but also tailored tracks to align with your unique career aspirations. Explore the programs that will furnish you with the skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in the field of mental health counseling.

Missouri Valley College

Marshall, MO

Private · HLC

The Master of Arts in Community Counseling at Missouri Valley College is a two-year hybrid program preparing students for licensure as professional counselors. It offers practical, theory-driven training, small classes, and local practicum opportunities, with flexible 48- or 60-credit hour tracks to meet various state requirements. Taught by licensed professionals, it supports diverse populations in community settings.

Program Highlights:

The Master of Arts in Community Counseling at Missouri Valley College offers a hybrid format with evening and alternating online/face-to-face classes, enabling flexible completion in as little as two years.
Students benefit from practicum and internship placements through partnerships with local community mental health providers, offering high-quality clinical training aligned with career paths.
The program features small class sizes and individualized attention from licensed professionals who are actively practicing, enhancing real-world learning and mentorship opportunities.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $3,870
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 29

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Marion, IN

Private · HLC

The 60-credit MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan equips students to diagnose and treat individuals and groups with a faith-integrated, multicultural focus. Training emphasizes supervised clinical experience, advanced counseling skills, and the integration of spirituality with evidence-based mental health practices.

Program Highlights:

Indiana Wesleyan University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program features personalized clinical training with live supervision and digital recording, allowing tailored skill development from the first semester through community-based internships.
The program offers a flexible online format designed for working professionals, enabling completion in 24-36 months while integrating a Christ-centered approach and multicultural competence.
Students benefit from financial aid options including grants, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement, making advanced counseling education more accessible.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $9,731
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 6,457

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

Private · NECHE

Southern New Hampshire University’s CACREP-accredited MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit online program with two face-to-face residencies, focusing on evidence-based strategies, cultural competence, and diverse client support for careers in counseling trauma, addiction, and mental illness. Admissions paused in 2023.

Program Highlights:

SNHU’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program combines primarily online coursework with two intensive, in-person residency experiences to ensure hands-on skill development and faculty feedback.
The program is fully accredited by CACREP, guaranteeing alignment with national counseling education standards and enhancing graduates’ licensure eligibility and professional credibility.
Students benefit from a robust practicum and internship program that supports supervised clinical experience critical for licensure and employment readiness.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $19,467
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 23,644

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

Public · SACSCOC

Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students with knowledge, hands-on training, and practicum/internship experiences to counsel individuals facing substance abuse, family, career, and emotional challenges. The 60-hour program meets Texas licensure requirements, emphasizing practical skills across diverse clinical settings.

Program Highlights:

Lamar University’s M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers intensive practicum and internship experiences integral to licensure, providing practical, supervised client counseling opportunities.
The program is delivered 100% online with flexible scheduling, allowing working adults to complete coursework conveniently without pausing their careers.
Students gain comprehensive training in diverse counseling approaches addressing substance abuse, family, career, and mental health issues, equipping them for broad clinical practice settings.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,471
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 8,900

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Private · HLC

Lewis University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. prepares students to apply theory and research in providing culturally and ethically sensitive counseling for diverse populations. The CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program offers two concentrations focusing on adults or children/adolescents, including real-world clinical experiences.

Program Highlights:

Lewis University's Graduate Psychology program offers personalized program customization tailored to students' specific career goals.
The program emphasizes practical application of psychological principles through real-world situations, enhancing job-readiness.
Experienced faculty members actively involved in research and professional practice provide expert mentorship throughout the program.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $15,210
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 2,020

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE

Private · MSCHE

Wilmington University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program requires 60 credits, including core courses, practicum, and internship. It develops counseling skills for diverse populations, aligned with ACA and CACREP standards, preparing students for varied settings in about three years with academic advising support throughout.

Program Highlights:

William Paterson University’s Clinical Mental Health program offers CACREP accreditation, ensuring graduates meet high professional and licensure standards.
The program features hands-on clinical practice with supervised fieldwork that enhances real-world counseling skills and readiness.
Students benefit from specialized faculty expertise focused on diverse populations, trauma, and ethical clinical mental health practices.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $9,432
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 4,141

Catawba College

Salisbury, NC

Private · SACSCOC

The fully online, CACREP-accredited Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Catawba College offers 60 credit hours, blending 45 didactic and 15 supervised clinical practicum hours. It prepares students for licensure with hands-on internships and develops skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Program Highlights:

The CMHC program features personalized advising and a maximum cohort size of eighteen students annually, ensuring individualized attention throughout the program.
Students complete a required 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour clinical internship with direct faculty and site supervision, providing extensive hands-on clinical experience.
The program is fully online with an interactive learning environment, allowing flexibility while maintaining small class sizes to support individual learning needs.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $3,594
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 69

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

Public · MSCHE

The University at Buffalo’s Mental Health Counseling MS is a CACREP-accredited program emphasizing evidence-based clinical skills, multicultural competence, ethical practice, and social justice. It prepares students for licensure in New York through 60 credit hours of coursework and clinical field experience, promoting personal and professional growth.

Program Highlights:

The program offers 600 hours of supervised clinical experience starting in the second year, ensuring strong practical skills for licensure eligibility in New York State.
Established partnerships with diverse clinical sites such as hospitals, mental health centers, and substance abuse facilities provide extensive, hands-on internship opportunities.
The program is CACREP-accredited and taught by faculty who integrate evidence-supported practices with a commitment to multicultural competence, social justice, and ethical responsibility.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $11,310
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 3,663

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN

Public · HLC

The IU Kokomo Master’s in Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit hybrid program combining online and face-to-face courses. It includes rigorous coursework and 700 clinical hours, preparing students for licensure and work in diverse counseling settings, emphasizing theory, ethics, and practical skills. Cohort-based learning fosters community.

Program Highlights:

Indiana University Kokomo’s Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling offers a multi-campus hybrid format, enabling in-person classes at three campuses combined with online courses for flexible learning.
The program provides strong clinical placement support through existing internship agreements with six locations in central Indiana and openness to developing additional clinical opportunities.
Students progress in a close-knit cohort of about 20 peers over two years, fostering community and collaboration throughout rigorous coursework and practical experience.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $9,648
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 3,142

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX

Public · SACSCOC

The Texas A&M Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program preparing students for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Texas. It emphasizes theory, multicultural competence, clinical practice, and internships to equip counselors for diverse community and private practice settings.

Program Highlights:

The program offers a 100% online, CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, meeting Texas LPC licensing requirements with specialized emphases like Rural Mental Health and Sandtray Therapy.
Students benefit from an active professional honor society chapter (Tau Alpha Kappa of Chi Sigma Iota), providing valuable networking opportunities and professional development within the counseling field.
The curriculum integrates extensive practicum and internship experiences, ensuring high clinical placement rates and practical preparation for diverse community counseling settings.

School Type Public
Application Fee No
Tuition $5,558
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 447

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Private · HLC

Lindenwood University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA offers 60 credit hours combining psychological theory with extensive counseling skills training. It prepares students for Missouri LPC licensure, includes practicum and internship experiences, and is available on-campus, hybrid, or fully online, qualifying graduates for diverse mental health roles.

Program Highlights:

Lindenwood University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA program offers multiple start terms and flexible formats including on-campus, hybrid, and distance learning for student convenience.
The program integrates extensive applied experience with a required practicum and internship totaling at least 700 supervised hours, ensuring strong clinical training and professional readiness.
Students benefit from selective admission with ongoing assessment, including faculty-led supervision and remediation plans, fostering high-quality clinical competencies and ethical practice standards.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $8,550
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 1,933

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Private · SACSCOC

Nova Southeastern University’s M.S. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration offers a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited curriculum with flexible delivery (online, on-campus, hybrid). Graduates gain licensure eligibility to work in schools, clinics, hospitals, and agencies, emphasizing evidence-based practice and comprehensive clinical training.

Program Highlights:

NSU’s Master of Science in Counseling offers two required three-day Residential Institutes for online Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling students to enhance skills through in-person simulated counseling, faculty feedback, and group activities.
The department’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration holds an 8-year CACREP accreditation, covering both online and traditional formats, ensuring high-quality, recognized training for licensure eligibility.
Faculty are active clinicians and researchers who provide expert instruction and supervise field experiences, fostering empirically-supported counseling practices and multicultural competence among students.

School Type Private
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $22,890
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 6,993

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Public · NECHE

Fitchburg State’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for LMHC licensure with a 60-credit curriculum combining clinical skills, counseling theory, and 750 hours of supervised practicum and internship. Graduates are trained to support individuals across diverse mental health settings effectively.

Program Highlights:

Fitchburg State’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program requires a full-year internship with 600 field hours, ensuring substantial real-world clinical experience and strong community partnerships.
The program balances experiential and didactic learning, emphasizing both professional integration and sensitivity to diverse populations, which enhances counseling effectiveness and cultural competence.
Students can apply for licensure as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) upon completion, aligning the curriculum specifically with Massachusetts state licensure requirements for a streamlined professional pathway.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $3,510
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 2,677

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX

Private · SACSCOC

Holy Cross’s Mental Health Counseling master’s program offers a compassionate, community-focused curriculum blending theory with practical skills for clinical practice, emphasizing multicultural awareness, ethics, and evidence-based counseling. It prepares graduates for licensure and effective counseling in diverse, real-world settings through supervised clinical experiences.

Program Highlights:

The program offers a blend of online coursework with in-person practicum and internship experiences under licensed professionals, ensuring real-world clinical training that prepares students for LPC licensure in Texas.
Houston Christian University provides specialized concentrations addressing marriage, couples, families, grief, and sexual addiction counseling, allowing students to tailor their expertise in focused mental health areas.
The curriculum integrates spiritual, theological, and multicultural counseling, enriching students’ clinical skills with diverse, faith-based, and cultural perspectives for holistic client care.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $8,875
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 1,009

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX

Public · SACSCOC

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s MS in Professional Counseling (60 semester hours) offers specialized training in Clinical Mental Health, Marriage and Family, Addictions, and Hispanic Mental Health Counseling. The program meets Texas LPC and LMFT licensure requirements and emphasizes personal and professional development with CACREP accreditation.

Program Highlights:

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Professional Counseling MS program allows students completing the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling emphasis to meet Texas Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) educational requirements, offering dual licensure eligibility.
The program includes personalized, ongoing faculty review of each student’s development, ensuring proficiency in counseling skills and providing targeted remediation if necessary to maintain professional standards.
Students can choose a specialized online Hispanic Mental Health emphasis within Clinical Mental Health Counseling, catering to culturally specific community needs and expanding professional expertise in a growing demographic.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $3,610
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 2,314

Grace College and Theological Seminary

Winona Lake, IN

Private · HLC

Grace College’s Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited online program with a seven-day annual residency. It integrates counseling theory, practice, and a biblical worldview to prepare students for licensure and careers in diverse mental health settings.

Program Highlights:

Grace College’s Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers a predominantly online format with only a single annual seven-day residency, providing flexibility for working professionals.
The program is CACREP accredited, ensuring high-quality clinical training and a curriculum designed to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors.
Students benefit from a program that integrates a biblical worldview with counseling practice, supporting professional and interpersonal development for effective Christian counseling careers.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $7,912
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 413

New England College

Henniker, NH

Private · NECHE

New England College’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 24-month, 60-credit program preparing students for licensure with 700 hours of supervised clinical experience. It emphasizes equity, advocacy, research-based practice, and ethical, culturally responsive counseling skills. The program offers hybrid and online delivery options.

Program Highlights:

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS program at New England College offers an intensive 700-hour supervised clinical field experience, ensuring hands-on, real-world practice under expert guidance.
Students benefit from personalized clinical placements aligned with their talents and career ambitions, supported by both program faculty and on-site licensed clinicians.
The program’s curriculum integrates research-based best practices with a strong commitment to ethical grounding, self-awareness, and cultural responsiveness, fostering competent and compassionate counseling professionals.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $14,376
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 1,179

Texas A & M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX

Public · SACSCOC

Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a CACREP-accredited, fully online 60-semester-hour Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, preparing students for LPC licensure in Texas with options for school counseling, rural mental health, or sandtray therapy emphases. The program focuses on culturally competent counseling skills for diverse settings.

Program Highlights:

Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s counseling program offers a unique Rural Mental Health emphasis, the only one nationally, preparing counselors for underserved rural communities.
The program is fully CACREP-accredited with no GRE or MAT requirements, and it accepts up to 15 transfer credits, making it highly accessible for working professionals.
Students can join an active chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international counseling honor society, providing valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $3,409
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 987

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

Public · SACSCOC

East Carolina University’s Clinical Counseling MS is a 62-credit, CACREP-accredited program focusing on mental health and addictions. It prepares students for LCMHC and LCAS licensure through hybrid learning, clinical practicum, and internships, emphasizing prevention, intervention, and relationship improvement. Completion typically takes two years.

Program Highlights:

East Carolina University’s Clinical Counseling program offers three annual scholarships specifically for clinical counseling students to help reduce financial burdens.
The program features a flexible hybrid course delivery format, enabling students to complete their degree in as little as two years while balancing other commitments.
Students gain extensive hands-on experience through a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, along with opportunities to participate in a faculty-directed, student-run counseling clinic.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $4,749
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,905

University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL

Public · SACSCOC

The University of West Alabama’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling equips students with counseling theories, techniques, and skills to support diverse mental health needs. Accredited by CACREP, the program blends coursework and practicum with experienced licensed faculty, preparing students for professional counseling roles.

Program Highlights:

The program features a standardized patient component with simulated real-world scenarios, enhancing personalized clinical training and skill application.
Faculty assist students in securing five terms of clinical field placements complemented by university-based supervision, ensuring practical experience with live clients in local communities.
Students experience a strong cohort-like engagement with flexible scheduling options, allowing accommodation of work and life responsibilities without sacrificing community and collaboration.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $6,678
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 3,319

Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN

Private · SACSCOC

The Mental Health Counseling master’s program at Carson-Newman University offers a CACREP-accredited dual degree in Clinical Mental Health and Professional School Counseling. It combines rigorous academic study with practical clinical and school experience, preparing students for licensure with comprehensive competency assessments and professional development opportunities.

Program Highlights:

Carson-Newman's Master of Science in Counseling offers professional development and networking through partnerships with local, state, and national counseling affiliates.
The program fosters a collaborative learning environment that promotes long-term relationships with faculty, counseling professionals, and classmates, enhancing academic and professional success.
Students gain firsthand clinical and school setting experience, integrating diverse life stories and worldviews to enrich their practical training and counseling perspective.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $9,968
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 922

Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA

Public · MSCHE

PennWest’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS prepares students for diverse mental health settings with coursework in diagnosis, treatment, and counseling techniques. The program offers flexible in-person (California) and fully online options, emphasizing ethical practice, internships, and CACREP accreditation for professional readiness.

Program Highlights:

The program offers an accelerated pathway allowing qualified students to begin master's coursework during their junior and senior undergraduate years, reducing overall time to degree completion.
Students benefit from CACREP accreditation, ensuring the program meets rigorous national standards for counseling education and enhances career prospects.
The program provides both in-person and fully online options, giving students flexibility to choose the learning format that best fits their needs and schedule.

School Type Public
Application Fee Yes
Tuition $9,288
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 2,683

Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN

Private · HLC

Bethel’s M.A. in Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program completed in as few as 33 months. It emphasizes clinical skills, multicultural competence, ethical practice, and prepares students for licensure to serve diverse clients in various clinical settings through hands-on practicum and internship experiences.

Program Highlights:

Bethel’s M.A. in Counseling offers a cohort model with small groups that foster a supportive learning community throughout the entire 33-month program.
The program emphasizes integration of faith and spirituality with clinical mental health counseling, preparing students to address diverse clients' worldviews and spiritual needs.
Students complete hands-on clinical training with 100 practicum hours in community placement sites, ensuring readiness for professional counseling and licensure in Minnesota.

School Type Private
Application Fee No
Tuition $10,566
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 619

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