Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Missouri
Missouri has 17 not-for-profit colleges and universities that offer graduate training in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC). Students can find programs delivered on campus, online, or in a blended format, which makes it easier to balance a master’s degree with work and family life. This guide highlights reputable and cost-conscious programs that meet the state’s academic requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential. It also includes a look at job outlook and salary trends in Missouri, along with professional organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- Missouri MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Missouri MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Missouri Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 17 Missouri 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 Missouri school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Missouri 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avila University | — | MS Counseling Psychology (MSCP) | Traditional | — | $650 | $650 | 60 |
| Central Methodist University | CACREP | MS Clinical Counseling (MSCC) | Traditional; Online | — | $400 | $400 | 60 |
| Covenant Theological Seminary | CACREP | MAC | Traditional | — | $630 | $630 | 75 |
| Culver-Stockton College | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $525 | $525 | 60 |
| Evangel University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | — | $420 | $420 | 60 |
| Lincoln University | — | M.Ed. Counseling: Community/Agency Counseling | Traditional | — | $372 | $690 | 70 |
| Lindenwood University | — | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $619 | $619 | 60 |
| Missouri Baptist University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $755 | $755 | 60 |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #358 tie | $394 | $786 | 60 |
| Missouri Valley College | — | MA Community Counseling (MACC) | Hybrid | — | $500 | $500 | 60 |
| Southeast Missouri State University | CACREP | MA MHC | Traditional | — | $395 | $395 | 60 |
| Stephens College | — | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | — | $620 | $620 | 60 |
| Truman State University | CACREP | MA MHC | Online | — | $584 | $584 | 60 |
| University of Central Missouri | CACREP | MS Counseling | Hybrid | — | $400 | $600 | 60 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | MPCAC | MA Counseling | Traditional | #232 tie | $538 | $807-$1,351 | 60 |
| University of Missouri-St. Louis | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional | #242 tie | $729 | $1,094-$1,662 | 60 |
| Webster University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Hybrid; Online | — | $800 | $800 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Missouri
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Missouri, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a 60-credit Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health (CMH) focus. The program is accredited by MPCAC and is structured to meet Missouri’s LPC education requirements. Students move through a mix of core counseling courses, multicultural training, and skill-based clinical classes. UMKC places a lot of emphasis on supervised experience, so the practicum and internship sequence plays a central role in the program. Training takes place on campus and at community sites, giving students steady exposure to real clinical work as they progress. Graduates leave with the preparation needed for entry-level counseling positions in community agencies, clinics, and similar settings.
University of Missouri-St. Louis
The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). It is a 60-credit, in-person program that fully aligns with Missouri’s LPC academic standards. The coursework covers the major areas expected in a clinical training program, including diagnosis, ethics, group counseling, and assessment. Students also participate in a practicum and internship, both completed in community mental health organizations or similar placements. UMSL’s program is known for its structured approach to skill development and its focus on culturally informed counseling practice. Graduates are positioned to pursue licensure and move into roles in behavioral health agencies, hospitals, and related environments.
Missouri State University-Springfield
Missouri State University (MSU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a 60-credit CACREP-accredited program that satisfies Missouri’s LPC educational requirements. Students work through coursework in counseling theory, ethical practice, assessment, and evidence-based intervention, with faculty who encourage practical application from the start. The practicum and internship placements provide hands-on experience in regional counseling centers and community agencies, helping students build confidence alongside supervised training. The program is delivered on campus and has a steady, skills-first feel that supports students as they prepare for licensure. Graduates are ready for clinical roles in community mental health, college counseling centers, healthcare settings, and private practice.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Missouri
The following nine 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.
- Missouri State University-Springfield ($23,640)
- Southeast Missouri State University ($23,700)
- Central Methodist University ($24,000)
- University of Central Missouri ($24,000)
- Evangel University ($25,200)
- Lincoln University ($26,040)
- Missouri Valley College ($30,000)
- Culver-Stockton College ($31,500)
- University of Missouri-Kansas City ($32,280)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Missouri
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Central Methodist University (Online)
- Culver-Stockton College (Online)
- Evangel University (Online)
- Lindenwood University (Online)
- Missouri Valley College (Hybrid)
- Truman State University (Online)
- University of Central Missouri (Hybrid)
- Webster University (Online; Hybrid)
Missouri Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Missouri mental health counselors are similar to national expectations, with statewide job growth estimated at 18.2% compared to 18.4% nationally.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 660 annual job openings in Missouri 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 | 7,500 | $35,630 | $42,930 | $56,640 | $66,810 | $80,160 |
| Cape Girardeau | 160 | $32,790 | $35,880 | $46,420 | $62,900 | $75,830 |
| Columbia | 300 | $35,530 | $38,760 | $57,860 | $63,890 | $78,570 |
| Jefferson City | 240 | $35,830 | $37,720 | $52,060 | $65,470 | $76,900 |
| Joplin | 220 | $35,290 | $44,000 | $60,710 | $68,190 | $84,020 |
| Springfield | 790 | $35,520 | $39,840 | $47,900 | $64,930 | $75,790 |
| St. Joseph | 150 | $34,850 | $45,020 | $55,400 | $67,960 | $83,850 |
| St. Louis | 3,170 | $37,520 | $42,440 | $53,300 | $71,450 | $89,330 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online 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 institutional and programmatic accreditation for counseling programs.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the mental health counseling profession, including responsibilities, essential skills, and typical work settings.
- Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors: Missouri’s LPC licensing board, including requirements, applications, and renewal details.
- Missouri Counseling Association: A statewide counseling organization offering advocacy, education, and networking.
- Missouri Counseling Schools: A list of counseling programs offered by Missouri colleges and universities.
- Missouri Department of Mental Health: Missouri’s agency for statewide behavioral health services, crisis response, and treatment programs.
- Missouri LPC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to earning the LPC credential in Missouri.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Missouri: The Missouri chapter of NAMI, providing education, support, and advocacy resources.
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