Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has four 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, low-residency, and online 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 Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs) in New Hampshire. It also provides information on job prospects, salary ranges, and professional organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- New Hampshire MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- New Hampshire MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of New Hampshire Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares four New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our New Hampshire 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioch University New England | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid; Online | — | $884-$992 | $884-$992 | 60 |
| New England College | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $580 | $580 | 60 |
| Plymouth State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $614 | $850 | 60 |
| Rivier University | — | MA CMHC | Online | — | $733 | $733 | 63 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Hampshire
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in New Hampshire, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Plymouth State University
Plymouth State University (PSU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The 60-credit program is CACREP-accredited and delivered in person, with scheduling designed to accommodate both full-time students and working adults. All counseling students share a common core curriculum covering professional ethics, cross-cultural counseling, human development, and assessment, before moving into concentration-specific coursework in clinical mental health practice. Students also have the option of adding a secondary concentration in areas such as addictions treatment, marriage and family therapy, eating disorders, or play therapy. Clinical training includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship in an approved mental health setting, with weekly individual supervision from a licensed provider. The program is structured around the educational requirements set by the state of New Hampshire, though graduates should be aware that licensure also requires passing an exam and completing two to four years of supervised post-degree clinical work. Graduates go on to work in clinical, healthcare, residential, and correctional settings across New Hampshire and surrounding states.
Antioch University New England
Antioch University New England (AUNE), based in Keene, offers a 60-credit CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program is delivered in a low-residency format, with two options: fully online coursework paired with two week-long intensive residencies, or a weekend-based schedule with classes held at the Keene campus. Coursework spans core areas including counseling theory, ethical practice, human development, multicultural counseling, assessment, group work, and research methods. The program places particular emphasis on social justice and the development of a professional counseling identity. Students complete a practicum of at least 100 hours, followed by three semesters of internship totaling a minimum of 600 hours of supervised clinical experience. Full-time students typically finish in three to three and a half years. Graduates are positioned to pursue LCMHC licensure in New Hampshire, subject to state board requirements, and to work in community mental health agencies, substance use treatment programs, inpatient settings, and other counseling environments.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Hampshire
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.
- New England College ($34,800)
- Plymouth State University ($36,840)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Hampshire
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Antioch University New England (Hybrid; Online)
- New England College (Online)
- Rivier University (Online)
New Hampshire Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for New Hampshire mental health counselors are on par with national trends, with an expected growth rate of 16.4% in the state compared to 16.8% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 330 annual openings in New Hampshire through 2034.5 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 | 3,690 | $38,480 | $46,580 | $54,840 | $69,420 | $81,050 |
| Manchester-Nashua | 1,300 | $37,820 | $44,780 | $51,470 | $62,490 | $76,550 |
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.
- New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice: The state licensing authority for clinical mental health counselors in New Hampshire, operating under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Provides information on licensing requirements, applications, and regulations.
- New Hampshire Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in New Hampshire, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services – Bureau of Mental Health Services: Oversees a statewide system of behavioral health services for New Hampshire residents, including mental health, substance use, and developmental disability programs.
- New Hampshire LCMHC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become an LCMHC in New Hampshire, including education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
- New Hampshire Mental Health Counselors Association (NHMHCA): The state chapter of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), providing advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities for clinical mental health counselors across New Hampshire.
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