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 after graduation.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Kyra Sutherland

Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent Success

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Updated: 02/19/2026

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An online master’s in mental health counseling can unlock your license to practice anywhere in the U.S. It also gives you the skills to help people emotionally, mentally, therapeutically, and behaviorally.

Which schools have the right curriculum, flexible online programs, and a cost structure that works for you? Start by reading the inside details of popular programs, then dive into everything you need to know before pursuing your master’s.

Featured Online Programs in Mental Health Counseling

New York University

Degree: Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
Credits: 60 hours | Full- or part-time enrollment
Duration: 2 years (full-time)
Accreditation: MPCAC

This program from NYU combines core coursework with internship opportunities covering group dynamics, ethical issues, theory and process, and abnormal psychology.

Elective options include:

Bereavement counseling
Marriage and family counseling
Addiction counseling
Career counseling

Each student completes a counseling lab to build basic skills and self-awareness. The lab is a prerequisite to the practicum, which is a prerequisite for internships. A New York license in clinical mental health counseling is required to legally practice.

John Hopkins University

Degree: Online MS in Counseling
Credits: 60 credits + 600 hours of internship
Duration: Up to 5 years to complete

John Hopkins University offers a master’s with a specialization in clinical mental health and prepares students to become advocates in the counseling industry.

Admission requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
Minimum GPA of 3.0
At least two letters of recommendation

Students learn to assess needs, develop treatment goals, and counsel individuals from diverse backgrounds. The curriculum also covers group facilitation and evidence-based practice evaluation.

University of Massachusetts, Boston

Degree: Online MS in Mental Health Counseling
Credits: 60 hours online + 2-week on-campus intensive
Focus: Prepares students for Massachusetts licensure requirements

The program delivers core knowledge and skills in the first semester to prepare students for practicum and internship requirements in year two. Various concentrations are available.

3 Key Advantages of an Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s

The most important advantage: a master’s degree is required to obtain a counseling license. A bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify you to practice. Beyond that, however, earning your master’s in mental health counseling online offers several other key benefits:

1. Furthering Your Career

A master’s opens pathways to specialization and advanced positions in mental healthcare — and can boost your salary significantly.

2. Flexibility

Complete coursework on your own schedule, from anywhere. Most programs also allow local practicums and internships so you can maintain work-life balance.

3. Cost Savings

Online students often pay in-state tuition rates regardless of where they live. Add in savings on commuting and relocation, and online programs can be considerably more affordable.

What You’ll Learn in an Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program

Expect to study a broad range of topics that prepare you to assess, diagnose, and counsel individuals from diverse populations.

Substance abuse and addiction treatment
Human development and personality
Abnormal psychology
Group counseling
Crisis, trauma, and suicide intervention
Assessment and testing
Ethics and legal issues
Prevention, treatment, and program management
Psychopharmacology basics

Here’s a closer look at five core courses you’ll likely encounter:

Substance Abuse and Addictions

Learn to examine and diagnose multiple substance addictions across varying populations. Topics include addictive behavior, effects of various drugs, therapeutic treatment options, and the impact of addiction on family members.

Counseling Families and Couples

Review family system dynamics, theories, and techniques. Covers theoretical foundations and the ethical and legal issues involved in family counseling. Some schools offer specialized courses on marriage and parenting.

Crisis, Trauma, and Suicide

An introduction to crisis management concepts, theories, and principles. You’ll learn modern techniques for managing crises in community, family, school, and individual settings, including resolution and prevention strategies.

Counseling Skills

Introduces the skills, techniques, and processes for establishing a basic counseling relationship. Covers the attitudes and skills of effective counselors and how to guide clients through the helping process.

Examines how culture, ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religious values, and other identity factors shape the counseling relationship and affect client needs.

Concentration Options

Most programs let you choose a concentration or specialization. Common options include:

Addiction Counseling

Focus on identifying triggers, building action plans, managing relapses, and repairing family relationships.

Rehabilitation Counseling

Work with clients disabled by accident or disease; help them find emotional support and new paths to productivity.

Mental Health and Wellness Counseling

Support emotional wellness; guide individuals toward their strengths and develop coping strategies.

Marriage and Family Counseling

Facilitate improved communication within family units; address relationship conflicts with objectivity and sensitivity.

Career Counseling

Help clients identify aptitudes and interests; support job searches in schools, businesses, and community agencies.

Accreditation: What to Look For

Accreditation is essential. It determines whether your degree will qualify you for licensure. You can usually find accreditation information on the school’s website. If not, call and ask.

Key accrediting organizations for mental health counseling programs include:

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) — the most widely recognized for counseling programs
Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (NCATE)
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Most importantly: Confirm that your chosen school’s accreditation will allow you to obtain a license in the state where you plan to practice.

Careers with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

A master’s in mental health counseling opens doors to many roles, from clinic counselor and private practice therapist to school counselor and police department staff therapist.

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
$34,480	$46,110	$77,200

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Mental Health Counselor Actuary

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
$39,090	$59,190	$98,210

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
$43,580	$65,140	$105,870

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
$42,610	$63,780	$111,610

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
$39,090	$59,190	$98,210

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Tuition and Financial Aid

Earning a master’s in mental health counseling requires a significant financial commitment. The good news? Many schools offer scholarships, work-study programs, fellowships, and governmental grants. Employer tuition assistance may also be available.

Program	Credits	Cost per 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

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

Most programs require transcripts, letters of recommendation, a minimum GPA, and relevant work experience. Requirements vary by school, but these four elements appear across nearly all programs:

Official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities
Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
Minimum GPA (commonly 3.0 or higher)
Relevant work or volunteer experience in a helping field

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

Full-time students typically complete the degree in 2 years. Part-time enrollment takes longer.

Most programs require 60 credits of coursework plus practicum and internship hours. Keep in mind that not every course is offered every semester, which can affect your timeline. When comparing schools, check their specific scheduling and sequencing requirements.

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

It depends on the school. Some programs are fully online; others require occasional campus visits.

Hybrid programs may require on-campus attendance at the start of each semester or for specific intensives (e.g., UMass Boston requires a 2-week on-campus session). Always verify the specific requirements with each school before applying.

Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs

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

Explore the Top Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degrees Online

Featured Online Programs in Mental Health Counseling

New York University

John Hopkins University

University of Massachusetts, Boston

3 Key Advantages of an Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s

1. Furthering Your Career

2. Flexibility

3. Cost Savings

What You’ll Learn in an Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program

Substance Abuse and Addictions

Counseling Families and Couples

Crisis, Trauma, and Suicide

Counseling Skills

Social and Cultural Counseling

Concentration Options

Addiction Counseling

Rehabilitation Counseling

Mental Health and Wellness Counseling

Marriage and Family Counseling

Career Counseling

Accreditation: What to Look For

Careers with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

Rehabilitation Counselor

Mental Health Counselor Actuary

School Counselor

Marriage and Family Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor

Tuition and Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs

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