Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Maryland
Maryland is home to 12 nonprofit colleges and universities that offer master’s programs in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or related counseling fields.1 These programs are offered in either on-campus or online formats to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences. This guide highlights accredited, reputable, and affordable options that meet Maryland’s educational requirements for becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), along with information on licensure steps, job outlook, salary expectations, and professional organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- Maryland MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Maryland MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Maryland Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 12 Maryland 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 Maryland school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Maryland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie State University | CACREP | MA MHC | Traditional | — | $466 | $745 | 60 |
| Coppin State University | — | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $781 | $1,201 | 60 |
| Frostburg State University | MPCAC | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | — | $483 | $630 | 60 |
| Hood College | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $820 | $820 | 60 |
| Johns Hopkins University | CACREP | MS Counseling | Traditional | #7 tie | $1,320 | $1,320 | 60 |
| Loyola University Maryland | — | MS Clinical Professional Counseling (CPC) | Traditional | — | $1,135 | $1,135 | 60 |
| McDaniel College | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $625 | $625 | 60 |
| Towson University | MPCAC | MA Counseling Psychology | Traditional | — | $739 | $739 | 60 |
| University of Baltimore | MPCAC | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | — | $836 | $1,227 | 60 |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore | — | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #395-434 | $367 | $687 | 60 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | — | MS CPC | Online | — | $544 | $659 | 60 |
| Washington Adventist University | — | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $625 | $625 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Maryland
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Maryland, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration. The on-campus program provides a strong clinical foundation through coursework in assessment, counseling strategies, lifespan development, and evidence-based treatment. Students also gain extensive applied training through supervised practicum and internship placements in hospitals, schools, and community mental health agencies across the Baltimore area. The program is known for its academic rigor, close faculty support, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within a major research institution. Graduates fulfill Maryland’s educational requirements for the LCPC credential and are prepared for clinical roles in healthcare systems, community agencies, and private practice settings.
Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) offers a CACREP-accredited 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) designed to prepare students for professional counseling practice in Maryland. The program is delivered fully on campus and emphasizes culturally responsive counseling, ethical practice, and the application of clinical theory in diverse communities. Coursework covers diagnosis, counseling techniques, group processes, and research, followed by supervised practicum and internship experiences in regional mental health agencies and school-based programs. BSU maintains strong partnerships with local service organizations, giving students access to a wide range of clinical training opportunities. Graduates meet Maryland’s academic requirements for LCPC licensure and are well prepared for positions in community agencies, youth services, and outpatient behavioral health settings.
Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University (FSU) offers a 60-credit Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). The on-campus program integrates counseling skills with foundational psychological training through coursework in counseling techniques, developmental psychology, psychopathology, and research methods. Students gain hands-on experience through FSU’s on-campus counseling training clinic and supervised practicum and internship placements in regional mental health centers and community agencies. The program is known for small cohorts, individualized faculty mentorship, and a focus on preparing clinicians to work effectively in rural and underserved communities. Graduates meet Maryland’s educational requirements for LCPC licensure and pursue roles in clinical practice, behavioral health programs, and community mental health settings.
Other Notable Programs
- Hood College
- Towson University
- University of Baltimore
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Maryland
The following six 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 Maryland Eastern Shore ($22,020)
- Bowie State University ($27,960)
- Frostburg State University ($28,980)
- University of Maryland Global Campus ($32,640)
- McDaniel College ($37,500)
- Washington Adventist University ($37,500)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Maryland
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- McDaniel College (Online)
- University of Maryland Global Campus (Online)
Maryland Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Maryland mental health counselors are better than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 22.1% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 960 annual openings in Maryland 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 | 8,180 | $41,160 | $48,980 | $57,820 | $70,990 | $97,050 |
| Baltimore | 4,530 | $38,940 | $48,000 | $56,980 | $68,670 | $98,440 |
| Hagerstown | 350 | $41,220 | $47,950 | $60,410 | $72,780 | $88,680 |
| Lexington Park | 120 | $40,980 | $49,610 | $63,100 | $80,660 | $112,940 |
| Salisbury | 260 | $31,820 | $44,220 | $50,890 | $62,050 | $88,420 |
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 insights from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors of Maryland (LCPCM): A professional association representing licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs) in Maryland, advocating for the profession, offering continuing education, and supporting clinical competency and legislative equity.
- Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (BHA): Oversees statewide behavioral health services, community mental health programs, and public policy initiatives supporting individuals and families.
- Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists: The official licensing authority for counselors in Maryland, with detailed information on education requirements, supervised experience, and examinations.
- Maryland Counseling Association (MCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, networking, and professional development.
- Maryland Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Maryland, including on-campus and online options.
- Maryland LCPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on meeting Maryland’s requirements for the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential.
- Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD): A statewide nonprofit that promotes mental health education, advocacy, and access to services.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, essential skills, and common work settings.
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