Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Mississippi
Mississippi is home to eight nonprofit colleges and universities offering master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or related counseling disciplines.1 These programs are delivered through a mix of formats, including on-campus, hybrid, and distance-enabled pathways, giving students flexibility based on their location and scheduling needs. This overview highlights reputable and affordable programs that can help prepare graduates to pursue licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Mississippi. It also provides information on job prospects, typical salary ranges, and professional organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- Mississippi MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Mississippi MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Mississippi Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares eight Mississippi 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 Mississippi school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta State University | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Hybrid; Online | — | $469 | $469 | 60 |
| Jackson State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #363 tie | $410 | $665 | 60 |
| Mississippi College | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #358 tie | $600 | $600 | 60 |
| Mississippi State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #208 tie | $581 | $581 | 60 |
| Reformed Theological Seminary-Jackson | CACREP | MA Counseling (MAC) | Traditional | — | $710 | $710 | 78 |
| University of Mississippi | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #169 tie | $555 | $1,675 | 60 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | MPCAC | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | #318 tie | $572 | $684 | 60 |
| William Carey University | — | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | #373 tie | $495 | $495 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Mississippi
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Mississippi, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a 60-credit program accredited by CACREP. Delivered in a traditional, on-campus format in Oxford, the program prepares students for professional counseling practice through a structured blend of academic coursework and supervised clinical experience. Students build competency in areas such as counseling theory, ethical and legal practice, human development, assessment, and multicultural counseling, while also learning evidence-based approaches to treatment across diverse populations. The curriculum is reinforced through practicum and internship placements in approved mental health settings, where students gain direct experience working with clients under supervision. Graduates are prepared to pursue LPC licensure in Mississippi and to enter roles in community mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practice environments.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University (MSU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a 60-credit CACREP-accredited program delivered in a traditional, on-campus format. The program is designed to develop both the clinical skills and professional identity needed for entry-level counseling practice. Coursework covers core areas such as counseling theories, ethics, group work, assessment, human development, and evidence-based interventions, with an emphasis on applying these concepts in real clinical contexts. Students also complete a supervised practicum followed by a full internship experience in approved mental health settings, allowing them to work directly with clients while receiving ongoing supervision. Graduates are positioned to pursue LPC licensure in Mississippi and to work in behavioral health agencies, hospitals, schools, and other counseling-focused organizations.
University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology, a 60-credit program accredited by MPCAC. Unlike traditional counselor education programs, this degree integrates counseling training with a broader psychological science foundation. Students complete coursework in counseling theory, psychological assessment, multicultural counseling, research methods, and evidence-based interventions, alongside supervised practicum and internship experiences in clinical settings. The program places a stronger emphasis on research and psychological principles while still providing applied training in counseling practice. Through fieldwork experiences, students gain hands-on exposure to client care across diverse populations and service settings. Graduates may pursue LPC licensure in Mississippi, subject to state board requirements, and often work in community mental health agencies, hospitals, and behavioral health organizations.
Other Notable Programs
- Mississippi College
- Jackson State University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Mississippi
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.
- Jackson State University ($24,600)
- Delta State University ($28,140)
- William Carey University ($29,700)
- University of Mississippi ($33,300)
- University of Southern Mississippi ($34,320)
- Mississippi State University ($34,860)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Mississippi
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Delta State University (Hybrid; Online)
Mississippi Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Mississippi mental health counselors are less favorable than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 12.1% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 220 annual openings in Mississippi 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 | 2,220 | $32,590 | $37,830 | $46,810 | $56,800 | $78,480 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi | 250 | $32,590 | $33,640 | $39,990 | $60,640 | $105,530 |
| Hattiesburg | 130 | $29,520 | $33,830 | $34,560 | $43,290 | $59,290 |
| Jackson | 630 | $34,080 | $39,180 | $50,510 | $55,170 | $72,500 |
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, required skills, and common work environments.
- Mississippi Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors: The state licensing authority for professional counselors in Mississippi, providing information on licensing requirements, applications, and regulations.
- Mississippi Counseling Association (MCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities.
- Mississippi Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Mississippi, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH): Oversees a statewide system of behavioral health services for Mississippians, including mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability programs.
- Mississippi Licensed Professional Counselors Association (MLPCA): A division of the MCA focused exclusively on the mental health counseling profession in Mississippi, offering continuing education, networking, and legislative advocacy for LPCs.
- Mississippi LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become an LPC in Mississippi, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
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