Best Online Master’s Programs in Mental Health Counseling for 2024
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2024Are you considering an online master’s in mental health counseling? If so, now may be an ideal time to start. Jobs for mental health counselors and related careers are rapidly growing, with thousands of jobs available yearly.
So whether you want to work as a substance abuse or family counselor, completing an online master’s in mental health counseling would be an essential part of your professional journey.
Find out what you need to know to become a licensed mental health counselor and discover the best online master’s programs in mental health counseling.
Featured Online Master’s in Counseling Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2024
Catawba College
Salisbury, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,380
- Out-of-state$32,380
- In-State$3,594
- Out-of-state$3,594
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled1,207
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Malone University
- Canton, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,400
- Out-of-state$32,400
- In-State$11,700
- Out-of-state$11,700
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled1,306
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,340
- Out-of-state$18,340
- In-State$12,244
- Out-of-state$12,244
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled3,794
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Grace College and Theological Seminary
- Winona Lake, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,144
- Out-of-state$24,144
- In-State$8,054
- Out-of-state$8,054
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled1,919
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Bradley University
- Peoria, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,940
- Out-of-state$35,940
- In-State$17,100
- Out-of-state$17,100
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled5,588
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
William James College
- Newton, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,000
- Out-of-state$10,000
- In-State$34,800
- Out-of-state$34,800
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled854
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$20,800
- Out-of-state$20,800
- In-State$29,632
- Out-of-state$29,632
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled19,861
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,665
- Out-of-state$19,344
- In-State$6,360
- Out-of-state$16,176
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,378
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What to Expect From an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Program?
Some of the factors that can affect your experience while earning an online master’s in mental health counseling include program pace (part-time or full-time), course load, synchronous vs. asynchronous classes, any required on-campus components, and your specialty.
All online master’s in mental health counseling programs require fieldwork, where you will observe professionals in the field and conduct counseling sessions under the close supervision of a licensed professional. If you will be attending a program outside your geographic region, find out what kind of support, if any, the program can provide in helping you find local placement.
Once you graduate, you will need to work under the supervision of a licensed professional before you can work independently. Each state has specific regulations for counseling careers, so check the state where you plan to practice.
Concentrations and Specializations in Mental Health Counseling
Many online master’s in mental health counseling programs allow you to focus on a specialty, while others offer a general clinical program. You may be able to observe different types of specialty counseling during your fieldwork. Some common specializations include:
- Marriage, couple, and family counseling
- Substance misuse counseling
- Behavioral counseling
- Pastoral (faith-based) counseling
- School counseling
- Guidance and career counseling
- Military family counseling
- Trauma counseling
- Forensic (related to the law) counseling
Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Curriculum
Throughout your online master’s in mental health counseling, you’ll encounter theoretical and practical courses that allow you to hone the necessary skills for effective counseling.
Common courses include:
- Introduction to mental health counseling
- Counseling skills and techniques
- Group counseling
- Multicultural counseling
- Ethics and professional issues in counseling
- Crisis and trauma counseling
- Couples and family counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Human development across the lifespan
Why Should I Get an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling?
Earning an online master’s in mental health counseling can prepare you for various counseling careers, including psychology, therapy, substance abuse treatment, or career or college counseling. You can work in a school, government organization, nonprofit, group practice, or pursue independent practice.
On-campus programs make networking with fellow students, staff, and faculty easier, but an online master’s in mental health counseling can give you more flexibility with your time and also allow you to attend schools outside your local community. Some online programs offer asynchronous classes, which let you attend lectures on your own schedule rather than at a specific time and day.
Other benefits of an online master’s in mental health counseling include:
Starting a career with significant growth potential- Learning communication, cultural competence, and interpersonal skills
- Choosing a specialization
- Making a difference in clients’ lives
- Opening an independent practice
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
Your costs will vary based on the institution, your financial aid package, and whether you attend a private or public school.
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