Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Indiana
Indiana is home to 18 nonprofit colleges and universities that offer graduate-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 Students can choose from on-campus, online, or hybrid formats, making it easier to pursue a master’s degree while managing work and family responsibilities. This guide features respected and affordable MHC and CMHC programs that meet Indiana’s academic requirements for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential. You will also find an overview of career prospects, salary patterns across the state, and professional counseling organizations that support Indiana practitioners.
Table of Contents
- Indiana MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Indiana MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Indiana Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 18 Indiana 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 Indiana school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Indiana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | MPCAC | MA CMHC | Traditional | #213 tie | $464 | $1,269 | 60 |
| Bethel University | — | MA Counseling | Traditional | — | $630 | $630 | 60 |
| Butler University | — | MS MHC | Online | — | $700 | $700 | 60 |
| Christian Theological Seminary | — | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $710 | $710 | 69 |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | — | $625 | $625 | 60 |
| Huntington University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | — | $575 | $575 | 60 |
| Indiana State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #363 tie | $462 | $931 | 60 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | MPCAC | MSEd MHC | Traditional | #73 tie | $488 | $1,640 | 60 |
| Indiana University-East | — | MA MHC | Hybrid | — | $356 | $534-$847 | 60 |
| Indiana University-Kokomo | — | MA MHC | Hybrid | — | $356 | $534-$847 | 60 |
| Indiana University-South Bend | CACREP | MSEd CMHC | Hybrid | — | $356 | $534-$847 | 60 |
| Indiana University-Southeast | — | MA CMHC | Hybrid | — | $356 | $534-$847 | 60 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | — | $610 | $610 | 60 |
| Marian University | — | MS CMHC | Traditional | #257 tie | $650 | $650 | 60 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | CACREP | MSEd CMHC | Traditional | — | $392 | $913 | 60 |
| Purdue University Northwest | CACREP | MSEd MHC | Traditional | — | $330 | $511 | 60 |
| University of Indianapolis | MPCAC | MA MHC | Traditional | #301 tie | $690 | $690 | 60 |
| Valparaiso University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #198 tie | $763 | $763 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Indiana
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Indiana, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Indiana University-Bloomington
Indiana University-Bloomington (IU Bloomington) offers an MPCAC-accredited Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) delivered in a traditional, on-campus format. Rather than centering solely on clinical technique, the program weaves together theory, research literacy, and applied counseling practice. Students take courses in areas such as lifespan development, counseling ethics, assessment, multicultural counseling, and intervention planning. Clinical training begins with a supervised practicum and continues with internship placements arranged through local agencies and healthcare partners. By the time students finish the degree, they are academically prepared for Indiana’s LMHC pathway and equipped to work in settings including community mental health centers, college counseling offices, and integrated behavioral health programs.
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University (Valpo) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA CMHC), taught on campus within the university’s graduate counseling department. The program focuses on developing well-rounded clinicians who can translate counseling theory into practical, culturally responsive care. Students move through coursework in diagnosis, ethics, counseling techniques, research, and assessment while building clinical competency through structured practicum and internship experiences. Because the curriculum aligns with Indiana’s LMHC requirements, graduates can progress directly toward licensure. Alumni often pursue roles in community agencies, hospital-based behavioral health programs, nonprofit organizations, and other service-oriented clinical environments.
Ball State University
The MPCAC-accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA CMHC) at Ball State University (BSU) is delivered entirely on campus. BSU’s approach emphasizes practical skill development supported by a strong academic foundation. Students explore topics such as counseling theory, assessment strategies, multicultural practice, diagnosis, and professional ethics while also receiving training in evidence-informed interventions. Hands-on learning is central to the program: students complete a practicum followed by internships at approved clinical sites across Indiana. The degree satisfies the educational component of the LMHC pathway and prepares graduates for counseling positions in agencies, healthcare systems, school-affiliated programs, and other community-based mental health settings.
Other Notable Programs
- University of Indianapolis
- Indiana State University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Indiana
The following nine 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.
- Purdue University Northwest ($19,800)
- Indiana University-East ($21,360)
- Indiana University-Kokomo ($21,360)
- Indiana University-South Bend ($21,360)
- Indiana University-Southeast ($21,360)
- Purdue University Fort Wayne ($23,520)
- Indiana State University ($27,720)
- Ball State University ($27,840)
- Indiana University-Bloomington ($29,280)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Indiana
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Bethel University (Online)
- Butler University (Online)
- Grace College and Theological Seminary (Online)
- Huntington University (Online)
- Indiana University-East (Hybrid)
- Indiana University-Kokomo (Hybrid)
- Indiana University-South Bend (Hybrid)
- Indiana University-Southeast (Hybrid)
- Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global (Online)
Indiana Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Indiana mental health counselors outpace national expectations, with statewide job growth estimated at 21.2% compared to 18.4% nationally.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 910 annual job openings in Indiana 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 | 10,400 | $36,650 | $41,860 | $49,280 | $62,780 | $78,920 |
| Bloomington | 830 | $46,080 | $52,180 | $55,240 | $65,420 | $85,300 |
| Columbus | 240 | $35,900 | $40,070 | $44,420 | $57,890 | $69,960 |
| Elkhart-Goshen | 100 | $39,160 | $41,970 | $60,330 | $72,960 | $118,350 |
| Evansville | 420 | $35,940 | $39,380 | $47,620 | $63,640 | $80,360 |
| Fort Wayne | 630 | $35,950 | $42,010 | $48,380 | $64,560 | $86,730 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood | 4,000 | $37,370 | $41,980 | $47,990 | $60,680 | $76,000 |
| Kokomo | 120 | $37,290 | $44,980 | $51,740 | $66,540 | $88,720 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette | 280 | $33,920 | $40,010 | $47,910 | $59,290 | $76,390 |
| Michigan City-La Porte | 100 | $35,080 | $44,820 | $55,580 | $62,490 | $73,840 |
| Muncie | 250 | $37,190 | $41,860 | $46,230 | $57,690 | $68,870 |
| South Bend | 560 | $37,950 | $39,510 | $46,090 | $58,880 | $75,510 |
| Terre Haute | 150 | $31,810 | $35,840 | $44,060 | $56,740 | $72,140 |
Additional Resources
- 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 guidance from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about institutional and programmatic accreditation for counseling programs.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the mental health counseling profession, including responsibilities, essential skills, and typical work settings.
- Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board: The state board that oversees licensure for LMHCs, LMFTs, LSWs, and LCSWs, including education criteria, supervised experience, exams, and renewal requirements.
- Indiana Counseling Association (ICA): A statewide professional association providing advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities for counselors.
- Indiana Counseling Schools: Browse Indiana-based counseling programs, including accredited online, hybrid, and on-campus options.
- Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA): The state agency responsible for mental health services, substance use treatment, crisis support, and statewide behavioral health initiatives.
- Indiana LMHC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to earning the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential in Indiana.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Indiana: The state chapter of NAMI, offering education, support groups, and mental health advocacy across Indiana.
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