Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Capella University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP accredited. No GMAT or GRE required.)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)
Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)
The Chicago School : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
National University : Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
University of Wisconsin – Superior : MSE Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Track (100% Online, No GRE Required)
Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum (100% online, or hybrid format. )
University of West Alabama : Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Flexible online environment)Overview of Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degrees
A master's in mental health counseling will enable you to learn the skills and tactics necessary to provide individual therapy. As such, you will be able to learn to spot symptoms of mental illness, learn treatment models, and identify specific strategies you can deploy to help individuals improve their lives and be happier. Depending on your specialty and particular interests, you may be more interested in specializing in some therapy regions or working in specific environments, such as a private practice, school, non-profit, or consulting firm.
Fortunately, many of the skills and information you need to learn to obtain a master's in mental health counseling lend themselves to online classes and asynchronous learning. This includes information on how to make a proper diagnosis, counseling ethics, group counseling, and research. Some components of a master's in mental health counseling program, like fieldwork, require an in-person environment, but this is a relatively small component of an overall master's degree program.
Most Affordable Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degrees
One of the most important factors when selecting a school is finding the most affordable online master's in mental health counseling program. Even with online schools, finding the most affordable online master's program can be demanding, as obtaining a master's degree in any circumstance can be expensive. As such, you want to find a school that offers low tuition and generous financial aid options.
Tips for Funding an Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degree
If you want to find the most affordable online master's in mental health counseling program, you'll want to make sure that you research what school is most affordable. As such, consider the following tips on finding such a degree.
- Don't apply without first speaking with the school about financial aid options. If possible, request a meeting or a phone call with their office of financial assistance, and get a better idea about what sort of aid you might be able to obtain.
- Try to identify local alums and ask about their experience with financial aid at the school.
- Search for local, statewide, or national scholarships that can help reduce the cost of your tuition.
- Speak with your undergraduate school about financial aid options.
- Make sure to understand whether or not a school can help you get a job and pass your license exam after you graduate. After all, nothing is more useless than a master's degree that doesn't help you find employment in the real world.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Capella University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
No GMAT or GRE Required |
Capella’s CACREP-accredited program is designed to help you prepare for state licensure. Gain knowledge and skills in wellness theory and research, relationship building, assessment and treatment, cultural competence and ethical practice. No GRE required. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Over 14 Specializations Available |
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
| The Chicago School
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| National University
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
WSCUC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities. Learn More |
| University of Wisconsin – Superior
MSE Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Track
|
✔ Online
100% Online, No GRE Required |
Aligned to state law and accreditation standards, our programs equip you with the academic and professional development that will prepare you for the Wisconsin and/or Minnesota counseling licensure exams. Choose between the 51-credit hour Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) option or the 60-credit hour Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) option. Learn More |
| Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Optional program emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Disorders. Learn More |
| University of West Alabama
Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
|
✔ Online
Personalized education |
The University of West Alabama's Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an online graduate counseling program in a flexible online environment. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Accreditation
Looking for the most affordable online master's in mental health counseling program is unquestionably important, and you want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to keep your expenses low. However, you need to make sure that you find a program that is going to serve you. To do this, you should make sure that you find a program that has been accredited.
Accreditation comes from CACREP, the accrediting body that certifies that master's in mental health programs meet minimum standards and can ensure that graduating students will learn the skills necessary to pass their licensure test and thrive in the real world. These standards are relatively rigorous and deal with various factors, including academic standards and the qualifications of professors.
Find your CACREP Accredited online counseling program
It's important to note that they also apply to online schools. Thus, if you are worried about the quality of your online school, you can check and see if they are accredited. Doing so will allow you to confirm that it meets the minimum standards for academic excellence.
Types of Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
Different schools offer different concentrations in mental health counseling, and you should check to see what sort of concentrations a school you are applying to may offer. These concentrations will allow you to gain specialized knowledge in a specific area, although the degree you earn is still the same.
Concentrations include:
- Addiction
- Clinical counseling
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- School or Educational counseling
- Student development
- Community care
Common Courses for Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
As with all programs, attending different schools will result in your ability to take other courses for your master's degree. However, many courses are relatively common within this field. These include:
- Diagnoses and identifying psychopathology
- Counseling interventions and ethics
- Human development
- Cultural foundations and influences
- Group counseling
- Statistics and research
- Independent study
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Capella University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)
University of Wisconsin – Superior - MSE Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Track
Colorado Christian University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum
University of West Alabama - Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
How to Choose a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Program
Many factors go into choosing the best online master’s in mental health counseling program. These include:
- Academic excellence: There is no question that you should pursue a master’s at a school that provides you with a rigorous background and academic excellence. This means that the professors are masters-level or higher and have strong educational experiences in their teaching subjects.
- Real-world connections: A master’s degree will only do you good if you can use it to become employed or enroll in a Ph. D. level program. A program should help you earn a field placement, get your license, and ensure that you can use your degree to advance your career.
- Financial assistance and overall cost: As a graduate student, there is no question that you will be looking for the most affordable online master’s in mental health counseling program. However, the meaning of this affordability can vary. On the one hand, you want to ensure that the program offers you appropriate tuition assistance. Even affordable counseling programs may be out of your financial reach, so you’ll want to ensure that the school can help you get scholarships, aid, or loans that will allow you to pay tuition and get your master’s.
- Flexibility: One of the benefits of any online master’s program is its flexibility. This flexibility should allow you to take classes at night and on weekends to keep working or raising a family. Furthermore, many online master’s programs allow you to take asynchronous courses, meaning you can watch lectures on your own time. This flexibility may be ideal if you are working while getting your master’s degree.
Interested in the top mental health programs? Check out our guide on the top mental health graduate level degrees.
Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Salary and Career Outcomes
There is good news for anyone interested in earning their online master’s degree: You will have various career options and the opportunity to make a solid salary.
First, in terms of careers. Individuals who earn a master’s in mental health counseling can work in many different careers. This includes:
- Therapist in private practice.
- Therapists in public settings, such as schools, government centers, or prisons.
- Consultant for private workforce development.
- Social worker.
- Counselor for various specialties, including geriatrics, pediatrics, or addiction therapy.
- Military counselor.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the salary for individuals who become Mental Health Counselors is $48,250. This salary is from May 2021, and given the rate of inflation, it seems likely that these numbers have only increased since then.
Furthermore, the area shows robust job growth, with the need for mental health counselors expected to rise 23% over the next six years. This is due to various factors, including shortages in the field and increasing rates of mental illness.
It is essential to consider these shortages when deciding to become a mental health counselor. In general, labor shortages tend to lead to higher pay. This would imply that the pay rate for becoming a mental health counselor will continue to rise in the future.
REFERENCES:
[1] https://lockhaven.edu/cmhc/
[2] https://www.cacrep.org/accreditation/
[4] https://catalog.upenn.edu/graduate/programs/counseling-mental-health-services-msed/
