If you want a career helping others live happy and healthy lives, an online master's in mental health counseling can prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career.
Online counseling programs allow you to take classes on your own schedule, which is especially important if you have other responsibilities. Use this guide to set you on the path to choosing the online clinical mental health counseling graduate program that’s right for you.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs
Explore our ranking of the top master's degrees in counseling and mental health services. Graduates of these programs can pursue licensure or further education and training.
Read our ranking methodology.
#1 Top 5 Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Waxahachie, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $545
Credits to Graduate: 60
The online master's in clinical mental health counseling program at Southwestern Assemblies of God University takes a Christian approach to preparing graduates for Texas licensure or doctoral study. Out-of-state students may qualify for licensure but should confirm with their state boards.
In addition to online classes, distance learners attend two week-long summer intensives on the Waxahachie, Texas, campus and complete 700 in-person practicum and internship hours. Grants and scholarships can help enrollees graduate with 20% less debt than those at other private universities.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top 5 Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: $1,368
Credits to Graduate: 60
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a clinical health counseling master's program online that students can complete in less than four years. The curriculum emphasizes counselor identity, ethics, multiculturalism, prevention, and program evaluation. Two required on-campus residencies take place during the first and second years.
Distance learners identify their own practicum and internship sites where they complete 700 supervised clinical hours. The program meets the educational requirements for licensure in all states, except Kansas and California. Students can contact their state board for additional information.
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Top 5 Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: $449
Credits to Graduate: 60
The University of Cumberlands' online clinical mental health counseling graduate program awards a master's degree and prepares graduates for licensure. Specialization courses cover child and adolescent counseling, marriage and family counseling, private practice and clinical supervision, and process and techniques in counseling. Enrollees need a passing score on the counseling department's comprehensive exam to graduate.
The program welcomes applications from bachelor's degree-holders and professionals from other fields. Admitted students can transfer up to 18 semester credits earned at a regionally accredited school.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Top 5 Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
Palo Alto University
- Palo Alto, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: $580
Credits to Graduate: 94.5 quarter credits
Palo Alto University offers a master's in clinical mental health counseling online (with two residencies) or in a hybrid format. Students can complete their degree in two years and apply for licensure in California and, potentially, in other states. The program features a marriage and family therapist emphasis that qualifies students for California licensure but may not in other states.
Learners can choose on-campus evening courses or attend Zoom sessions. They also must complete 700 hours of in-person fieldwork placements.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
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
#5 Top 5 Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: $625
Credits to Graduate: 66
Offering a Christian Polytechnic education, LeTourneau University offers a master's in clinical mental health counseling among its graduate programs. The online program meets the requirements for Texas licensure; interested out-of-state students should check with their state boards. LeTourneau reports a 93% graduate counseling placement rate and a 90% rate of enrollees receiving financial aid.
The curriculum includes clinical theology coursework and specialization classes in abnormal human behavior: case conceptualization and treatment planning; professional orientation in clinical mental health counseling; and psychopharmacology.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Program Overview
Online master's in clinical mental health counseling programs are generally 45-60 credit hours and can take anywhere from 2-5 years to complete, depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time.
Some clinical mental health counseling graduate programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and others may have accreditation from national accrediting organizations such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
As you explore your educational options, you’ll find that online counseling programs may offer the option to earn either an MA or an MS.
While an MA focuses on a liberal arts education and prepares you for a role as a mental health generalist, an MS allows you to specialize in areas such as addiction, crisis and trauma, group therapy, and research.
Typical courses may include theory of counseling, ethics and legal issues, and marriage and family counseling.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
The clinical mental health counseling concentration prepares the student for providing psychotherapy that can incorporate skills in problem-solving and cultural competency geared towards diverse client populations across the lifespan.
A variety of clinical focus areas offered during such programs may include grief and loss, marriage and family, addiction and substance use, sexuality and sex therapy, or school and career counseling.
Online Experience
If you’re enrolled in an online clinical mental health counseling graduate program, you can expect the same quality of education as your on-campus peers. Some courses will involve synchronous learning (live online lectures), and others may be asynchronous classes you can take when convenient. However, practicum and internship experiences require in-person attendance.
Most online mental health counseling graduate programs offer tech support. Live chat with the school’s IT department and other services should be available to help you make the most of your online experience.
Advantages of online learning include the ability to take asynchronous courses based on your schedule. Online education also avoids lengthy commutes and expenses like parking, gas, and tolls. Disadvantages can include the lack of direct contact with your peers and instructors.
Program Outcomes
An online master's in mental health counseling provides a strong foundation for establishing and maintaining trust with clients. You will also develop skills related to your chosen clinical specialty. Motivational interviewing, goal setting, and client education are also foundational skills of the mental health counselor.
The licensure for counselors can be determined both nationally and by state. For example, to become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), you must complete the appropriate clinical hours and pass the national exam approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Applying to a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
To apply to counseling master's programs, prospective students need at least a bachelor's degree. Schools typically prefer candidates with an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a related field. However, some schools consider applicants who studied something entirely different. If you chose an unrelated undergraduate major, you can always boost your application by volunteering at a mental health services agency.
Applicants should also possess a minimum undergraduate GPA ranging from 2.5-3.0. They should submit their official transcripts, resume, and recommendation letters. Some programs also require a personal essay in which students describe their education and career goals. Many schools expect prospective students to submit standardized test scores from the GRE or MAT. Candidates may need to participate in an admissions interview during the application process.
How to Become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor
To become a masters-prepared licensed clinical mental health counselor, you can expect to:
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Complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as social work.
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Successfully pass all graduate coursework and complete your supervised clinical experiences.
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Apply for licensure based on your specific state's requirements, which may include a jurisprudence exam, required additional coursework, or criminal background check.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Mental Health Programs
A licensed clinical mental health counselor provides mental health counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. These professionals work with clients of all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds. Possible career paths for clinical mental health counselors include specialties like marriage and family therapy, addictions and substance use counseling, career and vocational counseling, sex therapy, and genetic counseling.
An online master's in mental health counseling is a good degree for anyone who wants to become a mental health counselor. It can also be a good degree for students hoping to earn their Ph.D. Ensure you find an accredited online mental health counseling program, which guarantees your degree will be valuable when looking for jobs.
A master's in clinical mental health counseling prepares graduates to become licensed clinical professional counselors. Some students prefer to go into a certain specialty, like substance use and addiction, school counseling, or geriatric counseling. Some might work in academia as professors, while others might go into social and community services.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best Counseling Degrees. Page last reviewed on February 8, 2024.