Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Nebraska
Nebraska is home to seven nonprofit colleges and universities that offer master’s-level programs in clinical mental health counseling or a closely related discipline.1 Programs are available in traditional, hybrid, and online formats, so students can find an option that fits their location and schedule. In this guide, you’ll find details on Nebraska programs leading to the Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) and Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) credentials, job outlook, typical salaries, and professional organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- Nebraska MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Nebraska MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Nebraska Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares the seven Nebraska 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 Nebraska school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Nebraska 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | — | $680 | $680 | 60 |
| Chadron State College | CACREP | MAE CMHC | Online | — | $412 | $412 | 60 |
| Doane University | CACREP | MA Counseling (MAC) CMHC | Traditional | — | $499 | $499 | 60 |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | CACREP | MSEd CMHC | Hybrid | — | $291-$354 | $567-$639 | 60 |
| University of Nebraska at Lincoln | — | MA Counseling Psychology | Traditional | #158 tie | $383 | $1,119 | 60 |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #301 tie | $488 | $1,079 | 60 |
| Wayne State College | CACREP | MSE CMHC | Hybrid | — | $252-$412 | $379-$505 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Nebraska
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Nebraska, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). This 60-credit program is delivered in a traditional, in-person format through UNO’s Department of Counseling within the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Coursework spans foundational areas including counseling theory, ethics, multicultural competence, assessment, human development, and group work, alongside CMHC-specific courses focused on clinical practice and diagnosis. Students complete supervised practicum and internship experiences at approved clinical sites in the greater Omaha area. Graduates are prepared to pursue LMHP licensure and work in settings such as community mental health agencies, hospitals, college counseling centers, and private practice in Nebraska. Students who take two additional elective courses can also satisfy the academic requirements for licensure as a Provisional Alcohol and Drug Counselor (PLADC) in Nebraska.
Wayne State College
Wayne State College (WSC), a public institution in the Nebraska State College System, offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The 60-credit program uses a hybrid delivery model that combines online synchronous and asynchronous coursework with a low-residency format requiring just four on-campus visits per year. This structure is designed with working professionals in mind. Core coursework covers areas such as counseling techniques, ethical and legal standards, psychopathology, lifespan development, and multicultural counseling. Students complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours (including at least 40 direct client contact hours, with group counseling experience required) and 600 internship hours under supervision. WSC’s Help Clinic, an on-campus counseling training center, provides a supervised environment where students practice skills through peer role-play scenarios with access to recording technology for faculty feedback. Graduates are eligible to pursue LMHP licensure in Nebraska, though students planning to practice in other states should verify their state’s specific requirements.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The 60-credit program uses a blended format that mixes online, evening, and on-campus coursework, making it accessible for students balancing other commitments while still providing in-person learning experiences. The curriculum addresses core counseling competencies along with CMHC-focused courses in clinical foundations and diagnostic assessment. Supervised field experience includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, with placements available across a variety of settings including community agencies, treatment centers, correctional facilities, healthcare environments, and private practice. Students interested in broadening their credentials may complete optional additional coursework to meet the academic requirements for dual licensure as both an LMHP and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and may pursue LMHP or Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) licensure in Nebraska.
Other Notable Programs
- Chadron State College
- Doane University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Nebraska
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.
- Wayne State College ($15,120-$24,720)
- University of Nebraska at Kearney ($17,460-$21,240)
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln ($22,980)
- Chadron State College ($24,720)
- University of Nebraska at Omaha ($29,280)
- Doane University ($29,940)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Nebraska
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Bellevue University (Online)
- Chadron State College (Online)
- University of Nebraska at Kearney (Hybrid)
- Wayne State College (Hybrid)
Nebraska Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Nebraska mental health counselors are more favorable than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 21.3% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 210 annual openings in Nebraska 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 | 2,170 | $42,400 | $47,040 | $63,770 | $81,740 | $109,610 |
| Grand Island | 100 | $28,080 | $41,560 | $60,320 | $75,270 | $93,240 |
| Lincoln | 560 | $41,650 | $55,010 | $76,480 | $106,840 | $113,740 |
| Omaha | 1,140 | $42,420 | $46,340 | $60,650 | $77,330 | $103,580 |
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.
- Nebraska Counseling Association (NCA): The state branch of the American Counseling Association (ACA), offering advocacy, professional development, and networking for counselors across Nebraska.
- Nebraska Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Nebraska, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Nebraska DHHS Mental Health and Social Work Practice Board: The state licensing authority for mental health practitioners in Nebraska, with information on PLMHP, LMHP, and LIMHP credentials, applications, examinations, and regulations.
- Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health: The lead state agency for mental health and substance use disorder services in Nebraska, responsible for planning, funding, and coordinating behavioral health programs statewide through six regional networks.
- Nebraska LMHP Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become licensed in Nebraska, 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 2025 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm