Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to nine not-for-profit colleges and universities that offer graduate programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC). Students can choose from on-campus, online, or hybrid formats, making it easier to pursue a master’s degree while balancing work and family commitments. This guide highlights reputable and cost-conscious programs that meet Connecticut’s academic requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. It also provides an overview of job outlook and salary trends in the state, along with professional organizations that support counselors throughout Connecticut.
Table of Contents
- Connecticut MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Connecticut MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Connecticut Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares nine Connecticut 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 Connecticut school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Connecticut 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albertus Magnus College | — | MS MHC | Traditional | — | $858 | $858 | 60 |
| Central Connecticut State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $809 | $825 | 60 |
| Fairfield University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #139 tie | $1,005 | $1,005 | 60 |
| Sacred Heart University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | #242 tie | $900 | $900 | 60 |
| Southern Connecticut State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | — | $484 | $726 | 60 |
| University of Bridgeport | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | #395-434 | $830 | $830 | 60 |
| University of New Haven | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $1,136 | $1,136 | 60 |
| University of Saint Joseph | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,007 | $1,007 | 60 |
| Western Connecticut State University | CACREP | MS Counselor Education | Hybrid | — | $925 | $925 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Connecticut
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Connecticut, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Fairfield University
Fairfield University offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a CACREP-accredited program designed to prepare students for professional counseling practice. The curriculum blends foundational coursework in counseling theory, ethics, assessment, and multicultural competence with advanced clinical training. Students complete a sequence of practicum and internship experiences in approved counseling settings, gaining supervised, hands-on experience working with diverse client populations. The program emphasizes reflective practice, culturally responsive interventions, and evidence-based approaches. Graduates are prepared to pursue LPC licensure and work in community agencies, mental health centers, healthcare settings, and private practice.
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) that meets professional educational standards for counseling licensure. The program integrates coursework in counseling foundations, human development, research, and clinical interventions with practicum and internship placements in community and clinical settings. Students learn to apply ethical, evidence-based practices while developing multicultural awareness and clinical judgment. Sacred Heart emphasizes close faculty mentorship and opportunities to work with clients in real-world environments. Graduates are prepared for LPC licensure and counseling careers in mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport (UB) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a CACREP-accredited program structured to meet the academic requirements for LPC licensure. This 60-credit program combines rigorous coursework in counseling theories, psychopathology, group work, ethics, and assessment with structured practicum and internship experiences in approved clinical sites. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural competence, professional identity development, and evidence-based clinical skills. Students benefit from flexible delivery options with online and on-campus formats available. Graduates are prepared for licensure and work as professional counselors in a range of settings, including community agencies, behavioral health clinics, and private practices.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Connecticut
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.
- Southern Connecticut State University ($29,040)
- Central Connecticut State University ($48,540)
- University of Bridgeport ($49,800)
- Albertus Magnus College ($51,480)
- Sacred Heart University ($54,000)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Connecticut
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Sacred Heart University (Online)
- Southern Connecticut State University (Hybrid)
- University of Bridgeport (Online)
- University of New Haven (Online)
- Western Connecticut State University (Hybrid)
Connecticut Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Connecticut mental health counselors are more favorable than national expectations, with statewide job growth estimated at 20.5% compared to 18.4% nationally.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 810 annual job openings in Connecticut 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 | 6,470 | $43,030 | $49,120 | $62,960 | $77,610 | $98,660 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury | 970 | $45,870 | $52,750 | $65,850 | $81,550 | $100,320 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford | 2,720 | $44,080 | $48,970 | $62,410 | $77,300 | $97,620 |
| New Haven | 1,240 | $44,100 | $48,900 | $64,010 | $77,410 | $95,140 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic | 490 | $40,420 | $47,590 | $62,460 | $75,150 | $94,110 |
| Waterbury-Shelton | 710 | $39,820 | $48,010 | $63,190 | $77,240 | $100,810 |
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.
- Connecticut Counseling Schools: A list of counseling programs offered by Connecticut colleges and universities.
- Connecticut Counseling Association: A statewide professional association offering advocacy, continuing education, and networking opportunities for counselors.
- Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS): The state agency overseeing behavioral health services, mental health initiatives, and addiction treatment programs.
- Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH): Professional Counselor Licensing: Official LPC licensing information, including requirements, applications, verification, and renewal details.
- Connecticut LPC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to earning the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in Connecticut.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of responsibilities, required skills, and common work settings for mental health counselors.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connecticut: The Connecticut chapter of NAMI, offering education, support groups, and mental health advocacy 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