Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs

Mental health counselors support and guide individuals, couples, and families facing mental challenges. They work with clients to identify and address their mental health concerns and help them develop coping strategies and healthy behaviors.

If this is a field you're interested in, getting a master's degree in mental health counseling online will give you the theoretical and practical knowledge to help clients successfully. Once you graduate, you'll have the academic prerequisite to be licensed as a mental health counselor.

Graduates of mental health counseling master's degree online programs can provide generalized mental health counseling or specialize in an area such as substance abuse, trauma, or child and adolescent counseling. Hospitals, mental health centers, nonprofits, schools, and other organizations employ them.

2024 - Best Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling

CounselingPsychology.org ranks the best Online Master's Degree programs in Mental Health Counseling based on a comprehensive methodology. Factors considered in the rankings include the completion rate, affordability of the school, prestige of the institution, range of available programs, and the faculty's years of experience. In order to ensure accuracy, all program data is verified with the school or university. To learn more about our methodology, visit CounselingPsychology.org's rankings methodology page.

1.

John Carroll University

University Heights, OH

John Carroll University is a private Catholic university located in University Heights, Ohio. It offers a comprehensive selection of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It also offers an Online Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. With an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students, John Carroll provides a personal, collaborative learning experience in a small-university setting.

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2.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University is a private, Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is the largest evangelical university in the world, boasting an impressive enrollment of over 100,000 students. Liberty University offers an online Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling, allowing students to earn their degree from anywhere. Its exceptional faculty and academic programs make Liberty University one of the most sought-after universities in the country.

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3.

University of New Haven

West Haven, CT

The University of New Haven is a private, co-educational university situated in West Haven, Connecticut. It is home to over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and offers a wide range of programs, including an online Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. With its diverse student population and commitment to high academic standards, it is a great choice for a quality education.

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4.

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University is a private research university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With an enrollment of over 8,000 students, Wake Forest is a medium-sized college with a strong focus on academics and research. They offer Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degree programs, including an Online Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. With its commitment to providing a quality education, Wake Forest is an ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded educational experience.

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5.

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT

Sacred Heart University's Mental Health Counseling Master's program, housed in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education, offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to become licensed mental health counselors. The program is offered on both the main campus in Fairfield, Connecticut and the satellite campus in Griswold, Connecticut, providing students with a diverse and comprehensive learning experience. The faculty consists of experienced professionals who provide hands-on training and individualized attention to help students develop the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers in mental health counseling.

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What Will I Learn in an Online Mental Health Counseling Degree Program?

Online master’s degrees in mental health counseling are two-year programs that focus on providing support and guidance to individuals, couples, and families facing psychological and emotional difficulties. The programs typically consist of 60 to 70 credit hours of coursework and clinical experience.

The coursework of an online master’s degree in mental health counseling program can include a wide range of courses that cover counseling theories, techniques, and practices. Some of the types of courses that students may take include:

• Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy

• Assessment and Diagnosis in Mental Health Counseling

• Ethical and Professional Issues in Mental Health Counseling

• Trauma and Resilience in Mental Health Counseling

• Substance Abuse and Addiction in Mental Health Counseling

• Group Therapy Techniques

• Child and Adolescent Therapy

In addition to online learning, a master’s in mental health counseling also includes a significant clinical component. During clinical work, students can apply the theoretical knowledge they have acquired in a real-world setting. This hands-on experience will take place under licensed mental health counselors’ supervision, allowing students to develop their counseling skills and knowledge in a highly supportive environment. These clinical hours will be performed in the student’s community in an online learning format.

Admissions Requirements for a Master's in Mental Health Counseling

When you apply for a master’s degree in mental health counseling program, you will be required to submit several items. The exact requirements vary by school; for example, the New York Institute of Technology has its application process. In general, though, most schools request certain everyday items:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• Official transcripts reflecting completion of introductory coursework

• A minimum GPA of typically between 3.0 and 3.5

• A personal statement outlining your interest and goals in the field of mental health counseling

• Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals in a related field

• Relevant experience in the mental health field, such as any internships or volunteer work

• An interview with the admissions committee

• Scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

List of Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s program in mental health counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Liz Norris, LPCC

Liz Norris is a highly skilled and compassionate Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who has devoted her career to helping individuals achieve mental wellness and lead fulfilling lives. After receiving her master's degree in counseling, Liz worked in various clinical settings, including community mental health clinics and private practices. Throughout her career, Liz recognized the importance of providing resources and support to aspiring counselors and psychologists. This led to her involvement with CounselingPsychology.org, a website dedicated to helping individuals navigate the journey towards becoming a mental health professional. Liz is a mother of three who enjoys writing, tennis, and volunteering in her community.