Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in New York
This guide provides an overview of mental health counseling (MHC) education and career paths in New York. Across the state, 41 nonprofit colleges and universities offer MHC or clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) programs delivered on campus, online, or in hybrid formats.1 This page features respected, affordable programs that lead to New York’s Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential and includes information on salaries, job outlooks, and related professional resources.
Table of Contents
- New York MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- New York MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of New York Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 41 New York 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 York school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our New York 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelphi University | — | MA MHC | Traditional | #198 tie | $1,645 | $1,645 | 60 |
| Alfred University | CACREP | MSEd CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,335 | $1,335 | 60 |
| Baruch College (CUNY) | — | MA MHC | Traditional | — | $470 | $855 | 60 |
| Brooklyn College (CUNY) | — | MA MHC | Traditional | — | $470 | $855 | 60 |
| Canisius University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $945 | $945 | 60 |
| College of Staten Island (CUNY) | MPCAC | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $470 | $855 | 60 |
| Fordham University | MPCAC | MSEd MHC | Traditional | #97 tie | $1,799 | $1,799 | 60 |
| Hofstra University | CACREP | MA MHC | Traditional | #183 tie | $1,760 | $1,760 | 60 |
| Hunter College (CUNY) | — | MSEd MHC | Traditional | — | $470 | $855 | 60 |
| Iona University | — | MA MHC | Hybrid | — | $1,360 | $1,360 | 60 |
| John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) | — | MA Forensic MHC | Traditional | — | $470 | $855 | 60 |
| Le Moyne College | — | MS CMHC | Hybrid | — | $895 | $895 | 60 |
| Lehman College (CUNY) | — | MS CMHC | Online; Hybrid | — | $470 | $855 | 60 |
| Long Island University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #373 tie | $1,407 | $1,407 | 60 |
| Manhattan University | — | MS MHC | Hybrid | — | $1,330 | $1,330 | 60 |
| Marist University | — | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $990 | $990 | 60 |
| Mercy University | — | MS MHC | Traditional | — | $1,082 | $1,082 | 60 |
| Molloy University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $1,510 | $1,510 | 60 |
| New York Institute of Technology | — | MS MHC | Online | — | $1,680 | $1,680 | 60 |
| New York University | MPCAC | MA Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness | Traditional; Online | #32 tie | $2,272 | $2,272 | 60 |
| Niagara University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional; Hybrid | — | $900 | $900 | 60 |
| Pace University | CACREP | MS MHC | Traditional | #273 tie | $1,495 | $1,495 | 60 |
| Queens College (CUNY) | CACREP | MS MHC | Traditional | — | $470 | $855 | 60 |
| Russell Sage College | MPCAC | MA MHC & Community Psychology | Traditional | — | $805 | $805 | 60 |
| St. Bonaventure University | CACREP | MSEd CMHC | Online | — | $825 | $825 | 60 |
| St. John Fisher University | CACREP | MS MHC | Traditional | #192 tie | $1,193 | $1,193 | 60 |
| St. John’s University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #151 tie | $1,640 | $1,640 | 60 |
| St. Joseph’s University | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $979 | $979 | 60 |
| SUNY Albany | MPCAC | MS MHC | Traditional | #127 tie | $690 | $1,118 | 60 |
| SUNY Brockport | CACREP | MS MHC | Traditional | — | $471 | $963 | 60 |
| SUNY New Paltz | CACREP | MS MHC | Traditional | — | $471 | $963 | 60 |
| SUNY Old Westbury | MPCAC | MS MHC | Traditional | — | $471 | $1,021 | 60 |
| SUNY Oswego | CACREP | MS MHC | Traditional | — | $471 | $1,021 | 60 |
| SUNY Plattsburgh | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $471 | $963 | 60 |
| Syracuse University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #75 tie | $2,015 | $2,015 | 60 |
| Teachers College at Columbia University | MPCAC | EdM MHC | Traditional | — | $2,131 | $2,131 | 60 |
| The City College of New York (CUNY) | — | MA MHC | Traditional | #132 tie | $470 | $855 | 60 |
| Touro University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #143 tie | $960 | $960 | 60 |
| University at Buffalo (SUNY) | MPCAC | MS MHC | Traditional; Online | #75 tie | $628 | $1,430 | 60 |
| University of Rochester | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional; Online | #46 tie | $2,150 | $2,150 | 60 |
| Yeshiva University | — | MA MHC | Traditional; Online | #84 tie | $1,694 | $1,694 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in New York
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in New York, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
New York University
New York University (NYU) offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness through the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. This 60-credit, MPCAC-accredited program fulfills the academic requirements for New York’s LMHC credential and is available in both on-campus and fully online formats. The curriculum integrates coursework in counseling theory, ethics, multicultural counseling, and clinical techniques with supervised practicum and internship placements throughout the New York City area. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse clinical, community, and private practice settings serving individuals and groups across the lifespan.
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester’s (UR) Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, offered through the Warner School of Education, is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program that meets New York State’s academic requirements for LMHC licensure. The curriculum emphasizes the development of advanced counseling skills, cultural competence, and ethical practice, combining online coursework with supervised field experiences. A fully online option is available to students who prefer distance learning. Students complete a practicum and two internships in approved mental health settings, gaining hands-on experience with diverse client populations. Graduates are qualified for licensure and employment in community agencies, hospitals, and private practice environments.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University (SU) offers a 60-credit Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through its School of Education. This CACREP-accredited, on-campus program meets New York State’s educational requirements for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential. The curriculum combines foundational coursework in counseling theory, ethics, and assessment with specialized training in multicultural and developmental counseling. Students complete supervised practicum and internship placements in clinical and community settings, preparing them for professional counseling roles in schools, agencies, and healthcare organizations across the state.
University at Buffalo (SUNY)
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling through its Graduate School of Education. This 60-credit, MPCAC-accredited program satisfies the academic requirements for LMHC licensure in New York and can be completed in traditional on-campus or fully online formats. The curriculum integrates counseling theory, ethics, and assessment with applied clinical practice and multicultural training, while supervised fieldwork provides practical experience in diverse mental health settings. Graduates are prepared for counseling careers in hospitals, schools, and community agencies, as well as private practice.
Fordham University
Fordham University’s Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit, MPCAC-accredited program offered through the Graduate School of Education. The curriculum fulfills New York State’s academic requirements for LMHC licensure and is delivered in a traditional on-campus format at the Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses. Coursework covers counseling theory, human development, ethics, and research methods, paired with supervised practicum and internship experiences in community and clinical settings. Graduates are equipped to provide ethical, culturally responsive counseling services to individuals, couples, and families across diverse populations.
Other Notable Programs
- SUNY Albany
- Touro University
- St. John’s University
- Hofstra University
- St. John Fisher University
- Pace University
- Long Island University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in New York
The following 15 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.
- Baruch College (CUNY) ($28,200)
- Brooklyn College (CUNY) ($28,200)
- College of Staten Island (CUNY) ($28,200)
- Hunter College (CUNY) ($28,200)
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) ($28,200)
- Lehman College (CUNY) ($28,200)
- Queens College (CUNY) ($28,200)
- The City College of New York (CUNY) ($28,200)
- SUNY Brockport ($28,260)
- SUNY New Paltz ($28,260)
- SUNY Old Westbury ($28,260)
- SUNY Oswego ($28,260)
- SUNY Plattsburgh ($28,260)
- University at Buffalo (SUNY) ($37,680)
- SUNY Albany ($41,400)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in New York
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Iona University (Hybrid)
- Le Moyne College (Hybrid)
- Lehman College (Online; Hybrid)
- Manhattan University (Hybrid)
- New York Institute of Technology (Online)
- New York University (Online)
- Niagara University (Hybrid)
- St. Bonaventure University (Online)
- St. Joseph’s University (Online)
- University at Buffalo (SUNY) (Online)
- University of Rochester (Online)
- Yeshiva University (Online)
New York Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for New York mental health counselors exceed national trends, with an expected growth rate of 25.2% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is expected to result in an average of 610 annual openings in New York 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 | 22,450 | $43,160 | $50,880 | $62,070 | $76,680 | $101,910 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | 1,060 | $41,560 | $46,340 | $56,500 | $68,990 | $89,410 |
| Binghamton | 200 | $43,170 | $49,090 | $55,800 | $73,030 | $94,580 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | 1,360 | $42,400 | $49,060 | $56,690 | $65,190 | $80,540 |
| Elmira | 90 | $48,430 | $52,560 | $61,160 | $66,930 | $84,430 |
| Glens Falls | 120 | $41,820 | $46,480 | $54,270 | $61,540 | $86,420 |
| Ithaca | 170 | $48,400 | $56,680 | $64,480 | $74,740 | $91,060 |
| Kingston | 240 | $41,810 | $49,980 | $61,360 | $67,490 | $91,320 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | 720 | $44,950 | $51,710 | $61,000 | $73,930 | $91,630 |
| New York | 23,790 | $44,100 | $52,770 | $64,900 | $81,680 | $112,690 |
| Rochester | 1,050 | $40,710 | $47,550 | $59,280 | $65,780 | $78,630 |
| Syracuse | 620 | $42,370 | $52,820 | $63,170 | $68,830 | $78,200 |
| Utica-Rome | 320 | $34,400 | $44,320 | $56,990 | $67,620 | $109,290 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | 120 | $38,280 | $47,360 | $56,990 | $61,740 | $71,750 |
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, skills, and work settings.
- New York Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in New York, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- New York LMHC Licensing Process: Step-by-step information on how to become a licensed mental health counselor in New York.
- New York Mental Health Counselors Association (NYMHCA): The state branch of AMHCA that advocates for LMHCs in New York, provides continuing education, legislative updates, and networking opportunities.
- New York State Counseling Association (NYCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with ACA, representing counselors across specialties and offering conferences, advocacy, and professional development resources.
- New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions: The state licensing authority for mental health practitioners, including LMHCs, with official information on education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
- New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH): Oversees statewide public mental health policy, community programs, and behavioral health initiatives supporting individuals and families.
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 2026 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