Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Montana
Five nonprofit colleges and universities in Montana provide master’s-level training in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or a closely related discipline.1 Because many of these programs are offered in a hybrid format, learners who need extra flexibility have several routes to a qualifying degree within the state. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each program that leads to Montana’s Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential, an overview of the counseling job market across Montana, what you can expect to earn, and the professional organizations worth knowing.
Table of Contents
- Montana MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Montana MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Montana Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares the five Montana 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 Montana school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Montana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #318 tie | $333 | $1,025 | 60 |
| Montana State University-Billings | CACREP | MS Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and CMHC (MSCRCMHC) | Hybrid | — | $920 | $2,468 | 60 |
| Montana State University-Northern | — | M.Ed. Counselor Education | Hybrid | — | $370 | $998 | 60 |
| University of Montana | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #363 tie | $465 | $1,615 | 60 |
| University of Providence | CACREP | MS CMHC | Hybrid | — | $1,044 | $1,044 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Montana
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Montana, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Montana State University
Based in Bozeman, Montana State University (MSU) houses its CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) option within a broader Master of Science (MS) in Counseling. The 60-credit program is taught in a traditional, on-campus format and is typically completed in two years, with students attending courses across the summer, fall, and spring terms. Training centers on the principles of human development, counseling theory, group dynamics, and the etiology of mental illness, with a primary clinical focus on working with adults. Beyond the core curriculum, students can fold in addictions coursework as electives, which may count toward separate licensure as an addictions counselor in Montana for those interested. Hands-on training is a defining feature: candidates complete 700 hours of supervised experience through a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, and many gain experience at the on-site Human Development Clinic, which provides low-cost services to the surrounding Gallatin Valley community. The program satisfies Montana’s educational requirements for the LCPC credential, and graduates go on to practice in community agencies, behavioral health hospitals, group practices, and across all levels of mental health care.
University of Montana
The University of Montana (UM), located in Missoula, offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) through its Department of Counselor Education in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Spanning 60 credits and delivered in person, this rigorous program equips students with the coursework needed to pursue licensure as professional counselors in Montana, whether their interest lies in counseling children or adults. The course of study moves from foundational counseling theories and techniques into applied skills, group counseling, individual appraisal, family counseling, multicultural and career counseling, and specialized topics such as risk and resiliency, substance-related disorders, and psychopharmacology. The mental health track adds dedicated training in diagnosis and treatment planning along with an introduction to mental health systems. Consistent with CACREP standards, students complete at least 700 hours of supervised counseling experience (including a practicum and a six-credit agency internship) in an appropriate mental health setting before finishing the degree. Upon graduation, the program meets the educational requirements for the LCPC credential in Montana, preparing counselors for roles across the state’s mental health landscape.
Other Notable Programs
- Montana State University-Billings
- University of Providence
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Montana
The following three 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.
- Montana State University ($19,980)
- Montana State University-Northern ($22,200)
- University of Montana ($27,900)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Montana
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Montana State University-Billings (Hybrid)
- Montana State University-Northern (Hybrid)
- University of Providence (Hybrid)
Montana Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Montana mental health counselors are about the same as national trends, with an expected growth rate of 15.2% in the state compared to 16.8% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 230 annual openings in Montana 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 | 1,820 | $36,840 | $46,170 | $59,000 | $74,010 | $83,640 |
| Billings | 390 | $38,470 | $46,570 | $58,350 | $74,990 | $98,820 |
| Bozeman | 160 | $37,990 | $48,290 | $64,990 | $83,640 | $102,010 |
| Great Falls | 160 | $36,490 | $45,200 | $57,850 | $72,400 | $76,060 |
| Helena | 160 | $35,260 | $45,190 | $63,060 | $78,460 | $83,290 |
| Missoula | 280 | $35,050 | $44,650 | $59,480 | $75,020 | $81,430 |
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.
- Montana Board of Behavioral Health: The state licensing authority for counselors in Montana, housed within the Department of Labor and Industry, with information on the LCPC and LCPC Candidate (PCLC) credentials, applications, examinations, and administrative rules.
- Montana Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Montana, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Montana DPHHS Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division (BHDD): The state division responsible for planning, funding, and coordinating mental health and substance use disorder services across Montana.
- Montana LCPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become licensed in Montana, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
- Professional Counselors Association of Montana (PCA Montana): A statewide professional association advancing clinical mental health counseling through advocacy, professional development, and networking for counselors across Montana.
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