Online Masters in Mental
Health Counseling

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-mental-health-counseling/">Mental Health Counseling Online</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 New York University 70 Washington Sq South, New York, New York 10012	$34,704	85%
#2 Grace College 200 Seminary Dr, Winona Lake, Indiana 46590	$7,872	69%
#3 The University of Alabama 739 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487	$10,780	71%
#4 Indiana Wesleyan University 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, Indiana 46953	$13,512	71%
#5 Concordia University, Irvine 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, California 92612	$8,121	63%
#6 LeTourneau University 2100 S Mobberly Ave, Longview, Texas 75602	$18,630	63%
#7 University of North Texas 1501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, Texas 76203	$6,350	56%
#8 Malone University 2600 Cleveland Avenue NW, Canton, Ohio 44709	$11,250	54%
#9 Winston-Salem State University 601 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27110	$3,872	51%
#10 North Carolina Central University 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707	$4,740	49%
#11 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515	$7,935	47%
#12 Thomas University 1501 Millpond Rd, Thomasville, Georgia 31792	$11,790	47%
#13 University of Massachusetts 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125	$18,433	49%
#14 Lamar University 4400 MLK Blvd, Beaumont, Texas 77705	$6,397	34%
#15 Medaille College 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, New York 14214	$21,621	38%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-mental-health-counseling/">Mental Health Counseling Online</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 Fort Hays State University 600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601	$3,726	43%
#2 University of the Cumberlands 6191 College Station Drive, Williamsburg, Kentucky 40769	$4,282	44%
#3 Southeastern Oklahoma State University 425 W University Blvd, Durant, Oklahoma 74701	$4,716	35%
#4 North Carolina Central University 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707	$4,740	49%
#5 Lamar University 4400 MLK Blvd, Beaumont, Texas 77705	$6,397	34%
#6 Adams State University 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, Colorado 81101	$7,830	30%
#7 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515	$7,935	47%
#8 Concordia University, Irvine 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, California 92612	$8,121	63%
#9 Lock Haven University 401 North Fairview Street, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania 17745	$9,288	54%
#10 Malone University 2600 Cleveland Avenue NW, Canton, Ohio 44709	$11,250	54%
#11 Thomas University 1501 Millpond Rd, Thomasville, Georgia 31792	$11,790	47%
#12 St. Bonaventure University 3261 W. State Road, Saint Bonaventure, New York 14778	$14,130	74%
#13 New England College 98 Bridge St, Henniker, New Hampshire 03242	$15,624	29%
#14 University of Massachusetts 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125	$18,433	49%
#15 LeTourneau University 2100 S Mobberly Ave, Longview, Texas 75602	$18,630	63%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

An online mental health counseling degree offers a flexible, affordable path to a new career that can be personally and professionally rewarding. It often deals with assisting the most vulnerable members of a community. The responsibilities of a mental health counselor often fall within a broad range. One end being helping patients with difficult events in their lives, such as grieving the loss of a loved one or coping with the devastation of losing a job. And the other being helping others, with less than normal processes, to manage a mental illness such as bipolar disorder or clinical depression. As they prepare to help individuals and groups, they become knowledgeable about counseling theories, human development, group work, assessments, and diagnosing mental illnesses. An accredited program readies master’s degree-holders to earn licensure and counsel children and adults in clinical settings.

Masters in Mental Health Counseling Degree Types

Every university does things differently. So, it is not unexpected that each one will structure their Mental Health Counseling programs differently. Some will offer a Master of Arts curriculum, while others will go the Master of Science route. Some will concentrate on the clinical approach to counseling, while others will take a more generalized methodology.

Specializations in Masters in Mental Health Counseling Programs

Mental Health Counseling is quite a varied field. Some of the specializations in this area include:

• Mental Health Counseling
• Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
• School Counseling
• Counselor Education and Supervision
• Addiction Studies

However, if you are not sure that work as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor is for you, there are many ways that other mental health professionals can help their clients. Check our articles on programs in Masters in Behavioral Health, Masters in Psychiatry, Psychotherapy Master’s Degree Online, and Masters in Trauma Counseling Online. We are constantly adding information on additional online master’s programs, so please don’t hesitate to search our web pages again.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling Programs

A program in Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling will examine a range of topics: Assessment, Legal and Ethical Concerns, and Intervention. Each school will have its curriculum. Typical courses will cover:

• Ethical Issues in Counseling
• Foundations of Counseling
• Theory and Process
• Individual Counseling
• Research and Evaluation in Behavioral Sciences
• Human Growth and Development
• Abnormal Psychology
• Group Dynamics: Theory and Practice
• Dynamics of Vocational Development
• Counseling People with Disabilities
• Current Perspectives on Women’s Development
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Grief and Bereavement Counseling
• Introduction to Art Therapy
• Family Diagnosis and Therapy
• HIV Prevention and Counseling
• Counseling Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Adolescents
• Research in Urban and Minority Education
• Sexual Decision-Making and Risk-Taking Behavior in Adolescents
• Trauma: Theoretical and Clinical Perspectives
• Gestalt Therapy: Overview of Theory and Practice

You’ll also complete lab work and a clinical internship in preparation to meet certification and licensure in all states. This will include 600 hours (300 per semester or about 20 hours per week) during two semesters.

Accreditation for Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling Programs

All of the programs we recommend in this guide are accredited. Institutional and programmatic accreditation is important as it protects you and your investments. Schools hold either regional or national accreditation, ensuring that the curriculum and institution meet certain standards. Employers often prefer graduates from accredited programs.

Online mental health counseling programs often hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accredits counseling and psychology master’s degree programs located in regionally accredited colleges and universities in the United States that educate students in the science-based practice of counseling and psychological services.

Remember that licensing and certification guidelines for mental health counselors vary by state; be sure to check the guidelines for the region in which you plan to study. For more information about accreditation, check out the best accreditation guide.

Timeline for graduation from Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling Programs

It usually takes about two years to complete the coursework for an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. This should include the required lab work and clinical internship to meet certification and licensure in all states. This is usually 600 hours (300 per semester or about 20 hours per week) during two semesters. Each university will be different. Some will allow you to enroll part-time (which will take longer), and some may have programs that can be completed in just 18 months.

Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling Programs Admission Requirements

While each college establishes specific admission standards, most online master’s in mental health counseling programs maintain some common requirements. Schools typically require candidates to possess a minimum 2.7-3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants may also need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Some programs expect prospective students to have completed certain prerequisite courses or hold a bachelor’s degree in counseling or a related field. Admissions departments may also prefer candidates who have gained work experience through internships or volunteer opportunities.

Each online master’s in mental health counseling program will have its unique curriculum and application process. You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and supplemental materials like letters of recommendation from professional references, a resume, transcripts, and a personal statement. Here are the typical requirements:

Application	Once you have found the accredited online master’s in Mental Health Counseling program of your choice, you will fill out an online (or paper) application and pay the subsequent application fee.
Test Scores	Many schools require that you submit GRE general test scores or your TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students. Some schools, however, do not require you to submit any test scores at all. However, be prepared to mail GRE General Tests scores or your TOEFL/IELTS scores to your chosen institution.
Transcripts	All accredited Mental Health Counseling master’s programs require that you send them a copy of your transcript from any postsecondary school you have attended. You can do this by requesting all bachelor’s degree transcripts in advance and uploading the official copy online. Request transcripts in advance of the application deadline, and upload one official copy of each transcript from any postsecondary schools you have attended.
Professional Work History	Upload a copy of your most recent resume or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
Essays and Personal Statements	In most cases, the submission of a personal statement (written in essay form) is required. You may even be required to submit multiple essays to your school of choice to express the intent of your application fully. Below are some common topics that should be mentioned in your statement: • Your main academic and personal interests • Experiences in school or work that have helped to prepare you for this course of study • Why you wish to study for the degree you’ve chosen • Why you wish to study at the university • Your plans for the future after you earn your degree
Application Fees	Application fees may vary from around $25 to $75 per program.

Before Covid-19 brought the world to its knees, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 25% job growth rate for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors through 2029. Employers were expected to add 79,000 positions at that time. Employment for mental health counselors should particularly increase in rural areas lacking healthcare services.

Specifically, a master’s in clinical mental health counseling can jumpstart your career as a:

1. School Counselor
2. Health Educator
3. Outpatient Therapist
4. Substance Abuse Counselor

Mental health counselors help individuals and groups by:

1. Focusing on Prevention
2. Working with Teenagers
3. Work with the Elderly
4. Working with Incarcerated Individuals

Pursuing an online MA in mental health counseling can increase your earning potential and optimize your career-related opportunities. Some of these opportunities include working in both the private and public sectors. An accredited online master’s in mental health counseling can offer you the skills and clinical experience needed to have a career in family services, outpatient care, government, hospitals, schools, and private practices. Becoming a practicing mental health counselor can expose you to various demographics and populations that require specific and tailored care and attention – and can be an incredibly rewarding career path. Some of these specific populations include the elderly, the incarcerated, teenagers, and families.

Below are some mental health counseling related careers and salaries according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: External link

• Mental Health Supervisor
• College Career Counselor
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Marriage and Family Counselor

It is important to keep in mind that some of these related careers require additional certifications – but many can be obtainable with a master’s degree in counseling. You can get more information about what additional certifications are required through your school’s website.

A master’s in clinical mental health counseling is required for counseling licensure in all states. To protect public safety, states establish licensure or certification standards for health and human services professionals. Professional counselors are required by law in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to be licensed to legally practice as professional counselors.

Licensure laws establish minimum standards in the areas of education, examination, and experience. Each state has established a board responsible for issuing licenses, handling consumer and ethical complaints regarding counselors’ practice, and issuing and enforcing such regulations necessary in overseeing the profession. In some cases, a single board is responsible for overseeing the practice of counseling and one or more similar groups of professionals (e.g., clinical social workers or marriage and family therapists).

States require applicants for licensure to obtain a master’s degree in counseling; many require specific coursework. The majority of states require individuals to complete 60 semester hours of graduate study, including a 48-semester hour master’s degree. All states require that counseling graduate programs be accredited, either by a counseling-specific accrediting organization or by a regional graduate education accrediting body.

Applicants for licensure are required to obtain a minimum amount of supervised experience before being licensed. Typically, states require individuals to accumulate between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of supervised experience within a certain time period, including a specific number of face-to-face supervision hours. Several states have established more than one level of licensure for counselors to establish formal criteria both for full independent practice and for counseling graduates in the process of accumulating supervision hours.

Examinations

All states require licensure applicants to pass a comprehensive examination on counseling practice. The tests recognized by states include the following:

1. National Counselor Examination (NCE): Administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), this is the most common exam used by states in the credentialing process.
2. National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE): Also administered by NBCC, this examination focuses more specifically on mental health practice and is used by a number of states for licensure.
3. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRCE): Administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), the passage of this exam is also accepted in some states for meeting testing requirements for licensure.
4. Examination of Clinical Counselor Practice (ECCP): Also administered by NBCC, the passage of the ECCP is required to obtain the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential issued by NBCC (passage of the NCMHCE is also accepted). Some states consider the CCMHC credential to meet all or part of the requirements for licensure but may not accept the passage of the ECCP examination.
5. For general information on these examinations, contact the National Board for Certified Counselors at 336-547-0607. The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification can be reached at 847-944-1325. For state-specific information on examination requirements, please contact the appropriate state board.

Here are a few other resources that will be useful for Mental Health Counseling students.

Credential Titles and Levels

According to the American Counseling Association within the United States, several different titles are used to identify professional counselors. Though the counseling profession has endorsed LPC as the recommended title, the following are the most common:

1. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
2. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
3. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
4. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor of Mental Health (LPCC)
5. Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
6. Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP)

Obtaining an Associate License (titles vary by state) is often required for applicants who have met the education and exam requirements but have not yet met the supervised experience requirement. Examples of such titles include Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA), Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor, counselor-in-training, and Clinical Resident.

Licensure Renewal

Most states require professional counselors to earn continuing education credits on an annual or biennial basis to renew their credentials.

Code of Ethics

All states require that counselors conduct themselves ethically, in accordance with generally accepted standards of practice. Several states specifically require counselors to abide by the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics, as most recently revised and updated in 2014. For more information regarding the ACA Code of Ethics, visit the ACA Web site.

Organizations

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is an independent agency, recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, which accredits master’s degree programs in mental health counseling and other counseling specialties. Many states require that licensure applicants’ counseling graduate degrees include a curriculum based on the CACREP model, even if full accreditation by CACREP is not required. CACREP-accredited counseling programs require coursework in eight core areas and a supervised practicum and internship.

For more information, or to view a listing of CACREP-accredited counseling graduate programs, visit CACREP online.

The Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) is an affiliate of CACREP, recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, which accredits master’s degree programs in rehabilitation counseling. CORE accredits programs meeting criteria in providing graduates who have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to provide rehabilitation counseling services to individuals with physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities.