Best online mental health counseling degrees (2025)
Earning a master’s in counseling online is possible, but it requires in-person practica and internships.
Based on value, the best online mental health counseling programs are from Virginia Commonwealth University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Walsh University.
School counseling and addiction counseling are some of the most affordable counseling specializations.
Many of the cheapest online mental health counseling degrees come from universities with religious affiliations.
To become a therapist, you’ll need at least a master’s-level degree in counseling or a similar field. Earning a counseling degree online is a convenient, even cost-effective way to move toward a clinical career in mental health and avoid the major life disruptions tied to traditional university learning, such as relocation.
That said, not all online counseling degrees are created equally with respect to their quality or ability to satisfy therapist licensure requirements.
In this article, we reveal the best online mental health counseling degrees with CACREP or regional accreditation. The “best” programs offer a balance between total cost and post-graduation earnings.
»Read more: Psychology degrees and careers
How online counseling programs work
In structure and content, online master’s in mental health counseling programs are identical to traditional (on-campus) programs.
Like traditional programs, accredited online counseling programs require a set number of in-person practicum and internship hours. For CACREP-accredited programs, this includes:
- At least 100 hours of counseling practicum, including 40 hours of direct service (e.g., counseling or consultation) with actual clients, and
- At least 600 hours in a counseling internship, including 240 hours of direct service with clients.
Both practicum and internship experiences involve supervision by a licensed professional in the counseling field. Supervision typically looks like a student sharing video or audio recordings of client interactions for evaluation.
Depending on the online counseling program, courses take place on a synchronous or asynchronous schedule.
Synchronous course delivery is when all students in a cohort are learning at once. Classes are live and take place on a set date and time. Asynchronous courses, on the other hand, involve students learning at different times. Given lectures are pre-recorded, each student can access course material at their leisure.
»Read more: Are online degrees worth it?
How long is an online master’s in counseling?
Online master’s in mental health counseling programs take between 18 months to 3 years to complete. Duration depends on a program’s total credit hours and whether the degree is earned on a part-time or full-time basis. Most online counseling programs consist of 60 credit hours, or about 2 years of full-time study.
Accreditation for online mental health counseling programs
You are probably interested in pursuing a counseling degree to become a licensed therapist in the future. If licensure — what enables you to practice legally — is the goal, be sure that your master’s program is accredited to satisfy the licensure requirements of your state.
Accreditation can be thought of as an official stamp of approval for educational quality. In the context of counseling education, accreditation determines the states where you can practice as a therapist.
Counseling licensure requirements vary by state, but most states accept a CACREP-accredited master’s degree in counseling. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) maintains an up-to-date list of accredited (online and in-person) counseling programs.
Online counseling programs with different accreditation aren’t bad by default. Many programs have regional accreditation, which is recognized for licensure in a certain state or group of states. However, this type of accreditation can feel professionally limiting for some people.
Best online mental health counseling programs by value
Most states require a master’s-level degree in counseling or a related field for therapist licensure. Below, we present the best-value online master’s in mental health counseling programs in the country.
As a primer, consider checking out our complete guide to counseling degree options.
How we ranked online counseling programs
To make this list, we ranked 78 fully online and hybrid mental health counseling degrees by value for money. These programs fall under “Mental & Social Health Services” in the Department of Education’s CIP code system for educational program classification.
We determine an online counseling program’s value by its economic score, a composite of 2 key metrics:
- Average debt at graduation;
- Average earnings of graduates 4 years after completing the program.
More subjective metrics, such as school prestige (e.g., through peer reviews) were not considered in our rankings algorithm.
We evaluated all programs from the universities that shared complete cost and earnings data to the Department of Education for the 2022-2023 year. This data reflects students who received at least $1 in federal financial aid.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a combination of in-person and online learning. Students can specialize in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
The program meets the educational requirements for professional counselor licensure in Virginia (LPC), as well as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor certifications.
- Institution type: Public
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The MS in School Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas Online (UCA Online) is designed to prepare future school counselors for employment in K-12 schools. Students who already have an Arkansas teaching license can choose the shorter Add-On Track, while those without licensure can opt for the Initial License Track.
- Institution type: Public
- Accreditation: CAEP
- GRE requirement: No GRE requirement
- Program duration: 2 years
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a hybrid program that is mostly online. Its CACREP-accredited curriculum is designed to satisfy the educational requirements for professional counseling licensure in most states. Students participate in two 5-day residencies: Residency I focuses on developing foundational counseling skills, and Residency II involves a group counseling experience.
- Institution type: Private nonprofit
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
Walsh University
North Canton, Ohio
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The MA in Counseling and Human Development from Walsh University is a fully online counseling program grounded in the Catholic faith. Students specialize in either clinical mental health counseling or school counseling, or both. Walsh’s field experience team guides and supports students in the search for CACREP-approved practicum and internship sites.
- Institution type: Private nonprofit, Roman Catholic
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required for applicants with a GPA 3.0 or higher
- Program duration: 2 years
Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Capella University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an online program with 3 specialization options: Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Child and Adolescent Counseling, and General Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Regardless of specialization, the curriculum consists of 13 core courses, 1 practicum and 2 internships, and 2 residencies.
- Institution type: Private for-profit
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The 36-credit-hour Family & Human Services/Addiction Counseling MA program at Washburn University is completely online, with full-time and part-time options. This program satisfies the educational requirements for becoming a Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC) in Kansas.
- Institution type: Public
- Accreditation: NAADAC and NCFR
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Emporia State University’s MS in Clinical Counseling – Mental Health Counseling Concentration features a mix of online on on-campus classes. Another hybrid option is the MS in Clinical Counseling – Clinical Addictions Counseling Concentration, which includes specialized courses such as psychopharmacology, case management in addictions, and treatment of co-occurring disorders. Its MS in School Counseling is available completely online.
- Institution type: Public
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Liberty University Online (LU Online) is home to 2 CACREP-accredited online counseling programs: an MEd in School Counseling (school counselors) and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (licensed professional counselors, or LPCs). Liberty is a military-friendly college due to its reduced rates for service members, with graduate courses costing just $275 per credit hour.
- Institution type: Private nonprofit, Evangelical Christian
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program length: 2-3 years
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, California
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The faith-based Marital & Family Therapy MS at Loma Linda University is available fully online to students from California and select states. Graduates of the program go on to secure employment in various behavioral health roles, including psychotherapists, alcohol and drug specialists, and clinic directors.
- Institution type: Private nonprofit, Seventh Day Adventist
- Accreditation: COAMFTE
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2.5 years
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Western Michigan University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA program is offered in a hybrid format, with a mix of online and in-person courses at its Grand Rapids location. This program satisfies the educational requirements for the limited license professional counselor (LLPC) credential, which allows for supervised direct practice in Michigan.
- Institution type: Public
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Fresno Pacific University, a Chirstian-affiliated university, is home to an online MA in School Counseling program that leads to school counselor credentialing in California. The curriculum features asynchronous classes and 800 hours of fieldwork in PK-12 schools.
- Institution type: Private nonprofit, Mennonite Brethren Church
- Accreditation: State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2 years
Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, California
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Touro University Worldwide (TUW) is the online branch of Touro University, a New York City-based private university that consistently offers good value for money. TUW offers an online MA in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) designed for MFT licensure in California. A Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC) Track is available through the COAMFTE-approved clinical track.
- Institution type: Private nonprofit, Online
- Accreditation: COAMFTE
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Texas Woman’s University offers a fully online Master of Education in School Counseling for aspiring school counselors. The program is designed to meet the educational requirements for School Counselor certification in Texas, and does not lead to licensed professor counselor licensure (LPC).
- Institution type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC (Institutional-level accreditation)
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2 years
University of the Southwest
Hobbs, New Mexico
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
The University of the Southwest is home to an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that is available fully online. Core courses target a wide range of counseling specialties, including addiction counseling; marriage, family, and couples counseling; and crisis and trauma counseling. Its CACREP-accredited curriculum features required practicum and internship components.
- Institution type: Private, Christian
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
John Carroll University
University Heights, Ohio
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
Median earnings of all students 4 years after graduating.
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
John Carroll University’s online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an accelerated full-time program that allows students to graduate in 2 years. Students participate in 2 on-campus residencies, as well as an (optional) 3rd residency in Vietnam. A hybrid option—also CACREP-accredited—is also available, offering a greater degree of hands-on learning within a flexible schedule.
- Institution type: Private, Jesuit
- Accreditation: CACREP
- GRE requirement: No GRE required
- Program duration: 2-3 years
Most affordable online master’s in counseling programs
On average, students who earn an online master’s in mental health counseling face $54,643 in total debt at graduation, according to our analysis of NCES data.
Below, we highlight the most affordable online mental health counseling master’s programs based on average total student debt.
All featured programs lead to an average debt of under $50,000.
| University | Program | Debt |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | $32,676 |
| Regent University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and others | $34,166 |
| Texas Woman’s University | MS in Counseling & Development | $38,228 |
| Emporia State University | MS in Clinical Counseling | $40,126 |
| University of Central Arkansas | MS in School Counseling | $40,276 |
| Touro University Worldwide | MA in Counseling-Addiction Specialization and others | $40,813 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling | $41,000 |
| Washburn University | MA in Family & Human Services | $41,000 |
| Florida State University | MS in Counseling & Human Services | $41,000 |
| Southeastern University | MS in Professional Counseling | $41,000 |
| University of Louisiana at Monroe | MS in Counseling | $42,251 |
| Houston Christian University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | $42,272 |
| New England College | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | $43,465 |
| Merrimack College | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | $45,237 |
| Capella University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | $45,797 |
| Walsh University | MA in Counseling and Human Development | $48,591 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | $49,200 |
Average cost of an online master’s in mental health counseling
Overall, the cost of an online mental health counseling degree depends on the program type and the institution offering the degree.
On the cheaper end are accelerated programs from public universities, which tend to come at a lower cost than traditional-length programs at online, for-profit colleges at the opposite end.
Regardless of field of study, institution, and delivery mode, the average tuition for graduate school is $20,513, according to 2021-2022 postsecondary tuition data from the NCES. Attending a graduate program at a public university costs $12,596 on average, compared to $14,161 at a private nonprofit. Fully online schools tend to be private for-profit institutions, which have an average tuition of $29,931 per year.
Debt outcomes of counseling programs can provide a more reliable picture of how much you can expect to pay for your online degree. It may come as a surprise that the average debt from online and in-person counseling master’s degrees is about the same: $54,643 for online programs and a slightly higher $55,223 for traditional on-campus programs, according to an analysis of NCES data.
In general, counseling degrees result in much higher average debt than all master’s programs: about 18% higher, based on the same analysis.
Online vs. traditional mental health counseling degrees
An online mental health counseling degree offers more flexibility in when—and from where—you learn, along with increased access to lower-cost options, such as public universities, and potentially lower average debt.
However, the challenge of earning a master’s in counseling is often finding local practicum and internship placements. A key benefit of traditional counseling programs is their built-in support network for clinical opportunities, including established partnerships with local hospitals, community clinics, and rehabilitation centers. For the most part, online programs hold students responsible for finding those opportunities themselves.
When earning a counseling degree online, collecting the required practicum and internship hours can be difficult, even with extensive student support services.
If you go for an online program, make sure it offers extensive support for practicum and internship placements, which you will need for therapist licensure.
The quality of a master’s in counseling depends more on the university offering the program than the delivery mode. Consider that many of the country’s best public universities offer in-person and online options with the same curriculum for the same cost.
Choosing an online mental health counseling program
While all online master’s programs for counseling offer the convenience of distance learning, their individual specifics vary considerably, from their accreditation status down to specialization areas offered.
These are a few of those key differences to consider when choosing an online mental health counseling program.
Accreditation
A quality online master’s in counseling program should be accredited by the counseling-specific accrediting body CACREP or a regional accrediting body, such as MPCAC, to satisfy therapist licensure requirements. Look for the program accreditation needed for licensure in the state where you would practice as a professional counselor. CACREP accreditation provides the most flexibility in the future, as it is the most universally recognized.
Delivery mode
Online counseling programs offer a surprising amount of flexibility in their delivery: fully online or hybrid, asynchronous or synchronous. Consider whether you can commit to the rigid schedule of a synchronous online program, prefer the flexibility of an asynchronous program, or like the idea of having a bit of everything.
Specialization
Many clinical mental health counseling programs offer students a choice of specialization, such as addiction counseling, school counseling, and rehabilitation counseling, to prepare students to help specific populations.
Student support and services
Student support is key to any successful remote learning experience, especially for online counseling programs, which require independent coordination of practica and internships. Some services to look for in an online program are career guidance, internship and practicum placement assistance, and mental health counseling services.
Final thoughts
An online master’s in mental health counseling degree provides a convenient path to a career in professional mental health counseling, where much of the learning happens on your terms. But before taking your counseling education online, remember that remote learning in clinical fields like mental health counseling demands much more independence and proactivity in securing clinical training opportunities.
Interested in psychology but unsure if counseling is the right career path for you? You might consider an online master’s in psychology instead, which can serve as a useful primer for master’s-level careers in the field or future studies (like a PhD).
Alternatively, check out the quiz below to discover the best psychology programs for your specialization of interest.
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