Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Alaska
Alaska has two nonprofit colleges and universities that grant master’s degrees in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or a closely related field.1 Both programs run in a hybrid or online format that pairs online coursework with in-person clinical training, a setup that fits a state where students may live hundreds of miles from the nearest campus. What follows is a look at each program, how Alaska’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential works, the job outlook for counselors across the state, typical earnings, and the professional organizations that shape the field locally.
Table of Contents
- Alaska MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Alaska MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Alaska Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares the two Alaska mental health counseling programs on 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 Alaska school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Alaska 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Pacific University | — | MS Counseling Psychology | Hybrid | — | $873 | $873 | 60 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Online | #395-#434 | $577 | $1,201 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Alaska
The school below offers the top-ranked mental health counseling program in Alaska, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) track, a 60-credit CACREP-accredited program. The degree is delivered entirely online, with a mix of live web-based class sessions and self-paced learning modules, making it accessible for students spread across Alaska’s wide geography. Classroom learning is paired with hands-on field training: students complete a supervised practicum and internship at a field site under a licensed counselor, and the curriculum places particular emphasis on preparing counselors to serve rural and culturally diverse communities. Graduates of the CMHC track meet the educational foundation for professional counselor licensure in Alaska and, after finishing the state’s post-degree supervised experience requirements, can pursue the LPC credential and go on to work in community agencies, behavioral health settings, or private practice.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Alaska
The following two schools offer the most cost-effective mental health counseling degrees, based on 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.
- University of Alaska Fairbanks ($34,620)
- Alaska Pacific University ($52,380)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Alaska
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Alaska Pacific University (Hybrid)
- University of Alaska Fairbanks (Online)
Alaska Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Alaska mental health counselors are less favorable than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 9.1% in the state compared to 16.8% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 90 annual openings in Alaska through 2034.5 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 | 1,290 | $58,240 | $65,710 | $80,770 | $97,960 | $114,650 |
| Anchorage | 810 | $59,070 | $71,650 | $81,120 | $96,870 | $113,600 |
| Fairbanks-College | 100 | $63,470 | $66,180 | $83,680 | $101,860 | $130,740 |
Additional Resources
- Alaska Behavioral Health Association (ABHA): A statewide membership organization for behavioral health professionals and provider organizations in Alaska, offering advocacy, continuing education, and regular conferences across the state.
- Alaska Board of Professional Counselors: The state licensing authority for professional counselors, housed in the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing within the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, with information on the LPC credential, applications, examinations, and regulations.
- Alaska Counseling Association (AKCA): The Alaska branch of the American Counseling Association (ACA). AKCA’s standalone website has been inactive in recent years, so this link points to ACA’s branch directory for current contact information.
- Alaska Counseling Schools: Find counseling programs in Alaska, including on-campus, hybrid, and online options.
- Alaska Division of Behavioral Health: Part of the Alaska Department of Health, this division plans, funds, and oversees the state’s mental health and substance use treatment services.
- Alaska LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on becoming licensed in Alaska, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
- 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, required skills, and common work environments.
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 2025 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm