Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Colorado
Colorado has a strong range of graduate-level options for individuals preparing for clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), with nine nonprofit universities offering master’s degrees in CMHC, mental health counseling (MHC), or closely related counseling fields. Students can choose from traditional on-campus programs, fully online options, and hybrid formats that blend in-person and remote coursework. All programs featured on this page meet the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Colorado. Along with program information, this guide highlights state-specific data on counselor employment, salary trends, and professional development resources to support both emerging and experienced counseling professionals in Colorado.
Table of Contents
- Colorado MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Colorado MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Colorado Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares nine Colorado 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 Colorado school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Colorado 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams State University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | — | $504 | $504 | 60 |
| Colorado Christian University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid; Online | — | $698 | $698 | 60 |
| Colorado State University | CACREP | MA Counseling & Career Development: CMHC | Traditional | #151 tie | $758 | $1,713 | 60 |
| Denver Seminary | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $720 | $720 | 64 |
| Regis University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #273 tie | $896 | $896 | 60 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #395-434 | $710 | $1,439 | 60 |
| University of Colorado Denver | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #232 tie | $480 | $1,489 | 60 |
| University of Denver | MPCAC | MA Counseling Psychology: CMHC | Traditional | #117 tie | $2,156 | $2,156 | 60 |
| University of Northern Colorado | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Hybrid | #343 tie | $740 | $1,386 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Colorado
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Colorado, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU) offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). This on-campus program consists of 90 quarter credits (approximately 60 semester credits) and is accredited by MPCAC. While it is not CACREP-accredited, the curriculum was developed to meet the educational requirements for LPC licensure in Colorado. Students complete coursework in multicultural counseling, assessment, ethics, and intervention skills, followed by supervised practicum and internship experiences in community-based settings. The program emphasizes reflective practice, professional identity formation, and applied clinical development. Many graduates move into clinical work within Colorado’s behavioral health system, often pursuing licensure immediately after degree completion.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University (CSU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling and Career Development with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The 60-credit program is delivered in person in Fort Collins and integrates theoretical, developmental, and clinical training with hands-on experience. Students take courses in counseling skills, multicultural competence, research, group dynamics, and advanced clinical interventions, followed by a practicum and two-semester internship. Because the coursework aligns with Colorado LPC requirements, graduates can transition directly into supervised professional practice. Many enter roles in community mental health, college counseling, and advocacy-focused organizations.
University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) offers a 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) through the School of Education & Human Development. This CACREP-accredited program is taught on campus in a cohort format and includes coursework in counseling theories, multicultural and social justice counseling, assessment, diagnosis, group counseling, and career development. Students also complete a practicum and internship sequence to gain experience with diverse client populations. The curriculum fulfills Colorado’s educational requirements for LPC licensure. Graduates pursue a range of paths, including agency work, school-based counseling, integrated health settings, and private practice.
Other Notable Programs
- Regis University
- University of Northern Colorado
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Colorado
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 Colorado Denver ($28,800)
- Adams State University ($30,240)
- Colorado Christian University ($41,880)
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs ($42,600)
- University of Northern Colorado ($44,400)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Colorado
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Adams State University (Online)
- Colorado Christian University (Hybrid; Online)
- University of Northern Colorado (Hybrid)
Colorado Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Employment for mental health counselors in Colorado is projected to grow by 27.9%, compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 1,840 annual openings in Colorado 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 | 13,670 | $40,570 | $47,750 | $59,190 | $78,350 | $98,030 |
| Boulder | 920 | $45,090 | $59,820 | $77,720 | $111,300 | $141,200 |
| Colorado Springs | 2,240 | $37,330 | $41,150 | $50,020 | $73,800 | $89,490 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | 6,670 | $44,650 | $48,900 | $59,100 | $74,860 | $98,810 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | 1,310 | $43,340 | $53,300 | $68,550 | $86,490 | $102,980 |
| Grand Junction | 300 | $36,410 | $44,240 | $54,000 | $69,310 | $81,110 |
| Greeley | 300 | $37,300 | $42,600 | $56,140 | $73,510 | $86,950 |
| Pueblo | 770 | $37,890 | $47,630 | $59,180 | $72,890 | $85,230 |
Additional Resources
- Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA): Coordinates statewide behavioral health services, treatment initiatives, and community programs.
- Colorado Counseling Association (CCA): A statewide professional organization providing advocacy, networking, and professional development opportunities for counselors across specialties.
- Colorado Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Colorado, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations: Professional Counselor Board: The official state licensing agency overseeing LPC credentials, supervision requirements, and practice standards.
- Colorado LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guide to becoming an LPC in Colorado.
- Colorado Mental Health Counselors Association (CMHCA): Colorado’s division of AMHCA offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional support for clinical mental health counselors.
- 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 advice from experienced 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, 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 2026 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