Top Affordable Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024

by

Updated January 8, 2024

check mark Edited by
check mark Reviewed by

Our Integrity Network

BestCounselingDegrees.net is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestCounselingDegrees.net as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

If you're interested in achieving your career goals while staying on budget, consider an online master's in mental health counseling.

BestCounselingDegrees.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Counselor talking to patient Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images

The cost of education is on the rise. But here's the good news: Online master's programs in mental health counseling may be more affordable than you might expect. Combined with financial aid options, an online graduate degree can become an accessible way to pursue a rewarding career as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), marriage and family therapist, or other counseling professional.

Find out how online master's programs in mental health counseling can make your career aspirations a reality without straining your budget.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Why Get an Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

The advantages of earning an online master's in mental health counseling include helping people make meaningful life changes, strong job growth projections, numerous workplace options, and career advancement potential.

Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs Rankings Summary

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA
$37,300 $37,300 53%
#2 University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY
$4,282 $4,282 85%
#3 Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA
$30,476 $30,476 Not provided
#4 LeTourneau University
Longview, TX
$16,875 $16,875 54%

Top Affordable Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs

Learn more about our program ranking methodology.

#1 Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024

Pepperdine University

  • Malibu, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Total Cost:

In-State | $1,875

Out-of-State | $1,875

Credits to Graduate: 62

Pepperdine University's online master's in mental health counseling specializes in marriage and family therapy. Conducted by the 1971-established Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the program requires only 27 months for completion. Key courses encompass multicultural counseling, human sexuality and intimacy, and trauma in diverse populations. Graduates can pursue licensure as a licensed clinical counselor or licensed marriage and family therapist.

Online learners study under esteemed faculty members, such as Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, renowned for her research on the societal trauma of oppression.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$59,450
Out-of-state
$59,450
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$37,300
Out-of-state
$37,300
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Students Enrolled
10,446
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $449

Out-of-State | $449

Credits to Graduate: 60

Earning a master's in mental health counseling online at University of the Cumberlands puts students on a path toward licensure with mostly online learning, except for the on-the-ground clinical practicums and internships.

The specialization courses explore processes and techniques in counseling, private practice and clinical supervision, marriage and family counseling, and child and adolescent counseling. To graduate, students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam. In 2021-2022, Cumberlands, UC boasted a 92.5% National Counselor Examination pass rate.

Students can transfer up to 18 credits. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,875
Out-of-state
$9,875
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,282
Out-of-state
$4,282
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
19,272
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024

Palo Alto University

  • Palo Alto, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $580

Out-of-State | $580

Credits to Graduate: 63

Palo Alto University's online master's in mental health counseling puts learners on track to pursue licensure in California or non-licensed careers in education, research, and administration. Two resident training experiences explore clinical interviewing assessments. PAU helps learners find a practicum site, where they must complete 700 hours over 9-12 months. The fieldwork includes 280 hours working as a counselor trainee.

The courses provide a clinical foundation in multicultural counseling theories and techniques, crisis and trauma counseling, legal and ethical foundations, and addiction counseling. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,627
Out-of-state
$17,627
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$30,476
Out-of-state
$30,476
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,149
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024

LeTourneau University

  • Longview, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $625-$800

Out-of-State | $625-$800

Credits to Graduate: 66

LeTourneau University's online master's in mental health counseling program combines Christian faith and Texas licensure preparation. Besides the core coursework, enrollees also study clinical theology, which includes integrative theology for counselors, trauma crisis, and theology in the developmental context. The opportunity for hands-on learning includes one practicum and two 300-hour internships. 

Applicants must meet the general graduate admission requirements and the School of Psychology and Counseling's minimum 3.0 GPA from undergraduate studies.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,690
Out-of-state
$32,690
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,875
Out-of-state
$16,875
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
3,209
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

What to Expect From an Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling

When researching master’s in mental health counseling online programs, you will find master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS) degree options. Both prepare graduates to become mental health counselors, but an MA focuses on the liberal arts, trains mental health counseling generalists, and requires a thesis.

An MS offers opportunities to specialize in areas like crisis and trauma, addiction and substance use, marriage and family therapy, and military family counseling. MS holders complete clinical hours if they choose to become licensed counselors.

Most online master's in mental health counseling programs require 45-60 credits, which can take 2-5 years to complete. Coursework includes counseling theory, crisis and trauma, group therapy, and research methods.

Online students typically don't go to campus for their classes, but some programs may require face-to-face attendance at intensives or residencies. Students must complete internships and practicums in person to gain hands-on experience. Distance learners often find internship and practicum sites in their local communities.

The best online clinical mental health counseling programs hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Mental Health Counseling Specializations

Online clinical mental health counseling programs offer concentration and specialization options. Aspiring counselors select a focus area or a patient population they want to work with and tailor their coursework, internships and practicums, and clinical hours accordingly. Mental health counselors can also earn certifications in their specialization areas.

Popular mental health counseling online master's concentrations and specializations include:

How Much Do Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs Cost?

The total costs of earning a master's degree in mental health counseling vary by school and program. The National Center for Education Statistics reports average annual graduate tuition ranging from $12,596 at public institutions to $28,017 at private institutions for the 2021-2022 school year.

A school's reputation and public or private status can affect tuition rates. Students who attend school out-of-state may pay hefty nonresident tuition rates. Fortunately, many online clinical mental health counseling programs offer flat-rate or in-state tuition options for distance learners.

Financial aid can help lower tuition costs. Counseling students can pursue scholarships, grants, loans, fellowships, and other options to offset educational costs.

Careers With a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Their Salaries

MS in mental health counseling degree holders earn an average base salary of $54,000 a year, according to Payscale data from November 2023. Those with MAs in mental health counseling earned a similar average annual salary of $53,000.

Mental health counselor salaries vary depending on education level, experience, geographical location, and licensure and certification status. The following mental health counseling careers offer a sampling of options and their salaries.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC or LPC)

Licensed mental health counselors (LHMCs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs) make an average base salary of $56,090, according to November 2023 Payscale data. These state-licensed and nationally certified professionals specialize in providing therapy for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, and substance use.

Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) focus on relationship issues between couples and among family members, which may arise from addiction, divorce, grief, and stress. The BLS reports a 2022 median annual wage of $56,570 for MFTs.

Substance Use Counselor

Substance use counselors help clients with addictions to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other substances and teach them skills to modify their behavior. Substance use counselors make an annual median salary of $49,710, according to 2022 BLS data. Earnings typically increase with a master's degree and licensure. Among substance use counselors, the top 25% earn $64,400.

Crisis Counselor

Crisis counselors staff crisis hotlines, healthcare organizations, and law enforcement departments to support clients experiencing emotional turmoil, mental health emergencies, or trauma. The average annual wage is $46,790 for crisis counselors, according to October 2023 Payscale data

Popular Mental Health Counseling Graduate Courses

Required counseling courses vary by program, but degree-seekers can expect a mix of core and elective courses and a mandatory internship. Common courses include theories of counseling, ethics and legal issues of counseling, couples and family counseling, and mental health counseling practicums and internships.

  • Theories of Counseling

    This core course covers counseling and psychotherapy theories. Students learn to identify problems and respond with evidence-based interventions. This course also covers how theories drive the treatment process in case studies.

  • Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling

    This core course provides an overview of the ethics and laws that most impact mental health counseling. Enrollees may study child abuse assessment, mandatory reporting, and intervention practices. This course encourages an understanding of the cultural, social, and psychological implications of mental health.

  • Couples and Family Counseling

    Depending on the program, this course may be a core requirement or an elective. Couples and family counseling courses provide a fundamental understanding of the cultural, gender, and ethnicity dynamics that impact mental health. Students apply theory to improve, restore, and maintain family relationships.

  • Mental Health Counseling Internship

    After completing all graduate coursework and meeting practicum requirements, students can apply for their mental health counseling internship. Learners must apply their counseling skills in mental health settings and provide services to patients.

Common Questions About an Affordable Master's in Mental Health Counseling

How does an online program compare to an on-campus program for a master's in mental health counseling?

Accredited online master's in mental health counseling programs offer the same quality of education as on-campus programs. These online programs provide flexibility through synchronous formats (live lectures) and asynchronous formats (recorded lectures). Both online and on-campus programs require in-person attendance for practicums and internships.

Online programs offer convenience and flexibility, while on-campus programs provide valuable face-to-face interaction and networking opportunities.

Can I become a licensed mental health counselor with an online degree?

Yes, graduates of accredited online clinical mental health counseling programs qualify to become licensed mental health counselors. They must first complete the clinical hours needed to take their national certification examinations.

What are the prerequisites to apply to an online master's in mental health counseling?

Admission to mental health counseling online master's programs typically requires a bachelor's degree. Some programs accept degrees in any field, while others require undergraduate degrees in counseling or related majors. Applicants should hold a 3.0 GPA, but programs may also consider GRE exam scores and personal statements.

What should I look for when choosing an online master's in mental health counseling?

The main things to look for in online master's in mental health counseling programs include CACREP accreditation, high graduation rates, and specializations and internship opportunities that fit your career goals. You'll also want to consider tuition costs and financial aid options.

Page last reviewed November 29, 2023. Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time Best Counseling Degrees.

Recommended Reading

Helping you prepare and gain the most out of your educational experience.

Are you ready to do impactful work in your community?

Choose what you’d like to specialize in, and discover which schools offer a counseling degree that can help you make a difference.