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.

1.

John Carroll University

University Heights, OH

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.

2.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

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.

3.

University of New Haven

West Haven, CT

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.

4.

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

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.

5.

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT

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

7440 East Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117-3596
(334) 244-3000

Master's Programs
1500 East Fairview Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36106-2148
(334) 833-4497

Station One
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-3400

Arizona

1900 S Knoles Dr, Babbitt Administrative Center, Room 200
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4092
(928) 523-9011

Arkansas

915 E. Market Ave.
Searcy, AR 72149-5615
(501) 279-4000

1100 Henderson Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001
(870) 230-5000

Master's Programs
201 Donaghey Ave
Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-5000

California

Colorado

Master's Programs
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-3000

1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400
Denver, CO 80217-3364
(303) 556-5600

Carter Hall - Rm 4000
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890

Connecticut

800 Country Club Rd
Waterbury, CT 06723
(800) 345-2562

5151 Park Ave
Fairfield, CT 06825-1000
(203) 371-7999

Master's Programs
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515-1355
(203) 392-5200

300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516-1916
(203) 932-7000

Florida

777 Glades Rd, Administration Bldg., Room 339
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991
(561) 297-3000

10501 Fgcu Blvd S
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
(239) 590-1000

11200 S. W. 8 Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2000

Master's Programs
222 S. Copeland Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1037
(850) 644-2525

1500 NW 49th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 776-4476

Master's Programs
421 N Woodland Blvd
DeLand, FL 32723
(386) 822-7000

4000 Central Florida Blvd
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 823-2000

4202 East Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33620-9951
(813) 974-2011

Georgia

223 James P Brawley Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30314-4391
(404) 880-8000

1005 State University Dr
Fort Valley, GA 31030-4313
(478) 825-6315

1332 Southern Drive
Statesboro, GA 30460-8126
(912) 478-5391

33 gilmer st
Atlanta, GA 30303-3083
(404) 413-2000

1501 Mercer University Drive
Macon, GA 31207
(478) 301-2700

709 Mall Blvd
Savannah, GA 31406
(888) 444-3404

Master's Programs
82 College Circle
Dahlonega, GA 30597
(706) 864-1400

1601 Maple St
Carrollton, GA 30118-0001
(678) 839-5000

Illinois

1501 W BRADLEY AVE
Peoria, IL 61625-0001
(309) 676-7611

Master's Programs
1 E Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 362-8000

Master's Programs
1 University Pky
University Park, IL 60484
(708) 534-5000

Master's Programs
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446-2200
(815) 838-0500

5500 N Saint Louis Ave
Chicago, IL 60625-4699
(773) 583-4050

430 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605-1394
(312) 341-3500

325 N Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-6600

601 E John Street
Champaign, IL 61820-5711
(217) 333-1000

Indiana

210 N 7th St
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(812) 237-6311

2325 Chester Blvd
Richmond, IN 47374-1289
(765) 973-8200

2300 S Washington St
Kokomo, IN 46902-9003
(765) 453-2000

1700 Mishawaka Ave
South Bend, IN 46615-7111
(574) 520-4872

4201 Grant Line Rd
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 941-2333

2200 169th Street
Hammond, IN 46323
(219) 989-2400

1400 E Hanna Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
(317) 788-3368

Iowa

1200 Grandview Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515) 263-2800

Master's Programs
101 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
(319) 335-3500

Master's Programs
1227 W 27th St
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0005
(319) 273-2311

Kansas

2030 E College Way
Olathe, KS 66062-1899
(913) 782-3750

1845 N. Fairmount
Wichita, KS 67260-0124
(316) 978-3456

Kentucky

204 N Lexington Ave
Wilmore, KY 40390-1199
(859) 858-3581

Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
(859) 572-5100

2301 S 3rd St
Louisville, KY 40292-0001
(502) 852-5555

Master's Programs
6191 College Station Drive
Williamsburg, KY 40769
(606) 549-2200

1906 College Heights Blvd
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000
(270) 745-0111

Louisiana

Master's Programs
6823 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118-5698
(504) 865-5000

104 University Circle
Lafayette, LA 70503
(377) 482-1000

700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209-0000
(318) 342-1000

Maryland

2 College Hill
Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 848-7000

Massachusetts

588 Longmeadow Street
Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 565-1000

140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-8000

235 Wellesley St
Weston, MA 02493-1571
(781) 768-7000

577 Western Ave
Westfield, MA 01086-1630
(413) 572-5300

Michigan

6191 Kraft Avenue S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49512-9396
(616) 698-7111

900 Oakwood St.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-1849

2200 North Squirrel Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309-4401
(248) 370-2100

Minnesota

10225 Yellow Circle Dr.
Minnetonka, MN 55343
(612) 861-7554

225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080

Master's Programs
720 Fourth Ave. South
Saint Cloud, MN 56301-4498
(320) 308-0121

Master's Programs
175 West Mark Street
Winona, MN 55987-5838
(507) 457-5000

Mississippi

200 South Capitol Street
Clinton, MS 39058
(601) 925-3000

Missouri

Master's Programs
One University Plaza, MS2025
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2000

One University Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63121-4400
(314) 516-5000

Montana

1500 University Drive
Billings, MT 59101-0298
(406) 657-2011

Master's Programs
Missoula, Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-0211

Nebraska

1000 Galvin Rd S
Bellevue, NE 68005-3098
(402) 291-8100

2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
(402) 280-2700

Master's Programs
2504 9th Avenue
Kearney, NE 68849-1212
(308) 865-8441

Master's Programs
6001 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68182-0225
(402) 554-2800

Nevada

4505 S Maryland Pky
Las Vegas, NV 89154
(702) 895-3011

New Hampshire

17 High Street
Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
(603) 535-5000

New Jersey

1000 River Rd
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000

Master's Programs
900 Lakewood Ave
Lakewood, NJ 08701-2697
(732) 987-2200

400 Cedar Ave
West Long Branch, NJ 07764-1898
(732) 571-3400

2039 Kennedy Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201) 200-2000

2083 Lawrence Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-3099
(609) 896-5000

201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-4000

New Mexico

2850 Weddell Street
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
(575) 646-0111

Master's Programs
6610 North Lovington Hwy
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 392-6561

New York

South Ave
Garden City, NY 11530-0701
(516) 877-3000

One Bernard Baruch Way (55 Lexington Ave at 24th St)
New York, NY 10010
(646) 312-1000

Master's Programs
2900 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11210
(718) 951-5000

160 Convent Ave
New York, NY 10031
(212) 650-7000

Master's Programs
695 Park Ave
New York, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000

Master's Programs
65-30 Kissena Blvd
Queens, NY 11367
(718) 997-5000

2800 Victory Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 982-2000

Master's Programs
West 116 St and Broadway
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-1754

441 E Fordham Rd
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 817-1000

Master's Programs
100 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6600

715 North Ave
New Rochelle, NY 10801-1890
(914) 633-2000

3399 North Rd
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 575-3000

Master's Programs
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(800) 637-2969

Master's Programs
350 New Campus Dr
Brockport, NY 14420-2919
(585) 395-2361

Master's Programs
223 Store Hill Rd
Old Westbury, NY 11568-0210
(516) 876-3000

101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2681
(518) 564-2000

8000 Utopia Pky
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-6161

1 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561-2443
(877) 696-7411

900 South Crouse Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13244
(315) 443-1870

50 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10036
(646) 565-6000

Master's Programs
12 Capen Hall
Buffalo, NY 14260-1660
(716) 645-2000

North Carolina

143 Main Street
Buies Creek, NC 27506
(800) 334-4111

1601 E Market St
Greensboro, NC 27411
(336) 334-7500

Master's Programs
1801 Fayetteville Street
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 530-6100

Master's Programs
2101 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27695-7001
(919) 515-2011

9201 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
(704) 687-2000

1400 Spring Garden St
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
(336) 334-5000

Master's Programs
One University Drive
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
(910) 521-6000

1834 Wake Forest Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(336) 758-5000

Highway 107
Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646
(828) 227-7100

North Dakota

7500 University Dr
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 255-7500

Ohio

Master's Programs
401 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
(800) 882-1548

220 McFall Ctr
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(418) 372-5526

1 John Carroll Boulevard
University Heights, OH 44118-4538
(888) 388-2977

Master's Programs
Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library
Kent, OH 44242-0001
(330) 672-3000

Master's Programs
2600 Cleveland Avenue NW
Canton, OH 44709-3308
(330) 471-8100

Master's Programs
2624 Clifton Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0063
(513) 556-6000

Master's Programs
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469
(937) 229-1000

2801 W Bancroft
Toledo, OH 43606-3390
(800) 586-5336

3640 Colonel Glenn Highway
Dayton, OH 45435-0001
(937) 775-1000

3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45207-1092
(513) 745-3000

Oklahoma

Master's Programs
2800 West Gore Blvd
Lawton, OK 73505-6377
(580) 581-2200

Master's Programs
660 Parrington Oval
Norman, OK 73019-3072
(405) 325-0311

Oregon

615 S Palatine Hill Rd
Portland, OR 97219-7899
(503) 768-7000

1500 SW Jefferson Avenue
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737-0123

Master's Programs
724 SW Harrison
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 725-3000

1250 Siskiyou Blvd
Ashland, OR 97520
(541) 552-7672

Pennsylvania

9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114-2009
(215) 637-7700

1011 South Dr 201 Sutton Hall
Indiana, PA 15705-1098
(724) 357-2100

15200 Kutztown Rd
Kutztown, PA 19530-0730
(610) 683-4000

401 North Fairview Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745-2390
(570) 484-2011

1400 Montgomery Ave
Rosemont, PA 19010-1699
(610) 527-0200

Master's Programs
5600 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395
(610) 660-1000

Master's Programs
34th & Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303
(215) 898-5000

4200 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-4141

Master's Programs
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085-1699
(610) 519-4500

University Avenue and High Street
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-1000

Rhode Island

600 Mount Pleasant Ave
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 456-8000

100 Ochre Point Avenue
Newport, RI 02840-4192
(401) 847-6650

South Carolina

9 Science Court
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 799-9082

701 Oakland Ave
Rock Hill, SC 29733
(803) 323-2211

South Dakota

1004 Campanile Ave
Brookings, SD 57007-1898
(800) 952-3541

Tennessee

601 College St
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7011

Master's Programs
1900 Belmont Blvd
Nashville, TN 37212-3757
(615) 460-6000

Master's Programs
1276 Gilbreath Drive
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-1000

Master's Programs
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204-3951
(615) 966-1000

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd
Nashville, TN 37209-1561
(615) 963-5000

Master's Programs
1 William L. Jones Drive
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
(931) 372-3101

615 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598
(423) 425-4111

Master's Programs
527 Andy Holt Tower
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-1000

Master's Programs
333 Murfreesboro Rd
Nashville, TN 37210
(615) 248-1200

Master's Programs
Southern Avenue
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-2000

Texas

Master's Programs
6425 Boaz St
Dallas, TX 75275-0221
(214) 768-2000

1333 W. Washington
Stephenville, TX 76401-0000
(254) 968-9000

Master's Programs
2800 S University Dr
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7000

4901 E University
Odessa, TX 79762-0001
(432) 552-2020

1201 W University Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
(956) 665-2011

Master's Programs
500 W. University Ave
El Paso, TX 79968-0691
(915) 747-5000

One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249-1644
(210) 458-4011

Master's Programs
3900 University Blvd
Tyler, TX 75799-6699
(903) 566-7000

Master's Programs
7300 University Hills Drive
Dallas, TX 75241
(972) 780-3600

Utah

201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9008
(801) 581-7200

Vermont

337 College Hill
Johnson, VT 05656-9464
(802) 635-2356

Virginia

Master's Programs
700 Park Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23504-8000
(757) 823-8600

801 East Main St.
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-5000

Master's Programs
210 Burruss Hall, 800 Drillfield Dr.
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0131
(540) 231-6994

Washington

2326 6th Ave
Seattle, WA 98121-1814
(206) 441-5352

Master's Programs
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 963-1111

Master's Programs
526 5th Street
Cheney, WA 99004-2496
(509) 359-6200

E 502 Boone Ave
Spokane, WA 99258-0001
(800) 986-9585

900 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122-4340
(206) 296-6000

West Virginia

1 John Marshall Dr
Huntington, WV 25755
(304) 696-3170

PO Box 6201
Morgantown, WV 26506
(304) 293-0111

Wisconsin

Master's Programs
1250 W Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 288-7710

Master's Programs
2900 N. Menomonee River Pky
Milwaukee, WI 53222-4597
(414) 930-3000

Master's Programs
2200 E Kenwood Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-1122

900 Wood Rd
Kenosha, WI 53144
(262) 595-2345

712 S Broadway St
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 232-1122

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit