An online master’s in mental health counseling prepares students to become licensed professional counselors, equipping them with the skills to support individuals facing emotional, psychological, and social challenges. Graduates can pursue roles such as mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, and substance abuse counselor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for mental health counselors is around $53,710, with potential for higher earnings based on experience and specialization.
These programs typically take two to three years to complete, depending on whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time. The average cost ranges from $12,500 to $30,000 a year, varying by institution and program. Flexible online formats allow students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments, making this a practical option for advancing their careers.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best Online Mental Health Counseling degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 42 Accredited Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Intelligent Score: 99.07In-state: $23,304
Out-of-state: $23,304
In-state: $7,872
Out-of-state: $7,872
SAT: 1020-1230
ACT: 20-26
$608
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
University of Mary
Intelligent Score: 97.47In-state: $17,980
Out-of-state: $17,980
In-state: $16,875
Out-of-state: $16,875
SAT: 1000-1220
ACT: 20-26
$608
Online, On-Campus, Blended
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Bradley University
Intelligent Score: 97.33In-state: $35,060
Out-of-state: $35,060
In-state: $16,740
Out-of-state: $16,740
SAT: 1080-1280
ACT: 22-28
$1,090
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Malone University
Intelligent Score: 96.52In-state: $31,416
Out-of-state: $31,416
In-state: $11,250
Out-of-state: $11,250
SAT: 963-1208
ACT: 19-25
$725
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 95.44In-state: $6,129
Out-of-state: $15,945
In-state: $6,397
Out-of-state: $6,397
SAT: 943-1140
ACT: 17-23
$342
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Catawba College
Intelligent Score: 94.75In-state: $31,436
Out-of-state: $31,436
In-state: $3,594
Out-of-state: $3,594
SAT: 940-1140
ACT: 17-22
$599
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
University of the Cumberlands
Intelligent Score: 94.25In-state: $9,875
Out-of-state: $9,875
In-state: $4,282
Out-of-state: $4,282
SAT: 930-1140
ACT: 19-24
$449
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Intelligent Score: 94.01In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$500
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Lock Haven University
Intelligent Score: 92.65In-state: $7,716
Out-of-state: $17,290
In-state: $9,288
Out-of-state: $9,288
SAT: 930-1130
ACT: N/A
In-State: $516
Out-of-State: $774
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
North Carolina Central University
Intelligent Score: 92.57In-state: $3,728
Out-of-state: $16,435
In-state: $4,740
Out-of-state: $4,740
SAT: 850-1010
ACT: 15-19
Resident: $263
Non-Resident: $1,002
Online, On-Campus
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
University of Massachusetts Boston
Intelligent Score: 91.42In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$575
Online, Hybrid
Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
60
University of West Alabama
Intelligent Score: 91.37In-state: $9,100
Out-of-state: $18,200
In-state: $6,678
Out-of-state: $6,678
SAT: N/A
ACT: 17-22
$429
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
LeTourneau University
Intelligent Score: 90.24In-state: $31,740
Out-of-state: $31,740
In-state: $18,630
Out-of-state: $18,630
SAT: 1110-1330
ACT: 22-29
$625
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
66
Messiah University
Intelligent Score: 87.55In-state: $36,340
Out-of-state: $36,340
In-state: $12,780
Out-of-state: $12,780
SAT: 1080-1310
ACT: 23-29
$755
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
William James College
Intelligent Score: 85.19In-state: $12,530
Out-of-state: $12,530
In-state: $78,892
Out-of-state: $78,892
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,245
Online, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
60
Adams State University
Intelligent Score: 84.71In-state: $5,856
Out-of-state: $17,592
In-state: $7,830
Out-of-state: $7,830
SAT: 890-1090
ACT: 17-22
$444
Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 84.60In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$615
Online, On-Campus
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
NYU Steinhardt
Intelligent Score: 84.02In-state: $52,204
Out-of-state: $52,204
In-state: $34,704
Out-of-state: $34,704
SAT: 1370-1540
ACT: 31-34
$2,101
Online, On-Campus
Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
60
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Begin by identifying your interests, such as substance abuse counseling, family therapy, or clinical mental health. Research the specializations offered by different programs to find one that aligns with your career goals. Consider the demand for various counseling fields and potential salary differences. Review the curriculum and faculty expertise of any potential program to ensure it provides comprehensive training in your chosen area. This step is essential as it enables you to receive a relevant education and appropriate skills, making you more competitive in the job market.
Research schools and programs
Start by ensuring the program is accredited by an organization such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Accreditation ensures the program meets high standards of education; accredited programs are more likely to be seen positively by employers. Compare curricula to see if your potential programs offer courses that match your interests and career goals. Investigate faculty qualifications and their experience in the field. Consider program flexibility, such as part-time options and asynchronous classes, to accommodate your schedule. Look into student support services, like career counseling and internship placements, to ensure you have the appropriate assistance throughout your college career and beyond.
Prepare for tests and applications
Find out the specific admission requirements for each program you are considering. This information should be available on the school’s website. It often includes standardized tests like the GRE, so allocate time to prepare using study guides and practice exams. Gather necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining your goals and any experience in mental health counseling. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and professional achievements. Ensuring all components are well-prepared and submitted by deadlines demonstrates your commitment and readiness for graduate-level study.
Select your program
Ensure that your final choice is accredited by an organization such as CACREP or by a regional accrediting agency affiliated with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), as this ensures quality education and licensure eligibility. Evaluate the curriculum to be sure it covers essential areas like clinical practice, ethics, and diverse populations. Check faculty qualifications and their experience in mental health counseling. Consider the program’s flexibility, including part-time options and asynchronous classes, to accommodate your lifestyle, especially if you have other personal or professional commitments.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Determine the total cost, including tuition, fees, and other expenses. An admissions counselor can help you if you aren’t sure you understand all the costs involved. Accreditation can affect financial aid eligibility. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal grants and loans. Explore scholarships, grants, and fellowships specific to mental health counseling from professional organizations. In addition, if you are employed in the field already, inquire about employer tuition reimbursement programs. Budgeting and planning for these costs in advance ensures you can focus on your studies without financial stress.
What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program?
An online master’s in mental health counseling prepares students for licensure and practice as professional counselors. Students can expect to learn advanced counseling theories, techniques, and ethical considerations. The curriculum typically includes courses on human development, psychopathology, multicultural counseling, and assessment methods. Programs often emphasize developing practical skills through supervised clinical experiences, such as internships or practicums, which are critical for licensure.
Most programs take two to three years to complete, depending on whether students are enrolled full-time or part-time. Online programs offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities. However, despite the online format, many programs require in-person components such as residencies, workshops, or on-site clinical training to ensure hands-on experience.
Students may also need to complete a capstone project or thesis, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Regular assessments, group projects, and interactive discussions may also be integral parts of the learning experience. Overall, students can expect a comprehensive education that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel as mental health counselors.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in mental health counseling program
- Counseling Theories and Techniques. Covers foundational counseling theories and practical techniques used in mental health practice. Students learn to apply various approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, to different client situations.
- Human Growth and Development. Examines the psychological, emotional, and social development of individuals throughout the lifespan. Topics include developmental milestones, theories of development, and the impact of life transitions on mental health.
- Psychopathology. Students explore the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. The course covers the DSM-5 criteria, the etiology of mental illnesses, and the application of diagnostic tools in clinical settings.
- Multicultural Counseling. Focuses on the importance of cultural competence in counseling practice. Students learn about diverse populations, the impact of cultural factors on mental health, and strategies for providing effective, inclusive care.
- Ethics and Professional Issues in Counseling. Addresses the ethical standards and professional issues that counselors face. Topics include confidentiality, dual relationships, and legal considerations, with an emphasis on developing ethical decision-making skills.
Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in mental health counseling degree program?
Complete the program’s online application form. You’ll most likely need to submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining your goals and experiences, and standardized test scores like the GRE. Some programs may also request a resume and relevant work experience. It’s important to speak with an admissions counselor before applying to ensure you meet all requirements and deadlines. They can provide valuable insights and guidance, helping you prepare a strong application.
How much does an online master's in mental health counseling degree cost?
The cost of an online master’s degree generally ranges from about $12,500 to $30,000 a year in total tuition, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Additional expenses may include technology fees, textbooks, and course materials. An online program can save money on travel and residential fees, but students should budget for a reliable computer and solid internet connection. Some programs may also have residency or on-site clinical training requirements, which could add travel and accommodation expenses. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs are often available to help offset these costs.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in mental health counseling degree?
Earning an online master’s degree typically takes two to three years, depending on your enrollment status. If you are attending school full-time, you can expect to graduate sooner than if you are taking courses part-time. Programs generally require between 48 to 60 credits, influencing the total duration. Online programs offer greater flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. However, some online programs may include synchronous sessions or occasional in-person requirements, which can affect the pace of study. Overall, the length of the program is similar to on-campus degrees, but the flexibility of online learning can better accommodate individual schedules.