Top mental health counseling graduate programs online

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than 20% of Americans live with some sort of mental or mood disorder. Just as there are many types of mental disorders, so are there many types of mental health professionals especially trained to recognize, counsel and treat those patients. Mental Health Counselors work in a variety of areas ranging from rehabilitation centers, churches, schools and universities, businesses and community service organizations. Mental health counselors are trained to diagnose emotional disorders and work with clients on treatment, often in coordination with psychiatrists or social workers on proper care.

Health insurance companies are increasingly moving patients towards the more affordable, trained mental health counselor as a cost-effective alternative to the therapy rates of psychiatrists and psychologists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the employment growth for mental health counselors will be around 28.5% between 2012-2022. US News and World Report projects median salary earnings of $40,580 with the highest paid at $67,020 annually.

Individual states have specific requirements for licensure of mental health counselors and you should verify the requirements for your state before deciding on an accredited graduate program. Some schools are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the majority of programs require a minimum of 60 credit hours, with additional hours in an internship or practicum, for completion of a degree. Be certain to verify with the school their policy on completing your internship and/or practicum in your local community.

We've compiled a list of online graduate degrees specifically in mental health counseling based on cost, accreditation and core curriculum.

#1. North Carolina Central University

Founded in 1909, North Carolina Central University became the first public liberal arts institution for African Americans in the nation. Through it's Education Counselor Ed program it offers three graduate degrees in career, mental health and school counseling, all of which, are accredited by CACREP.

Length of Study: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $235 (In-State); $806 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Ethical, Professional Orientation to Counseling, Crisis, Trauma & Grief Counseling, Intro to Mental Health Counseling, Psychosocial Development, Vocational Theory/Career Development, Cultural Diversity & Gender Issues, Group Counseling, Intro to Family Counseling, Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling

#2. Grand Canyon University

This private Arizona university has been in existence since 1949 and offers a MS in Professional Counseling. Accredited by the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential (NCC), this program prepares students for licensure in most states.

Length of Program: 62 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $390
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Introduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorders, Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethics, Counseling Theories, Group Counseling Theory and Practice, Social and Cultural Diversity Issues in Counseling, Psychopharmacology and Addictions, Human Sexuality, Aging and Long-Term Care

#3. Adams State University

This Colorado school offers a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health and/or School Counseling designed specifically for working students and the program is accredited by CACREP. Students in the online program will spend one week on the Adams State campus during the two consecutive summers in the program.
Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $405
Curriculum Snapshot: Intro to Research, Multicultural Issues, Life Span Development, Philosophy & Theories of Counseling, Group Counseling, Career Development, Family Therapy, Practicum, Crisis Intervention, Assessment in Counseling, Foundations Addict Counseling, Ethics & Professional Issues

#4. Walden University

Walden University offers five specialization areas in Addiction Counseling, Career Counseling, Forensic Counseling, Military and Family Culture Counseling and Trauma and Crisis Counseling. The program requires 80 credit hours in it's core curriculum with 10 credit hours required for the specialization requirement. This M.S. program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Length of Program: 90 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $470
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations for Graduate Study in Counseling, Introduction to Mental Health Counseling, Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling, Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories, Techniques of Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Assessment in Counseling and Education, Lifespan Development, Diagnosis and Assessment

#5. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Part of the University of Louisiana system, ULM offers a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program is intended to prepare students to work in a variety of mental health capacities such as mental health counseling, administration, rehabilitation, career or vocational counseling, play therapist, etc.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $475
Curriculum Snapshot: Courses not provided

#6. Capella University

Capella University has been offering online, accredited programs for the past twenty years; and, their Masters in Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. As with other schools offering this degree, there is a 700 hour field experience required with this program which is conducted in your home community with agencies, schools, hospitals and counseling centers. Under the supervision of their Fieldwork Site Supervisor, students provide direct and non-direct counseling services and develop the skills to work as professional counselors.

Length of Program: 92 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $487
Curriculum Snapshot: Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors, Survey of Research Methodology, Assessment, Tests, and Measures, Principles of Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment, Theories of Personality, Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Counseling, Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Crisis Assessment and Intervention, Theories of Psychotherapy, Group Counseling and Psychotherapy

#7. Bellevue University

Founded in 1966 in Bellevue, Nebraska, this university's MS in Clinical Counseling prepares students for the national licensing exam for mental health counselors. The degree requires 100 practicum hours and a 900 hour clinical internship conducted in your home state.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $515
Curriculum Snapshot: Helping Relationships and Orientation to the Counseling Profession, Introduction to Counseling Theories, Statistics and Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods and Program Evaluation, Counseling Practicum, Human Development Throughout the Lifespan, Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in the Practice of Counseling, Assessment, Theories of Psychopathology

#8. Grace College

Accredited by by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, Grace College and Theological Seminary offers a MA in Mental Health Counseling. This Indiana-based school also partners with the VA in the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Program for veterans.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $537 (plus $125 per course online fee)
Curriculum Snapshot: Theological Foundations in Counseling, Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, Personality and Counseling Theories, Psychopathology, Counseling Skills, Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents

#9. University of the Southwest

The University of the Southwest offers both a 48 hour and a 60 hour graduate program in mental health counseling to meet the needs of most state licensure requirements. USW is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association and it's MS in Mental Health Counseling program conforms to the American Counseling Association's requirements.

Length of Program: 48 or 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $580
Curriculum Snapshot: Educational Research, Counseling Theories, Counseling Techniques-Mental Health, Professional & Ethical Issues-Counseling, Learning & Human Development, Culturally Diverse/Special Needs Pops, Career Development & Life Planning, Group Counseling, Counseling Families, Child & Adolescent Counseling, Psycho-Educational Assessment, Psychopathology

#10. Sacred Heart University

This Connecticut university provides a Master of Science in Applied Psychology degree which is research-based and covers fundamental psychological concepts. Students may choose from three concentrations in Community Psychology, General Applied Psychology or Industrial-Organizational Psychology. There is a thesis requirement for this program as well as 100 hours of supervised field and observation.

Length of Program: 38 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $600
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations of Applied Psychology, Developmental Issues Across the Life Span, Identifying and Managing Psychopathology in Community Settings, Applied Research Methods and Statistics, Individual Psychological Assessment and Appraisal, Program Development and Evaluation

#11. Antioch University

This online counseling degree consists of two week-long in-person intensive residential colloquia, a semester-long practicum (100 hours) and a three semester internship (900) hours, which may be completed in your home community. Antioch also offers the opportunity to specialize in counseling of medical staff personnel and their families.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $625
Curriculum Snapshot: Fundamentals of Therapeutic Interaction, Human Development: Lifespan & Systems, Counseling Theories, Models, & Approaches, Social & Cultural Diversity, Group Approaches to Mental Health Counseling, Assessment Principles & Methods, Career & Lifestyle Counseling, Crisis & Trauma-Informed Interventions, Family Counseling Approaches to Addiction, Psychopathology: Diagnosis & Assessment,
Research & Evaluation in Counseling & Therapy

#12. University of Massachusetts Boston

This online program in mental health counseling can be completed in two years. Using a cohort model, the program begins during the summer with one online course and two face-to-face courses (completed over a two-week period at UMass Dartmouth). The rest of the program is completed online with your cohort and includes a field experience (done in your local community). Because of individual state licensure requirements, this program is not offered in all states.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $625 (In-State); $1,212 (Out-Of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Counseling Theory and Practice I (in person at UMass Dartmouth), Group Counseling (in person at UMass Dartmouth), Ethical Standards and Professional Issues in Counseling, Research and Evaluation in Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Diversity in Counseling

#13. NOVA Southeastern University

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, NSU offers an online MS in Mental Health Counseling, which is broad-based and includes studies in abuse, family violence, divorce, aging, and general emotional problems. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and partners with the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs for the Yellow Ribbon Program offered to U.S. Veterans and offers a graduate scholarship to eligible veterans.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $650
Curriculum Snapshot: Counseling Theories and Practice, Research and Evaluation for Counselors, Introduction to Mental Health Counseling Techniques, Human Growth and Development, Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for Counselors, Human Sexuality, Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Psychopathology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Psychological Testing for Individual Evaluation, Abuse, Career and Lifestyle Assessment, Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling, Group Theory and Practice, Counseling Practicum, Counseling Internship

#14. Regent University

Regent University has a MA in Mental Health Counseling program that is CACREP accredited and combines contemporary counseling techniques with a biblical approach. The program meets the licensure requirements of most states, but be certain to check with your state's particular board of licensure.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition Per Credit Hour: $710
Curriculum Snapshot: Orientation to the Counseling Profession, Research & Statistics, Counseling Skills & Techniques, Practicum, Theories of Counseling, Assessment Techniques in Counseling, Career & Lifestyle Development, Human Growth & Development, Concepts of Family Systems, Group Counseling,Ethics, Professional Orientation & Legal Issues in Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Counseling & Christian Thought

#15. Bay Path University

Bay Path University offers a two-year, online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with forty-eight hours of the program is in coursework study and twelve hours conducted in a practicum/internship. Check with the school regarding the specifics of the practicum to be certain you can complete this requirement in your local community.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $750
Curriculum Snapshot: Infant/Toddler Development, Childhood and Adolescent Development, Psychopathology, Advanced Research Methods in Psychology Adult and Elderly Development, Ethics and Professional Conduct in Psychology, Family Systems, Bullying and Coercive Behavior Drugs, Medication and Society Counseling and Co-occurring Disorders, Psychological Assessment Social and Cultural Foundations Counseling Theory and Practice

#16. Medaille College

Medaille College is chartered by the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York and is a private, four-year college located in Rochester, NY. This MA in Mental Health Counseling meets the criteria for licensure and can be completed in 2-2 1/2 years.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $816
Curriculum Snapshot: Professional Orientation and Practice, Counseling Theory and Practice, Human Growth and Development, Cultural and Social Diversity, Group Work, Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Counseling, Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training, Psychopathologie, Assessment and Evaluation, Helping Relationships, Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Research and Program Evaluation, Grief, Trauma and Crisis Counseling and Therapy, Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling I

#17. University of Buffalo

This MS in Rehabilitation Counseling is one of the country's oldest online degree programs of its kind in the U.S. The program is designed for the professional wishing to work with people with disabilities, ranging from mental or physical health to personal, family and social issues. The program is offered part-time and can be completed in three years.

Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $841 (In-State); $992 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Tests and Measurements in Counseling, Understanding Statistical Research, Field Work, Counseling Practicum, Internship, Law and Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors, Rehabilitation Foundations, Foundations of Counseling Theory, Introduction to Group Work, Medical Aspects of Disability, Career Development, Vocational Placement Process, Independent Study

#18. Monmouth University

Located in West Long Beach, NJ, Monmouth University's MS in Mental Health Counseling is accredited by CACREP. The program requires clinical field experience at university approved sites and may not be ideal for non-New Jersey residents; however, check with the school to determine requirements for the field experience.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,004
Curriculum Snapshot: Mental Health Counseling, Testing & Assessment in Counseling, Community Mental Health, Psychopathology, Human Development Through the Lifespan, Counseling Theory & Techniques, Case Conceptualization, Multicultural Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Introduction to Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Psychopharmacology, Group Counseling, Career Counseling, Psychological Counseling Practicum, Research Methods in Counseling

#19. Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University offers both a MA Counseling degree and a combined, MA/Ed.S. degree in Professional Counseling. The program provides general instruction in theories, skills and intervention models for those seeking to work in counseling centers, nursing homes, hospitals, educational settings, etc. Seton Hall University Online is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours (MA program); 60 Credit Hours (MA/Ed.S. program)
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,100
Curriculum Snapshot: Counseling Theory, Counseling Skills, Psychology of Human Development, Career Development and Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, Multicultural Counseling and Psychology, Counseling and Community Agencies, Orientation Professional Counseling, Stat Theory and Computer Applications I, Group Counseling, Appraisal and Assessment in CounselingCounselor Ethics in Practice, Research Methods, Practicum in Counseling

#20. Wake Forest University

Accredited by CACREP, Wake Forest University offers a Master of Arts in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health, along with a dual degree program in Master of Divinity and Counseling. There is a practicum field experience which is done in the sixth semester of online coursework.

Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,260
Curriculum Snapshot: Research and Statistical Analysis in Counseling, Appraisal Procedures for Counselors, Basic Counseling Skills and Techniques, Advanced Counseling Skills and Crisis Management, Professional Orientation to Counseling,Theories and Models of Counseling, Group Procedures in Counseling, Career Development and Counseling, Cultures and Counseling, Life Span Development: Implications for Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Family Counseling, Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Counseling