Best Online Master's in Mental Health Programs 2024

Earning a mental health counseling degree can lead to new opportunities and career advancement. Here, we list the best 2021 online programs.
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Updated March 1, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

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.

Popular Online Mental Health Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online Master's in Mental Health Programs Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Waxahachie, TX
$7,650 $7,650 85%
#2 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
$22,554 $22,554 37%
#3 University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY
$4,282 $4,282 85%
#4 Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA
$30,476 $30,476 Not provided
#5 LeTourneau University
Longview, TX
$16,875 $16,875 54%

Best Online Master's in Mental Health Programs

#1 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

  • Waxahachie, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $545
Out-of-State | $545

Credits to Graduate: 60

The master of science in clinical mental health counseling at SAGU provides a Christian perspective to clinical practice. Students prepare for doctoral studies or professional counselor licensure in Texas and several other states. The 14-course curriculum delivers all coursework online except for two on-campus summer intensives.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s in counseling, psychology, or a related area. GRE scores are not considered for applicants with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. SAGU keeps graduate tuition affordable by offering most students some form of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,444
Out-of-state
$16,444
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,650
Out-of-state
$7,650
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
1,843
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,368
Out-of-State | $1,369

Credits to Graduate: 60

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, The Chicago School’s master of arts in clinical mental health counseling offers a flexible learning model with personalized faculty support. In addition to a generalist concentration, students may select specializations in child and adolescent treatment, health psychology, Latinx mental health, marriage and family concentration, trauma and crisis intervention, and treatment of addiction disorders.

Distance learners must attend two in-person, week-long residencies in the first and second years of the program to prepare for field experiences.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,328
Out-of-state
$11,328
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,554
Out-of-state
$22,554
Retention Rate
50%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
3,260
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449
Out-of-State | $449

Credits to Graduate: 60 

University of the Cumberlands’ master’s of arts in clinical mental health counseling prepares its graduates for various careers in counseling and human services.. The fully online degree consists of 48 hours in core counseling coursework, including internship and practicum requirements, and 12 hours on mental health counseling for children, adults, couples, and families. The curriculum delivers courses in two eight-week sessions each semester over three semesters yearly. The university provides free textbook rental to distance learners.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,875
Out-of-state
$9,875
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,282
Out-of-state
$4,282
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
19,272
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024

Palo Alto University

  • Palo Alto, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $580
Out-of-State | $580

Credits to Graduate: 94 quarter credits 

For students interested in working with underrepresented populations, Palo Alto University's master of arts in clinical mental health counseling emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and providing services to all individuals. The program features fully online or hybrid formats requiring some on-campus attendance. 

All students must complete at least a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Distance learners may complete their practicum and internship placements in their local communities. The program offers a marriage, child, family, and couples option that fulfills California’s academic requirements for marriage and family therapist licensure.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,627
Out-of-state
$17,627
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$30,476
Out-of-state
$30,476
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,149
Institution Type
Private
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

#5 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2024

LeTourneau University

  • Longview, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $625
Out-of-State | $625

Credits to Graduate: 66 

The master of arts in clinical mental health counseling at LeTourneau University features a distinctive faith-based curriculum that integrates Christian theological principles with clinical practice theories and techniques. The flexible online program prepares graduates to sit for professional counselor licensure exams in Texas and several other states. 

The curriculum requires distance learners to complete at least 700 hours of practicum and internship experiences, preparing them for real-world practice settings. The clinical internship component requires online students to attend weekly sessions with their faculty supervisor.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,690
Out-of-state
$32,690
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,875
Out-of-state
$16,875
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
3,209
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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Online Master's in Mental Health Program Overview

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.

Program Outcomes

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.

Online Experience

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."

Why Get a Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degree?

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

  1. 1

    Increased Job Opportunities

    Graduate degree-holders typically qualify for more jobs than those without degrees.
  2. 2

    Public Service

    Counselors provide essential services to the public and serve as frontline workers.
  3. 3

    Practical Expertise

    A mental health counseling degree provides students with the practical expertise that they need to succeed in the field.
  4. 4

    Licensing Opportunity

    A graduate degree in mental health counseling can qualify you for a career as a licensed mental health counselor.
  5. 5

    Better Earning Potential

    Earning your master's in counseling — vs. just a bachelor's degree — can often increase your overall earning potential.

“A master's in mental health counseling can be the foundation of a career path with numerous options. Many people considering an online master's program are nontraditional students, and the skills that can come from the autonomous nature of online learning can be so valuable in the counseling field.”

Rayelle Davis, M.Ed., LCPC, NCC

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degree?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Mental Health Programs

What does it mean to be a mental health counselor?

Mental health counselors help individuals with cognitive, behavioral, or mental health conditions that impact their daily lives. They use a variety of psychotherapeutic strategies to counsel their clients.

How many years does it take to become a mental health counselor?

The education requirement takes at least six years. This includes a four-year bachelor's degree and a two-year master's in mental health counseling degree. To become a licensed counselor, you are required to complete an additional two years of supervised clinical experience.

How much can you make as a mental health counselor?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health counselors earned a median annual wage of $49,710 as of May 2022. The industries with the highest annual average wages include local government ($65,390), healthcare practitioners' offices ($62,300), and outpatient care centers ($54,220).

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.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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