Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Nevada
Nevada has two nonprofit colleges and universities with master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 Students in Nevada have two traditional, on-campus options, with some online or hybrid class offerings available. This guide features respected and cost-effective programs that meet Nevada’s educational standards for becoming a Clinical Professional Counselor (CPC). You’ll also find details on job outlook, salary expectations, and professional organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- Nevada MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Nevada MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Nevada Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares Nevada’s two 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 Nevada school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Nevada 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #232 tie | $354 | $742 | 60 |
| University of Nevada, Reno | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #192 tie | $354 | $742 | 67 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Nevada
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Nevada, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), delivered in a traditional, on-campus format. The curriculum blends foundational counseling theory with applied skill development, giving students a balanced understanding of both conceptual frameworks and real-world practice. Coursework spans diagnosis, assessment, multicultural counseling, ethical practice, and evidence-based intervention. Clinical training is threaded throughout the program: students begin with a supervised practicum and then complete internships in community agencies, campus-affiliated clinics, and regional behavioral health settings. Because the degree is structured to meet Nevada’s licensure requirements for CPCs, graduates can continue directly toward licensure. Alumni pursue work in community mental health centers, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and college or integrated care environments.
University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), an in-person program designed to prepare students for Nevada’s CPC licensure pathway. The program emphasizes the formation of reflective, ethically grounded clinicians who can apply theory to complex client needs. Students take courses in counseling techniques, human development, research, diagnosis, multicultural counseling, and professional practice. Skill development occurs through a coordinated practicum and internship sequence, where students train under supervision in community mental health agencies, school-linked programs, and healthcare-based counseling settings. UNR’s approach combines academic rigor with hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are equipped for entry-level clinical roles in community agencies, university counseling centers, and a range of behavioral health organizations.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Nevada
The following two 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.
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas ($21,240)
- University of Nevada-Reno ($23,718)
Nevada Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Nevada mental health counselors are slightly more favorable than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 22% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 150 annual job openings in Nevada 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 | 2,240 | $43,490 | $46,960 | $59,470 | $76,260 | $92,440 |
| Carson City | 40 | $52,970 | $55,580 | $70,740 | $89,400 | $97,780 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas | 1,660 | $45,600 | $46,680 | $59,110 | $76,260 | $86,720 |
| Reno | 400 | $40,750 | $48,280 | $60,400 | $71,260 | $96,700 |
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 America of Nevada (MHA-NV): A statewide nonprofit providing advocacy, peer support, education, and community-based mental health initiatives.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including responsibilities, skills, and common work settings.
- Nevada Behavioral Health Systems (NBH): Statewide information on crisis services, community mental health programs, and behavioral health initiatives.
- Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors (NV MFT/CPC): Nevada’s licensing board for CPCs and Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs), including education requirements, supervised hours, and renewal procedures.
- Nevada Counseling Association (NCA): The Nevada division of the American Counseling Association (ACA) offering professional development, networking opportunities, and legislative advocacy for counselors across the state.
- Nevada Counseling Schools: Browse accredited counseling programs in Nevada, including online, hybrid, and campus-based options.
- Nevada CPC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to becoming a CPC in Nevada.
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