Best and Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia has two nonprofit colleges and universities with master’s-level programs in mental health counseling (MHC), clinical mental health counseling (CMHC), or a related counseling discipline.1 Both are CACREP-accredited programs leading to the state’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential and offer flexible delivery options, with on-campus and online options available depending on the program. This guide provides information on these programs, MHC job outlook, typical salary ranges, and the professional organizations that serve counselors in West Virginia.
Table of Contents
- West Virginia MHC Program Comparison
- Best MHC Programs
- Most Affordable MHC Programs
- Online MHC Programs
- West Virginia MHC Salary and Outlook Information
- Additional Resources
Comparison of West Virginia Schools With Mental Health Counseling Programs
The table below compares the West Virginia mental health counseling programs on 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 West Virginia school with a mental health counseling program, please let us know. For more information on these schools, please visit our West 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall University | CACREP | MA CMHC | Online | #318 tie | $535 | $535 | 60 |
| West Virginia University | CACREP | MS CMHC | Traditional; Online | #222 tie | $744 | $744 | 60 |
Best Mental Health Counseling Programs in West Virginia
The schools below offer mental health counseling programs in West Virginia.
West Virginia University
West Virginia University (WVU) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization through its School of Counseling and Well-being in Morgantown. The program is CACREP-accredited and one of only two such programs in the state. Students can pursue the degree either on campus or through an online format; full-time on-campus students typically complete the program in two years, while the online option accommodates both full- and part-time enrollment. The CMHC specialization prepares students for individual and group counseling with diverse populations across a range of community settings, including mental health agencies, treatment centers, and correctional facilities, with coursework addressing addiction, couples and family counseling, and grief alongside the standard CACREP core. The online program uses a low-residency model with two in-person Immersion Weeks built into the curriculum. Graduates meet all requirements for LPC licensure in West Virginia.
Marshall University
Marshall University offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling area of emphasis, a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program based in Huntington, West Virginia. The program is delivered fully online, with synchronous class sessions scheduled during both daytime and evening hours to accommodate students at different life stages. Core coursework covers counseling theory, ethics, multicultural practice, group work, human development, and assessment, with CMHC-specific emphasis courses in crisis intervention and legal and ethical issues in counseling. Students also complete advisor-approved electives and supervised fieldwork through practicum and internship placements. The department additionally offers a graduate certificate in Violence, Loss, and Trauma (VoLT) Counseling, available to students both inside and outside the degree program. Graduates meet the educational requirements for LPC licensure in West Virginia; students planning to seek licensure in another state are advised to verify requirements with that state’s licensing board.
Most Affordable Mental Health Counseling Programs in West Virginia
The following two 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.
- Marshall University ($32,100)
- West Virginia University ($44,640)
Online Mental Health Counseling Programs in West Virginia
The following schools offer an online degree in mental health counseling:
- Marshall University (Online)
- West Virginia University (Online)
West Virginia Mental Health Counselor Salary and Outlook Information
Projections for West Virginia mental health counselors are more favorable than national trends, with an expected growth rate of 23.6% in the state compared to 18.4% nationwide.5 This growth is likely to result in an average of 190 annual openings in West 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 | 2,100 | $36,990 | $42,730 | $49,430 | $61,560 | $73,360 |
| Beckley | 150 | $36,920 | $43,880 | $51,660 | $60,220 | $67,880 |
| Charleston | 330 | $32,760 | $38,650 | $48,960 | $62,200 | $73,640 |
| Huntington-Ashland | 860 | $37,770 | $43,710 | $52,000 | $61,880 | $74,590 |
| Morgantown | 190 | $35,440 | $40,990 | $51,680 | $61,040 | $73,360 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | 160 | $37,760 | $38,690 | $48,490 | $58,960 | $64,510 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | 60 | $34,600 | $49,490 | $54,060 | $68,930 | $82,800 |
| Wheeling | 200 | $34,420 | $40,680 | $52,270 | $62,880 | $72,070 |
Additional Resources
- Counseling Interviews and Advice: Read our interviews page for career advice from experienced clinical mental health counselors.
- Counseling Degrees Guide: Explore counseling degree options by level and specialization, including online and on-campus programs.
- 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, required skills, and common work environments.
- West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling: The state licensing authority for counselors in West Virginia, providing information on licensure requirements, applications, and regulations.
- West Virginia Bureau for Behavioral Health: The state authority for mental health and substance use services in West Virginia, overseeing planning, monitoring, and coordination of behavioral health programs statewide.
- West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA): A statewide professional organization affiliated with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that supports counselors through advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities.
- West Virginia Counseling Schools: Find accredited counseling programs in West Virginia, including on-campus, online, and hybrid options.
- West Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association (WVLPCA): A chartered state division of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) dedicated to supporting licensed mental health counselors in West Virginia through advocacy, professional development, and peer networking.
- West Virginia LPC Licensing Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to become licensed in West Virginia, including 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 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 2025 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm