Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas has eight nonprofit colleges and universities that offer master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 Students can choose from traditional, online, and hybrid program options, giving them flexibility to balance graduate study with work and family responsibilities. This guide highlights reputable, affordable counseling programs that meet Arkansas’s academic requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). You will also find information on job prospects, salary expectations, and statewide professional organizations that support mental health counselors throughout Arkansas.
Table of Contents
- Arkansas MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Arkansas MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Arkansas Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares eight Arkansas 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 Arkansas school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Arkansas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harding University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | #301 tie | $640 | $640 | 60 |
| Henderson State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $350 | $485 | 60 |
| John Brown University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | — | $600 | $600 | 60 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | — | MA Counseling | Online | — | $550 | $550 | 63 |
| Southern Arkansas University | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $329 | $516 | 60 |
| University of Arkansas | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #183 tie | $460 | $1,250 | 60 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | — | MA Counseling | Traditional; Online | #384 tie | $335-$460 | $759-$1,250 | 60 |
| University of Central Arkansas | — | MA MHC | Traditional | #363 tie | $321 | $641 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Arkansas
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Arkansas, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas (UArk) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), taught on campus in Fayetteville. The program blends counseling theory, research-informed practice, and applied clinical training, giving students a strong foundation for professional work. Coursework covers areas such as assessment, diagnosis, multicultural counseling, ethics, and evidence-based intervention. Students complete a supervised practicum followed by internships in community agencies, university-affiliated clinics, and healthcare settings. Because the curriculum aligns with Arkansas’s requirements for the LPC credential, graduates can move directly into the state’s supervised post-degree licensing process. Alumni work in community mental health centers, college counseling services, hospital programs, and other behavioral health environments.
Harding University
Harding University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with scheduled on-campus sessions. The program focuses on developing reflective, ethically grounded counselors who can support clients across diverse communities. Students complete coursework in counseling theory, diagnosis, lifespan development, assessment, research, and multicultural competence while also receiving applied skills training. Clinical experience is gained through a practicum and internships arranged with agencies, clinics, hospitals, and school-linked programs. The program fulfills Arkansas’s educational requirements for the LPC pathway, and graduates commonly pursue roles in community agencies, faith-based organizations, healthcare systems, and private practice.
Other Notable Programs
- Henderson State University
- John Brown University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Arkansas
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.
- University of Central Arkansas ($19,260)
- Southern Arkansas University ($19,740)
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock ($20,100–$27,600)
- Henderson State University ($21,000)
- University of Arkansas ($27,600)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Arkansas
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Harding University (Hybrid)
- John Brown University (Hybrid)
- Ouachita Baptist University (Online)
- Southern Arkansas University (Online)
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Online)
Arkansas Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Arkansas mental health counselors are a bit stronger than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 21.5% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 270 annual job openings in Arkansas 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 Employed7 | 10th Percentile Salary7 | 25th Percentile Salary7 | 50th Percentile (Median) Salary7 | 75th Percentile Salary7 | 90th Percentile Salary7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2,860 | $31,600 | $37,280 | $49,990 | $69,630 | $102,400 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | 300 | $35,600 | $38,980 | $58,490 | $76,700 | $118,850 |
| Fort Smith | 200 | $31,160 | $37,010 | $51,790 | $64,220 | $106,100 |
| Hot Springs | 90 | $32,490 | $36,670 | $47,120 | $60,350 | $90,860 |
| Jonesboro | 240 | $35,760 | $37,000 | $58,940 | $78,730 | $102,400 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | 880 | $30,930 | $37,880 | $50,030 | $76,470 | $102,320 |
Additional Resources
- Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy: The state licensing authority for LPCs and LMFTs, including requirements for education, supervised experience, exams, and renewal.
- Arkansas Counseling Association (ArCA): The Arkansas division of the American Counseling Association (ACA) offering advocacy, networking, and professional development for counselors statewide.
- Arkansas Counseling Schools: Browse accredited counseling programs in Arkansas, including online, hybrid, and campus-based options.
- Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS): Oversees statewide mental health, crisis response, and substance use programs.
- Arkansas LPC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to becoming an LPC in Arkansas.
- Arkansas Mental Health Counselors Association: A statewide nonprofit providing mental health education, peer support, screening tools, and community advocacy.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read interviews and career guidance from practicing clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about institutional and programmatic accreditation for counseling programs.
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including 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