An online master's program in mental health counseling can be a great fit if you want to continue working while pursuing a rewarding career helping others. The demand for mental health professionals has remained high, and employers are seeking experienced counselors in a variety of subfields, including addiction counseling, marriage and family therapy, and community health education.
Discover the advantages of an online degree, the requirements for the degree, and the best online master's in mental health counseling programs.
Popular Online Mental Health Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Mental Health Programs
#1 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Waxahachie, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $545
Out-of-State | $545
Credits to Graduate: 60
The master of science in clinical mental health counseling at SAGU provides a Christian perspective to clinical practice. Students prepare for doctoral studies or professional counselor licensure in Texas and several other states. The 14-course curriculum delivers all coursework online except for two on-campus summer intensives.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s in counseling, psychology, or a related area. GRE scores are not considered for applicants with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. SAGU keeps graduate tuition affordable by offering most students some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,368
Out-of-State | $1,369
Credits to Graduate: 60
Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, The Chicago School’s master of arts in clinical mental health counseling offers a flexible learning model with personalized faculty support. In addition to a generalist concentration, students may select specializations in child and adolescent treatment, health psychology, Latinx mental health, marriage and family concentration, trauma and crisis intervention, and treatment of addiction disorders.
Distance learners must attend two in-person, week-long residencies in the first and second years of the program to prepare for field experiences.
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449
Out-of-State | $449
Credits to Graduate: 60
University of the Cumberlands’ master’s of arts in clinical mental health counseling prepares its graduates for various careers in counseling and human services.. The fully online degree consists of 48 hours in core counseling coursework, including internship and practicum requirements, and 12 hours on mental health counseling for children, adults, couples, and families. The curriculum delivers courses in two eight-week sessions each semester over three semesters yearly. The university provides free textbook rental to distance learners.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024
Palo Alto University
- Palo Alto, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $580
Out-of-State | $580
Credits to Graduate: 94 quarter credits
For students interested in working with underrepresented populations, Palo Alto University's master of arts in clinical mental health counseling emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and providing services to all individuals. The program features fully online or hybrid formats requiring some on-campus attendance.
All students must complete at least a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Distance learners may complete their practicum and internship placements in their local communities. The program offers a marriage, child, family, and couples option that fulfills California’s academic requirements for marriage and family therapist licensure.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $625
Out-of-State | $625
Credits to Graduate: 66
The master of arts in clinical mental health counseling at LeTourneau University features a distinctive faith-based curriculum that integrates Christian theological principles with clinical practice theories and techniques. The flexible online program prepares graduates to sit for professional counselor licensure exams in Texas and several other states.
The curriculum requires distance learners to complete at least 700 hours of practicum and internship experiences, preparing them for real-world practice settings. The clinical internship component requires online students to attend weekly sessions with their faculty supervisor.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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Online Master's in Mental Health Program Overview
An online master's in mental health counseling prepares you to work with people managing mental health conditions and emotional challenges. Coursework for this degree typically includes cross-cultural counseling, mental health counseling, and abnormal psychology. Programs usually require 60 credits of coursework, which takes a full-time student 2-3 years to complete.
Graduate counseling students can also expect to complete a practicum and internship. These forms of field experience allow students to observe and work under the supervision of experienced counselors. Practicums typically take place during the later stages of your master's program. Internships are typically completed after a practicum.
Your graduate program should be accredited by a recognized organization. Most states require future counselors to have graduated from an accredited program for licensure. Recognized bodies include:
Rayelle Davis, a nationally board-certified counselor and licensed clinical professional counselor, believes accreditation is the most important factor students should consider when researching an online master's program. "Accreditation can help students feel confident about their options for financial aid and that their degree will be meaningful to future employment," she said in an interview with Affordable Colleges Online.
Program Outcomes
In addition to education in psychology, counseling, and research methods, students in an online master's in mental health counseling program develop strong active listening and communication skills, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, compassion, and emotional intelligence.
The process for licensure can differ between states. Graduates must apply with the board or department that regulates licensure. Applicants must usually complete a supervised clinical experience and take a multi-step exam. "Students should check [the] requirements of the state they plan to practice in if they want to know more about those requirements, like how many clinical hours are required or what exams they need," said Davis.
"Licensure can be a tedious process to think about when considering a master's degree," Davis continued. "If licensure feels overwhelming, that is to be expected. It’s OK not to know all of those details going in as long as you know the program has the proper accreditation."
After completing your program, you can pursue many different career opportunities, such as working as a licensed mental health counselor, substance use counselor, employee assistance program (EAP) counselor, or geriatric counselor. You may find employment within a hospital setting, private practice, or community agency helping those who are coping with mental health conditions.
Davis emphasized that students should not be overly concerned about choosing a specialty when beginning a master's in counseling program. "As long as the program meets general licensure requirements, specialization often emerges as students gain clinical experience," she said.
Online Experience
Students who have not completed an online program may find an online master's in mental health counseling has advantages and disadvantages. Most virtual programs offer more flexibility than traditional in-person courses of study. However, online classes require good time-management skills, it is easier to procrastinate, and you are responsible for your own learning.
Some schools have in-person graduation requirements even for online students. Although most programs understand the necessity of providing online technology and support, these factors should be considered as you choose your program.
"Students should consider what counseling specialties are offered or if classes are asynchronous or synchronous," said Davis. "Some online programs will specifically say their program does not lead to licensure, so that is important to look for if licensure is your goal."
Why Get a Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degree?
A master's in mental health counseling degree offers many personal and professional benefits.
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1
Increased Job Opportunities
Graduate degree-holders typically qualify for more jobs than those without degrees.
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Counselors provide essential services to the public and serve as frontline workers.
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A mental health counseling degree provides students with the practical expertise that they need to succeed in the field.
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A graduate degree in mental health counseling can qualify you for a career as a licensed mental health counselor.
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5
Better Earning Potential
Earning your master's in counseling — vs. just a bachelor's degree — can often increase your overall earning potential.
“A master's in mental health counseling can be the foundation of a career path with numerous options. Many people considering an online master's program are nontraditional students, and the skills that can come from the autonomous nature of online learning can be so valuable in the counseling field.”
— Rayelle Davis, M.Ed., LCPC, NCC
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degree?
Admission requirements vary by school. All online master's in mental health counseling programs require applicants to possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited program. Most master's programs prefer potential enrollees to have a solid foundation in psychology, and some require applicants to have a background in research.
Most programs also require a minimum GPA of 3.0, official transcripts from your undergraduate program, a CV or resume, a statement of purpose or essay, and letters of recommendation. Some programs also require an interview, which may be in person or virtual.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Mental Health Programs
Mental health counselors help individuals with cognitive, behavioral, or mental health conditions that impact their daily lives. They use a variety of psychotherapeutic strategies to counsel their clients.
The education requirement takes at least six years. This includes a four-year bachelor's degree and a two-year master's in mental health counseling degree. To become a licensed counselor, you are required to complete an additional two years of supervised clinical experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health counselors earned a median annual wage of $49,710 as of May 2022. The industries with the highest annual average wages include local government ($65,390), healthcare practitioners' offices ($62,300), and outpatient care centers ($54,220).
Note: Page last reviewed on February 19, 2024. The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online.