Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
Mental health counselors support and guide individuals, couples, and families facing mental challenges. They work with clients to identify and address their mental health concerns and help them develop coping strategies and healthy behaviors.
If this is a field you're interested in, getting a master's degree in mental health counseling online will give you the theoretical and practical knowledge to help clients successfully. Once you graduate, you'll have the academic prerequisite to be licensed as a mental health counselor.
Graduates of mental health counseling master's degree online programs can provide generalized mental health counseling or specialize in an area such as substance abuse, trauma, or child and adolescent counseling. Hospitals, mental health centers, nonprofits, schools, and other organizations employ them.
2024 - Best Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling
CounselingPsychology.org ranks the best Online Master's Degree programs in Mental Health Counseling based on a comprehensive methodology. Factors considered in the rankings include the completion rate, affordability of the school, prestige of the institution, range of available programs, and the faculty's years of experience. In order to ensure accuracy, all program data is verified with the school or university. To learn more about our methodology, visit CounselingPsychology.org's rankings methodology page.
John Carroll University
John Carroll University is a private Catholic university located in University Heights, Ohio. It offers a comprehensive selection of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It also offers an Online Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. With an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students, John Carroll provides a personal, collaborative learning experience in a small-university setting.
Liberty University
Liberty University is a private, Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is the largest evangelical university in the world, boasting an impressive enrollment of over 100,000 students. Liberty University offers an online Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling, allowing students to earn their degree from anywhere. Its exceptional faculty and academic programs make Liberty University one of the most sought-after universities in the country.
University of New Haven
The University of New Haven is a private, co-educational university situated in West Haven, Connecticut. It is home to over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and offers a wide range of programs, including an online Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. With its diverse student population and commitment to high academic standards, it is a great choice for a quality education.
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private research university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With an enrollment of over 8,000 students, Wake Forest is a medium-sized college with a strong focus on academics and research. They offer Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degree programs, including an Online Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. With its commitment to providing a quality education, Wake Forest is an ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded educational experience.
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University's Mental Health Counseling Master's program, housed in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education, offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to become licensed mental health counselors. The program is offered on both the main campus in Fairfield, Connecticut and the satellite campus in Griswold, Connecticut, providing students with a diverse and comprehensive learning experience. The faculty consists of experienced professionals who provide hands-on training and individualized attention to help students develop the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers in mental health counseling.
What Will I Learn in an Online Mental Health Counseling Degree Program?
Online master’s degrees in mental health counseling are two-year programs that focus on providing support and guidance to individuals, couples, and families facing psychological and emotional difficulties. The programs typically consist of 60 to 70 credit hours of coursework and clinical experience.
The coursework of an online master’s degree in mental health counseling program can include a wide range of courses that cover counseling theories, techniques, and practices. Some of the types of courses that students may take include:
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Assessment and Diagnosis in Mental Health Counseling
- Ethical and Professional Issues in Mental Health Counseling
- Trauma and Resilience in Mental Health Counseling
- Substance Abuse and Addiction in Mental Health Counseling
- Group Therapy Techniques
- Child and Adolescent Therapy
In addition to online learning, a master’s in mental health counseling also includes a significant clinical component. During clinical work, students can apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired in a real-world setting. This hands-on experience will take place under licensed mental health counselors’ supervision, allowing students to develop their counseling skills and knowledge in a highly supportive environment. These clinical hours will be performed in the student’s community in an online learning format.
Admissions Requirements for a Master's in Mental Health Counseling
When you apply for a master’s degree in mental health counseling program, you will be required to submit several items. The exact requirements vary by school; for example, the New York Institute of Technology has its application process. In general, though, most schools request certain everyday items:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts reflecting completion of introductory coursework
- A minimum GPA of typically between 3.0 and 3.5
- A personal statement outlining your interest and goals in the field of mental health counseling
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals in a related field
- Relevant experience in the mental health field, such as any internships or volunteer work
- An interview with the admissions committee
- Scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
List of Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based master’s program in mental health counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.
Jump to Your State Listings
Alabama
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL 36117-3596
(334) 244-3000
Huntingdon College
Montgomery, AL 36106-2148
(334) 833-4497
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-3400
Arizona
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(800) 800-9776
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4092
(928) 523-9011
Arkansas
Harding University
Searcy, AR 72149-5615
(501) 279-4000
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001
(870) 230-5000
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-5000
California
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-4240
Colorado
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-3000
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO 80217-3364
(303) 556-5600
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890
Connecticut
Post University
Waterbury, CT 06723
(800) 345-2562
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT 06825-1000
(203) 371-7999
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT 06515-1355
(203) 392-5200
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT 06516-1916
(203) 932-7000
Florida
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
(561) 297-3000
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
(239) 590-1000
Florida International University
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2000
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1037
(850) 644-2525
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 776-4476
Stetson University
DeLand, FL 32723
(386) 822-7000
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 823-2000
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL 33620-9951
(813) 974-2011
Georgia
Augusta University
Augusta, GA 30912
(706) 721-0211
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA 30314-4391
(404) 880-8000
Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley, GA 31030-4313
(478) 825-6315
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 30460-8126
(912) 478-5391
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA 30303-3083
(404) 413-2000
Mercer University
Macon, GA 31207
(478) 301-2700
South University-Savannah Online
Savannah, GA 31406
(888) 444-3404
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA 30597
(706) 864-1400
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA 30118-0001
(678) 839-5000
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698
(229) 333-5800
Illinois
Bradley University
Peoria, IL 61625-0001
(309) 676-7611
DePaul University
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 362-8000
Governors State University
University Park, IL 60484
(708) 534-5000
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL 60446-2200
(815) 838-0500
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL 60625-4699
(773) 583-4050
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL 60605-1394
(312) 341-3500
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-6600
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL 61820-5711
(217) 333-1000
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 298-1414
Indiana
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(812) 237-6311
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN 47405-7000
(812) 855-4848
Indiana University-East
Richmond, IN 47374-1289
(765) 973-8200
Indiana University-Kokomo
Kokomo, IN 46902-9003
(765) 453-2000
Indiana University-South Bend
South Bend, IN 46615-7111
(574) 520-4872
Indiana University-Southeast
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 941-2333
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN 46323
(219) 989-2400
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
(317) 788-3368
Iowa
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 263-2800
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
(319) 335-3500
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0005
(319) 273-2311
Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS 66062-1899
(913) 782-3750
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS 67260-0124
(316) 978-3456
Kentucky
Asbury Theological Seminary
Wilmore, KY 40390-1199
(859) 858-3581
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY 40475-3102
(859) 622-1000
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 41099
(859) 572-5100
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292-0001
(502) 852-5555
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY 40769
(606) 549-2200
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000
(270) 745-0111
Louisiana
Tulane University of Louisiana
- Behavioral Health, MS Campus
New Orleans, LA 70118-5698
(504) 865-5000
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette, LA 70503
(377) 482-1000
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA 71209-0000
(318) 342-1000
Maryland
McDaniel College
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 848-7000
Massachusetts
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 565-1000
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-8000
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA 02138-2790
(617) 868-9600
Regis College
Weston, MA 02493-1571
(781) 768-7000
Suffolk University
Boston, MA 02108-3901
(617) 573-8754
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA 01086-1630
(413) 572-5300
William James College
Newton, MA 02459
(617) 327-6777
Michigan
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI 49512-9396
(616) 698-7111
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-1849
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-4401
(248) 370-2100
Minnesota
Adler Graduate School
Minnetonka, MN 55343
(612) 861-7554
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN 56301-4498
(320) 308-0121
Winona State University
Winona, MN 55987-5838
(507) 457-5000
Mississippi
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS 39058
(601) 925-3000
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
(662) 325-2323
Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University
- Mental Health Counseling Campus
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2000
University of Missouri-St Louis
Saint Louis, MO 63121-4400
(314) 516-5000
Montana
Montana State University Billings
Billings, MT 59101-0298
(406) 657-2011
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-0211
Nebraska
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE 68005-3098
(402) 291-8100
Creighton University
Omaha, NE 68178
(402) 280-2700
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE 68849-1212
(308) 865-8441
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE 68182-0225
(402) 554-2800
Nevada
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV 89154
(702) 895-3011
New Hampshire
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
(603) 535-5000
New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
Georgian Court University
Lakewood, NJ 08701-2697
(732) 987-2200
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ 07764-1898
(732) 571-3400
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201) 200-2000
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-3099
(609) 896-5000
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000
New Mexico
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
(575) 646-0111
University of the Southwest
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 392-6561
New York
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY 11530-0701
(516) 877-3000
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
New York, NY 10010
(646) 312-1000
CUNY Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY 11210
(718) 951-5000
CUNY City College
New York, NY 10031
(212) 650-7000
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000
CUNY Queens College
- Mental Health Counseling, MS Campus
Queens, NY 11367
(718) 997-5000
College of Staten Island CUNY
Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 982-2000
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-1754
Fordham University
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 817-1000
Hofstra University
- Mental Health Counseling, MA Campus
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6600
Iona College
New Rochelle, NY 10801-1890
(914) 633-2000
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 575-3000
Mercy College
- Mental Health Counseling Campus
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(800) 637-2969
New York University
New York, NY 10012-1091
(212) 998-1212
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY 14420-2919
(585) 395-2361
SUNY College at Old Westbury
Old Westbury, NY 11568-0210
(516) 876-3000
SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2681
(518) 564-2000
St. John's University-New York
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-6161
State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, NY 12561-2443
(877) 696-7411
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244
(315) 443-1870
Touro College
New York, NY 10036
(646) 565-6000
University at Buffalo
- Mental Health Counseling, MS Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1660
(716) 645-2000
North Carolina
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC 27506
(800) 334-4111
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC 27411
(336) 334-7500
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 530-6100
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC 27695-7001
(919) 515-2011
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
(704) 687-2000
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
(336) 334-5000
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
(910) 521-6000
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(336) 758-5000
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646
(828) 227-7100
North Dakota
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 255-7500
Ohio
Ashland University
Ashland, OH 44805
(800) 882-1548
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(418) 372-5526
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH 44118-4538
(888) 388-2977
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH 44242-0001
(330) 672-3000
Malone University
Canton, OH 44709-3308
(330) 471-8100
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0063
(513) 556-6000
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH 45469
(937) 229-1000
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH 43606-3390
(800) 586-5336
Wright State University-Main Campus
Dayton, OH 45435-0001
(937) 775-1000
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH 45207-1092
(513) 745-3000
Oklahoma
Cameron University
- M.A. in Mental Health Campus
Lawton, OK 73505-6377
(580) 581-2200
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK 73019-3072
(405) 325-0311
Oregon
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OR 97219-7899
(503) 768-7000
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737-0123
Portland State University
- Clinical Mental Health Campus
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 725-3000
Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR 97520
(541) 552-7672
Pennsylvania
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA 19114-2009
(215) 637-7700
Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Indiana, PA 15705-1098
(724) 357-2100
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA 19530-0730
(610) 683-4000
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, PA 17745-2390
(570) 484-2011
Rosemont College
Rosemont, PA 19010-1699
(610) 527-0200
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395
(610) 660-1000
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303
(215) 898-5000
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-4141
Villanova University
Villanova, PA 19085-1699
(610) 519-4500
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-1000
Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 456-8000
Salve Regina University
Newport, RI 02840-4192
(401) 847-6650
South Carolina
South University-Columbia
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 799-9082
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC 29733
(803) 323-2211
South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007-1898
(800) 952-3541
Tennessee
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7011
Belmont University
Nashville, TN 37212-3757
(615) 460-6000
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-1000
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN 37204-3951
(615) 966-1000
Richmont Graduate University
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 226-4574
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN 37209-1561
(615) 963-5000
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
(931) 372-3101
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598
(423) 425-4111
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-1000
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 248-1200
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-2000
Texas
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX 75275-0221
(214) 768-2000
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX 76401-0000
(254) 968-9000
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7000
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX 79762-0001
(432) 552-2020
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
(956) 665-2011
The University of Texas at El Paso
- Mental Health Counseling Campus
El Paso, TX 79968-0691
(915) 747-5000
The University of Texas at San Antonio
San Antonio, TX 78249-1644
(210) 458-4011
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, TX 75799-6699
(903) 566-7000
University of North Texas at Dallas
Dallas, TX 75241
(972) 780-3600
Utah
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9008
(801) 581-7200
Vermont
Northern Vermont University
Johnson, VT 05656-9464
(802) 635-2356
Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000
Norfolk State University
- Mental Health Counseling Online
Norfolk, VA 23504-8000
(757) 823-8600
Radford University
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-5000
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0131
(540) 231-6994
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
(757) 221-4000
Washington
Antioch University-Seattle
Seattle, WA 98121-1814
(206) 441-5352
Central Washington University
- Mental Health Counseling Campus
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 963-1111
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA 99004-2496
(509) 359-6200
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA 99258-0001
(800) 986-9585
Seattle University
Seattle, WA 98122-4340
(206) 296-6000
West Virginia
Marshall University
Huntington, WV 25755
(304) 696-3170
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26506
(304) 293-0111
Wisconsin
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 288-7710
Mount Mary University
Milwaukee, WI 53222-4597
(414) 930-3000
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-1122
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Kenosha, WI 53144
(262) 595-2345
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 232-1122
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