Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Maine
Three nonprofit colleges and universities in Maine offer master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or a closely related field.1 With one hybrid option available, students who need more flexibility can pursue a qualifying degree in the state. This guide covers information about each program that leads to the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential, the job market for counselors in the state, salary expectations, and relevant professional organizations.
Table of Contents
- Maine MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Maine MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Maine Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares the three Maine 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 a Maine school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Maine 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husson University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #329 tie | $794 | $794 | 63 |
| University of Maine at Farmington | — | MA Counseling Psychology: Creative Arts | Hybrid | #257 tie | $490 | $490 | 64 |
| University of Southern Maine | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $475 | $1,435 | 63 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Maine
The school below offers the best mental health counseling program in Maine based on program accreditation and third-party school ratings.
Husson University
Husson University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a 63-credit program delivered in a traditional, on-campus format in Bangor. The curriculum covers counseling theory, ethical and legal practice, human development, assessment, multicultural counseling, and group work, along with specialty coursework in areas like crisis intervention, addiction treatment, marriage and family therapy, and the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Students complete a six-credit practicum followed by a 900-hour internship in an approved clinical placement. The program is designed to prepare graduates for LCPC licensure in Maine. Graduates typically go on to work in mental health agencies, hospitals, private practices, and school settings.
Other Notable Programs
- University of Southern Maine
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Maine
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.
- University of Southern Maine ($29,925)
- University of Maine at Farmington ($31,360)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Maine
The following school offers a hybrid degree in mental health counseling:
- University of Maine at Farmington (Hybrid)
Maine Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Maine mental health counselors are less favorable than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 9.8% in the state compared to 16.8% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 160 annual openings in Maine through 2034.5 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 | 1,930 | $43,310 | $48,090 | $59,970 | $73,410 | $89,220 |
| Bangor | 350 | $48,090 | $50,030 | $59,970 | $68,170 | $83,030 |
| Lewiston-Auburn | 160 | $38,410 | $38,410 | $55,480 | $72,000 | $88,480 |
| Portland-South Portland | 700 | $46,070 | $50,760 | $62,300 | $75,850 | $92,610 |
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.
- Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure: The state licensing authority for counselors in Maine, with information on LPC and LCPC credentials, applications, examinations, and regulations.
- Maine Counseling Association (MeCA): The state branch of the American Counseling Association (ACA), offering advocacy, professional development, and networking for counselors across Maine.
- Maine Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Maine, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Maine DHHS Office of Behavioral Health: The lead state agency for mental health and substance use disorder services in Maine, responsible for planning, funding, and coordinating behavioral health programs statewide.
- Maine LCPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become licensed in Maine, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
- Maine Mental Health Counselors Association (MEMHCA): The Maine chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and an affiliate division of MeCA, supporting licensed clinical professional counselors through continuing education, professional standards, and advocacy.
- 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