Best Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degrees of 2023

Are you considering a career in mental health counseling? If so, you've come to the right place. 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 misuse or family counselor, completing an online master's in mental health counseling is an essential part of your professional journey.

Throughout this page, we spotlight what you need to know to become a competent, compassionate, and licensed mental health counselor. But let's not get ahead of ourselves — keep reading to learn about what makes up the best online master's programs in mental health counseling.

How to Choose an Online Master's Program in Mental Health Counseling

Online master's programs in mental health counseling can vary, but considering a few factors can help you search for the best program for you. Here are a few essential elements to consider:

• Specializations like LGBTQ+ and substance misuse counseling can direct your academic and professional pursuits.
• Costs can vary widely between schools, so it's vital to find a program that meets your financial needs.
• Accreditation is essential and can impact whether or not you can secure professional certification.
• Student services, including online tutoring and career counseling, can help you make the most out of your online graduate school experience.

Career Outlook: Best Salaries for Mental Health Counselors

The salaries for mental health counselors can vary based on factors like location, specialization, and experience. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $48,520 in May 2021. But the top 10% of earners made more than $77,980 annually.

Similarly, the BLS reports that marriage and family therapists earned a median annual salary of about $50,000 in May 2021, while the top 10% earned more than $96,520. Like other fields, mental health counselors who hold leadership and managerial positions tend to make the most.

How to Become a Mental Health Counselor

If you're interested in becoming a mental health counselor, there are a few steps you need to take to work toward professional practice.

First, you need to complete your online master's in mental health counseling. These programs typically take about two years to finish and require about 60-72 credits. Plus, you must complete 600+ hours of supervised work in the field.

Second you'll need to complete an extra 3,000 supervised client hours over at least two years.

Third, you must pass one of two national licensing exams: the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).

What Do Mental Health Counselors Do?

Mental health counselors work with individual clients, families, and groups to compassionately and competently address various mental health concerns. Daily responsibilities can vary, but you can expect to play an essential role in promoting mental health and wellness.

Some common responsibilities include:

• Assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions.
• Developing goals and treatment plans for clients.
• Providing crisis intervention and support.
• Communicating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
• Advocating for patient rights.
• Directing clients toward essential healthcare and social services.
• Maintaining confidential client records.
• Offering group and individual counseling sessions.

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.

Full-time students often complete these programs, which can consist of 60-72 credits, in as few as 18 months. Many programs also let you choose from concentrations in areas like clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and addiction counseling. Another option is marriage and family therapy.

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

Mental Health Counselor vs. Therapist: What's the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, there are some notable distinctions between mental health counselors and therapists.

Mental health counselors have training in a specialized area, such as substance misuse, family and relationship counseling, and trauma counseling. While therapists have clients that deal with those same challenges, these mental health workers have training in various forms of therapy. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and holistic therapy.

While not always the case, counselors often work with clients on a short-term basis, while therapists provide long-term support. Plus, the licensing requirements for mental health therapists and counselors can differ.

In short — while there can be some overlap — therapists diagnose and treat mental health conditions, while counselors help their clients address life challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Master's in Mental Health Counseling

How much does an online master's in mental health counseling cost?

The cost of your online master's in mental health counseling can vary depending on your chosen program. Generally, public schools that offer in-state tuition rates cost less than private institutions.

You can access financial aid opportunities like loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships to help cover the cost of your degree. Reach out to your prospective schools to learn more.

What are the highest-paying jobs you can get with a master's in mental health counseling?

While most don't go into mental health counseling just for the money, with experience and education, you can maximize your earning potential and career options. Similar to other professions, those in leadership and management roles tend to earn the most. The BLS reports that top-earning social and community service managers earned more than $118,650 annually as of May 2021.

According to the BLS, mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of about $49,000 in May 2021, and the top 10% of earners made more than $77,980 each year.

How long does it take to earn your master's in mental health counseling?

The time it takes to earn your online master's in mental health counseling can vary, but many programs take about two years to complete. Plus, some programs offer an accelerated pathway to earn a degree in just 18 months. If a part-time academic schedule meets your needs, you can expect to take longer to graduate.