Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Kentucky
Kentucky is home to 10 nonprofit colleges and universities offering master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) across the state.1 These programs are available in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, giving students flexibility to manage graduate coursework alongside professional and personal commitments. This guide focuses on well-regarded and cost-conscious options that meet Kentucky’s educational requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure. You will also find information on job growth, salary trends, and professional organizations that support mental health counselors throughout Kentucky.
Table of Contents
- Kentucky MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Kentucky MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Kentucky Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 10 Kentucky 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 Kentucky school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asbury Theological Seminary | CACREP | MA MHC | Traditional | — | $750 | $750 | 75 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #329 tie | $541 | $829 | 60 |
| Lindsey Wilson University | CACREP | M.Ed. Counseling | Traditional; Online | — | $530-$742 | $530-$742 | 60 |
| Murray State University | CACREP | EdS CMHC | Traditional | — | $426 | $619 | 60 |
| Northern Kentucky University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #384 tie | $593 | $721-$910 | 60 |
| Spalding University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $685 | $685 | 60 |
| University of Kentucky | CACREP | MAC | Online | #143 tie | $790 | $790 | 60 |
| University of Louisville | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #158 tie | $850 | $1,729 | 60 |
| University of the Cumberlands | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | #395-434 | $449 | $449 | 60 |
| Western Kentucky University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | #363 tie | $607 | $917 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Kentucky
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Kentucky, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky (UK) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) delivered fully online. The program is designed to meet Kentucky’s educational requirements for licensure as an LPCC and emphasizes flexibility for working professionals. Coursework covers core counseling competencies such as ethics, assessment, multicultural counseling, and evidence-based clinical practice. Students complete supervised practicum and internship experiences arranged in approved clinical settings, allowing them to gain hands-on experience while remaining in their local communities. The MAC prepares graduates for professional counseling roles in mental health agencies, healthcare settings, and community organizations.
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville (UofL) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) delivered in a traditional, on-campus format. This program aligns with Kentucky’s educational requirements for LPCC licensure and integrates counseling theory with applied clinical training. The curriculum includes coursework in human development, assessment, counseling techniques, and professional ethics, paired with supervised practicum and internship experiences. Students benefit from faculty mentorship and training opportunities in diverse community and clinical settings. Graduates are prepared for entry-level counseling practice in agencies, healthcare systems, and related service environments.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) designed to prepare students for LPCC licensure in Kentucky. Delivered primarily in a traditional, campus-based format, the MA emphasizes ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and the development of clinical skills. Coursework is complemented by supervised practicum and internship placements in approved counseling settings, providing real-world experience throughout the program. The curriculum focuses on integrating theory and practice to support professional identity development. Graduates are prepared to work in community mental health agencies, healthcare organizations, and other clinical counseling settings.
Other Notable Programs
- Western Kentucky University
- Northern Kentucky University
- University of the Cumberlands
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Kentucky
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.
- Murray State University ($25,560)
- University of the Cumberlands ($26,940)
- Eastern Kentucky University ($32,460)
- Northern Kentucky University ($35,580)
- Western Kentucky University ($36,420)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Kentucky
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Lindsey Wilson University (Online)
- University of Kentucky (Online)
- University of the Cumberlands (Online)
- Western Kentucky University (Online)
Kentucky Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Kentucky mental health counselors are stronger than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 21.4% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 700 annual job openings in Kentucky 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 | 8,030 | $33,970 | $39,560 | $51,790 | $75,310 | $89,690 |
| Bowling Green | 300 | $31,700 | $39,410 | $55,950 | $78,320 | $88,060 |
| Elizabethtown | 280 | $28,360 | $37,810 | $53,230 | $77,950 | $92,810 |
| Lexington-Fayette | 1,060 | $37,570 | $39,810 | $58,500 | $80,160 | $92,380 |
| Louisville | 2,700 | $36,630 | $40,530 | $54,580 | $78,050 | $89,440 |
| Owensboro | 220 | $34,810 | $42,120 | $59,920 | $81,870 | $105,280 |
| Paducah | 120 | $35,920 | $41,700 | $48,980 | $61,860 | $82,900 |
Additional Resources
- 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 Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, skills, and work settings.
- Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors: The official licensing authority for LPCCs in Kentucky, with information on education, supervised experience, examinations, and license renewal.
- Kentucky Counseling Association (KCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, conferences, and professional development.
- Kentucky Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Kentucky, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID): Oversees statewide behavioral health services, including mental health and substance use programs.
- Kentucky LPCC Licensing Process: Step-by-step information on how to become an LPCC in Kentucky.
- Kentucky Mental Health Counselors Association (KyMHCA): The state branch of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional support for LPCCs.
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