Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to 45 nonprofit colleges and universities offering master’s programs in mental health counseling (MHC) or clinical mental health counseling (CMHC).1 These programs are available in a variety of formats (on campus, online, and hybrid) to fit different schedules and learning preferences. This guide highlights respected and affordable options that meet Pennsylvania’s requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). You’ll also find insights into local job prospects, salary expectations, and organizations that support counselors across the state.
Table of Contents
- Pennsylvania MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Pennsylvania MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Pennsylvania Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 45 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Pennsylvania counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.
| School Name | Accreditation1-3 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alvernia University | CACREP | MACC | Traditional | #352 tie | $900 | $900 | 60 |
| Arcadia University | MPCAC | MAC | Traditional | — | $865 | $865 | 60 |
| Cairn University | — | MS Counseling | Traditional; Online | — | $725 | $725 | 60 |
| Carlow University | CACREP | MS Professional Counseling | Traditional | — | $1,046 | $1,046 | 60 |
| Chatham University | MPCAC | MS Counseling Psychology (CP) | Traditional | #213 tie | $1,194 | $1,194 | 60 |
| Chestnut Hill College | MPCAC | MS Clinical and Counseling Psychology (CCP) | Traditional | — | $785 | $785 | 60 |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | — | $534 | $801 | 60 |
| Delaware Valley University | MPCAC | MA Counseling Psychology | Traditional | — | $800 | $800 | 60 |
| Duquesne University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #169 tie | $1,579 | $1,579 | 60 |
| Eastern University | MPCAC | MA Counseling Psychology | Online; Hybrid | — | $790 | $790 | 60 |
| Elizabethtown College | — | MA Counseling Psychology | Traditional | — | $695 | $695 | 60 |
| Gannon University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #257 tie | $835 | $835 | 60 |
| Geneva College | CACREP | MA Counseling | Traditional; Online; Hybrid | — | $699 | $699 | 60 |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | #273 tie | $784 | $784 | 60 |
| Holy Family University | — | MS Counseling Psychology: CMHC | Traditional | — | $927 | $927 | 60 |
| Immaculata University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #301 tie | $710 | $710 | 60 |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #329 tie | $534 | $801 | 60 |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $534 | $801 | 60 |
| La Salle University | CACREP | MA Professional Clinical Counseling | Traditional | #257 tie | $1,015 | $1,015 | 60 |
| Lancaster Bible College | — | MA CMHC | Online | — | $480 | $480 | 60 |
| Lebanon Valley College | — | MS CMHC | Hybrid | — | $759 | $759 | 60 |
| Lehigh University | MPCAC | M.Ed. MHC | Online | #46 tie | $660 | $660 | 60 |
| Marywood University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $925 | $925 | 60 |
| Messiah University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | — | $800 | $800 | 60 |
| Moravian University | — | MA Clinical Counseling | Hybrid | — | $750 | $750 | 60 |
| Mount Aloysius College | — | MS CMHC | Online | — | $725 | $725 | 60 |
| Neumann University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $855 | $855 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania State University-University Park | CACREP | M.Ed. CMH and Rehabilitation Counseling | Traditional | #59 tie | $1,082 | $1,950 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania State University-Behrend | — | MA Clinical Psychology | Traditional | — | $1,043 | $1,407 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania Western University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $534 | $801 | 60 |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | — | MS MHC | Traditional | — | $1,034 | $1,034 | 60 |
| Robert Morris University | MPCAC | MS Counseling Psychology | Traditional | #208 tie | $970 | $970 | 60 |
| Rosemont College | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $840 | $840 | 60 |
| Seton Hill University | — | MA Art Therapy: Counseling | Traditional | — | $949 | $949 | 63 |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $534 | $801 | 60 |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | CACREP | MA CMHC | Hybrid | — | $534 | $801 | 60 |
| Temple University | — | M.Ed. Counseling Psychology: MHC | Traditional | #102 tie | $1,148 | $1,577 | 60 |
| Thomas Jefferson University | CACREP | MS Community & Trauma Counseling | Traditional | #132 tie | $1,313 | $1,313 | 60 |
| University of Pennsylvania | — | MSEd School and Mental Health Counseling | Traditional | #7 tie | $2,128 | $2,128 | 60 |
| University of Pittsburgh | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #69 tie | $1,115 | $1,115 | 60 |
| University of Scranton | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $757 | $757 | 60 |
| Villanova University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #57 tie | $955 | $955 | 60 |
| Waynesburg University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online; Hybrid | — | $715 | $715 | 60 |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | #242 tie | $568 | $851 | 60 |
| Westminster Theological Seminary | — | MAC | Online | — | $675 | $675 | 61 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Pennsylvania
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Pennsylvania, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Lehigh University
Lehigh University (LU) offers a 60-credit Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Mental Health Counseling (MHC). The program is offered online and prepares graduates to pursue LPC licensure in Pennsylvania. Lehigh’s on-campus M.Ed. modality is accredited by MPCAC; the online modality is not currently accredited, but the curriculum is aligned with MPCAC standards. Coursework emphasizes ethical and multicultural counseling, research methods, and clinical assessment. Students complete a practicum and internship sequence in approved counseling settings, gaining hands-on experience that supports the transition to professional practice. Graduates are prepared to provide counseling services in schools, agencies, and community organizations.
Villanova University
Villanova University (VU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health (CMH). This 60-credit program meets Pennsylvania LPC educational requirements, and the CMH specialization is CACREP-accredited. The format is traditional and on campus, with all coursework and practicum experiences delivered face-to-face. The curriculum combines a strong foundation in counseling theory, ethics, and human development with advanced clinical training and fieldwork. Students benefit from small class sizes and individualized faculty mentoring throughout their practicum and internship placements. Graduates are prepared to pursue LPC licensure and serve in clinical, educational, and community settings.
Pennsylvania State University-University Park
The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health (CMH) and Rehabilitation Counseling. This 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program emphasizes experiential training, multicultural competence, and evidence-based practice. It meets the academic requirements for LPC licensure in Pennsylvania and includes practicum and internship experiences in approved clinical settings. The curriculum integrates courses in counseling theory, group dynamics, assessment, and career development. Students have opportunities to engage in applied research and supervised clinical experiences in both university and community-based settings. Graduates are qualified for licensure and employment in mental health agencies, hospitals, and private practice.
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC), a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program. The program is delivered primarily in person and prepares students to meet the educational requirements for licensure in Pennsylvania and other states. Coursework covers counseling theory, ethics, multicultural counseling, and clinical practice, paired with supervised clinical placements in community and healthcare settings. Students complete both a practicum and an internship to develop advanced counseling competencies under the guidance of licensed professionals. The program places strong emphasis on evidence-based and culturally responsive practice. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practice.
Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Community & Trauma Counseling. While the title differs from other qualifying programs, the program is CACREP-accredited and designed for clinical mental health practice, aligning with LPC requirements in Pennsylvania. The 60-credit curriculum integrates trauma-informed counseling, multicultural awareness, and applied clinical training through practicum and internship experiences in community agencies and healthcare environments. Students gain hands-on experience through Jefferson’s network of clinical partners, focusing on trauma recovery, resilience, and crisis response. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and applied techniques for working with individuals, families, and groups. Graduates are prepared to pursue LPC licensure and work in hospitals, schools, and mental health agencies across the region.
Other Notable Programs
- Alvernia University
- Chatham University
- Duquesne University
- Gannon University
- Immaculata University
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- La Salle University
- Robert Morris University
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Pennsylvania
The following 16 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.
- Lancaster Bible College ($28,800)
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania ($32,040)
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania ($32,040)
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania ($32,040)
- Pennsylvania Western University ($32,040)
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania ($32,040)
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($32,040)
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($34,080)
- Lehigh University ($39,600)
- Westminster Theological Seminary ($41,175)
- Elizabethtown College ($41,700)
- Geneva College ($41,940)
- Immaculata University ($42,600)
- Waynesburg University ($42,900)
- Cairn University ($43,500)
- Mount Aloysius College ($43,500)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Pennsylvania
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Cairn University (Online)
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Online)
- Eastern University (Online; Hybrid)
- Geneva College (Online; Hybrid)
- Gwynedd Mercy University (Online)
- Lancaster Bible College (Online)
- Lebanon Valley College (Hybrid)
- Lehigh University (Online)
- Messiah University (Online)
- Moravian University (Hybrid)
- Mount Aloysius College (Online)
- Pennsylvania Western University (Online)
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (Hybrid)
- Waynesburg University (Online; Hybrid)
- Westminster Theological Seminary (Online)
Pennsylvania Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Pennsylvania mental health counselors are slightly lower than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 15.2% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 Still, this growth is likely to result in an average of 2,420 annual openings in Pennsylvania 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 | 26,510 | $38,760 | $46,910 | $58,320 | $72,800 | $87,540 |
| Allentown | 1,290 | $42,030 | $48,860 | $60,040 | $74,180 | $90,380 |
| Altoona | 390 | $36,550 | $40,930 | $47,880 | $55,350 | $63,860 |
| Chambersburg | 170 | $37,350 | $46,260 | $53,360 | $68,360 | $88,280 |
| Erie | 670 | $39,320 | $43,480 | $49,160 | $60,340 | $73,790 |
| Gettysburg | 110 | $38,290 | $46,910 | $56,430 | $68,430 | $81,530 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | 1,160 | $37,660 | $47,830 | $60,210 | $74,960 | $94,900 |
| Johnstown | 280 | $37,670 | $41,950 | $48,100 | $61,980 | $75,920 |
| Lancaster | 970 | $39,840 | $47,920 | $54,760 | $73,290 | $86,000 |
| Lebanon | 210 | $41,550 | $49,130 | $56,870 | $68,130 | $86,390 |
| Philadelphia | 12,860 | $39,520 | $48,610 | $59,990 | $76,700 | $95,770 |
| Pittsburgh | 5,400 | $39,740 | $47,750 | $58,760 | $70,510 | $84,400 |
| Reading | 710 | $42,980 | $48,330 | $55,840 | $68,140 | $81,410 |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre | 1,230 | $36,370 | $42,860 | $49,780 | $65,060 | $82,840 |
| State College | 280 | $41,630 | $43,680 | $55,600 | $64,670 | $78,850 |
| Williamsport | 170 | $38,240 | $44,620 | $54,000 | $65,620 | $86,130 |
| York-Hanover | 730 | $39,500 | $47,840 | $57,780 | $71,780 | $84,790 |
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.
- Pennsylvania Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Pennsylvania, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA), representing counselors across specialties and providing conferences, advocacy, and professional development resources.
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS): Oversees statewide behavioral health policy, community mental health programs, and services supporting individuals and families.
- Pennsylvania LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step information on how to become an LPC in Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania Mental Health Counselors Association (PaMHCA): The state branch of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) that advocates for LPCs in Pennsylvania, offers continuing education, and promotes legislative awareness.
- Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors: The official licensing authority for counselors in Pennsylvania, with detailed information on education, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
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