Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has 15 nonprofit colleges and universities offering master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 These programs are available in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, giving students the flexibility to balance graduate study with work and family commitments. This guide highlights reputable and affordable MHC programs that align with Oklahoma’s educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. You’ll also find information on job outlook, salary trends, and statewide professional organizations that support practicing counselors.
Table of Contents
- Oklahoma MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Oklahoma MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Oklahoma Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 15 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Oklahoma 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron University | — | MA MHC | Traditional | — | $279 | $652 | 60 |
| East Central University | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $285 | $647 | 60 |
| Mid-America Christian University | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $675 | $675 | 60 |
| Northeastern State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $298 | $659 | 60 |
| Northwestern Oklahoma State University | — | Master of Counseling Psychology (MCP) | Traditional | — | $283 | $561 | 60 |
| Oklahoma City University | — | M.Ed. CMHC | Online | #301 tie | $520 | $520 | 60 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | CACREP | MS Counseling | Traditional | #198 tie | $234 | $880 | 60 |
| Oral Roberts University | — | MA CMH | Traditional; Online | — | $740 | $740 | 70 |
| Rogers State University | — | MS Community Counseling | Traditional | — | $172 | $455 | 60 |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University | — | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $290-$365 | $290-$365 | 60 |
| Southern Nazarene University | — | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | — | $649 | $649 | 60 |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | — | MS Community Counseling | Online | — | $302 | $303 | 60 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | MPCAC | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | — | $340 | $417 | 60 |
| University of Oklahoma | CACREP | Master CMHC | Traditional; Hybrid | #110 tie | $394 | $1,113 | 60 |
| University of Oklahoma Online | — | Master CMHC | Online | — | $845 | $845 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Oklahoma
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Oklahoma, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma (OU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Master CMHC) delivered in traditional and hybrid formats on the Norman campus. The 60-credit program meets Oklahoma’s educational requirements for licensure as an LPC and emphasizes the integration of counseling theory with applied clinical skills. Students complete coursework in counseling ethics, assessment, diagnosis, multicultural practice, and evidence-based interventions. The program includes supervised practicum and internship experiences in approved clinical sites, providing hands-on training across community and healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared for professional roles in community mental health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and clinical practice environments.
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus (OSU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) option delivered in a traditional, on-campus format in Stillwater. This 60-credit program fulfills Oklahoma’s educational requirements for LPC licensure and provides a comprehensive curriculum in counseling theory, human development, assessment, diagnosis, ethics, and research. Students participate in supervised practicum and internship placements across OSU’s partnered community agencies and behavioral health organizations, gaining extensive direct experience with diverse client populations. Graduates are equipped to pursue counseling roles in mental health centers, healthcare systems, educational settings, and private practice.
Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University (NSU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) track designed specifically to prepare students for licensure as an LPC. This 60-credit program is delivered in a traditional, on-campus format at NSU’s Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses and provides a comprehensive foundation in counseling theory, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, and multicultural practice. Students build advanced clinical skills through a supervised practicum and a 600-hour internship in approved community mental health settings. The CMHC track meets Oklahoma’s educational requirements for LPC licensure, preparing graduates for roles in outpatient clinics, community agencies, behavioral health organizations, and related clinical environments.
Other Notable Programs
- University of Central Oklahoma
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Oklahoma
The following eight 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.
- Rogers State University ($10,320)
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus ($14,040)
- Cameron University ($16,740)
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University ($16,980)
- East Central University ($17,100)
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University ($17,471–$21,900)
- Northeastern State University ($17,880)
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University ($18,120)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Oklahoma
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- East Central University (Online)
- Mid-America Christian University (Online)
- Oklahoma City University (Online)
- Oral Roberts University (Online)
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Online)
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Online)
- University of Oklahoma (Hybrid)
- University of Oklahoma Online (Online)
Oklahoma Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Oklahoma mental health counselors are similar to national trends, with an expected growth rate of 19.7% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 640 annual job openings in Oklahoma 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 | 4,460 | $33,860 | $44,320 | $58,610 | $78,710 | $94,980 |
| Enid | 70 | $36,140 | $49,120 | $64,970 | $78,480 | $82,770 |
| Lawton | 80 | $25,320 | $35,710 | $48,470 | $75,390 | $95,650 |
| Oklahoma City | 1,640 | $35,950 | $45,150 | $61,650 | $81,900 | $96,550 |
| Tulsa | 1,130 | $32,330 | $43,840 | $57,750 | $72,710 | $89,080 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read interviews and career guidance from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about institutional and programmatic accreditation for counseling programs.
- Mental Health Association of Oklahoma (MHAOK): A nonprofit organization offering advocacy, peer support, and mental health education throughout the state.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including responsibilities, skills, and common work settings.
- Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (BBHL): The state licensing authority for LPCs and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), with details on education requirements, supervised experience, examinations, and license renewal.
- Oklahoma Counseling Association (OCA): A statewide professional organization that provides advocacy, professional development, and networking for counselors.
- Oklahoma Counseling Schools: Browse accredited counseling programs in Oklahoma, including online, hybrid, and campus-based options.
- Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: Oversees statewide behavioral health services, including crisis support, mental health programs, and addiction services.
- Oklahoma LPC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma.
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