Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Ohio
Ohio is home to 22 nonprofit colleges and universities that offer master’s degrees in mental health counseling (MHC) or clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 These programs are available in traditional on-campus formats as well as online and hybrid delivery models, giving students flexibility based on their learning style and schedule. This guide highlights respected and affordable pathways that fulfill Ohio’s requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). You’ll also find information on employment trends, salary expectations, and statewide organizations that support counseling professionals.
Table of Contents
- Ohio MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Ohio MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Ohio Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 22 Ohio 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 an Ohio school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Ohio counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation2,3 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $650 | $650 | 64 |
| Bowling Green State University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #293 tie | $483 | $816 | 60 |
| Capital University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid | — | $735 | $735 | 64 |
| Cleveland State University | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #343 tie | $637 | $638 | 60 |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $750 | $750 | 60 |
| Heidelberg University | CACREP | MA Counseling | Traditional | — | $650 | $650 | 60 |
| John Carroll University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid | — | $900 | $900 | 60 |
| Kent State University at Kent | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #232 tie | $532 | $1,061 | 60 |
| Malone University | CACREP | MAEd CMHC | Online | — | $750 | $750 | 60 |
| Miami University-Oxford | — | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional; Online | #143 tie | $700 | $700 | 60 |
| Ohio State University | CACREP | MA Counselor Education | Traditional | #41 | $830 | $2,704 | 60 |
| Ohio University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #198 tie | $515 | $1,035 | 60 |
| University of Akron | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid | #373 tie | $483 | $803 | 60 |
| University of Cincinnati | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #158 tie | $662 | $1,249 | 60 |
| University of Dayton | CACREP | MSE CMHC | Traditional | #143 tie | $745 | $745 | 60 |
| University of Toledo | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #293 tie | $672 | $1,179 | 60 |
| Ursuline College | CACREP | MA Counseling & Art Therapy | Traditional | — | $1,312 | $1,312 | 60 |
| Walsh University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | #363 tie | $775 | $775 | 60 |
| Winebrenner Theological Seminary | CACREP | MA Clinical Counseling (MACC) | Traditional; Online | — | $525 | $525 | 69 |
| Wright State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | #395-434 | $614 | $1,123 | 60 |
| Xavier University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #208 tie | $722 | $722 | 60 |
| Youngstown State University | CACREP | MSEd Counseling | Traditional | — | $474 | $489 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Ohio
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Ohio, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University (OSU) offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Counselor Education with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) specialization. The program is known for its emphasis on research-informed practice and the development of strong diagnostic and assessment skills. Courses are delivered on campus and include training in counseling theory, psychopathology, testing, and multicultural competence. Students complete supervised clinical placements in agencies and hospitals throughout central Ohio, often working with diverse and high-need populations. Graduates leave with a strong foundation in clinical practice and meet Ohio’s educational requirements for the LPCC credential.
University of Dayton
The University of Dayton offers a 60-credit Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). This CACREP-accredited program blends counseling training with the university’s Marianist educational philosophy, emphasizing service, ethical responsibility, and community engagement. Coursework is delivered in person and includes counseling strategies, human development, group work, and clinical appraisal. Students complete a practicum followed by internships in community and healthcare organizations across the Dayton area. The program is structured to build strong interpersonal skills and reflective practice, preparing graduates for licensure and work in a wide range of clinical settings.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati (UC) offers a 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) that is CACREP-accredited and delivered on campus. The program highlights the integration of theory with hands-on clinical training, beginning with foundational coursework and progressing to advanced skills in crisis intervention, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Students complete supervised practicum and internship placements in UC’s network of community mental health partners. The program places particular emphasis on urban clinical practice, cultural responsiveness, and advocacy. Graduates meet Ohio’s LPCC educational requirements and are prepared for clinical roles in both public and private settings.
Ohio University
Ohio University (OU) offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The on-campus program is known for its developmental training model, which gradually builds counseling skills through classroom learning, supervised labs, and field experiences. Coursework covers counseling theories, group facilitation, assessment, addictions, and multicultural counseling. Practicum and internship placements allow students to work in rural, suburban, and community mental health centers across southeastern Ohio. The program emphasizes reflective practice, community engagement, and professional identity. Graduates qualify academically for the LPCC credential and commonly pursue roles in community agencies, hospitals, and college counseling centers.
Xavier University
Xavier University offers a 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) that is CACREP-accredited and delivered in a traditional, on-campus format. The program combines clinical training with Xavier’s Jesuit mission, emphasizing ethical decision-making, social justice, and service to others. Students take courses in counseling theories, diagnosis, research, and appraisal, followed by supervised clinical experiences in community mental health and healthcare settings. The program is known for small cohorts and close faculty mentorship, allowing students to develop strong professional relationships and individualized clinical skills. Graduates meet Ohio’s educational requirements for LPCC licensure and enter practice in a variety of clinical environments.
Other Notable Programs
- Kent State University at Kent
- Bowling Green State University
- University of Toledo
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Ohio
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. Tuition shown is the lowest per-credit rate published as of the most recent catalog; confirm totals with each school.
- Youngstown State University ($28,440)
- Bowling Green State University ($28,980)
- University of Akron ($28,980)
- Ohio University ($30,900)
- Kent State University at Kent ($31,920)
- Winebrenner Theological Seminary ($36,225)
- Wright State University ($36,840)
- Cleveland State University ($38,220)
- Heidelberg University ($39,000)
- University of Cincinnati ($39,720)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Ohio
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Ashland University (Online)
- Capital University (Hybrid)
- John Carroll University (Hybrid)
- Malone University (Online)
- Miami University–Oxford (Online)
- University of Akron (Hybrid)
- Walsh University (Online)
- Winebrenner Theological Seminary (Online)
- Wright State University (Hybrid)
Ohio Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Ohio mental health counselors are lower than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 14.7% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 1,560 annual openings in Ohio 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 | 16,690 | $39,210 | $47,370 | $56,990 | $67,470 | $83,200 |
| Akron | 970 | $38,590 | $47,370 | $56,340 | $73,870 | $94,980 |
| Canton-Massillon | 390 | $36,610 | $46,300 | $57,340 | $67,030 | $84,950 |
| Cincinnati | 3,450 | $38,700 | $47,300 | $57,660 | $71,250 | $90,630 |
| Cleveland | 2,950 | $40,160 | $47,530 | $58,710 | $66,380 | $78,450 |
| Columbus | 3,630 | $44,630 | $49,100 | $59,110 | $71,950 | $90,700 |
| Dayton | 1,120 | $43,210 | $49,600 | $60,250 | $72,790 | $87,150 |
| Lima | 80 | $36,210 | $45,640 | $52,000 | $64,090 | $76,240 |
| Mansfield | 210 | $38,100 | $43,410 | $48,120 | $63,120 | $76,200 |
| Sandusky | 70 | $45,450 | $47,540 | $59,120 | $72,450 | $86,290 |
| Springfield | 130 | $38,900 | $45,740 | $55,900 | $66,210 | $76,120 |
| Toledo | 890 | $37,970 | $47,040 | $55,990 | $64,310 | $78,100 |
| Youngstown-Warren | 740 | $36,590 | $44,250 | $52,980 | $65,740 | $83,150 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read our interviews page for career advice from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, skills, and work settings.
- Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH): Oversees statewide mental health and addiction policy, community programs, and services for individuals and families.
- Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT): The official licensing authority for counselors in Ohio, with requirements for education, supervised experience, and examinations.
- Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA), offering advocacy, conferences, and professional development.
- Ohio Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Ohio, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Ohio LPCC Licensing Process: Step-by-step information on how to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Ohio.
- Ohio Mental Health Counselors Association (OMHCA): The Ohio branch of AMHCA, providing continuing education, networking, and legislative advocacy for LPCCs.
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 2026 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