Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Texas

In Texas, 49 not-for-profit schools offer on-campus and online mental health counseling (MHC) or clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) programs.¹ This page highlights affordable, reputable programs that meet Texas educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure and includes information on tuition, LPC salaries, job outlook, and additional resources.

Table of Contents

Texas MHC Program Comparison
Best MHC Programs
Most Affordable MHC Programs
Online MHC Programs
Texas MHC Salary and Outlook Information
Additional Resources

Comparison of Texas Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs

The table below compares 49 Texas 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 Texas school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Texas counseling degrees page, master’s in mental health counseling degree guide, or individual school websites.

School Name	Accreditation^2,3	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
Abilene Christian University	—	MS Counseling Psychology	Traditional	#296 tie	$1,494	$1,494	60
Amberton University	—	MA CMHC	Hybrid	—	$325	$325	60
Angelo State University	—	MA Professional Counseling	Online	—	$232	$637	60
Dallas Baptist University	CACREP	MA Professional Counseling	Hybrid	#392-434	$1,381	$1,381	60
East Texas A&M University	CACREP	MS Counseling: CMHC	Traditional; Hybrid	#377 tie	$408	$816	60
East Texas Baptist University	—	MA CMHC	Online	—	$430	$430	60
Hardin-Simmons University	CACREP	MA CMHC	Traditional	#392-434	$995	$995	60
Houston Christian University	—	MA CMHC	Traditional; Online	—	$620	$620	60
Lamar University	—	M.Ed. CMHC	Online	#392-434	$359	$764	60
LeTourneau University	—	MA CMHC	Online	—	$625	$625	66
Lubbock Christian University	—	MS CMHC	Online	—	$760	$760	60
Midwestern State University	CACREP; MPCAC	MA CMHC; MA Clinical/Counseling Psychology	Online; Traditional	—	$236	$641	60
Nelson University	—	MS CMHC	Online	—	$560	$560	60
Our Lady of the Lake University	—	MA CMHC	Online	#392-434	$991	$991	60
Saint Edward’s University	CACREP	MA Counseling	Hybrid	—	$1,610	$1,610	60
Sam Houston State University	CACREP	MA Counseling	Hybrid	#231 tie	$320	$725	60
Seminary of the Southwest	CACREP	MA CMHC	Traditional	—	$822	$822	60
Southern Methodist University	CACREP	MS Counseling	Traditional	#91 tie	$750	$750	63
St. Mary’s University	CACREP	MA CMHC	Traditional	—	$1,166	$1,166	60
Stephen F. Austin State University	CACREP	MA Professional Counseling	Traditional	—	$284	$689	60
Sul Ross State University	—	M.Ed. CMHC	Online	—	$370	$370	60
Tarleton State University	CACREP	MS CMHC	Traditional	#371 tie	$242	$647	60
Texas A&M International University	MPCAC	MA Counseling Psychology (MACP)	Traditional	—	$186	$591	60
Texas A&M University-Central Texas	CACREP	MS CMHC	Traditional	—	$309	$717	60
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	CACREP	MS Professional Counseling	Traditional	#392-434	$201	$648	60
Texas A&M University-Kingsville	CACREP	MS CMHC	Online	#359 tie	$684	$1,618	60
Texas A&M University-San Antonio	CACREP	MA CMHC	Traditional	—	$369	$855	60
Texas A&M University-Texarkana	CACREP	MS CMHC	Traditional	—	$366	$950	60
Texas A&M University-Victoria	CACREP	MA Counseling Psychology: Professional Counselor; MS CMHC	Traditional; Online	—	$390	$618	60
Texas Christian University	CACREP	M.Ed. CMHC	Traditional	#105 tie	$2,210	$2,210	60
Texas Southern University	—	M.Ed. CMHC	Traditional; Online	#392-434	$341	$696	60
Texas State University	CACREP	MA CMHC	Traditional	#273 tie	$357	$762	60
Texas Tech University	CACREP	M.Ed. CMHC	Traditional; Online	#214 tie	$448	$883	60
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center	CACREP	MS CMHC	Online	—	$272	$1,261	60
Texas Wesleyan University	—	MA Professional Counseling	Online	#392-434	$940	$940	60
Texas Woman’s University	CACREP	MA Counseling Psychology; MS Counseling & Development: CMHC	Traditional; Online	#329 tie	$323	$728	60
University of Houston	—	M.Ed. Counseling: CMHC	Hybrid	#144 tie	$489	$994	60
University of Houston-Clear Lake	CACREP	MS CMHC	Traditional	#315 tie	$517	$1,075	60
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor	CACREP	MA CMHC	Traditional	#392-434	$1,115	$1,115	60
University of North Texas	CACREP	MS CMHC	Traditional	#220 tie	$353	$758	60
University of North Texas-Dallas	CACREP	MS CMHC	Hybrid	—	$311	$716	60
University of St. Thomas	CACREP	MS CMHC	Traditional	#209 tie	$676	$676	60
University of Texas-El Paso	CACREP	MS MHC	Traditional	#266 tie	$428	$974	60
University of Texas-Permian Basin	—	MA CMHC	Traditional	—	$275	$680	60
University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley	CACREP	M.Ed. Counseling: CMHC	Traditional	#220 tie	$474	$879	60
University of Texas-San Antonio	CACREP	MS CMHC	Traditional	#231 tie	$371	$1,383	60
University of Texas-Tyler	CACREP	MA CMHC	Traditional	#359 tie	$363	$846	60
Wayland Baptist University	—	MA CMHC	Hybrid	—	$538	$538	60
West Texas A&M University	—	MA Counseling	Online	—	$283	$741	60

Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Texas

The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Texas, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.

Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University (SMU) offers a campus-based, CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Counseling that totals 63 credits and includes written and oral comprehensive exams plus a year-long clinical sequence. The degree has three specialties—Clinical Mental Health, Marriage, Couple and Family, and School Counseling—and provides the coursework needed to pursue Texas LPC licensure; the School Counseling specialty also fulfills LPC educational requirements in Texas. After graduation, students typically apply for LPC-Associate and complete 3,000 supervised post-degree hours toward full licensure. Admission materials include an essay, resume, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and an interview process; GRE scores are required only if the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.

Texas Christian University

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Texas Christian University (TCU) is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited, campus-based program that provides the academic requirements for the Texas LPC pathway. The clinical sequence includes a practicum and two 300-hour internships, with a minimum of 120 direct hours per term. Students complete these hours at approved sites under weekly on-campus group supervision, then graduate, apply for LPC-Associate status, and complete 3,000 supervised post-master’s hours toward full licensure. Courses are offered primarily in the evenings on the Fort Worth campus. Admission is cohort-based with an application review and required interview.

University of St. Thomas

The Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at the University of St. Thomas (UST) is a 60-credit, campus-based program that meets Texas academic requirements for the LPC pathway. The plan of study includes 20 required courses, including Counseling Theories, Appraisal & Assessment, Group Counseling, Counseling Couples & Families, Addictions & Recovery, and Spiritual & Religious Themes in Counseling. It also includes a sequenced clinical training year followed by three internships, for a total of over 700 supervised hours. The program is CACREP-accredited; graduates typically finish the degree, apply for LPC-Associate licensure, and complete 3,000 supervised post-degree hours toward full licensure.

Texas Tech University

The Master of Education (MEd) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Texas Tech University (TTU) is a 60-credit, campus-based program accredited by CACREP that provides the academic coursework for the Texas LPC pathway; the clinical sequence includes a 100-hour practicum followed by two 300-hour internships, totaling 700 supervised hours, after which graduates typically apply for LPC-Associate licensure and complete 3,000 supervised post-degree hours toward full licensure. Admission materials include transcripts, a resume, an applicant statement, and three professional references. The program primarily admits for the fall term.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) offers a campus-based, CACREP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that totals 60 credits and includes a comprehensive exam taken during the internship year; training features a 100-hour practicum with at least 40 direct client hours followed by a two-semester internship at approved sites, with courses held in person on the Denton campus. The program meets Texas educational requirements for LPC licensure; graduates can apply for LPC-Associate and complete 3,000 supervised post-degree hours toward full licensure. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, a one-page writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and a group interview; GRE scores are not required.

Other Notable Programs

University of Texas at Tyler
Sam Houston State University
University of Texas at El Paso
Texas State University
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Texas Woman’s University
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Tarleton State University
East Texas A&M University
Dallas Baptist University
Hardin-Simmons University
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Texas

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.

Texas A&M International University ($11,160)
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi ($12,060)
Angelo State University ($13,920)
Midwestern State University ($14,160)
Tarleton State University ($14,520)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center ($16,320)
University of Texas-Permian Basin ($16,500)
West Texas A&M University ($16,980)
Stephen F. Austin State University ($17,040)
Texas A&M University-Central Texas ($18,540)
University of North Texas-Dallas ($18,660)
Sam Houston State University ($19,200)
Texas Woman’s University ($19,380)
Amberton University ($19,500)
Texas Southern University ($20,460)

Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Texas

The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:

Amberton University (Hybrid)
Angelo State University (Online)
Dallas Baptist University (Hybrid)
East Texas A&M University (Hybrid)
East Texas Baptist University (Online)
Houston Christian University (Online)
Lamar University (Online)
LeTourneau University (Online)
Lubbock Christian University (Online)
Midwestern State University (Online)
Nelson University (Online)
Our Lady of the Lake University (Online)
Saint Edward’s University (Hybrid)
Sam Houston State University (Hybrid)
Sul Ross State University (Online)
Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Online)
Texas A&M University-Victoria (Online)
Texas Southern University (Online)
Texas Tech University (Online)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Online)
Texas Wesleyan University (Online)
Texas Woman’s University (Online)
University of Houston (Hybrid)
University of North Texas-Dallas (Hybrid)
Wayland Baptist University (Hybrid)
West Texas A&M University (Online)

Texas Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information

In Texas, employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 27.2% through 2032, compared with 18.4% nationwide.⁵ That pace yields about 2,220 openings per year statewide, counting new jobs and replacements.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	19,520	$38,720	$47,600	$60,630	$76,390	$96,260
Abilene	140	$33,120	$40,050	$49,920	$71,860	$92,030
Amarillo	190	$38,090	$48,380	$66,930	$81,390	$99,800
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos	2,600	$38,630	$48,000	$62,440	$93,020	—
Beaumont-Port Arthur	170	$39,160	$44,160	$54,990	$74,550	$96,420
Brownsville-Harlingen	540	$39,400	$48,910	$74,160	$75,080	$78,810
College Station-Bryan	180	$36,900	$42,960	$47,730	$61,220	$81,260
Corpus Christi	330	$35,880	$44,030	$49,830	$59,070	$75,160
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington	5,320	$39,500	$48,050	$57,700	$76,580	$96,140
El Paso	540	$41,760	$46,870	$64,170	$77,840	$81,660
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands	4,230	$41,200	$49,340	$64,140	$76,890	$93,880
Killeen-Temple	300	$33,770	$37,920	$55,340	$70,460	$111,210
Laredo	90	$37,890	$44,840	$65,500	$79,770	$86,450
Longview	170	$34,880	$43,120	$48,310	$63,660	$86,300
Lubbock	280	$33,230	$36,940	$47,480	$65,050	$82,490
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission	430	$40,880	$50,700	$65,000	$75,720	$86,200
Midland	60	$47,310	$48,630	$53,230	$69,210	$92,870
Odessa	50	$33,960	$48,980	$48,980	$56,120	$95,490
San Angelo	100	$40,160	$48,230	$60,700	$69,310	$81,330
San Antonio-New Braunfels	1,710	$38,090	$46,490	$58,330	$74,340	$94,910
Sherman-Denison	60	$39,950	$42,850	$58,420	$85,720	$173,970
Texarkana	60	$37,540	$44,250	$61,620	$80,470	$113,480
Tyler	200	$37,860	$43,120	$50,750	$69,220	$81,780
Victoria	40	$31,740	$42,920	$58,970	$69,390	$82,120
Waco	210	$37,130	$44,130	$57,290	$69,750	$88,410
Wichita Falls	110	$36,740	$43,860	$54,550	$69,400	$96,260

Additional Resources

Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
Counseling Interviews and Advice: Career insights and practical tips from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about institutional and programmatic accreditation relevant to counseling degrees.
Mental Health America (MHA) of Southeast Texas: Affiliate nonprofit focused on mental health education, advocacy, and access to services.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas: Education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), Professional Counselors: Official licensing information for LPCs in Texas, including applications, renewals, supervision, and consumer resources.
Texas Counseling Association (TCA): Statewide professional association offering advocacy, networking, conferences, and continuing education for Texas counselors.
Texas Counseling Schools: Overview of counseling degree programs offered across Texas.
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), Mental Health and Substance Use: Programs, crisis lines, and community resources related to mental health and substance use services in Texas.
Texas LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance to meet Texas requirements for LPC licensure.
WorkInTexas: The Texas Workforce Commission’s statewide job board and workforce portal for finding counseling roles.

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