Master in Mental Health Counseling Degrees

Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)

Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required)

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)

Capella University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP accredited. No GMAT or GRE required.)

Butler University : Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (Bachelor's Degree Required)

National University : Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)

Sacred Heart University : Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online program, developed with foundational CACREP standards.)

Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)

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Finding a CACREP-Accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Program

Prospective students should only consider mental health counseling degree programs that are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accredited counseling programs offer the highest quality of courses with rigid standards that a school curriculum must adhere to.

Other advantages include more employment options, a better pathway through the licensing process, and an upper hand when applying for a doctoral degree.

Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program

School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
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
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 Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available Learn More
NYU Steinhardt Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness MPCAC Accredited	✔ Online GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required	As few as 21 months to complete Learn More
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 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
Capella University MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online No GMAT or GRE Required	Our CACREP-accredited program is designed to help you prepare for state licensure. Earn your degree while working and living your daily life with our flexible online learning environment. Learn More
Butler University Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling	✔ Online Bachelor's Degree Required	The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling degree from Butler University features 60 credit hours of rigorous curriculum aligned with national and some state standards. Through online coursework and hands-on experience that includes 700 practicum hours, you'll be prepared for dual-licensure in mental health counseling and clinical addictions counseling in Indiana. Check your state licensure requirements. Transfer up to 12 credits and graduate in three years. 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
Sacred Heart University Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	✔ Online Ask representative	Social justice focus, Developed with CACREP standards as a foundation. 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

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

Online Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs

Finding an online mental health counseling degree program allows you to learn at your own pace, and to enjoy some flexibility. These programs offer the same education as traditional on-campus programs and are good options for those with full-time jobs or other commitments.

Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University is one of the premier options for pursuing a master in mental health counseling degree. Its program encompasses 60 semester hours and provides students with the clinical concepts and practical skills necessary to address a range of issues in a counseling context.

Some examples of courses that are offered in this program are:

Human Development Across the Lifespan

Clinical Diagnosis

Career Counseling

Multicultural Counseling

Child and Adolescent Counseling

University of New Haven

The program offered at the University of New Haven equips students to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental health and emotional problems as well as promote overall mental well-being. New Haven’s program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of vocational contexts, including work in academic settings, social service agencies, and substance abuse centers.

The 60-credit program is specifically designed to meet the program requirements to be a Connecticut licensed professional counselor (LPC), though the skills translate to counseling licensure in other states as well.

Choosing this program will allow you to pick from one of three concentrations:

General

Community Development

Forensic Mental Health

What Will You Learn in Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs?

Mental health counseling program courses may include material pertaining to normal and abnormal mental health, introduction to psychological pharmaceuticals, and even therapy. Accredited programs give students experience with the historic and theoretical concepts in psychology as well as introduce new techniques for application.

Students will work in the classroom and in laboratory settings so that they can fully comprehend the research aspect as well as the application of the different applications of mental health counseling.

Mental health counseling degree programs will prepare you to sit for licensure, but more important, to make a positive impact on behalf of the clients you serve. Here are just a few examples of common mental health degree course areas:

Assessment and Evaluation in Counseling

Diagnosis of Emotional and Mental Disorders

Group Counseling

Prevention and Intervention in Crisis and Trauma

Human Development

Master's Degree in Counseling Program at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)

Online MA in Counseling Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness Program at NYU Steinhardt

NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Capella University

Capella University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Program at Butler University

Butler University - Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling ( Accredited)

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at National University

National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)

Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University - Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (NECHE Accredited)

MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)

Common Mental Health Degree Course Areas

Assessment and Evaluation in Counseling
Diagnosis of Emotional and Mental Disorders
Group Counseling
Prevention and Intervention in Crisis and Trauma
Human Development

Gaining Work Experience in Mental Health Counseling

Every state requires that graduate degree holders take part in 1-2 years of supervised work experience, varying state to state. This requirement can be completed after the degree program has been completed or in conjunction with the appropriate degree program. Students must find a licensed mental health counselor that is willing to supervise future mental health counselors in order to complete this requirement.

Resources are available in each state to assist students with finding a licensed professional to work under. This work experience provides future counselors with the necessary expertise needed to work in the field.

Willing acceptance of critique during this supervision period is a positive attribute that professionals should use to better their overall practice.

Preparing for Counseling Licensure

In addition to the educational requirements and work experience, students are required to pass the state board exam in their respective state as a last step to becoming licensed. These exams are designed to test different aspects within their specialization to guarantee that the licensees going through the program meet state standards for practice with the public.

Each state values the integrity of its licensure system, making it a very thorough process regardless of the location. View our state counseling licensure information.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Jobs

Following the completion of your master’s in mental health counseling degree, you can choose from many career trajectories. Below are a few examples of common clinical mental health counseling jobs. Note that clinical mental health salaries can vary based on location, role, and experience level.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Millions of Americans suffer from drug and alcohol abuse. Counselors in this profession will study the behavioral patterns of their clients and find out why they need to depend on and experiment with these substances. Based on their evaluation, these counselors will then tackle different obstacles for their clients to overcome addiction.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $47,660 as of 2020.

Social Worker

Obtaining a degree in mental health counseling may provide a good foundation for a career in social work. Social workers help people cope with a range of issues, including mental health concerns, and may refer their clients to psychiatrists or other therapists. As a social worker, you can find employment in a hospital, community clinic, school, or social services division.

The BLS reports that social workers earned a median annual salary of $51,760 as of 2020.

Geriatric Counselor

Are you passionate about working with the elderly? Becoming a geriatric counselor can enable you to work one-on-one with older individuals to help them navigate challenges associated with retirement and aging. Geriatric counselors often find employment in nursing homes, retirement centers, and senior centers.

According to PayScale, geriatric counselors earned an average annual salary of $49,143 as of September 2021.

Life Coach

A life coach offers a way to develop a plan for people to achieve their goals and maximum potential. This could be a professional or personal effort, such as changing careers or exercising. These counselors evaluate the ongoing relationship and alter these goals when necessary. Encouragement is often necessary, but counselors must have their clients achieve various steps for accountability.

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for life coaches is $50,514 as of December 2021.

What Is the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Salary?

According to PayScale, the average annual master’s in clinical mental health counseling salary is $51,000. The BLS projects a job growth of 23% for counselors between 2020 and 2030, much faster than average.

The BLS also reports that most counselors work in outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers (18%), followed by individual and family services (16%), hospitals (10%), residential facilities (9%), and the government (9%).

Find a Master in Mental Health Counseling Degree

Counseling is a varied field full of opportunities. If you’re passionate about helping others, you should consider pursuing a career in counseling — starting with the right education. Each master in mental health counseling program offers unique focuses and specializations to suit your needs and interests. Explore some of the programs accepting applicants and start your career in counseling.