Best Clinical Counseling Programs Near Columbus, Ohio (2026)
Updated May 27, 202625+ min read

Top Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Programs Near Columbus, OH

Compare CACREP-accredited master's programs, costs, and licensure pathways for aspiring LPCCs in the Columbus area.

What you’ll learn in this article…

  • Columbus-area students can choose from multiple CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs, including Ohio State and several regional universities.
  • Ohio's LPCC licensure typically takes three to four years from the start of a master's program to full independent practice.
  • The median annual wage for mental health counselors in Ohio is $48,330 according to May 2023 BLS data.
  • CACREP-aligned CMHC degrees offer the most direct path to LPCC licensure compared to general counseling psychology master's programs.

Ohio's Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board requires at least 60 graduate semester hours from a qualifying program to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor exam, the first tier in a two-step licensing path. For students in the Columbus metro, that requirement narrows the field to CACREP-accredited options, and roughly two dozen such programs operate within a two-hour drive or offer fully online coursework to Ohio residents.

The practical challenge is weighing trade-offs: in-state tuition at Ohio State runs around $13,900 per year, while private alternatives range from $8,400 to over $30,000. Program format, practicum placement support, and time-to-degree all shape the total investment before you can begin supervised post-graduate hours. Students considering related graduate paths in Ohio, such as MFT programs in Ohio, will find some overlap in coursework and clinical requirements.

Best LPCC Programs Near Columbus: Rankings & Comparisons

Ohio is home to a strong network of CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs, and students in the Columbus area have access to options ranging from a nationally ranked flagship to affordable regional universities across the state. The programs below were evaluated on institutional quality indicators, graduate outcomes, and program-specific strengths to help you identify the best fit for your LPCC path.

Factors considered
  • Accreditation and licensure alignment
  • Graduate earnings and debt levels
  • Institutional graduation and retention
  • Program format and flexibility
  • Clinical training and placement quality
Data sources
OH

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH · $17,000/yr (net price)

Best for: Columbus residents seeking nationally ranked training

Ohio State University houses a top-ranked Counselor Education department on its main Columbus campus, giving students direct access to the city's clinical training sites and professional networks. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 87.7%, the highest among programs on this list, paired with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio that balances large-university resources with meaningful faculty interaction. Its Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is recognized nationally, and the Columbus location makes it an especially practical choice for students already rooted in central Ohio.

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling — On-Campus
    Ohio State University
    • Top-rated Counselor Education program, consistently ranked in top 10 nationally
    • In-state tuition approximately $13,901; out-of-state approximately $42,740
    • Campus-based program on the main Columbus campus
    • Trains students for community, hospital, and private-practice settings
    • Emphasizes ethical, self-reflective clinical practice
    • Comprehensive mental health training with research application
    • Focuses on compassionate, evidence-based counseling for diverse populations
    Visit Website
UN

University of Dayton

Dayton, OH · $30,000/yr

Best for: Clinicians drawn to nature-based therapeutic specializations

The University of Dayton offers a CACREP-accredited CMHC program with a distinctive holistic counseling philosophy and flexible completion tracks of 2.5 or 3.5 years. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 80.2%. Dayton stands out in Ohio for its optional Ecotherapy Certificate, a nature-based therapeutic specialization that is unique among the state's counseling programs. The university is also expanding its educational footprint into Columbus, which may benefit counseling students through broader practicum partnerships in central Ohio.

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling — On-Campus
    University of Dayton
    • CACREP-accredited with holistic counseling approach
    • Tuition approximately $19,580 (same rate for in-state and out-of-state)
    • Two completion tracks: 2.5-year and 3.5-year options
    • Supervised practicum and internship experiences included
    • Prepares graduates for Ohio licensure and most other states
    • Available at two campus locations in the Dayton area
    • Professional counseling licensure preparation built into curriculum
    Visit Website
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Ecotherapy Concentration — On-Campus
    University of Dayton
    • One-of-a-kind Ecotherapy Certificate among Ohio CMHC programs
    • Integrates nature-based interventions into clinical practice
    • Same CACREP accreditation as the standard CMHC track
    • Flexible program tracks accommodate working professionals
    • Combines creative outdoor approaches with evidence-based counseling
    • Addresses growing demand for holistic mental health modalities
    Visit Website
AS

Ashland University

Ashland, OH · ~$22,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Working professionals needing hybrid flexibility

Ashland University delivers its 64-credit-hour MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through a hybrid format, making it one of the more accessible options for Columbus-area students who need flexibility. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 60.6%. With an 89.6% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination and a faith-informed perspective rooted in a Christian worldview, Ashland appeals to students who value both strong exam outcomes and a values-centered educational environment. Graduate-level tuition is approximately $8,400, positioning it as one of the more affordable private-university options in Ohio.

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
    Ashland University
    • CACREP-accredited, 64 total credit hours
    • Hybrid format blends online coursework with in-person components
    • Graduate tuition approximately $8,400 (same for in-state and out-of-state)
    • 89.6% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination
    • Curriculum grounded in a Christian worldview
    • Meets Ohio licensure requirements for Professional Clinical Counselor
    • Emphasizes multicultural counseling and professional ethics
    • Diverse field experience placements across clinical settings
    Visit Website
OH

Ohio University

Athens, OH · $22,000/yr

Ohio University's campus-based CMHC program in Athens has built a strong reputation around a single, focused outcome: getting graduates licensed and employed. The program reports a 100% job placement rate within 12 months of graduation and carries CACREP accreditation. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 65.4%. In-state tuition runs approximately $9,720, making OU one of the more affordable public-university routes to Ohio licensure, though Columbus-area students should plan for a commute or relocation to Athens.

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling — On-Campus
    Ohio University
    • CACREP-accredited campus-based program in Athens, Ohio
    • In-state tuition approximately $9,720; out-of-state approximately $17,712
    • Reports 100% job placement within 12 months of graduation
    • Prepares graduates to pass the Ohio licensure examination
    • Training covers individual, couple, and group counseling modalities
    • Strong focus on psychopathology and diagnostic assessment skills
    • Emphasizes ethical practice and professional organization engagement
    Visit Website
UR

Ursuline College

Pepper Pike, OH · $15,000 – $20,000/yr

Ursuline College, a small private institution in Pepper Pike near Cleveland, offers a distinctive MA in Counseling and Art Therapy that prepares students for dual credentials as both a licensed professional counselor and a registered art therapist. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 66.7%, and its intimate 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio is the lowest on this list. Evening and part-time scheduling makes the program workable for students balancing jobs or family commitments, and diverse internship placements broaden clinical exposure across northeast Ohio.

  • Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy — On-Campus
    Ursuline College
    • Dual accreditation: CACREP and CAAHEP
    • Sticker tuition approximately $31,864; net price approximately $16,164 after aid
    • 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the smallest on this list
    • Evening and part-time class formats for working students
    • Prepares graduates for LPC and ATR-BC credentials
    • Integrates visual and verbal therapeutic techniques
    • Diverse internship placements across clinical, educational, and healthcare sites
    Visit Website
CL

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · $15,000/yr (net price)

Cleveland State University offers a 60-credit CACREP-accredited CMHC program with standout completion and exam metrics: a 99% program completion rate and 95% first-attempt pass rate on the licensure examination. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 50.6%. In-state tuition of approximately $11,297 keeps costs competitive among Ohio's public universities, and the program does not require GRE scores for admission, lowering the barrier for career changers and nontraditional students.

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling — On-Campus
    Cleveland State University
    • 60-credit-hour CACREP-accredited program
    • In-state tuition approximately $11,297; out-of-state approximately $21,107
    • 99% program completion rate
    • 95% first-attempt licensure exam pass rate
    • No GRE requirement for admission
    • Covers eight core counseling competencies including ethics and diversity
    • Campus-based in Cleveland with Ohio Professional Counselor licensure track
    Visit Website
XA

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH · $33,000/yr

Xavier University in Cincinnati grounds its CMHC master's program in a Jesuit tradition of ethical practice and service, requiring 600 hours of supervised clinical counseling before graduation. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 68.6%, and the 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports close mentorship. Xavier explicitly prepares students for licensure in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, a meaningful advantage for anyone considering practice in the tri-state region. Flexible evening and weekend scheduling, along with summer, fall, and spring start dates, accommodates working professionals.

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — On-Campus
    Xavier University
    • CACREP-accredited with 600 hours of supervised clinical experience
    • Graduate tuition approximately $19,218 (same rate regardless of residency)
    • Flexible evening and weekend class scheduling
    • Multiple start terms: summer, fall, and spring
    • Licensure preparation aligned with Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana requirements
    • 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio for close mentorship
    • Jesuit tradition emphasizing ethical and socially just practice
    Visit Website
KE

Kent State University

Kent, OH · ~$21,000/yr (est.)

Kent State University's 60-credit M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited, campus-based program that offers both full-time and part-time tracks. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 63.7%. State-level comparisons position Kent State as a mid-range affordable option among Ohio public universities, with in-state tuition around $12,483. The curriculum includes a 600-clock-hour internship and places a strong emphasis on multicultural counseling competence.

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. — On-Campus
    Kent State University
    • CACREP-accredited, 60 total credit hours
    • In-state tuition approximately $12,483; out-of-state approximately $23,352
    • 600-clock-hour internship for hands-on clinical training
    • Both part-time and full-time study options available
    • Multicultural counseling focus woven throughout coursework
    • Campus-based learning at Kent, Ohio
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required for admission
    Visit Website
UN

University of Akron

Akron, OH · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

The University of Akron has held CACREP accreditation for its counseling programs since 1985, one of the longest continuous accreditation histories in the state. Its CMHC master's program reports a 95 to 100% licensure exam pass rate and a 98 to 100% internship placement rate. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 51.9%. In-state tuition of approximately $10,125 and the availability of three annual scholarships make Akron one of Ohio's more budget-friendly routes to the LPCC credential.

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling — On-Campus
    University of Akron
    • CACREP-accredited continuously since 1985
    • In-state tuition approximately $10,125; out-of-state approximately $15,885
    • 95 to 100% licensure exam pass rate
    • 98 to 100% internship placement rate
    • Three annual scholarships available to counseling students
    • State-of-the-art on-campus counseling clinic for training
    • Emphasizes advocacy, social justice, and holistic human development
    Visit Website
YO

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH · $13,000/yr

Youngstown State University delivers its M.S.Ed. in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration at the lowest tuition point on this list, with in-state costs around $6,848 and out-of-state barely higher at $7,028. Schools offering this program have a graduation rate of 50.5%. The 60-semester-hour, CACREP-accredited curriculum includes a 600-hour internship and focuses on cultural competence and evidence-based techniques. Columbus students willing to relocate will find it hard to beat YSU on pure affordability for an Ohio LPCC pathway.

  • Master of Science in Education, Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) — On-Campus
    Youngstown State University
    • CACREP-accredited, 60 semester hours
    • Lowest tuition on this list: approximately $6,848 in-state
    • Out-of-state tuition only slightly higher at approximately $7,028
    • 600-hour internship across multiple clinical placement settings
    • Prepares graduates for both Ohio PC and PCC licensure
    • Curriculum emphasizes cultural competence and professional ethics
    • Evidence-based counseling techniques central to coursework
    Visit Website

Questions to Ask Yourself

Many Columbus-area programs offer hybrid or asynchronous formats, but not all. If you're working full-time, confirm that class schedules and practicum hours align with your availability before you apply.

Some programs embed specialized coursework or certificate tracks that can shape your clinical focus and marketability. If you already know your preferred population or modality, look for a curriculum that supports it.

Ohio requires 3,000 post-master's supervised hours for LPCC licensure. Programs that provide structured placements or partnerships with local agencies can save you months of searching and speed your path to licensure.

Online vs. On-Campus Options in the Columbus Area

Does completing a clinical mental health counseling degree online affect your ability to get licensed in Ohio?

It is a practical question, and the answer depends on several factors: the program's accreditation status, how the school handles practicum and internship placement, and whether the format meets the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board's requirements.

Format and Licensure Eligibility

Ohio does not automatically disqualify online graduates from licensure, but the CSWMFT Board does have specific guidance on distance-education programs. Before enrolling in any online program, visit cswmft.ohio.gov to review current requirements. Better yet, contact the board directly by phone or email to ask whether your specific program of interest would make you eligible to sit for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) examination. Requirements can change, and a five-minute call can prevent a costly mistake.

CACREP accreditation matters in both formats. Whether a program is delivered in person or online, CACREP status signals that the curriculum, supervised hours, and practicum structure meet a nationally recognized standard, which Ohio licensure rules take into account.

Practicum Placement: Where Format Really Differs

The most meaningful practical difference between online and on-campus formats is often practicum placement. On-campus programs typically have established partnerships with Columbus-area sites and may provide more direct support in securing placements. Online programs vary widely: some maintain dedicated placement coordinators, while others rely more heavily on students to identify their own sites.

Before you apply to any program, ask admissions staff directly how practicum placements are handled and request data on licensure exam pass rates for graduates in your format. Individual school websites sometimes publish this information, but if the data is not posted, ask for it in writing.

Getting Additional Guidance

Two professional associations are worth consulting as you weigh your options. The Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) offers state-specific resources and can connect you with working counselors who have navigated this decision. The American Counseling Association (ACA) provides broader professional development tools, ethics guidance, and a network that extends beyond Ohio.

Neither online nor on-campus study is inherently superior. The right choice depends on your schedule, learning style, local site access, and which specific programs have a track record of getting Ohio graduates licensed.

How to Become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio

Earning your LPCC in Ohio is a structured process that typically spans three to four years from the start of your master's program to full clinical licensure. The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board oversees each stage. Here is the credentialing ladder you can expect to follow.

Six-step credentialing ladder from master's degree through 3,000 supervised hours to Ohio LPCC licensure, 2025 to 2026 requirements

Ohio LPCC Licensure: Step-by-Step Requirements

The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential is Ohio's independent practice license for mental health counselors, meaning you can diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders without working under another clinician's supervision. It sits one tier above the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), which is the entry-level license you hold while accumulating supervised hours after your master's degree. Both credentials are issued by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board, and the rules that govern them live in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4757 along with the Ohio Administrative Code rules the Board publishes. For a broader look at how counseling licensure requirements compare across states, it helps to understand how Ohio's framework fits into the national picture.

Step 1: Complete a Qualifying Master's Degree

You need a master's or doctoral degree in counseling from a program whose coursework satisfies CSWMFT requirements. CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs are the cleanest path because their curriculum is built to match. If your program is not CACREP-accredited, the Board will evaluate transcripts course by course, so it pays to verify alignment before you enroll. The graduate program itself is usually your best on-the-ground resource: most Ohio departments maintain current checklists for coursework, practicum, and internship hours, and faculty advisors track changes to Board rules as they happen.

Step 2: Pass the Required National Exams

Ohio uses two examinations administered through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The NCE is typically required for LPC, and the NCMHCE is required for the LPCC endorsement. Passing scores are set nationally by NBCC and revised periodically, so confirm the current cut score on nbcc.org rather than relying on older study guides.

Step 3: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience

After receiving your LPC, you accumulate post-degree supervised practice toward LPCC endorsement. Chapter 4757 spells out the total hours, the minimum direct client contact hours, and the credentials your supervisor must hold (generally an LPCC-S or equivalent approved supervisor). Because these numbers and supervisor qualifications can shift with rule updates, pull the current language from cswmft.ohio.gov before you sign a supervision contract. If you are still exploring the broader career path, our guide on how to become a licensed professional counselor walks through the foundational steps in detail.

Step 4: Apply and Maintain the License

Submit your LPCC application through the Board's online portal with transcripts, exam scores, and verified supervision documentation. Once licensed, you renew every two years and must complete continuing education hours, including specific topics the Board designates, such as ethics.

Tuition, Financial Aid & Program Costs Compared

The table below compares published tuition rates, approximate net price, and median graduate debt for each ranked clinical mental health counseling program in Ohio, sorted from lowest to highest net price. Keep in mind that the net price figures shown are institution-wide averages drawn from federal data and reflect undergraduate aid patterns. Your actual graduate-level costs will depend on program-specific tuition rates, assistantship awards, and financial aid packages, so treat these numbers as a starting point rather than a guaranteed quote. Contact each school's financial aid office for a personalized estimate.

SchoolIn-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionApprox. Net Price (Institution Avg.)Median Graduate Debt
Miami University, MiddletownN/AN/A$10,809$23,000
Miami University, Hamilton$16,359$37,399$11,286$23,000
Youngstown State University$6,848$7,028$12,767$24,000
University of Akron$10,125$15,885$13,946$23,250
Cleveland State University$11,297$21,107$14,764$21,797
Wright State University$15,771$25,759$15,415$22,750
Ursuline College$31,864$31,864$16,164$26,250
University of Toledo$17,605$29,426$17,249$22,250
Ohio State University$13,901$42,740$17,339$19,976
Walsh University$13,500$13,500$20,493$27,000
Heidelberg University$12,661$12,661$20,556$27,000
Kent State University$12,483$23,352$20,787$24,500
Malone University$13,830$13,830$20,948$26,289
Ohio University$9,720$17,712$21,637$21,056
Ashland University$8,400$8,400$21,988$25,000
Worth Noting

The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Ohio is $48,330 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023). This statewide figure provides a baseline, but actual earnings vary considerably by experience level, specialty area, and whether you practice in the Columbus metro or rural regions. The detailed salary breakdown and local trends follow in the next section.

Career Outcomes & Salary Expectations for Columbus Counselors

Ohio employs roughly 16,690 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors statewide, making it one of the larger markets in the Midwest for clinical counseling professionals. The table below presents Ohio state-level wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for this occupational group (SOC 21-1018). Columbus-area employers such as OhioHealth Behavioral Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Southeast Inc., and Netcare Access represent a significant share of counseling positions in central Ohio. Nationally, the BLS projects 18 to 22 percent job growth for this occupation over the coming decade, well above average, which suggests strong demand in the Columbus metro and throughout the state.

Wage PercentileAnnual Salary (Ohio, Statewide)
25th Percentile$47,370
Median (50th Percentile)$56,990
Mean (Average)$59,960
75th Percentile$67,470

Counseling Psychology MA vs. Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Key Differences

A growing number of Ohio graduate programs are moving toward CACREP-aligned clinical mental health counseling tracks, reflecting a broader priority on straightforward LPCC licensure. While both a Master's in Counseling Psychology and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) can lead to a career as a licensed professional clinical counselor in Ohio, the paths differ in accreditation, curriculum, and licensure readiness.

Degree Title and Core Focus

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA/MS: Prepares students specifically for clinical mental health practice in community agencies, private practice, and behavioral health settings. The degree name aligns explicitly with the CACREP specialty area.
  • Counseling Psychology MA: Emphasizes psychological assessment, research methods, and counseling theory. Graduates often work in settings that require a broader psychological foundation, but the degree is not always designed with state licensure as the sole outcome.

Accreditation and Ohio Licensure Alignment

  • CMHC programs are typically CACREP-accredited, which meets the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board's educational requirements without the need for additional course-by-course review.2 Graduates move directly from the LPC to LPCC.
  • Counseling Psychology MA programs may hold MPCAC or APA accreditation. While these are respected, Ohio's board will evaluate transcripts on a case-by-case basis. Graduates often need extra coursework in areas like career development or clinical supervision to match CACREP standards. Without a full content area match, the application for the LPCC can be delayed or denied.

Both degrees require 60 credit hours, but the content distribution differs. CMHC programs dedicate most credits to clinical practice and the eight CACREP core areas; counseling psychology programs balance clinical work with research and assessment.3 Practicum and internship requirements also vary: CMHC mandates 100 practicum and 600 internship hours, while counseling psychology may structure field experiences differently and sometimes offers fewer total client-contact hours.3

In the Columbus area, multiple universities offer CACREP-accredited masters in counseling Ohio programs, making the CMHC pathway more straightforward. A few institutions offer counseling psychology degrees, but applicants should verify with the Ohio licensing board that the curriculum meets all LPCC requirements before enrolling. Both degrees qualify you to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE), the required licensure exam, but the CMHC route generally provides a smoother ride from classroom to license. Students exploring the broader landscape of online licensed professional clinical counseling programs will find that CACREP accreditation is increasingly the industry standard.

Admission Requirements & Tips for Ohio CMHC Programs

Securing a spot in a Columbus-area clinical mental health counseling program depends not just on meeting baseline criteria but on uncovering the unwritten expectations each school holds. Requirements vary significantly from one institution to the next, and what appears on a website often tells only part of the story. A proactive, investigative approach gives you the edge, especially when selective programs use interviews, holistic reviews, or shifting test policies to build each cohort.

Research Requirements at the Source

  • Official websites: Visit Ohio State's College of Education and Human Ecology, Ohio University's Patton College, and University of Dayton's School of Education directly. Admission pages are updated annually, often between August and October, with changes to GPA minimums, prerequisite lists, and application formats.
  • CACREP cross-check: Use the CACREP directory to confirm a program's accreditation status. Then compare the program's published prerequisites against the Council's typical expectations: a foundational course in statistics or abnormal psychology, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and exposure to the field through volunteer or work experience.
  • Deadline realities: For fall 2026 cohorts, most priority deadlines closed between October 2025 and February 2026. However, several Ohio programs offer rolling admissions or final deadlines as late as June 1. If you are reading this in spring 2026, check immediately for any remaining seats, or plan ahead for the fall 2027 cycle by setting calendar reminders for September through January.

Contact Coordinators Early

A program coordinator's insight often surpasses what a website conveys. A brief, professional email or phone call can clarify:

  • GPA flexibility: Some programs consider the last 60 credit hours or accept a 2.75 with strong recommendations, even when 3.0 is advertised.
  • GRE/test-optional status: Policies shift quickly. One program may entirely waive the GRE for 2026 applicants, while another requires it only for those below a GPA threshold. Get confirmation in writing.
  • Interview format: Whether the interview is individual, group, virtual, or in-person affects how you prepare. Ask about timing, typical questions, and the role of the interview in final decisions.
  • Prerequisite nuances: A "recommended" course in human development may function as a de facto requirement if most admitted students have completed it.

Build a Timeline That Anticipates Hiccups

If you are still weighing program types nationally, our overview of the best masters in mental health counseling programs can help you benchmark Columbus-area options against top programs elsewhere.

  • Transcripts and recommendations: Request official transcripts at least four weeks before deadlines. Approach recommenders early and provide a summary of your goals so letters are specific.
  • Writing samples or statements: Some schools require a personal statement and a separate diversity or ethics essay. Double-check each application portal's specific prompts rather than reusing a generic draft.
  • Background checks and immunizations: Ohio's field placement sites often require these before you start clinical hours. Verify whether the program requires them at the application stage or later; completing them early prevents last-minute delays.

Frequently Asked Questions About CMHC Programs in Ohio

Choosing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a significant investment, and prospective students in the Columbus area tend to have many of the same practical questions. Below are straightforward answers drawn from current program data, CACREP standards, and Ohio licensure requirements.

You need to earn a minimum 60-credit master's degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and complete supervised clinical experience. After graduation, you first obtain a Professional Counselor (PC) license, then accrue additional supervised hours before applying for full Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) status through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

A counseling psychology MA typically sits within a psychology department and may emphasize research methodology, psychological assessment, and broader behavioral science theory. A Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master's is housed in a counselor education department, follows CACREP standards, and focuses squarely on clinical practice, diagnosis, and treatment planning. The CMHC track aligns most directly with Ohio LPCC licensure requirements.

Full-time students generally finish in 24 to 36 months, depending on whether the program requires a summer term and how practicum or internship hours are sequenced. Part-time students should expect 36 to 48 months. Most Ohio CMHC programs require 60 semester credits, so pacing depends heavily on how many courses you carry each term.

Yes. Several universities within reasonable commuting or relocating distance of Columbus hold CACREP accreditation for their CMHC programs. Ohio State University, Ohio University, and the University of Akron are among the accredited options. You can verify current accreditation status through the CACREP directory, which is updated regularly and searchable by state.

Pass rates vary by institution and reporting year. For example, Ohio University's CMHC program reported a 76% NCE pass rate for the 2024 to 2025 cycle, based on 24 exam takers. That same cohort showed a 95 to 100% program completion rate and a 100% job placement rate. Not all programs publicly disclose NCE outcomes, so it is worth asking admissions offices directly for the most recent data.

In most cases, yes. Programs near Columbus typically maintain established practicum and internship site agreements with local hospitals, community mental health agencies, university counseling centers, and private practices. Site availability can shift year to year, so confirm during the admissions process that your preferred setting type is among the program's active placements.

Several Ohio programs offer part-time enrollment tracks designed for working professionals. Part-time students typically take two courses per semester and complete the 60-credit requirement in roughly 36 to 48 months. Some programs also schedule evening or weekend classes to accommodate work schedules. Check each program's current catalog, because part-time availability and course scheduling formats can change from year to year.

Additional Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs in Ohio

For students who want to explore additional options beyond our top ten, here are more CACREP-accredited and quality clinical mental health counseling master's programs available across Ohio.

Central Ohio

Capital University
Capital University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited 64-credit hybrid program with evening classes, designed for working professionals.
  • Master of Arts – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Columbus, OH · Hybrid

Southwest Ohio

Wright State University
Wright State's Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health concentration offers a 60-credit CACREP-accredited program with partial online options and evening classes.
  • Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
Dayton, OH · On-Campus
Miami University
Miami University's hybrid Master of Education in Counselor Education with a Clinical Mental Health concentration includes 60-credit hours and 700 field placement hours.
  • Counselor Education-Master of Education (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
  • Counselor Education-Master of Education (School Counseling)
  • Counselor Education-Master of Education (Dual Track-Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling)
Oxford, OH · Hybrid
Miami University-Middletown
Miami University-Middletown offers the same hybrid Counselor Education master's with a Clinical Mental Health concentration at a lower in-state tuition rate.
  • Master of Education in Counselor Education (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Middletown, OH · Hybrid
Miami University-Hamilton
Miami University-Hamilton provides a hybrid Counselor Education master's with Clinical Mental Health specialization, requiring a 2.75 GPA for admission.
  • Master of Education in Counselor Education (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Hamilton, OH · Hybrid

Northwest Ohio

Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University's Master of Arts in Counseling offers a Clinical Mental Health concentration in a campus-based CACREP-accredited program with practicum and internship experiences.
  • Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Tiffin, OH · On-Campus
University of Toledo
The University of Toledo's CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counselor Education with a Clinical Mental Health concentration features evening classes for working students.
  • Master of Arts Degree in Counselor Education (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Toledo, OH · On-Campus

Northeast Ohio

Baldwin Wallace University
Baldwin Wallace University offers a 24-month full-time cohort-based Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with on-campus classes 1.5 days per week.
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Berea, OH · On-Campus
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Franciscan University of Steubenville provides a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Catholic values-integrated curriculum.
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Specialized areas of study (varies))
Steubenville, OH · On-Campus
Malone University
Malone University's online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers synchronous and asynchronous learning formats with a 99% employment rate.
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Canton, OH · Online
Walsh University
Walsh University's fully online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development with a Clinical Mental Health concentration requires 60 credits and includes no GRE for applicants with a 2.75 GPA.
  • Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
North Canton, OH · Online

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