Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Virginia
Across Virginia, 18 nonprofit colleges and universities offer master’s programs in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), and similar disciplines.1 Programs are available in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. This guide highlights accredited and cost-effective options that satisfy Virginia’s LPC educational requirements and includes information on career outlook, salary trends, and professional organizations in the state.
Table of Contents
- Virginia MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- Virginia MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of Virginia Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares 18 Virginia 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 Virginia school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our Virginia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefield University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | — | $515 | $515 | 60 |
| Divine Mercy University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | — | $980 | $980 | 66 |
| Eastern Mennonite University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | — | $695 | $695 | 60 |
| Emory & Henry University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Online | — | $530 | $530 | 60 |
| George Mason University | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Hybrid | #117 tie | $753 | $953 | 60 |
| Hampton University | CACREP | MA Community Mental Health Counseling | Traditional | #273 tie | $721 | $721 | 60 |
| James Madison University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional | #151 tie | $573 | $1,314 | 60 |
| Longwood University | CACREP | MS Counselor Education: MHC | Traditional | — | $481 | $1,159 | 60 |
| Marymount University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | #273 tie | $1,186 | $1,186 | 60 |
| Norfolk State University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $809 | $1,557 | 60 |
| Old Dominion University | CACREP | MSEd CMHC | Traditional; Online | #293 tie | $486 | $1,335 | 60 |
| Radford University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $422 | $825 | 60 |
| Regent University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Traditional; Online | — | $750 | $750 | 60 |
| University of Lynchburg | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional | — | $608 | $608 | 60 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | CACREP | MS Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling | Hybrid | #139 tie | $784 | $1,591 | 60 |
| Virginia State University | — | M.Ed. or MS Counselor Education: CMHC | Traditional | — | $508 | $1,130 | 60 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | CACREP | MAEd Counselor Education: CMHC | Traditional | #51 tie | $902 | $1,812 | 60 |
| William & Mary | CACREP | M.Ed. CMHC | Online | #51 tie | $825 | $825 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in Virginia
The schools below offer the top-ranked mental health counseling programs in Virginia, as determined by program accreditation and third-party school ratings. Tiebreakers are determined by total in-state program cost.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration. The program is designed to prepare students for professional counseling practice through a strong foundation in theory, research, and applied clinical skills. The 60-credit curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, multicultural competence, assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based counseling interventions. Delivered primarily in a traditional on-campus format, the program provides students with extensive opportunities for hands-on learning through supervised practicum and internship placements in community mental health agencies, healthcare settings, and related clinical environments. The curriculum aligns with Virginia’s educational requirements for LPC licensure and supports graduates pursuing counseling careers in a range of clinical and community-based settings.
William & Mary
William & Mary offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The program emphasizes the development of reflective, culturally responsive counselors who are prepared to serve diverse populations across clinical and community settings. Coursework integrates counseling theory, human development, assessment, diagnosis, group counseling, and ethics, with a strong focus on professional identity and social responsibility. The program is delivered in an online format and includes supervised practicum and internship experiences that allow students to apply clinical skills in real-world counseling environments. The 60-credit curriculum is structured to meet Virginia’s academic requirements for LPC licensure and prepares graduates for professional practice in mental health agencies, healthcare systems, and private practice settings.
George Mason University
George Mason University (GMU) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration. This 60-credit program is designed to prepare students for licensure and professional practice through a balance of theoretical instruction, skills training, and supervised clinical experience. Coursework covers counseling foundations, human development, psychopathology, assessment, multicultural counseling, research, and ethical practice. The program is offered in an on-campus or blended format, with courses held at GMU’s Fairfax Campus and structured opportunities for practicum and internship placements in community mental health agencies and healthcare settings throughout the region. The curriculum meets Virginia’s educational requirements for LPC licensure and equips graduates to work in a variety of clinical mental health environments.
Other Notable Programs
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- James Madison University
- Hampton University
- Marymount University
- Old Dominion University
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in Virginia
The following 10 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.
- Radford University ($25,320)
- Longwood University ($28,860)
- Old Dominion University ($29,160)
- Virginia State University ($30,480)
- Bluefield University ($30,900)
- Emory & Henry University ($31,800)
- James Madison University ($34,380)
- University of Lynchburg ($36,480)
- Eastern Mennonite University ($41,700)
- Hampton University ($43,260)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in Virginia
The following schools offer online or hybrid degrees in mental health counseling:
- Bluefield University (Online)
- Divine Mercy University (Online)
- Emory & Henry University (Online)
- George Mason University (Hybrid)
- Marymount University (Online)
- Old Dominion University (Online)
- Regent University (Online)
- Virginia Commonwealth University (Hybrid)
- William & Mary (Online)
Virginia Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for Virginia mental health counselors exceed national trends, with an expected growth rate of 22.5% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This demand is projected to create about 1,710 job openings per year in Virginia 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 | 16,860 | $39,150 | $47,530 | $58,410 | $76,530 | $96,230 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | 730 | $39,860 | $40,950 | $51,630 | $62,130 | $74,730 |
| Charlottesville | 380 | $41,030 | $49,310 | $53,960 | $62,030 | $78,820 |
| Harrisonburg | 200 | $41,290 | $50,970 | $58,020 | $77,130 | $95,310 |
| Lynchburg | 720 | $37,410 | $45,260 | $51,080 | $66,320 | $85,030 |
| Richmond | 3,840 | $36,870 | $46,670 | $56,850 | $76,230 | $91,250 |
| Roanoke | 750 | $38,010 | $45,480 | $50,750 | $64,190 | $77,890 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft | 190 | $43,350 | $47,920 | $59,230 | $69,930 | $74,570 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 3,710 | $37,990 | $46,600 | $57,570 | $75,550 | $86,650 |
| Winchester | 390 | $38,730 | $46,630 | $54,530 | $65,150 | $88,530 |
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 insights from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling School Accreditation Information: Learn about accreditation standards at both the institutional and program levels.
- Mental Health America of Virginia (MHAV): A statewide nonprofit providing mental health education, recovery resources, and advocacy initiatives.
- Mental Health Counselor Career Guide: An overview of the counseling profession, including job duties, essential skills, and typical work settings.
- NAMI Virginia: Offers education, advocacy, peer and family support programs for individuals affected by mental illness across Virginia.
- Virginia Board of Counseling: The official licensing authority for counselors in Virginia, providing information on LPC education requirements, supervised experience, examinations, and renewal.
- Virginia Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in Virginia, including on-campus and online options.
- Virginia Counselors Association (VCA): A statewide organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports professional development, advocacy, and networking for counselors in Virginia.
- Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS): Oversees statewide behavioral health and developmental disability services, community programs, and public mental health initiatives.
- Virginia LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on meeting Virginia’s requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential.
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