Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Guide

Mental health counselors need a master’s degree to meet licensure requirements. That makes choosing the right program critical.

Does an online master’s qualify for licensure? An accredited online master’s in mental health counseling can earn you a counselor license. Our guide introduces the program requirements, licensure process, and the next steps to help you find the right program for your career goals.

Licensed mental health counselors need at least a master’s degree. Whether you complete coursework online or in person, you’ll need to complete your counseling internship and practicum in person. This supervised clinical training builds the skills you’ll need for licensure as a mental health counselor.

Master’s program applicants need a bachelor’s degree, and many programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA. While you do not need an undergraduate degree in counseling or psychology to apply, some programs require or recommend undergraduate psychology coursework.

Programmatic accreditation recognizes counseling programs that follow the best practices for preparing licensed counselors. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) evaluates and accredits mental health counseling programs.

Programs must meet high standards to earn and maintain accreditation. Accredited online master’s in mental health counseling programs meet the same licensure requirements as in-person programs.

In every state, mental health counselors need a master’s degree to qualify for licensure. Master’s students complete supervised clinical hours during their program. Many states also require counseling experience after completing a master’s program.

Candidates also need to pass a licensure exam. The most common exams include the:

Make sure to verify requirements with your state board. You can learn more about licensing requirements and licensing agencies at CareerOneStop.

Steps to Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree. A counseling or psychology degree aligns with graduate admission requirements.
2. Earn a master’s in mental health counseling. Accredited programs meet state licensure requirements.
3. Meet experience requirements. Many states require 2,000-3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical counseling experience.
4. Pass licensure exams. Candidates typically must pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
5. Apply for a counseling license. Additional requirements and the licensure process vary by state.

Is an online or on-campus program a better fit for you? While both meet licensure requirements and require a similar timeline, the delivery format will shape your student experience.

An online master’s in mental health counseling can be a great option for busy adults. While you’ll complete clinical fieldwork in person, online classes offer more flexibility than on-campus courses.

When researching online programs, always check for CACREP accreditation. You’ll also want to learn more about the delivery format and fieldwork requirements.

Next, confirm the state board requirements for licensure in your state. Many states also list approved counseling programs. Make sure that you choose a licensure-eligible online program.

An accredited online master’s in mental health counseling can prepare you for a career as a clinical mental health counselor. You’ll qualify for roles in community mental health, private practice, and other settings.

Earning your master’s in mental health counseling can pay off. Mental health counselor salaries vary from $39,090 for the lowest-paid to over $98,210 for the highest-paid, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Specialization, work setting, experience, and location all impact earning potential.