The cost of education is on the rise. But here's the good news: Online master's programs in mental health counseling may be more affordable than you might expect. Combined with financial aid options, an online graduate degree can become an accessible way to pursue a rewarding career as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), marriage and family therapist, or other counseling professional.
Find out how online master's programs in mental health counseling can make your career aspirations a reality without straining your budget.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Get an Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
The advantages of earning an online master's in mental health counseling include helping people make meaningful life changes, strong job growth projections, numerous workplace options, and career advancement potential.
- Positive Impact: Mental health counselors positively impact communities and people in need. Counselors address concerns and problems to help clients lead healthier, happier lives. Licensed counselors can specialize in areas like addiction, grief, or family counseling.
- High Demand: Counseling graduates can enjoy many career opportunities and job security due to a growing demand for mental health professionals. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 18% growth in substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling careers from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the 3% average for all careers.
- Opportunities for Growth: Mental health counselors can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, schools, and government facilities. With job experience and additional education, mental health counselors can become therapists, clinical supervisors, and clinical directors.
Top Affordable Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs
Learn more about our program ranking methodology.
#1 Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Total Cost:
In-State | $1,875
Out-of-State | $1,875
Credits to Graduate: 62
Pepperdine University's online master's in mental health counseling specializes in marriage and family therapy. Conducted by the 1971-established Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the program requires only 27 months for completion. Key courses encompass multicultural counseling, human sexuality and intimacy, and trauma in diverse populations. Graduates can pursue licensure as a licensed clinical counselor or licensed marriage and family therapist.
Online learners study under esteemed faculty members, such as Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, renowned for her research on the societal trauma of oppression.
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449
Out-of-State | $449
Credits to Graduate: 60
Earning a master's in mental health counseling online at University of the Cumberlands puts students on a path toward licensure with mostly online learning, except for the on-the-ground clinical practicums and internships.
The specialization courses explore processes and techniques in counseling, private practice and clinical supervision, marriage and family counseling, and child and adolescent counseling. To graduate, students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam. In 2021-2022, Cumberlands, UC boasted a 92.5% National Counselor Examination pass rate.
Students can transfer up to 18 credits.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
Palo Alto University
- Palo Alto, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $580
Out-of-State | $580
Credits to Graduate: 63
Palo Alto University's online master's in mental health counseling puts learners on track to pursue licensure in California or non-licensed careers in education, research, and administration. Two resident training experiences explore clinical interviewing assessments. PAU helps learners find a practicum site, where they must complete 700 hours over 9-12 months. The fieldwork includes 280 hours working as a counselor trainee.
The courses provide a clinical foundation in multicultural counseling theories and techniques, crisis and trauma counseling, legal and ethical foundations, and addiction counseling.
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
#4 Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $625-$800
Out-of-State | $625-$800
Credits to Graduate: 66
LeTourneau University's online master's in mental health counseling program combines Christian faith and Texas licensure preparation. Besides the core coursework, enrollees also study clinical theology, which includes integrative theology for counselors, trauma crisis, and theology in the developmental context. The opportunity for hands-on learning includes one practicum and two 300-hour internships.
Applicants must meet the general graduate admission requirements and the School of Psychology and Counseling's minimum 3.0 GPA from undergraduate studies.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling
When researching master’s in mental health counseling online programs, you will find master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS) degree options. Both prepare graduates to become mental health counselors, but an MA focuses on the liberal arts, trains mental health counseling generalists, and requires a thesis.
An MS offers opportunities to specialize in areas like crisis and trauma, addiction and substance use, marriage and family therapy, and military family counseling. MS holders complete clinical hours if they choose to become licensed counselors.
Most online master's in mental health counseling programs require 45-60 credits, which can take 2-5 years to complete. Coursework includes counseling theory, crisis and trauma, group therapy, and research methods.
Online students typically don't go to campus for their classes, but some programs may require face-to-face attendance at intensives or residencies. Students must complete internships and practicums in person to gain hands-on experience. Distance learners often find internship and practicum sites in their local communities.
The best online clinical mental health counseling programs hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Mental Health Counseling Specializations
Online clinical mental health counseling programs offer concentration and specialization options. Aspiring counselors select a focus area or a patient population they want to work with and tailor their coursework, internships and practicums, and clinical hours accordingly. Mental health counselors can also earn certifications in their specialization areas.
Popular mental health counseling online master's concentrations and specializations include:
How Much Do Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs Cost?
The total costs of earning a master's degree in mental health counseling vary by school and program. The National Center for Education Statistics reports average annual graduate tuition ranging from $12,596 at public institutions to $28,017 at private institutions for the 2021-2022 school year.
A school's reputation and public or private status can affect tuition rates. Students who attend school out-of-state may pay hefty nonresident tuition rates. Fortunately, many online clinical mental health counseling programs offer flat-rate or in-state tuition options for distance learners.
Financial aid can help lower tuition costs. Counseling students can pursue scholarships, grants, loans, fellowships, and other options to offset educational costs.
Careers With a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Their Salaries
MS in mental health counseling degree holders earn an average base salary of $55,000 a year, according to Payscale data from April 2024. Those with MAs in mental health counseling earned a similar average annual salary of $53,000.
Mental health counselor salaries vary depending on education level, experience, geographical location, and licensure and certification status. The following mental health counseling careers offer a sampling of options and their salaries.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC or LPC)
Licensed mental health counselors (LHMCs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs) make an average base salary of $57,050, according to April 2024 Payscale data. These state-licensed and nationally certified professionals specialize in providing therapy for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, and substance use.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) focus on relationship issues between couples and among family members, which may arise from addiction, divorce, grief, and stress. The BLS reports a 2023 median annual wage of $58,510 for MFTs.
Substance Use Counselor
Substance use counselors help clients with addictions to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other substances and teach them skills to modify their behavior. Substance use counselors make an annual median salary of $53,710, according to 2023 BLS data. Earnings typically increase with a master's degree and licensure. Among substance use counselors, the top 25% earn $64,400.
Crisis Counselor
Crisis counselors staff crisis hotlines, healthcare organizations, and law enforcement departments to support clients experiencing emotional turmoil, mental health emergencies, or trauma. The average annual wage is $46,450 for crisis counselors, according to April 2024 Payscale data
Popular Mental Health Counseling Graduate Courses
Required counseling courses vary by program, but degree-seekers can expect a mix of core and elective courses and a mandatory internship. Common courses include theories of counseling, ethics and legal issues of counseling, couples and family counseling, and mental health counseling practicums and internships.
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Theories of Counseling
This core course covers counseling and psychotherapy theories. Students learn to identify problems and respond with evidence-based interventions. This course also covers how theories drive the treatment process in case studies.
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Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
This core course provides an overview of the ethics and laws that most impact mental health counseling. Enrollees may study child abuse assessment, mandatory reporting, and intervention practices. This course encourages an understanding of the cultural, social, and psychological implications of mental health.
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Couples and Family Counseling
Depending on the program, this course may be a core requirement or an elective. Couples and family counseling courses provide a fundamental understanding of the cultural, gender, and ethnicity dynamics that impact mental health. Students apply theory to improve, restore, and maintain family relationships.
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Mental Health Counseling Internship
After completing all graduate coursework and meeting practicum requirements, students can apply for their mental health counseling internship. Learners must apply their counseling skills in mental health settings and provide services to patients.
Common Questions About an Affordable Master's in Mental Health Counseling
Accredited online master's in mental health counseling programs offer the same quality of education as on-campus programs. These online programs provide flexibility through synchronous formats (live lectures) and asynchronous formats (recorded lectures). Both online and on-campus programs require in-person attendance for practicums and internships.
Online programs offer convenience and flexibility, while on-campus programs provide valuable face-to-face interaction and networking opportunities.
Yes, graduates of accredited online clinical mental health counseling programs qualify to become licensed mental health counselors. They must first complete the clinical hours needed to take their national certification examinations.
Admission to mental health counseling online master's programs typically requires a bachelor's degree. Some programs accept degrees in any field, while others require undergraduate degrees in counseling or related majors. Applicants should hold a 3.0 GPA, but programs may also consider GRE exam scores and personal statements.
The main things to look for in online master's in mental health counseling programs include CACREP accreditation, high graduation rates, and specializations and internship opportunities that fit your career goals. You'll also want to consider tuition costs and financial aid options.
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