Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina offers numerous graduate pathways for students pursuing clinical training in mental health counseling (CMHC), with 18 nonprofit institutions currently offering master’s degrees in CMHC or related counseling fields.1 Programs are available in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, giving students flexibility in how they complete their coursework and clinical requirements. The programs listed on this page align with state educational standards for Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) licensure in North Carolina. In addition to program details, this guide provides state-specific information on employment trends, salary expectations, and professional resources to support current and future counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- North Carolina MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- North Carolina MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of North Carolina Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 18 North Carolina 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 North Carolina school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our North Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $299 | $1,253 | 60 |
| Campbell University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #343 tie | $575 | $575 | 60 |
| Catawba College | CACREP | Master of Health Science (MHS) CMHC | Online | — | $599 | $599 | 60 |
| East Carolina University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #192 tie | $290 | $1,020 | 62 |
| Gardner-Webb University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #384 tie | $610 | $610 | 60 |
| Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary | CACREP | MA Counseling (MACO); MA Christian Counseling (MACC) | Traditional; Online | — | $875 | $875 | 66 |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | CACREP | MA Counseling | Traditional | — | $710 | $710 | 61 |
| Montreat College | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | — | $630 | $630 | 60 |
| North Carolina A&T State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #232 tie | $588 | $2,010 | 60 |
| North Carolina Central University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $299 | $1,039 | 60 |
| North Carolina State University | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Traditional; Online | #64 tie | $568 | $1,752 | 60 |
| University of Mount Olive | CACREP | MS CMH | Online | — | $610 | $610 | 60 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #26 tie | $1,034 | $2,071 | 60 |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #143 tie | $299 | $1,175 | 60 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #198 tie | $299 | $1,150 | 60 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | CACREP | MAEd CMHC | Hybrid | — | $238 | $963 | 60 |
| Wake Forest University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | #51 tie | $1,700 | $1,700 | 60 |
| Western Carolina University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #257 tie | $441 | $1,036 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in North Carolina
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in North Carolina, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) offers a 60-credit Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) within the School of Medicine. The program is CACREP-accredited and delivered on campus, preparing students to meet licensure requirements for clinical practice in North Carolina and other states. Coursework integrates clinical assessment, multicultural counseling, developmental theory, and evidence-based interventions. Students complete a supervised practicum and internship in settings such as hospitals, university counseling centers, community mental health agencies, and integrated healthcare systems. Faculty emphasize reflective practice, research literacy, and the application of clinical theory to real-world contexts. Graduates pursue careers across a wide range of mental health environments, including healthcare, higher education, and community-based counseling services.
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) delivered in a fully online format. The 60-credit curriculum is designed for students who require flexibility but still want intensive, relational training in counseling. Courses focus on counseling theory, applied skills, ethical standards, multicultural responsiveness, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Rather than relocating, students arrange local practicum and internship placements with support from dedicated clinical training staff. The program highlights personal formation, professional identity, and a service-oriented approach rooted in Wake Forest’s longstanding mentoring model. Many WFU counseling graduates go on to work in agency settings, private practice, and faith- or community-based organizations.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University (NC State) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). Students may enroll in either a traditional face-to-face format or a hybrid/online option designed for working adults. The program includes 60 credits of coursework in areas such as counseling theory, group dynamics, appraisal, career counseling, and social justice advocacy. Practical training is central to the curriculum, with students completing a practicum and two-part internship in approved clinical settings. NC State’s program places significant emphasis on culturally informed practice and community engagement, giving students opportunities to participate in outreach, research, and leadership development. Graduates commonly move into clinical roles in community agencies, college counseling centers, healthcare systems, and other professional settings, and some continue into doctoral study or administrative leadership.
Other Notable Programs
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- East Carolina University
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in North Carolina
The following seven 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 North Carolina at Pembroke ($14,280)
- Appalachian State University ($17,940)
- North Carolina Central University ($17,940)
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte ($17,940)
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro ($17,940)
- East Carolina University ($17,980)
- Western Carolina University ($26,460)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in North Carolina
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Catawba College (Online)
- Montreat College (Online)
- North Carolina Central University (Online)
- North Carolina State University (Online)
- University of Mount Olive (Online)
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke (Hybrid)
- Wake Forest University (Online)
North Carolina Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Job growth for mental health counselors in North Carolina is projected to outpace the national average, with an expected growth rate of 27% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 1,170 annual openings in North Carolina 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 | 8,930 | $38,440 | $47,460 | $56,470 | $68,470 | $83,790 |
| Burlington | 90 | $29,020 | $32,330 | $50,590 | $61,100 | $75,600 |
| Charlotte | 2,610 | $34,730 | $44,200 | $56,450 | $68,660 | $88,170 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 660 | $42,240 | $47,960 | $58,590 | $75,940 | $93,390 |
| Fayetteville | 330 | $36,270 | $45,960 | $57,420 | $68,360 | $81,150 |
| Goldsboro | 90 | $39,970 | $45,510 | $53,590 | $66,040 | $84,130 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 470 | $31,200 | $42,630 | $54,010 | $70,850 | $91,440 |
| Greenville | 160 | $38,810 | $47,020 | $55,170 | $64,440 | $77,850 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 280 | $37,490 | $45,830 | $50,450 | $60,940 | $77,630 |
| Jacksonville | 110 | $41,450 | $44,550 | $50,340 | $57,850 | $65,160 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | 90 | $41,750 | $46,120 | $53,660 | $70,710 | $86,120 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 1,200 | $44,810 | $50,180 | $60,350 | $71,300 | $86,080 |
| Rocky Mount | 100 | $35,760 | $44,610 | $47,790 | $64,110 | $75,440 |
| Wilmington | 560 | $37,590 | $44,940 | $49,410 | $68,150 | $80,470 |
| Winston-Salem | 400 | $34,340 | $46,000 | $53,800 | $63,210 | $78,730 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read our interviews page for career advice from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.
- Licensed Clinical Counselors of North Carolina (LCCNC): The state chapter of AMHCA offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional support for mental health counselors.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, skills, and work settings.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness North Carolina (NAMI NC): Provides free education programs, peer and family support groups, and advocacy for individuals affected by mental illness.
- North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (NCBLCMHC): The official state licensing board regulating LCMHC credentials, supervision requirements, and practice standards.
- North Carolina Counseling Association (NCCA): A statewide professional organization providing advocacy, networking, and professional development opportunities for counselors across specialties.
- North Carolina Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in North Carolina, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities & Substance Use Services (DMH/DD/SUS): Oversees statewide behavioral health services, treatment initiatives, and community programs.
- North Carolina LCMHC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guide to becoming an LCMHC in North Carolina.
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