Inside the Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling
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Healthcare Education Nursing Speech-Language Pathology Nursing Nursing Ed.With an estimated one in five U.S. adults suffering from mental illness, the need for mental health counselors has never been higher. If helping others manage or overcome mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders appeals to you, earning an online master’s degree in mental health counseling will pave the way toward working as a counselor. Use EduMed’s guide to discern between today’s top programs, including curriculum, cost, outcomes, and other crucial information.
When you think of online degree programs, mental health counseling may not be the first subject that comes to mind. However, many accredited, top-tier schools now offer mental health counseling master’s programs that combine convenient online coursework with in-person clinicals, fieldwork, and other curriculum components that require close interaction.
EduMed’s guide will inform you on the key details and considerations for online master’s programs in mental health counseling.
Programs that might interest you:
FAQs About the Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
There’s a lot to consider as you look at online mental health programs. Whether you’re wondering about typical curriculum offerings, overall costs, or common learning objectives, the best decision is an informed one. Below we discuss some frequently asked questions and provide key answers to help you select a program that make sense for you.
What specializations or concentrations are available in online mental health counseling master’s degree programs?
Online mental health counseling programs may offer areas of specialization including:
- Clinical mental health
- Substance abuse rehabilitation
- Marriage, couple, family
- School counseling
Some students select a specialization that correlates with their career goals. Others may select something that complements their main interests or lends itself to interdisciplinary application.
Either way, these concentration opportunities are a great way to focus your skills in one area or develop additional areas of expertise.
What do you learn in an online mental health counseling degree program?
While each program is different and brings its own perspective, most online mental health counseling degrees share similar curricula designed to achieve shared learning outcomes. Most schools develop these outcomes in accordance with standards set by accrediting agencies like the Council for Accrediting Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
If you enroll in one of these programs, you can expect to graduate with:
- A clear understanding of how major counseling and psychotherapy theories interact and with treatment plans and contribute to preventative care.
- The ability to analyze group dynamics and identify how interactive processes hinder or enhance the emotional health and mental well-being of individual participants.
- An empathic and informed perspective on how issues pertaining to culture, race, gender, sexuality identity, socio-economic status, and family history impact psychological development.
- The capacity to sharply examine known personality differences and related your findings to deviant, abnormal, and psychopathological behaviors.
- Competence in generating individual and group behavior assessments as well as interpreting their results for application in treatment, therapy, or intervention.
Can you earn an online mental health degree completely online?
Most programs require at least some form of in-person component such as an internship, residency, or clinical fieldwork. Schools often accommodate requests for internships and clinical placements in your own local area.
Some may require participation in 1-3 residential experiences on campus with all coursework components occurring online. This is the more common approach and ultimately gives you more opportunity for networking and hands-on application.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in mental health counseling?
Timeframes for completion vary widely and depend on enrollment status and outside professional responsibility. Many schools report that most students finish their online master’s in mental health counseling in three years or less. This figure is based on full-time enrollment with a normal course load and few outside obligations.
Part-time students with additional work commitments will likely take longer. Some school may also offer an accelerated path. This route significantly reduces your time in school but may be more expensive in the long-run, depending tuition rates.
How much does an online mental health counseling degree cost?
This depends on the type of school you attend, where you live, program length, and available funding. In some cases, you may be able to pay a flat tuition rate as an online student regardless of location, but this is not a universal policy.
The best rule of thumb is to check current rates for potential schools ahead of time. Below are three examples to give you a sense of the costs.
North Carolina State
University
Online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Total Credits: 60
$462/credit in-state;
$1,311/credit out-of-state
What are the admissions requirements for mental health counseling programs?
Most schools share the same admissions requirements as other graduate programs and many forgo standardized tests. If you’re planning to apply to an online mental health counseling program you will likely need the following:
- Degree: A relevant bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA: Official transcripts for all previous academic work indicating a competitive GPA.
- Essay: A statement of purpose that discusses your academic background, professional goals, and fit within the program.
- Recommendations: 1-3 letters of reference from previous supervisors or mentors.
- Other: A current resume or CV.
These are minimum requirements shared by a majority of programs. Other program-specific requirements may also apply, so pay close attention to the details.
Are mental health counselors and related careers in high demand?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs in mental health counseling will increase by at least 22% in coming years, much faster than average for all occupations nationwide. These trends are due to a sustained increase in local demand across the country.
As people continue to turn to professionals for help, more jobs in mental health counseling and related fields will likely open up.
Accreditation for Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
The best schools out there will hold one of two forms of institutional accreditation, regional and national. Both are signals that a college has been properly reviewed by an independent organization, so long as the organization is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (and secondarily by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation).
- Institutional accreditation: identifies an institution as having met high educational standards; may be national or regional, but the latter is more prestigious
- Programmatic accreditation: a supplementary credential providing additional backing and demonstrates that the program meets field-specific standards
Programmatic accreditation in mental health counseling is awarded by:
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) (most popular)
- Master in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
Getting Your Professional License and Certification After Your Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s
Mental health counselors need additional credentials beyond a master’s degree in order to practice, including earning a license in the state you plan to work in. Obtaining a certification may be a smart move for your career as well, though not required.
Licensure
The licensure process generally involves completing education requirements, a certain number of supervised work hours, and an exam. Afterwards, you will be able to use titles specified by your state, such as:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Specific details vary by state. The American Counseling Association provides a helpful list of all licensing boards by state.
Let’s take California as an example. The Board of Behavioral Sciences oversees licensure for that state and grants credentials for clinical counselors and therapists. This process requires earning a master’s degree, getting a background check, completing 3,000 hours of supervised experience, and passing two exams, one of which is specific to state regulations.
Your state will have a comparable process managed by a similar licensing board. Most states will require that you pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification.
Certification
In addition to licensure, mental health counselors who want to stand out and can earn voluntary board certification. Certifications can be obtained from the National Board for Certified Counselors. The most popular option is becoming a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
Benefits of earning certifications include:
- Competency: Shows potential clients and employers that you are at the top of your field
- Higher salary: May lead to higher earnings potential
- Career Growth: May open doors for leadership or specialized roles
Career and Salary Outlook for Mental Health Counselors
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $38,940 | $59,350 | $97,590 |
| Alabama | $34,420 | $47,310 | $76,510 |
| Alaska | $58,240 | $80,770 | $114,650 |
| Arizona | $44,520 | $65,300 | $95,210 |
| Arkansas | $35,760 | $51,580 | $100,270 |
| California | $44,640 | $59,250 | $111,080 |
| Colorado | $44,060 | $62,390 | $100,020 |
| Connecticut | $44,080 | $63,590 | $99,540 |
| Delaware | $36,940 | $56,020 | $80,710 |
| District of Columbia | $43,060 | $60,450 | $107,980 |
| Florida | $39,430 | $56,790 | $84,410 |
| Georgia | $37,390 | $58,960 | $90,980 |
| Hawaii | $48,460 | $60,090 | $104,790 |
| Idaho | $36,400 | $63,360 | $98,760 |
| Illinois | $43,010 | $60,730 | $109,100 |
| Indiana | $37,580 | $53,760 | $83,200 |
| Iowa | $44,450 | $60,880 | $102,890 |
| Kansas | $37,910 | $59,470 | $85,860 |
| Kentucky | $35,150 | $54,190 | $83,070 |
| Louisiana | $29,860 | $37,910 | $65,720 |
| Maine | $43,310 | $59,970 | $89,220 |
| Maryland | $44,050 | $59,530 | $91,980 |
| Massachusetts | $43,180 | $59,890 | $96,200 |
| Michigan | $38,490 | $61,690 | $94,400 |
| Minnesota | $45,250 | $58,780 | $77,320 |
| Mississippi | $32,770 | $46,990 | $77,310 |
| Missouri | $37,650 | $56,910 | $89,400 |
| Montana | $36,840 | $59,000 | $83,640 |
| Nebraska | $42,400 | $63,770 | $109,610 |
| Nevada | $42,920 | $57,210 | $98,010 |
| New Hampshire | $38,480 | $54,840 | $81,050 |
| New Jersey | $40,630 | $62,820 | $104,310 |
| New Mexico | $48,900 | $74,100 | $113,420 |
| New York | $42,410 | $59,450 | $90,590 |
| North Carolina | $37,440 | $55,490 | $86,010 |
| North Dakota | $43,270 | $68,630 | $86,630 |
| Ohio | $39,010 | $58,360 | $83,730 |
| Oklahoma | $35,350 | $59,350 | $92,870 |
| Oregon | $49,860 | $74,590 | $102,830 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,280 | $52,010 | $81,970 |
| Rhode Island | $43,960 | $65,120 | $98,440 |
| South Carolina | $35,010 | $52,370 | $81,420 |
| South Dakota | $39,210 | $53,650 | $67,010 |
| Tennessee | $34,950 | $49,580 | $76,620 |
| Texas | $37,650 | $62,630 | $95,910 |
| Utah | $35,410 | $63,890 | $106,080 |
| Vermont | $47,820 | $61,810 | $80,690 |
| Virginia | $39,730 | $59,880 | $100,040 |
| Washington | $47,220 | $68,910 | $110,580 |
| West Virginia | $36,990 | $49,430 | $73,360 |
| Wisconsin | $46,510 | $62,220 | $94,640 |
| Wyoming | $36,960 | $62,980 | $103,150 |
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 483,500 | 564,600 | 81,100 | 16.8% | 48,300 |
| Alabama | 3,780 | 4,360 | 580 | 15.4% | 370 |
| Alaska | 1,050 | 1,140 | 100 | 9.1% | 90 |
| Arizona | 10,510 | 13,950 | 3,440 | 32.7% | 1,280 |
| Arkansas | 3,250 | 3,960 | 710 | 21.8% | 350 |
| California | 76,500 | 96,500 | 20,000 | 26.1% | 8,640 |
| Colorado | 15,160 | 20,200 | 5,040 | 33.3% | 1,790 |
| Connecticut | 7,470 | 8,580 | 1,110 | 14.9% | 730 |
| Delaware | 1,340 | 1,610 | 280 | 20.6% | 140 |
| District of Columbia | 1,000 | 1,120 | 120 | 12.1% | 90 |
| Florida | 26,130 | 32,410 | 6,280 | 24% | 2,870 |
| Georgia | 8,900 | 11,080 | 2,180 | 24.5% | 980 |
| Hawaii | 1,690 | 2,110 | 420 | 24.8% | 190 |
| Idaho | 2,980 | 4,240 | 1,260 | 42.3% | 400 |
| Illinois | 19,460 | 22,940 | 3,480 | 17.9% | 1,980 |
| Indiana | 10,860 | 12,820 | 1,950 | 18% | 1,100 |
| Iowa | 3,200 | 4,040 | 840 | 26.2% | 360 |
| Kansas | 2,630 | 3,100 | 480 | 18.2% | 270 |
| Kentucky | 8,660 | 9,550 | 900 | 10.4% | 790 |
| Louisiana | 7,150 | 7,980 | 830 | 11.6% | 660 |
| Maine | 1,790 | 1,960 | 180 | 9.8% | 160 |
| Maryland | 10,460 | 12,500 | 2,030 | 19.4% | 1,080 |
| Massachusetts | 19,080 | 21,750 | 2,660 | 14% | 1,830 |
| Michigan | 12,630 | 14,910 | 2,280 | 18% | 1,280 |
| Minnesota | 8,610 | 9,910 | 1,310 | 15.2% | 840 |
| Mississippi | 2,470 | 3,020 | 550 | 22.4% | 260 |
| Missouri | 9,350 | 10,670 | 1,320 | 14.2% | 900 |
| Montana | 2,350 | 2,700 | 360 | 15.2% | 230 |
| Nebraska | 2,170 | 2,610 | 440 | 20.3% | 230 |
| Nevada | 2,460 | 3,210 | 760 | 30.8% | 290 |
| New Hampshire | 3,310 | 3,860 | 540 | 16.4% | 330 |
| New Jersey | 15,650 | 18,880 | 3,230 | 20.7% | 1,650 |
| New Mexico | 2,250 | 2,630 | 380 | 17% | 220 |
| New York | 26,410 | 31,330 | 4,920 | 18.6% | 2,710 |
| North Carolina | 10,040 | 12,150 | 2,110 | 21% | 1,060 |
| North Dakota | 1,260 | 1,500 | 240 | 19.5% | 130 |
| Ohio | 18,220 | 20,290 | 2,070 | 11.3% | 1,680 |
| Oklahoma | 5,200 | 6,130 | 930 | 17.9% | 530 |
| Oregon | 6,940 | 8,570 | 1,630 | 23.5% | 760 |
| Pennsylvania | 25,890 | 29,270 | 3,380 | 13% | 2,450 |
| Rhode Island | 1,670 | 1,920 | 250 | 15.2% | 160 |
| South Carolina | 5,530 | 6,540 | 1,000 | 18.1% | 560 |
| South Dakota | 1,600 | 1,880 | 270 | 17.1% | 160 |
| Tennessee | 5,930 | 7,210 | 1,290 | 21.7% | 630 |
| Texas | 20,460 | 25,510 | 5,040 | 24.7% | 2,270 |
| Utah | 5,370 | 7,720 | 2,350 | 43.9% | 740 |
| Vermont | 1,390 | 1,500 | 110 | 7.9% | 120 |
| Virginia | 18,500 | 22,220 | 3,720 | 20.1% | 2,040 |
| West Virginia | 2,240 | 2,810 | 570 | 25.4% | 250 |
| Wisconsin | 10,260 | 12,260 | 1,990 | 19.4% | 1,060 |
| Wyoming | 900 | 1,100 | 210 | 23.2% | 100 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
Continuing Education & Related Degrees
Earning this degree qualifies you for most mental health counseling jobs, but it also acts as a solid stepping stone for further academic and career advancement. Below are a few degree options that may be good options. Each one takes a master’s in mental health counseling as a starting point and develops additional expertise.
We’ve also listed a few alternative master’s degrees to consider, which are worth looking into if you’re not locked into earning a mental health counseling degree.
Continuing Education Opportunities
PhD in Mental Health Counseling
This is the highest terminal degree in mental health counseling. Designed for those interested in education, research, or continued practice, it develops advanced scientific knowledge and expert clinical skills. It prepares you for postsecondary teaching and to conduct cutting-edge research that broadens the field’s horizons.
Related Degrees to Consider
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
This degree focuses on how people learn new behaviors and identifies the influential factors that contribute to behavior development in groups and individuals. Candidates use empirical techniques and scientific experimentation to gain a greater understanding of human behavior and how certain behaviors can be modified to support mental and emotional health.
Additional Resources for Mental Health Counseling Students and Professionals
American Counseling Association
American Mental Health Counseling Association
American Psychological Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Association for the Dually Diagnosed
National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
National Board for Certified Counselors
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
The Association for Addiction Professionals
