Inside the Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling
With an estimated one in five U.S. adults suffering from mental illness, the need for mental health counselors has never been higher. If helping others manage or overcome mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders appeals to you, earning an online master’s degree in mental health counseling will pave the way toward working as a counselor. Use EduMed’s guide to discern between today’s top programs, including curriculum, cost, outcomes, and other crucial information.
When you think of online degree programs, mental health counseling may not be the first subject that comes to mind. However, many accredited, top-tier schools now offer mental health counseling master’s programs that combine convenient online coursework with in-person clinicals, fieldwork, and other curriculum components that require close interaction. EduMed’s guide will inform you on the key details and considerations for online master’s programs in mental health counseling.
FAQs About the Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
There’s a lot to consider as you look at online mental health programs. Whether you’re wondering about typical curriculum offerings, overall costs, or common learning objectives, the best decision is an informed one. Below we discuss some frequently asked questions and provide key answers to help you select a program that make sense for you.
What specializations or concentrations are available in online mental health counseling master’s degree programs?
Most online mental health counseling programs offer areas of specialization. Some students select a specialization that correlates with their career goals. Others may select something that complements their main interests or lends itself to interdisciplinary application. Either way, these concentration opportunities are a great way to focus your skills in one area or develop additional areas of expertise.
What do you learn in an online mental health counseling degree program?
While each program is different and brings its own perspective, most online mental health counseling degrees share similar curricula designed to achieve shared learning outcomes. Most schools develop these outcomes in accordance with standards set by accrediting agencies like the Council for Accrediting Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). If you enroll in one of these programs, you can expect to graduate with:
- A clear understanding of how major counseling and psychotherapy theories interact and with treatment plans and contribute to preventative care.
- The ability to analyze group dynamics and identify how interactive processes hinder or enhance the emotional health and mental well-being of individual participants.
- An empathic and informed perspective on how issues pertaining to culture, race, gender, sexuality identity, socio-economic status, and family history impact psychological development.
- The capacity to sharply examine known personality differences and related your findings to deviant, abnormal, and psychopathological behaviors.
- Competence in generating individual and group behavior assessments as well as interpreting their results for application in treatment, therapy, or intervention.
Can you earn an online mental health degree completely online?
Most programs require at least some form of in-person component such as an internship, residency, or clinical fieldwork. Schools often accommodate requests for internships and clinical placements in your own local area. Some may require participation in 1-3 residential experiences on campus with all coursework components occurring online. This is the more common approach and ultimately gives you more opportunity for networking and hands-on application.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in mental health counseling?
Timeframes for completion vary widely and depend on enrollment status and outside professional responsibility. Many schools report that most students finish their online master’s in mental health counseling in three years or less. This figure is based on full-time enrollment with a normal course load and few outside obligations. Part-time students with additional work commitments will likely take longer. Some school may also offer an accelerated path. This route significantly reduces your time in school but may be more expensive in the long-run, depending tuition rates.
How much does an online mental health counseling degree cost?
This depends on the type of school you attend, where you live, program length, and available funding. In some cases, you may be able to pay a flat tuition rate as an online student regardless of location, but this is not a universal policy. The best rule of thumb is to check current rates for potential schools ahead of time. Below are three examples to give you a sense of the costs.
North Carolina State
University
Online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Total Credits: 60
$462/credit in-state;
$1,311/credit out-of-state
What are the admissions requirements for mental health counseling program?
Most schools share the same admissions requirements as other graduate programs and many forgo standardized tests. If you’re planning to apply to an online mental health counseling program you will likely need the following:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Official transcripts for all previous academic work indicating a competitive GPA.
- A statement of purpose that discusses your academic background, professional goals, and fit within the program.
- 1-3 letters of reference from previous supervisors or mentors.
- A current resume or CV.
These are minimum requirements shared by a majority of programs. Other program-specific requirements may also apply, so pay close attention to the details.
Are mental health counselors and related careers in high demand?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs in mental health counseling will increase by at least 22% in coming years, much faster than average for all occupations nationwide. These trends are due to a sustained increase in local demand across the country. As people continue to turn to professionals for help, more jobs in mental health counseling and related fields will likely open up.
Accreditation for Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
The best schools out there will hold one of two forms of institutional accreditation, regional and national. Regional accreditation is the more prestigious of the two, but both are signals that a college has been properly reviewed by an independent organization, so long as the organization is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (and secondarily by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation).
Some mental health counseling degree programs may also possess programmatic accreditation. This is a supplementary credential providing additional backing and demonstrates that the program meets field-specific standards. In mental health counseling, the main accreditor is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Some programs may alternatively hold accreditation from the Master in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Getting Your Professional License and Certification After Your Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s
Mental health counselors need additional credentials beyond a master’s degree in order to practice, including earning a license in the state you plan to work in. This process generally involves completing education requirements, a certain number of supervised work hours, and an exam. Afterwards, you will be able to use titles specified by your state, such as Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Specific details vary by state. The American Counseling Association provides a helpful list of all licensing boards by state. Let’s take California as an example. The Board of Behavioral Sciences oversees licensure for that state and grants credentials for clinical counselors and therapists. This process requires earning a master’s degree, getting a background check, completing 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and passing two exams, one of which is specific to state regulations.
Your state will have a comparable process managed by a similar licensing board. Most states will require that you pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification.
In addition to licensure, mental health counselors who want to stand out and can earn voluntary board certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors. The most popular option is becoming a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Earning certifications like this can be a great way to show potential clients and employers that you are at the top of your field, and may lead to higher earnings potential.
Career and Salary Outlook for Mental Health Counselors
Now that you have explored some of the best mental health counseling programs and learned what it takes to start practicing, it’s time to take a look at your career prospects and salary potential.
Nationally, the profession is projected to grow 18.4% over the next ten years, which is a very healthy rate. However, growth is expected to be considerably faster in several states. Utah, for example, anticipates that the career will expand by 56.1%, which is three times the national rate. The higher the growth rate, the more plentiful the job opportunities. Across the country, the annual salary for mental health counselors ranges from $36,700 to $89,920. There are many states that pay more than this, however. For example, the 90th percentile of mental health counselors in New York, Oregon, and Hawaii earn over $99,000 per year. Compare even more trends in the tables below.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $36,700 | $53,710 | $89,920 |
| Alabama | $30,090 | $44,890 | $70,010 |
| Alaska | $46,430 | $70,860 | $103,590 |
| Arizona | $35,030 | $58,640 | $82,740 |
| Arkansas | $29,240 | $56,730 | $113,520 |
| California | $39,160 | $58,080 | $108,070 |
| Colorado | $37,900 | $58,110 | $92,360 |
| Connecticut | $36,850 | $58,710 | $91,390 |
| Delaware | $34,090 | $45,810 | $71,210 |
| Florida | $35,520 | $52,260 | $80,370 |
| Georgia | $31,990 | $48,290 | $80,020 |
| Hawaii | $45,950 | $46,740 | $99,290 |
| Idaho | $39,290 | $58,360 | $79,120 |
| Illinois | $39,440 | $57,500 | $98,920 |
| Indiana | $35,550 | $45,510 | $73,670 |
| Iowa | $38,570 | $59,000 | $82,620 |
| Kansas | $35,610 | $50,990 | $75,790 |
| Kentucky | $30,910 | $47,060 | $84,630 |
| Louisiana | $27,750 | $36,430 | $61,690 |
| Maine | $35,150 | $53,900 | $83,570 |
| Maryland | $38,640 | $54,460 | $86,320 |
| Massachusetts | $39,900 | $54,920 | $80,840 |
| Michigan | $36,220 | $56,160 | $82,540 |
| Minnesota | $41,060 | $51,130 | $69,680 |
| Mississippi | $29,640 | $42,010 | $63,980 |
| Missouri | $34,000 | $48,130 | $77,470 |
| Montana | $33,600 | $52,490 | $75,800 |
| Nebraska | $37,350 | $58,320 | $82,490 |
| Nevada | $36,790 | $57,580 | $86,810 |
| New Hampshire | $39,130 | $54,470 | $80,540 |
| New Jersey | $37,220 | $60,250 | $102,710 |
| New Mexico | $39,950 | $62,120 | $98,270 |
| New York | $39,810 | $59,740 | $99,700 |
| North Carolina | $37,000 | $51,790 | $79,440 |
| North Dakota | $37,770 | $61,240 | $82,680 |
| Ohio | $37,060 | $50,580 | $81,500 |
| Oklahoma | $32,990 | $57,190 | $95,790 |
| Oregon | $42,260 | $62,070 | $99,380 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,490 | $50,450 | $82,350 |
| Rhode Island | $36,140 | $46,030 | $75,730 |
| South Carolina | $30,480 | $47,480 | $75,670 |
| South Dakota | $37,440 | $48,520 | $67,060 |
| Tennessee | $30,050 | $45,490 | $75,330 |
| Texas | $35,370 | $52,190 | $79,440 |
| Utah | $32,820 | $62,870 | $106,390 |
| Vermont | $44,960 | $56,980 | $77,800 |
| Virginia | $38,430 | $54,590 | $80,150 |
| Washington | $41,400 | $58,540 | $92,970 |
| West Virginia | $28,540 | $44,140 | $74,450 |
| Wisconsin | $38,800 | $58,740 | $97,450 |
| Wyoming | $36,840 | $62,990 | $104,000 |
Source: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 388,200 | 459,600 | 71,400 | 18.40% | 42,000 |
| Alabama | 5,870 | 6,720 | 850 | 14.50% | 600 |
| Alaska | 990 | 1,090 | 100 | 10.10% | 90 |
| Arizona | 9,410 | 13,090 | 3,680 | 39.10% | 1,290 |
| Arkansas | 2,420 | 2,940 | 520 | 21.50% | 270 |
| California | 57,400 | 70,200 | 12,800 | 22.30% | 6,520 |
| Colorado | 15,180 | 19,420 | 4,240 | 27.90% | 1,840 |
| Connecticut | 7,310 | 8,810 | 1,500 | 20.50% | 810 |
| Delaware | 1,760 | 2,090 | 330 | 18.80% | 190 |
| District of Columbia | 1,020 | 1,200 | 180 | 17.60% | 110 |
| Florida | 17,230 | 22,220 | 4,990 | 29.00% | 2,120 |
| Georgia | 6,350 | 7,730 | 1,380 | 21.70% | 720 |
| Idaho | 1,960 | 2,620 | 660 | 33.70% | 250 |
| Illinois | 13,640 | 16,010 | 2,370 | 17.40% | 1,450 |
| Indiana | 8,110 | 9,830 | 1,720 | 21.20% | 910 |
| Iowa | 3,190 | 4,180 | 990 | 31.00% | 400 |
| Kansas | 2,020 | 2,400 | 380 | 18.80% | 220 |
| Kentucky | 6,270 | 7,610 | 1,340 | 21.40% | 700 |
| Louisiana | 5,160 | 6,190 | 1,030 | 20.00% | 570 |
| Maine | 750 | 790 | 40 | 5.30% | 70 |
| Maryland | 8,430 | 10,290 | 1,860 | 22.10% | 960 |
| Massachusetts | 6,240 | 7,450 | 1,210 | 19.40% | 680 |
| Michigan | 9,710 | 11,440 | 1,730 | 17.80% | 1,040 |
| Minnesota | 7,220 | 8,520 | 1,300 | 18.00% | 780 |
| Mississippi | 2,240 | 2,510 | 270 | 12.10% | 220 |
| Missouri | 6,150 | 7,270 | 1,120 | 18.20% | 660 |
| Montana | 1,990 | 2,580 | 590 | 29.60% | 250 |
| Nebraska | 1,830 | 2,220 | 390 | 21.30% | 210 |
| Nevada | 1,320 | 1,610 | 290 | 22.00% | 150 |
| New Hampshire | 2,300 | 2,850 | 550 | 23.90% | 270 |
| New Jersey | 13,060 | 15,470 | 2,410 | 18.50% | 1,410 |
| New Mexico | 2,300 | 3,090 | 790 | 34.30% | 300 |
| New York | 24,270 | 30,380 | 6,110 | 25.20% | 610 |
| North Carolina | 9,730 | 12,360 | 2,630 | 27.00% | 1,170 |
| North Dakota | 840 | 970 | 130 | 15.50% | 90 |
| Ohio | 15,210 | 17,440 | 2,230 | 14.70% | 1,560 |
| Oklahoma | 5,830 | 6,980 | 1,150 | 19.70% | 640 |
| Oregon | 7,490 | 9,540 | 2,050 | 27.40% | 900 |
| Pennsylvania | 23,410 | 26,960 | 3,550 | 15.20% | 2,420 |
| Rhode Island | 1,120 | 1,340 | 220 | 19.60% | 120 |
| South Carolina | 4,700 | 5,660 | 960 | 20.40% | 520 |
| South Dakota | 1,730 | 1,980 | 250 | 14.50% | 180 |
| Tennessee | 5,420 | 7,180 | 1,760 | 32.50% | 690 |
| Texas | 18,460 | 23,480 | 5,020 | 27.20% | 2,220 |
| Utah | 3,780 | 5,900 | 2,120 | 56.10% | 610 |
| Vermont | 1,220 | 1,470 | 250 | 20.50% | 140 |
| Virgin Islands | 80 | 80 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| Virginia | 15,000 | 18,370 | 3,370 | 22.50% | 1,710 |
| West Virginia | 1,620 | 2,000 | 380 | 23.50% | 190 |
| Wisconsin | 7,440 | 8,630 | 1,190 | 16.00% | 780 |
| Wyoming | 710 | 880 | 170 | 23.90% | 80 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Continuing Education & Related Degrees
Earning this degree qualifies you for most mental health counseling jobs, but it also acts as a solid stepping stone for further academic and career advancement. Below are a few degree options that may be good options. Each one takes a master’s in mental health counseling as a starting point and develops additional expertise.
We’ve also listed a few alternative master’s degrees to consider, which are worth looking into if you’re not locked into earning a mental health counseling degree.
Continuing Education Opportunities
PhD in Mental Health Counseling
This is the highest terminal degree in mental health counseling. Designed for those interested in education, research, or continued practice, it develops advanced scientific knowledge and expert clinical skills. It prepares you for postsecondary teaching and to conduct cutting-edge research that broadens the field’s horizons.
Related Degrees to Consider
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
This degree focuses on how people learn new behaviors and identifies the influential factors that contribute to behavior development in groups and individuals. Candidates use empirical techniques and scientific experimentation to gain a greater understanding of human behavior and how certain behaviors can be modified to support mental and emotional health.
Additional Resources for Mental Health Counseling Students and Professionals
American Counseling Association
American Mental Health Counseling Association
American Psychological Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Association for the Dually Diagnosed
National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
National Board for Certified Counselors
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
The Association for Addiction Professionals
Top-Ranked Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
With so many options to choose from these days, it can be challenging to find the online program that’s right for you. It’s important to spend time researching programs to find the one that best fits your career and academic goals while still fitting your budget. To help get you started, we identified and some of the best online mental health counseling degrees currently available. Take a closer look at the schools offering these top-rated counseling programs and see if they have the qualities to make your college shortlist.
Bradley University
Peoria, Illinois
Why We Selected Bradley University:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$35,940
- Average Institutional Aid$20,657
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course45%
- % of Students Receiving an Award77%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Why We Selected East Carolina University:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,452
- Average Institutional Aid$3,766
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course74%
- % of Students Receiving an Award66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Why We Selected Lock Haven University:
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$7,716
- Average Institutional Aid$2,081
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course68%
- % of Students Receiving an Award53%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, New Mexico
Why We Selected New Mexico Highlands University:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,758
- Average Institutional Aid$3,885
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course89%
- % of Students Receiving an Award25%
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Why We Selected Southern New Hampshire University:
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$15,000
- Average Institutional Aid$7,403
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
- % of Students Receiving an Award46%
- Student/Faculty Ratio24/1
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Why We Selected Western Michigan University:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,334
- Average Institutional Aid$5,222
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
- % of Students Receiving an Award56%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Why We Selected Lamar University:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,228
- Average Institutional Aid$6,229
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course83%
- % of Students Receiving an Award33%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
William James College
Newton, Massachusetts
Why We Selected William James College:
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$10,000
- Average Institutional AidN/A
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an AwardN/A
- Student/Faculty Ratio7/1
University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota
Why We Selected University of Mary:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$18,340
- Average Institutional Aid$10,316
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course30%
- % of Students Receiving an Award59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, California
Why We Selected University of Massachusetts Global:
Program Details
- AccreditationWSCUC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,000
- Average Institutional Aid$1,941
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course97%
- % of Students Receiving an Award45%
- Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
