Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to 23 nonprofit colleges and universities that offer master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 Students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid learning formats, allowing them to balance graduate study with work and personal responsibilities. This guide features reputable and affordable MHC programs that meet Massachusetts educational requirements for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) pathway. You will also find details on job outlook, salary trends, and statewide professional organizations that support counseling professionals.
Table of Contents
- Massachusetts MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Massachusetts MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Massachusetts Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 23 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Massachusetts 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American International College | — | MA CMHC | Online | #395-434 | $830 | $830 | 60 |
| Anna Maria College | — | MA Counseling Psychology: LMHC | Traditional | — | $599 | $599 | 60 |
| Assumption University | MPCAC | MA Clinical Counseling Psychology | Traditional | — | $880 | $880 | 60 |
| Bay Path University | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $935 | $935 | 60 |
| Boston College | MPCAC | MA MHC | Traditional | #36 tie | $1,834 | $1,834 | 60 |
| Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis | — | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $978 | $978 | 64 |
| Boston University | CACREP | MA MHC & Behavioral Medicine | Traditional | #42 tie | $2,183 | $2,183 | 60 |
| Bridgewater State University | CACREP; MPCAC | M.Ed. CMHC; MA Clinical Psychology | Traditional | — | $536 | $536 | 60 |
| Cambridge College | — | M.Ed. MHC | Hybrid | — | $639 | $639 | 60 |
| Fitchburg State University | — | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $347 | $347 | 60 |
| Framingham State University | — | MA Counseling Psychology: Licensure | Hybrid | — | $904 | $904 | 60 |
| Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary | CACREP | MA Counseling (MACO) | Traditional; Online | — | $875 | $875 | 60 |
| Lesley University | — | MA CMHC | Traditional | #301 tie | $1,410 | $1,410 | 60 |
| Merrimack College | — | MS CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $725 | $725 | 60 |
| Northeastern University | — | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | #46 tie | $1,946 | $1,946 | 60 |
| Regis College | — | MA Counseling (MAC) | Hybrid | — | $970 | $970 | 60 |
| Salem State University | — | MS Counseling: CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,059 | $1,255 | 60 |
| Springfield College | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional; Online | #257 tie | $774-$1,212 | $774-$1,212 | 60 |
| Suffolk University | — | MS MHC | Traditional | #257 tie | $1,388 | $1,388 | 60 |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston | MPCAC | MS MHC | Online | #213 tie | $675-$886 | $675-$1,692 | 60 |
| University of Massachusetts-Global | — | MA Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) | Online | — | $750 | $750 | 63 |
| Westfield State University | — | MA MHC | Traditional | — | $431 | $431 | 60 |
| William James College | — | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $1,360 | $1,360 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Massachusetts
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Massachusetts, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Boston College
Boston College (BC) offers an MPCAC-accredited Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MA MHC) delivered in a traditional, on-campus format through the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. This 60-credit program meets Massachusetts educational requirements for LMHC licensure and provides a comprehensive foundation in counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, ethics, multicultural practice, and evidence-based interventions. Students complete a supervised practicum and internship sequence in approved mental health agencies, schools, and community organizations, gaining direct clinical experience with diverse client populations. Graduates are prepared for professional counseling roles in community mental health, healthcare settings, and related service environments.
Boston University
Boston University (BU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine (MA MHCBM) delivered in a traditional, on-campus format through the BU School of Medicine. This 60-credit, two-year program integrates clinical mental health counseling training with behavioral medicine, health psychology, and neuroscience. Students complete a practicum and year-long internship in clinical and healthcare settings, benefiting from placements across Boston Medical Center and affiliated agencies. The curriculum is designed to meet Massachusetts requirements for LMHC licensure and emphasizes evidence-based clinical skills, interprofessional collaboration, and culturally responsive practice. Graduates are prepared for counseling roles in hospitals, behavioral health organizations, and community care settings.
University of Massachusetts-Boston
The University of Massachusetts-Boston (UMass Boston) offers an MPCAC-accredited Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MS MHC) delivered primarily online with a required in-person intensive at the start of the program. This 60-credit program meets Massachusetts educational requirements for LMHC licensure and combines flexible online coursework with supervised clinical training. Students complete practicum and internship placements within approved community mental health sites, gaining approximately 1,000 hours of supervised experience. The curriculum emphasizes counseling theory, diagnosis, ethics, multicultural counseling, and applied clinical skills. Graduates are prepared for professional counseling roles in community agencies, healthcare systems, and other behavioral health settings.
Other Notable Programs
- Springfield College
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Massachusetts
The following 13 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.
- Fitchburg State University ($20,820)
- Westfield State University ($25,860)
- Bridgewater State University ($32,160)
- Anna Maria College ($35,940)
- Cambridge College ($38,340)
- University of Massachusetts-Boston ($40,500-$53,160)
- Merrimack College ($43,500)
- Springfield College ($46,440-$72,720)
- University of Massachusetts-Global ($47,250)
- American International College ($49,800)
- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary ($52,500)
- Assumption University ($52,800)
- Framingham State University ($54,240)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Massachusetts
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- American International College (Online)
- Bay Path University (Online)
- Cambridge College (Hybrid)
- Framingham State University (Hybrid)
- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Online)
- Merrimack College (Online)
- Regis College (Hybrid)
- Springfield College (Online)
- University of Massachusetts-Boston (Online)
- University of Massachusetts-Global (Online)
- William James College (Online)
Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Massachusetts mental health counselors are similar to national trends, with an expected growth rate of 19.4% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 680 annual job openings in Massachusetts 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 | 17,950 | $43,220 | $47,120 | $59,030 | $73,000 | $91,260 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton | 500 | $43,870 | $46,560 | $58,110 | $72,870 | $96,690 |
| Barnstable Town | 380 | $43,140 | $47,410 | $59,600 | $79,350 | $94,090 |
| Boston | 10,980 | $44,460 | $48,320 | $60,780 | $74,300 | $91,260 |
| Pittsfield | 380 | $41,350 | $47,300 | $56,550 | $73,890 | $96,130 |
| Springfield | 1,560 | $40,990 | $46,430 | $57,750 | $78,860 | $95,910 |
| Worcester | 2,700 | $43,070 | $47,160 | $56,480 | $68,160 | $85,560 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online, hybrid, 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 regional and programmatic accreditation for counseling programs.
- Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH): A statewide affiliate of Mental Health America (MHA) offering advocacy, peer support, and mental health education.
- Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions: The state licensing authority for LMHCs and other behavioral health professionals, with requirements for education, supervised experience, exams, and renewals.
- Massachusetts Counseling Schools: Browse accredited counseling programs in Massachusetts, including online, hybrid, and campus-based options.
- Massachusetts LMHC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MaMHCA): The statewide professional association for LMHCs providing advocacy, continuing education, and networking opportunities.
- Massachusetts Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention (OBHPP): Oversees statewide behavioral health initiatives, crisis services, and community mental health programs.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the mental health counseling profession, including responsibilities, 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