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 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | MA 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 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