Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Florida
Florida has 21 not-for-profit schools offering mental health counseling (MHC) programs or clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) programs.1 This page features affordable, well-regarded options that prepare graduates to pursue Florida’s Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential, along with career outlooks, tuition comparisons, and state-specific resources.
Table of Contents
- Florida MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Florida MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Florida Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 21 Florida mental health counseling programs across key factors, including accreditation status, institution type, program format, US News & World Report rankings, in-state and out-of-state tuition, and total number of credit hours required. All institutions listed below are not-for-profit. If we’ve missed a Florida school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Florida counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation1-3 | MHC Degrees Offered | Program Format | US News National Rank4 | In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit Hour | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albizu University-Miami | — | MS Counseling | Online | — | $717 | $717 | 60 |
| Barry University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online; Hybrid | — | $1,050 | $1,050 | 60 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | — | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $750 | $750 | 60 |
| Florida A&M University | — | MS or M.Ed. Counselor Education | Traditional | #169 tie | $811 | $2,044 | 60 |
| Florida Atlantic University | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #183 tie | $372 | $1,027 | 60 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #318 tie | $373 | $1,301 | 61 |
| Florida International University | CACREP; MPCAC | MS CMHC; MS Psychology: Professional Counseling Psychology | Online; Hybrid | #97 tie | $456 | $1,056 | 60 |
| Florida State University | CACREP | Dual MS/EdS CMHC | Traditional | #51 tie | $959 | $2,348 | 60 |
| Jacksonville University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | — | $750 | $750 | 60 |
| Lynn University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $650 | $650 | 60 |
| Nova Southeastern University | CACREP | MS Counseling | Traditional; Online; Hybrid | #257 tie | $955 | $955 | 60 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #384 tie | $695 | $695 | 60 |
| Rollins College | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $757 | $757 | 60 |
| Southeastern University | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $585 | $585 | 60 |
| Stetson University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $895 | $895 | 60 |
| University of Central Florida | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #117 tie | $370 | $1,276 | 60 |
| University of Florida | CACREP | M.Ed./EdS | Traditional | #30 tie | $449 | $759 | 72 |
| University of Miami | MPCAC | MSEd MHC | Traditional | #64 tie | $2,644 | $2,644 | 60 |
| University of North Florida | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #222 tie | $494 | $1,044 | 60 |
| University of South Florida | CACREP | MA Clinical Rehabilitation & MHC | Online | #88 tie | $348 | $898 | 60 |
| University of West Florida | MPCAC | MA Psychology: Counseling | Traditional | — | $378 | $1,037 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Florida
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Florida, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) offers a dual Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Education Specialist (EdS) degree in the Mental Health Counseling (MHC) Track through its Counselor Education program. This 72-credit hour, on-campus program is accredited by CACREP. The curriculum includes in-depth coverage of trauma/crisis, substance use, community counseling, and other mental health domains, and prepares graduates for “Registered Intern” status and eventual licensure as a mental health counselor in Florida. Admission does not require the GRE.
Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) offers a combined Master of Science (MS) and Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Counseling & Human Systems with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), under the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. This 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program is typically completed in five full semesters, including coursework, practicum, and internship. The degree prepares graduates for licensure as an LMHC in Florida and other states. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA; the GRE is waived.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida (USF) offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling through its Department of Child & Family Studies. This is a 60-credit program that most students complete in two to three years. The program is CACREP-accredited and prepares graduates for credentials such as the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and LMHC. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, multicultural competence, and hands-on clinical training in diverse community and healthcare settings.
Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counselor Education with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program is delivered in a blended format with 42 credits in person and 18 credits online or hybrid. The curriculum prepares students to provide counseling services to individuals and groups in diverse settings and to diagnose and treat mental disorders. The program includes a full-time practicum and a 600-hour internship. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (non-education majors may need 9 prerequisite credits) and complete an interview and writing sample as part of the admission process. FIU also offers an MPCAC-accredited MS in Psychology with a concentration in Professional Counseling Psychology, which also prepares students to become LMHCs in Florida.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) within its Counselor Education program. This CACREP-accredited, on-campus track requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The curriculum includes a practicum conducted at UCF’s Community Counseling and Research Center, and a subsequent internship in a program-approved clinical site in Central Florida where students earn 600 total hours (including 240 direct service hours). Admission to the track requires formal program approval before enrolling in program-area courses.
Other Notable Programs
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of North Florida
- Nova Southeastern University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Florida
The following 10 schools offer the most cost-effective mental health counseling degrees, based on their minimum tuition, not including additional fees. Required credit hours may differ depending on the concentration area, so be sure to check with schools of interest for more details on specific program options. For a detailed comparison, you can refer to the comparison table above to find the quality indicators that align with your needs.
- University of South Florida ($20,880)
- Florida Atlantic University ($22,320)
- University of West Florida ($22,680)
- Florida Gulf Coast University ($22,753)
- University of Central Florida ($23,310)
- Florida International University ($27,360)
- University of North Florida ($29,640)
- University of Florida ($32,328)
- Southeastern University ($35,100)
- Lynn University ($39,000)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Florida
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Albizu University-Miami (Online)
- Barry University (Online; Hybrid)
- Florida International University (Online; Hybrid)
- Jacksonville University (Hybrid)
- Lynn University (Traditional; Online)
- Nova Southeastern University (Traditional; Online; Hybrid)
- Southeastern University (Online)
- University of South Florida (Online)
Florida Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Florida mental health counselors surpass national trends, with an expected growth rate of 29% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is expected to result in an average of 2,121 annual openings in Florida through 2032.5 The table below shows salaries by metro area for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, compared to the statewide average.
| City | Number Employed6 | 10th Percentile Salary6 | 25th Percentile Salary6 | 50th Percentile (Median) Salary6 | 75th Percentile Salary6 | 90th Percentile Salary6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 24,680 | $38,790 | $46,640 | $56,830 | $67,700 | $83,330 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | 630 | $39,610 | $47,440 | $56,260 | $77,150 | $83,770 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | 290 | $38,870 | $45,060 | $50,300 | $69,950 | $87,140 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | 460 | $33,730 | $43,900 | $51,240 | $66,700 | $81,090 |
| Gainesville | 410 | $37,690 | $45,020 | $49,950 | $64,010 | $78,360 |
| Jacksonville | 1,980 | $39,300 | $47,160 | $57,870 | $74,230 | $102,430 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | 750 | $39,250 | $50,400 | $64,900 | $76,510 | $83,980 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 7,610 | $39,940 | $48,380 | $58,200 | $65,430 | $80,670 |
| Naples-Marco Island | 280 | $44,580 | $50,070 | $61,660 | $81,960 | $90,810 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | 660 | $39,520 | $46,790 | $58,880 | $70,690 | $82,800 |
| Ocala | 370 | $37,790 | $44,530 | $49,990 | $61,220 | $72,670 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | 2,930 | $39,270 | $46,800 | $54,800 | $67,700 | $82,700 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | 350 | $38,150 | $46,960 | $55,430 | $65,550 | $88,220 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach | 290 | $37,290 | $45,760 | $55,180 | $67,660 | $83,660 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | 510 | $37,930 | $45,980 | $50,430 | $62,950 | $81,400 |
| Port St. Lucie | 610 | $41,240 | $46,320 | $54,930 | $62,400 | $78,720 |
| Punta Gorda | 100 | $39,160 | $47,410 | $59,330 | $73,460 | $84,690 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | 120 | $44,630 | $50,190 | $56,580 | $69,490 | $83,240 |
| Tallahassee | 640 | $36,350 | $43,760 | $53,310 | $64,190 | $99,590 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | 3,910 | $33,850 | $41,980 | $50,690 | $65,290 | $87,840 |
| Wildwood-The Villages | 30 | $31,820 | $32,680 | $49,060 | $71,080 | $74,900 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read our interviews page for career advice from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA): A statewide advocacy and leadership organization focused on strengthening behavioral health systems and providers across Florida.
- Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling: Provides licensing information and requirements for LMHC credentials in Florida.
- Florida Counseling Association (FCA): Connects counselors across specialties throughout Florida to promote ethical practice, professional growth, and collaboration.
- Florida Counseling Schools: Overview of all types of counseling degree programs offered in the state.
- Florida LMHC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on meeting Florida’s requirements to become an LMHC.
- Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA): The professional organization dedicated to LMHCs in Florida, providing advocacy, networking, and continuing education opportunities.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the profession, including typical roles, work settings, salary outlook, and long-term career growth.
- NAMI Florida: Offers education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness across the state.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Accredited Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
3. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council Accredited Programs: https://mpcacaccreditation.org/accredited-programs/
4. US News & World Report 2025 Best National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
5. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/longterm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm