Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Idaho
Idaho has two nonprofit colleges and universities offering master’s-level programs in clinical mental health counseling (MHC), mental health counseling (CMHC), or related counseling disciplines.1 Both programs are delivered in a traditional, on-campus format and can help prepare graduates to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Idaho. This guide also covers job outlook, typical salary ranges, and the professional organizations that support counselors working across the state.
Table of Contents
- Idaho MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Idaho MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Idaho Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares the Idaho 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 Idaho school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Idaho 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho State University | CACREP | MCoun CMHC | Traditional | #395-434 | $843 | $843 | 60 |
| Northwest Nazarene University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $598 | $598 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Idaho
The schools below offer mental health counseling programs in Idaho.
Idaho State University
Idaho State University (ISU) offers a Master of Counseling (MCoun) with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) specialty, a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program available at its Pocatello and Meridian campuses. The program requires the equivalent of at least four full semesters of resident graduate study. Core coursework covers counseling theory, ethics, group work, human development, assessment, and multicultural competence, with additional CMHC-specific courses addressing clinical foundations and professional issues in mental health settings. Students gain supervised field experience through practicum and internship placements at a range of sites, including mental health centers, state hospitals, rehabilitation offices, private practices, and substance abuse programs. Admission is competitive, with cohort sizes tied to faculty resources. Graduates meet the educational requirements for LPC licensure in Idaho.
Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), a Christian institution located in Nampa, Idaho, offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) track. The 60-credit program is CACREP-accredited and designed to be completed over approximately 33 months (eight semesters). Coursework addresses counseling theory, ethics, assessment and diagnosis, multicultural competence, and the practical realities of working in mental health settings, including agency funding structures and serving clients with limited financial means. Students complete 1,000 hours of practicum and internship experience and are required to pass a national comprehensive exam. An on-campus counseling center affiliated with the department offers students an internship option providing services in individual, couples, play, and youth assessment. The program also incorporates an elective emphasis area, with options including play therapy. NNU’s mission emphasizes preparing counselors who are both clinically competent and grounded in compassion for diverse populations. Graduates are prepared to seek LPC licensure in Idaho, though students intending to practice in other states are advised to verify requirements with the relevant licensing board.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Idaho
The following two 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.
- Northwest Nazarene University ($35,880)
- Idaho State University ($50,580)
Idaho Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Idaho mental health counselors are more favorable than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 33.7% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 250 annual openings in Idaho 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 | 2,990 | $36,400 | $47,060 | $63,360 | $81,800 | $98,760 |
| Boise | 1,580 | $36,400 | $46,830 | $61,730 | $81,800 | $103,030 |
| Coeur d’Alene | 220 | $29,300 | $47,520 | $63,360 | $80,060 | $95,040 |
| Idaho Falls | 310 | $39,360 | $48,710 | $72,630 | $81,590 | $99,740 |
| Lewiston | 90 | $40,800 | $54,410 | $69,200 | $81,120 | $87,970 |
| Pocatello | 210 | $37,440 | $48,530 | $61,860 | $77,110 | $91,880 |
| Twin Falls | 190 | $38,530 | $45,660 | $61,870 | $76,450 | $96,200 |
Additional Resources
- American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) of Idaho: A chartered state division of the AMHCA dedicated to supporting licensed mental health counselors in Idaho through advocacy, professional development, and peer networking.
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read our interviews page for career advice from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Idaho Behavioral Health Services: The state authority for mental health and substance use services in Idaho, overseeing planning, monitoring, and coordination of behavioral health programs statewide.
- Idaho Counseling Association (ICA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities.
- Idaho Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Idaho, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Idaho Counselor Licensing Board: The state licensing authority for counselors in Idaho, providing information on licensure requirements, applications, and regulations.
- Idaho LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become licensed in Idaho, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
- 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