Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to 16 not-for-profit universities offering programs in mental health counseling (MHC) or clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 These graduate programs equip students with the knowledge and clinical experience needed to qualify for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Louisiana. On this page, you will find details on well-rated and affordable programs, tuition comparisons, career projections, and additional state-specific resources to help you take the next step toward a counseling career.
Table of Contents
- Louisiana MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Louisiana MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Louisiana Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 16 Louisiana 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 Louisiana school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Louisiana counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation1-3 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #169 tie | $714 | $1,654 | 60 |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans | CACREP | Master of Health Sciences: CMHC | Traditional | — | $519 | $1,079 | 60 |
| Louisiana State University-Shreveport | CACREP | MS Counseling | Traditional | — | $344 | $1,038 | 60 |
| Louisiana Tech University | — | MA Counseling and Guidance (MACG): Counseling Psychology | Traditional | #318 tie | $730 | $730 | 60 |
| Loyola University New Orleans | CACREP | MS Counseling | Hybrid | #222 tie | $885 | $885 | 60 |
| McNeese State University | — | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,437 | $1,437 | 60 |
| New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $340 | $340 | 84 |
| Nicholls State University | CACREP | MCMH | Traditional | — | $1,168 | $1,168 | 60 |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | CACREP | MA Counseling | Hybrid | — | $601 | $601 | 60 |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | CACREP | MS Counseling | Hybrid | — | $286 | $286 | 60 |
| Southern University and A&M College | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $997 | $1,355 | 60 |
| University of Holy Cross | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | — | $760 | $760 | 60 |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | CACREP | MS Counseling | Traditional | #373 tie | $380 | $380 | 60 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | #358 tie | $500 | $500 | 60 |
| University of New Orleans | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #395-434 | $519 | $772 | 60 |
| Xavier University of Louisiana | CACREP | MA Counseling | Traditional | — | $758 | $758 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Louisiana
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Louisiana, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University (LSU) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program prepares students for professional licensure as LPCs in Louisiana and other states. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice, advocacy, diversity, and lifespan development, and includes extensive supervised practicum and internship experiences. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Loyola University New Orleans
Loyola University New Orleans offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The 60-credit, CACREP-accredited, hybrid program trains students in clinical assessment, counseling theory, and ethical practice, with a focus on serving diverse and underserved populations. The curriculum includes a practicum and internship sequence designed to prepare graduates for LPC licensure in Louisiana. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete an interview and reference process.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). This 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program is delivered fully online, allowing flexibility for working professionals. The curriculum provides training in diagnosis, counseling techniques, and ethical standards, culminating in supervised clinical practicum and internship experiences. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree and supporting materials such as a statement of purpose and academic references.
Other Notable Programs
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- University of New Orleans
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Louisiana
The following seven 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.
- Southeastern Louisiana University ($17,160)
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport ($20,640)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette ($22,800)
- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary ($28,560)
- University of Louisiana at Monroe ($30,000)
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans ($31,140)
- University of New Orleans ($31,140)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Louisiana
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Loyola University New Orleans (Hybrid)
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana (Hybrid)
- Southeastern Louisiana University (Hybrid)
- University of Holy Cross (Online)
- University of Louisiana at Monroe (Online)
Louisiana Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Louisiana mental health counselors surpass national trends, with an expected growth rate of 20% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 570 annual openings in Louisiana 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 | 6,600 | $29,170 | $35,130 | $40,200 | $53,560 | $66,560 |
| Alexandria | 320 | $23,260 | $23,260 | $37,130 | $52,040 | $73,300 |
| Baton Rouge | 1,210 | $31,620 | $36,950 | $47,890 | $59,290 | $71,870 |
| Hammond | 140 | $31,650 | $34,610 | $36,050 | $54,870 | $74,840 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux | 500 | $39,300 | $39,300 | $39,300 | $39,300 | $52,610 |
| Lafayette | 620 | $30,770 | $33,640 | $41,810 | $55,200 | $68,100 |
| Lake Charles | 340 | $22,220 | $22,220 | $39,170 | $49,040 | $59,170 |
| Monroe | 360 | $27,840 | $34,460 | $43,000 | $51,890 | $65,500 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | 1,500 | $30,490 | $35,890 | $41,020 | $51,980 | $70,610 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | 470 | $28,290 | $34,870 | $41,670 | $55,810 | $65,650 |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington | 460 | $28,490 | $29,790 | $33,380 | $43,690 | $60,290 |
Additional Resources
- 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.
- Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA): Connects counseling professionals statewide to promote ethical practice, professional growth, and collaboration across specializations.
- Louisiana Counseling Schools: Overview of counseling degree programs offered at accredited universities and colleges throughout the state.
- Louisiana LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on meeting Louisiana’s requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.
- Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners: Provides licensure information, regulations, and continuing education requirements for LPC and PLPC credentials in Louisiana.
- Louisiana Mental Health Association (LAMHA): A statewide advocacy and leadership organization supporting mental health providers, agencies, and professionals across Louisiana.
- Louisiana Mental Health Counselors Association (LMHCA): The professional association for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and mental health counseling students in Louisiana, offering networking, continuing education, and advocacy.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the profession, including typical roles, work settings, salary outlook, and long-term career growth.
- NAMI Louisiana: Offers education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness across the state.
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