Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Arizona
Arizona offers master’s-level mental health counseling programs at six nonprofit colleges and universities across the state.1 Students can pursue these degrees through traditional, online, and hybrid formats, making it easier to balance graduate study with work and personal responsibilities. This guide highlights reputable and affordable programs that align with Arizona’s educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). It also includes information on employment outlook, salary data, and professional organizations that support counselors throughout Arizona.
Table of Contents
- Arizona MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Arizona MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Arizona Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares six Arizona 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 Arizona school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Arizona 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University-Digital Immersion | — | Master of Counseling (MC) | Online | #117 tie | $605 | $605 | 60 |
| Arizona State University-Tempe | — | MC | Traditional | #117 tie | $1,027 | $1,605 | 60 |
| Northern Arizona University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #242 tie | $425 | $425 | 60 |
| Ottawa University-Surprise | — | MAC | Traditional | — | $659 | $659 | 60 |
| Prescott College | CACREP | MS Counseling | Online | — | $830 | $830 | 60 |
| University of Arizona | CACREP | MA Counseling | Traditional | #127 tie | $861 | $1,084 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Arizona
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Arizona, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona (UA) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling that prepares students for clinical mental health practice and LPC licensure in Arizona. Delivered in a traditional, on-campus format, the program emphasizes core counseling competencies such as ethics, assessment, human development, and multicultural counseling. Coursework is paired with supervised practicum and internship experiences in approved clinical settings, allowing students to translate theory into practice. The curriculum highlights evidence-based approaches and professional skill development. Graduates are prepared for entry-level counseling roles in community agencies, healthcare systems, and related service environments.
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) designed to meet Arizona’s educational requirements for LPC licensure. This 60-credit, campus-based program integrates counseling theory, ethical practice, and cultural responsiveness with extensive applied training. Students complete supervised practicum and internship placements that support the development of clinical skills in real-world settings. Faculty mentorship and experiential learning are central components of the program structure. Graduates are prepared to pursue LPC licensure and work in a variety of mental health counseling settings, including community agencies and healthcare organizations.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Arizona
The following three 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.
- Northern Arizona University ($25,500)
- Arizona State University-Digital Immersion ($36,300)
- Ottawa University-Surprise ($39,540)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Arizona
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Arizona State University-Digital Immersion (Online)
- Prescott College (Online)
Arizona Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Arizona mental health counselors are significantly stronger than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 39.2% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 1,290 job openings per year in Arizona 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 | 8,970 | $42,130 | $50,650 | $63,830 | $79,990 | $95,860 |
| Flagstaff | 150 | $48,420 | $54,360 | $75,930 | $88,100 | $109,390 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman | 60 | $44,680 | $47,620 | $64,290 | $78,990 | $88,530 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler | 6,830 | $41,600 | $50,190 | $63,990 | $82,350 | $97,250 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott | 210 | $48,080 | $58,890 | $70,340 | $79,880 | $105,520 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas | 70 | $34,020 | $39,900 | $51,550 | $73,110 | $86,540 |
| Tucson | 1,310 | $42,170 | $51,280 | $62,000 | $78,030 | $88,780 |
| Yuma | 110 | $34,060 | $44,350 | $54,320 | $74,280 | $90,110 |
Additional Resources
- Arizona Counselors Association (AzCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, conferences, and professional development.
- Arizona Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Arizona, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS): Oversees statewide public health and behavioral health programs, including mental health and substance use services.
- Arizona LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step information on how to become an LPC in Arizona.
- Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners: The official licensing authority for LPCs in Arizona, with information on education, supervised experience, examinations, and license renewal.
- 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 America of Arizona (MHA-AZ): A statewide nonprofit that promotes mental health through advocacy, education, and community support.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, skills, and work settings.
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