Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Oregon
Oregon has 11 nonprofit colleges and universities with master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC) and clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 Students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid options, making it easier to fit graduate study around work and personal responsibilities. This guide features respected and budget-friendly programs that meet Oregon’s educational standards for becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). You’ll also find details on job outlook, salary expectations, and professional organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- Oregon MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Oregon MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Oregon Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 11 Oregon 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 an Oregon school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Oregon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushnell University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid | — | $830 | $830 | 60 |
| Corban University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid | — | $684 | $684 | 60 |
| George Fox University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | #283 tie | $826 | $826 | 60 |
| Lewis & Clark College | CACREP | MA PMHC | Traditional | — | $1,144 | $1,144 | 60 |
| Oregon State University-Cascades | CACREP | MC CMH | Traditional | #143 tie | $488 | $949 | 90 |
| Oregon State University-Corvallis | CACREP | MC CMH | Hybrid | #143 tie | $614 | $614 | 90 |
| Portland State University | CACREP | MA/MS CMHC | Traditional | #222 tie | $550 | $605-$796 | 90 |
| Southern Oregon University | CACREP | MA/MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $578 | $656 | 90 |
| University of Western States | MPCAC | MS CMHC | Online | — | $663 | $663 | 90 |
| Western Oregon University | — | MS Rehabilitation and MHC | Hybrid | — | $725 | $725 | 90 |
| Western Seminary | CACREP | MA Counseling (MAC) | Hybrid; Online | — | $721 | $721 | 68 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Oregon
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Oregon, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Oregon State University-Cascades
Oregon State University-Cascades (OSU-Cascades) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health (MC CMH) delivered in a traditional, on-campus format in Bend, Oregon. The program meets Oregon’s educational requirements for licensure as an LPC and emphasizes the integration of counseling theory with applied clinical training. Coursework includes counseling ethics, assessment, human development, multicultural counseling, and evidence-based practice. Students complete supervised practicum and internship experiences in approved clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience within the local community. Graduates are prepared for professional roles in community mental health agencies, healthcare organizations, and related clinical environments.
Oregon State University-Corvallis
Oregon State University-Corvallis (OSU-Corvallis) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health (MC CMH) program designed for students seeking flexibility alongside strong clinical preparation. Delivered in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with required on-campus sessions, the program fulfills Oregon’s educational requirements for LPC licensure. The curriculum covers counseling ethics, assessment, lifespan development, multicultural counseling, and core clinical skills. Supervised practicum and internship placements provide hands-on experience in approved counseling settings. Graduates are equipped to pursue clinical counseling positions in mental health agencies, healthcare systems, and community-based organizations.
Portland State University
Portland State University (PSU) offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) delivered in a traditional, on-campus format. Housed within PSU’s College of Education, the program meets Oregon’s educational requirements for LPC licensure and emphasizes community-focused clinical training rooted in urban practice. Students complete coursework in counseling theory, ethics, assessment, multicultural counseling, and evidence-based interventions, along with supervised practicum and internship experiences across diverse clinical settings in the Portland metropolitan area. Graduates are prepared for professional counseling roles in community mental health agencies, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit service settings.
Other Notable Programs
- George Fox University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Oregon
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.
- Corban University ($41,040)
- Oregon State University-Cascades ($43,920)
- Western Seminary ($49,028)
- Portland State University ($49,500)
- George Fox University ($49,560)
- Bushnell University ($49,800)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Oregon
The following schools offer online degrees in mental health counseling:
- Bushnell University (Hybrid)
- Corban University (Hybrid)
- George Fox University (Online)
- Oregon State University-Corvallis (Hybrid)
- University of Western States (Online)
- Western Oregon University (Hybrid)
- Western Seminary (Hybrid; Online)
Oregon Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Oregon mental health counselors are stronger than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 27.4% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This level of growth is projected to generate an average of 900 annual job openings in Oregon 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 | 6,410 | $48,570 | $56,290 | $69,660 | $84,970 | $103,380 |
| Albany | 170 | $48,360 | $55,960 | $67,590 | $90,130 | $90,130 |
| Bend | 390 | $47,620 | $58,800 | $82,380 | $100,810 | $105,890 |
| Corvallis | 170 | $48,760 | $54,710 | $68,620 | $82,630 | $88,030 |
| Eugene-Springfield | 820 | $46,290 | $52,440 | $63,720 | $79,870 | $108,240 |
| Grants Pass | 110 | $49,500 | $53,280 | $62,730 | $80,880 | $89,600 |
| Medford | 310 | $38,500 | $50,490 | $64,460 | $78,870 | $89,330 |
| Portland | 3,640 | $50,700 | $60,230 | $71,530 | $86,150 | $107,880 |
| Salem | 460 | $37,740 | $56,070 | $74,810 | $94,800 | $108,650 |
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 Oregon (MHAO): A nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, peer support, and mental health education throughout the state.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including responsibilities, skills, and common work settings.
- Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT): The state licensing authority for LPCs and LMFTs in Oregon, with details on education requirements, supervised experience, examinations, and license renewal.
- Oregon Counseling Association (ORCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, professional development, and networking.
- Oregon Counseling Schools: Browse accredited counseling programs in Oregon, including online, hybrid, and campus-based options.
- Oregon Health Authority, Behavioral Health Division: Oversees behavioral health services statewide, including mental health, crisis support, and addiction services.
- Oregon LPC Licensing Process: A step-by-step guide to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon.
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