Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Guide
A master’s degree in mental health counseling (also known as MHC, clinical mental health counseling, or professional counseling) is necessary to start a career as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) or licensed professional counselor (LPC) in all 50 states and Washington DC. On this page, we provide information about master’s degrees in MHC as well as career opportunities, professional certifications, and more.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Top-Ranked MHC Programs
- Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling?
- Common Admission Requirements
- Coursework
- Certifications for Degree Holders
- Jobs With a Master’s Degree in MHC
- MCH Licensure by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Overview
A graduate degree in mental health counseling will provide you with in-depth preparation for the professional practice of counseling. Master’s degree programs designed to lead to licensure typically comprise 60 credit hours (two to three years of study). All states also have supervised experience requirements that range from one to three years of experience gained after earning a master’s degree.
Quick Facts
- There are 217 not-for-profit colleges and universities with mental health counseling programs.1
- 10 schools offer a certificate in mental health counseling.1
- 12 schools offer an associate’s degree in mental health counseling.1
- 5 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in mental health counseling.1
- 197 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in mental health counseling.1
Top-Ranked Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
We have included three proprietary top-ranked lists for master’s in MHC. The first considers all not-for-profit online programs using key metrics in a weighted average ranking model. The other two are for best-value campus and online programs using graduation rate and net price as the main criteria.
Top 10 Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs
- William and Mary
- North Carolina State University
- Emporia State University
- Northwestern University
- Oregon State University
- Messiah University
- Geneva College
- Wichita State University
- Bradley University
- St. Bonaventure University
Visit our ranking of top online master’s in mental health counseling programs to see the full list and learn more about online study.
Top Schools With On-Campus Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
The below table outlines not-for-profit colleges and universities with the best value based on graduation rate and net tuition cost. We included schools that offer an MHC master’s degree and have an average undergraduate graduation rate of 65% or better combined with an undergraduate net tuition cost under $20,000 per academic year. A high graduation rate is indicative of student success overall, while a low net price is an important consideration for many students. Considering such factors can help you narrow down the best mental health counseling programs to support your goals.
| School | MHC Graduate Degree(s) | US News National Rank1 | Grad Rate*2 | % Tenured Faculty3 | Net Price**2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | MA in Mental Health Counseling | NR | 69% | 30% | $4,119 |
| University of Florida | M.Ed., EdS, MAEdS in Mental Health Counseling | #34 tie | 90% | 50% | $11,313 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | MSEd in Mental Health Counseling and Counselor Education | #79 tie | 78% | 42% | $11,931 |
| SUNY College at Plattsburgh | MS Mental Health Counseling | NR | 68% | 36% | $13,614 |
| East Carolina University | MS in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling | #228 tie | 65% | 42% | $13,746 |
| SUNY College at Brockport | MS Mental Health Counseling | NR | 65% | 33% | $14,723 |
| State University of New York at New Paltz | MS Mental Health Counseling | NR | 76% | 32% | $14,882 |
| University of Iowa | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | #84 tie | 73% | 47% | $15,817 |
| University at Buffalo | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | #79 tie | 76% | 35% | $15,895 |
| University of Northern Iowa | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | NR | 65% | 50% | $16,453 |
| Western Washington University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | NR | 68% | 40% | $17,403 |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | NR | 75% | 40% | $19,091 |
Top Schools With Online Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
As more schools offer graduate courses online or through hybrid programs that combine online and on-campus coursework, it is becoming easier to find accredited online master’s in mental health counseling programs that can help you meet your career goals. The following schools offer an MHC master’s degree online or in a hybrid format and have an undergraduate graduation rate of 40% or better combined with an undergraduate net tuition cost of $20,000 per academic year or lower. Taken together with other factors, these can be indicators of quality mental health counseling programs that promote student success.
| School | Online MHC Graduate Degree(s) | US News National Rank1 | Grad Rate*2 | % Tenured Faculty3 | Net Price**2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee Martin | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | NR | 48% | 35% | $10,731 |
| Rutgers University Newark | MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling | #132 tie | 64% | 30% | $11,301 |
| West Virginia University | MS in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling | #228 tie | 60% | 38% | $12,181 |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston | MS in Mental Health Counseling | #228 tie | 48% | 30% | $12,412 |
| Southern Arkansas University | MS in Mental Health and Clinical Counseling | NR | 41% | 24% | $13,203 |
| Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | MA in Counseling | NR | 45% | 55% | $15,223 |
| College of William and Mary | M.Ed. Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling | #40 tie | 91% | 46% | $15,622 |
| Concordia University Chicago | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | NR | 49% | 10% | $16,775 |
| Lock Haven University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | NR | 54% | 71% | $18,491 |
| Oregon State University | MCoun Clinical Mental Health Counseling | #139 tie | 67% | 36% | $18,625 |
| Malone University | MAEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | NR | 57% | 30% | $19,128 |
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling?
Earning a degree in mental health counseling is a key step toward working in this field at a professional level. Although there are some opportunities to work in mental health with an undergraduate degree, all states require mental health counselors to earn a master’s in mental health counseling or a closely-related field from an accredited school in order to become licensed to practice.
Common Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to a master’s in counseling program, you typically must have:
- A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record. Most schools will consider applicants from any academic major, although those who studied closely-related subjects such as psychology, social work, human services, or pre-counseling may have an edge at schools with competitive admissions.
- A minimum GPA, such as 3.0 or better.
- Passing scores on a graduate admissions exam such as the GRE (unless waived by your school).
Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree Coursework
Master’s in mental health counseling programs may offer opportunities to specialize in a specific population, such as adults, the elderly, or those with specific disorders. The coursework will generally include at least one formal internship or practicum in a clinical mental health setting. Other common courses for this degree include:
- Assessments, Tests, and Measurements
- Behavior Therapy
- Clinical Diagnosis of Mental Disorders
- Counseling Law and Ethics
- Counseling Skills and Techniques
- Group Counseling
- Multicultural Counseling
- Personality Theory
- Theory and Treatment of Trauma
- Treatment Planning
Certifications for Degree Holders
Earning a degree in mental health counseling can also qualify you for professional certifications:
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC): Credential available to certified NCCs by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
- Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE): Credential offered by the National Board of Forensic Evaluators (NBFE) for forensic mental health specialists.
- National Certified Counselor (NCC): One of the most widely-recognized certifications for mental health counselors, offered by the NBCC.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling?
Most graduates of a master’s degree in mental health counseling become licensed counselors. Master’s-level jobs in mental health counseling also include supervisory and management roles, especially in larger healthcare centers and government. It may also be possible to work in research-related roles with a mental health counselor degree.
License titles for professional counselors vary by state and you should always consult your state licensing board for the most up-to-date information. With that in mind, the following license titles for mental health counselors are typical, and all require a master’s degree:
- Certified Professional Counselor (CPC)
- Clinical Professional Counselor (CPC)
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC or MHC)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC or MHC)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH)
- Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health (LPC-MH)
- Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC)
Mental Health Counseling Licensure by State
While a master’s degree is always required for independent practice, the process and requirements vary by state. Check with your state for information on how to become an MHC.
- Select a State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Check out our guide to mental health counselor careers for an in-depth look at career paths for those with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling or related degree.
Other Degrees in Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you earn a master’s in mental health counseling online?
Yes! There are many master’s in counseling programs that are offered online that can prepare you for licensure and a career as a professional counselor. Check our schools page as well as our ranking of top online master’s in mental health counseling programs to learn more about available programs.
Is a master’s in mental health counseling worth it?
Only you can decide whether a master’s in mental health counseling is worth the investment. Consider whether the jobs that interest you typically require licensure and whether there are jobs in support roles that may require a lesser degree as you evaluate your options. Completing an internship or job shadowing experience can also help you decide whether this career path is right for you.
What are the different mental health counselor degrees?
Mental health counselor degrees can be found at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Common titles for the degree specialty include Mental Health Counseling; Pre-Counseling; Professional Counseling; Clinical Counseling; and Christian Counseling.
How long does it take to earn a mental health counseling degree?
The time it will take to earn your degree in mental health counseling will vary based on your degree level, individual program, and transfer credits (if any). As a general guideline, it takes two to four years to earn an associate’s degree; four to six years to earn a bachelor’s degree; two to three years to earn a master’s degree; and three to seven years to earn a PhD, each depending on whether you are studying part-time or full-time.
Can I earn a bachelor’s in mental health counseling?
While not common, there are bachelor’s degrees in mental health counseling at select schools. This degree will not qualify you for licensure as a mental health counselor, but it can qualify you for jobs in support roles in the counseling field and serve as an introduction to the field before applying to a master’s program. To be admitted to a bachelor’s program, you must have a high school diploma or GED and typically must have a minimum score on the ACT or SAT exams. A bachelor’s degree requires four years (eight semesters) of full-time study; part-time students may take additional semesters to earn their degree. Most bachelor’s programs allow summer terms and may allow you to take additional credits during the regular semester in order to complete the degree on an accelerated schedule.
What can I do with a PhD in mental health counseling?
Although a master’s in counseling is considered the highest degree required for professional practice in counseling, there are mental health counseling PhD programs that are designed for those interested in advanced professional practice and academic careers. Mental health counseling PhD programs usually take 45 credits (or more) beyond the master’s degree level. Select doctoral programs in mental health counseling may lead to counselor licensure in states where this is a recognized pathway.
References:
1. US News & World Report National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
2. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
3. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/