Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Michigan
Michigan offers a range of graduate training options through 12 nonprofit colleges and universities that provide master’s programs in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or related fields.1 Programs are available in traditional, online, and hybrid formats, giving students flexible pathways to complete their degree. This guide highlights accredited and affordable programs that meet Michigan’s Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC) educational requirements, providing information on licensure steps, employment demand, salary data, and state-level professional support.
Table of Contents
- Michigan MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Michigan MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Michigan Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 12 Michigan 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 Michigan school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Michigan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrews University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #242 tie | $1,371 | $1,371 | 60 |
| Aquinas College | — | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $735 | $735 | 60 |
| Central Michigan University | CACREP | MA Counseling | Hybrid | #283 tie | $829 | $829 | 60 |
| Cornerstone University | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $565 | $565 | 60 |
| Davenport University | — | MA MHC | Online | — | $1,104 | $1,104 | 60 |
| Eastern Michigan University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #373 tie | $1,162 | $1,985 | 60 |
| Michigan State University | — | MA CMHC | Traditional | #64 tie | $937 | $937 | 60 |
| Oakland University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #318 tie | $952 | $1,078 | 60 |
| Spring Arbor University | CACREP | MAC CMHC | Hybrid; Online | — | $687 | $687 | 61 |
| University of Detroit Mercy | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #183 tie | $978 | $978 | 60 |
| Wayne State University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid | #179 tie | $833 | $1,804 | 60 |
| Western Michigan University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #293 tie | $834 | $1,252 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Michigan
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Michigan, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Wayne State University
Wayne State University (WSU) offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) delivered in a hybrid format that blends on-campus learning with online coursework. The program focuses on preparing counselors for work in urban and multicultural settings, emphasizing clinical competence, advocacy, and responsiveness to community needs. Students take courses in counseling practice, diagnosis, human development, research, and assessment, followed by supervised practicum and internship placements across Detroit-area hospitals, clinics, and community agencies. Wayne State’s strong partnerships with regional behavioral health providers give students diverse training opportunities and exposure to high-demand clinical environments. Graduates meet Michigan’s academic requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential and pursue roles in outpatient mental health, integrated healthcare, crisis services, and nonprofit organizations.
University of Detroit Mercy
The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) delivered in a traditional on-campus format. The curriculum provides a strong clinical foundation through courses in counseling theories, lifespan development, assessment, psychopathology, ethics, and group counseling. Students develop applied skills through supervised practicum and internship placements in UDM’s clinical training network, which includes community mental health agencies, school-based programs, and hospital-affiliated sites. Known for its small cohorts and mission-driven focus on service to underserved communities, the program supports close faculty mentorship and professional development. Graduates meet Michigan’s educational requirements for LPC licensure and are prepared for roles in behavioral health agencies, healthcare organizations, and private practice settings.
Andrews University
Andrews University (AU) offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) delivered in a traditional on-campus format. The program integrates clinical training with a holistic, wellness-oriented approach to counseling, emphasizing ethical practice, cultural competence, and evidence-based interventions. Students complete coursework in counseling theory, diagnosis, assessment, group counseling, and career development, along with supervised skills labs that build practical counseling techniques. Practicum and internship placements take place in community mental health agencies, school-based programs, and AU’s on-campus counseling center. The program is recognized for its collaborative learning environment and strong faculty support. Graduates meet Michigan’s academic requirements for LPC licensure and go on to work in community mental health, healthcare systems, faith-based counseling settings, and private practice.
Other Notable Programs
- Central Michigan University
- Western Michigan University
- Oakland University
- Eastern Michigan University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Michigan
The following five 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.
- Cornerstone University ($33,900)
- Spring Arbor University ($41,907)
- Aquinas College ($44,100)
- Central Michigan University ($49,740)
- Wayne State University ($49,980)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Michigan
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Central Michigan University (Hybrid)
- Cornerstone University (Online)
- Davenport University (Online)
- Spring Arbor University (Hybrid; Online)
- Wayne State University (Hybrid)
Michigan Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Michigan mental health counselors are slightly lower than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 17.8% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 1,730 annual openings in Michigan 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 | 11,090 | $37,200 | $42,480 | $59,530 | $74,360 | $89,170 |
| Ann Arbor | 440 | $38,620 | $42,100 | $59,530 | $79,550 | $103,490 |
| Battle Creek | 150 | $47,410 | $62,750 | $67,800 | $77,830 | $84,130 |
| Bay City | 310 | $37,120 | $37,120 | $37,120 | $61,050 | $61,050 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | 5,170 | $37,200 | $42,130 | $50,950 | $72,390 | $88,250 |
| Flint | 300 | $36,110 | $42,100 | $48,180 | $64,850 | $97,350 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood | 1,060 | $39,270 | $48,150 | $62,270 | $75,620 | $99,170 |
| Jackson | 110 | $33,880 | $38,770 | $44,750 | $59,010 | $75,880 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage | 330 | $39,800 | $49,330 | $64,510 | $74,550 | $82,720 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | 720 | $45,680 | $55,560 | $73,300 | $75,840 | $102,150 |
| Midland | 120 | $40,040 | $52,400 | $66,090 | $73,170 | $83,000 |
| Monroe | 60 | $40,840 | $52,680 | $66,370 | $83,500 | $119,570 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores | 130 | $42,070 | $47,660 | $68,560 | $72,190 | $84,650 |
| Niles | 90 | $35,100 | $47,520 | $63,110 | $75,230 | $80,410 |
| Saginaw | 370 | $34,230 | $40,540 | $52,100 | $69,770 | $87,970 |
| Traverse City | 160 | $39,140 | $51,630 | $61,880 | $74,820 | $84,260 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- 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.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, skills, and work settings.
- Michigan Counseling Association (MCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, conferences, and professional development.
- Michigan Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Michigan, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA): The state branch of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional support for LPCs.
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): Oversees statewide public health and behavioral health programs, including community mental health services.
- Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing: The official licensing authority for professional counselors in Michigan, with information on education, supervised experience, examinations, and license renewal.
- Michigan LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step information on how to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan.
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