Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
National University : Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition.)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)
NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required)
The Chicago School : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (100% Online, No GRE Required)
Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum (100% online, or hybrid format. )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 |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. 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 Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| 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 |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. 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 |
| 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
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 |
| Mid-America Christian University (MACU)
Master of Science (MS) in Counseling
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
✔ Online
100% Online |
Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. 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 |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
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:
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:
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:
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)
Colorado Christian University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online CurriculumCommon 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.
Licensed Mental Health Counseling Licensure Resources
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.
- Online Counseling Programs
- Online MA in Counseling Degrees
- Bachelors in Online Counseling – 81 Degrees
- Master’s Degrees in Counseling
- Counseling Schools by State
- Counseling Career Guide
- The 12 Highest-Paying Counseling Jobs to Consider
Sources:
National Board for Certified Counselors, Understanding Board Certification and Licensure
Our Lady of the Lake University, Counseling: Mental Health Counseling, MA
PayScale, Average Geriatric Social Worker with Counseling Skills Salary
PayScale, Average Life Coach Hourly Pay
PayScale, Master’s Degree, Mental Health Counseling Degree
University of New Haven, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
List of Programs
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Butler University 🗹 Online
Eastern Oregon University 🗹 Online
University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Lamar University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Walsh University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
CACREP Accredited Programs
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in .
