Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs

An online master’s program in mental health counseling can be a great fit if you want to continue working while pursuing a rewarding career helping others. The demand for mental health professionals has remained high, and employers are seeking experienced counselors in a variety of subfields, including addiction counseling, marriage and family therapy, and community health education.

Discover the advantages of an online degree, the requirements for the degree, and the best online master’s in mental health counseling programs.

An online master’s in mental health counseling prepares you to work with people managing mental health conditions and emotional challenges. Coursework for this degree typically includes cross-cultural counseling, mental health counseling, and abnormal psychology. Programs usually require 60 credits of coursework, which takes a full-time student 2-3 years to complete.

Graduate counseling students can also expect to complete a practicum and internship. These forms of field experience allow students to observe and work under the supervision of experienced counselors. Practicums typically take place during the later stages of your master’s program. Internships are typically completed after a practicum.

Your graduate program should be accredited by a recognized organization. Most states require future counselors to have graduated from an accredited program for licensure. Recognized bodies include:

Rayelle Davis, a nationally board-certified counselor and licensed clinical professional counselor, believes accreditation is the most important factor students should consider when researching an online master’s program. “Accreditation can help students feel confident about their options for financial aid and that their degree will be meaningful to future employment,” she said in an interview with Affordable Colleges Online.

In addition to education in psychology, counseling, and research methods, students in an online master’s in mental health counseling program develop strong active listening and communication skills, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, compassion, and emotional intelligence.

The process for licensure can differ between states. Graduates must apply with the board or department that regulates licensure. Applicants must usually complete a supervised clinical experience and take a multi-step exam. “Students should check [the] requirements of the state they plan to practice in if they want to know more about those requirements, like how many clinical hours are required or what exams they need,” said Davis.

“Licensure can be a tedious process to think about when considering a master’s degree,” Davis continued. “If licensure feels overwhelming, that is to be expected. It’s OK not to know all of those details going in as long as you know the program has the proper accreditation.”

After completing your program, you can pursue many different career opportunities, such as working as a licensed mental health counselor, substance use counselor, employee assistance program (EAP) counselor, or geriatric counselor. You may find employment within a hospital setting, private practice, or community agency helping those who are coping with mental health conditions.

Davis emphasized that students should not be overly concerned about choosing a specialty when beginning a master’s in counseling program. “As long as the program meets general licensure requirements, specialization often emerges as students gain clinical experience,” she said.

Students who have not completed an online program may find an online master’s in mental health counseling has advantages and disadvantages. Most virtual programs offer more flexibility than traditional in-person courses of study. However, online classes require good time-management skills, it is easier to procrastinate, and you are responsible for your own learning.

Some schools have in-person graduation requirements even for online students. Although most programs understand the necessity of providing online technology and support, these factors should be considered as you choose your program.

“Students should consider what counseling specialties are offered or if classes are asynchronous or synchronous,” said Davis. “Some online programs will specifically say their program does not lead to licensure, so that is important to look for if licensure is your goal.”

A master’s in mental health counseling degree offers many personal and professional benefits.

— Rayelle Davis, M.Ed., LCPC, NCC

Admission requirements vary by school. All online master’s in mental health counseling programs require applicants to possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. Most master’s programs prefer potential enrollees to have a solid foundation in psychology, and some require applicants to have a background in research.

Most programs also require a minimum GPA of 3.0, official transcripts from your undergraduate program, a CV or resume, a statement of purpose or essay, and letters of recommendation. Some programs also require an interview, which may be in person or virtual.

Note: Page last reviewed on February 19, 2024. The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online.