Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2026
Discover the top mental health counseling programs to earn your master’s degree.
Mental health counselors are in high demand, and a master’s in mental health counseling can prepare you to get your license to practice.
Finding a program that fits your career goals, budget, and schedule can be challenging. Our ranking introduces the best counseling master’s programs for mental health counselors.
Top Master’s Programs in Mental Health Counseling
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
- Bloomsburg, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose CU: Focus on Counseling Children, Adolescents, or Military Veterans
CU's online master's in clinical mental health counseling offers three program tracks: counseling military veterans and their families, counseling children and adolescents, and generalized clinical mental health counseling. Each track requires two specialized courses, which are offered during the summer semesters.
The 60-credit degree also consists of synchronous and asynchronous core coursework, 600 internship hours, and 100 practicum hours. CU's notable offerings include a student-led mentoring program, virtual CMHC conferences and scholarly presentation opportunities, and "The Culture Collective" – a community for open dialogue where students can develop advocacy skills, cultivate cultural awareness, and engage in non-judgmental conversations.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by CACREP
- $534/credit tuition for in-state learners
- Two cohort starts per year, in August and January
Considerations
- $801/credit tuition for out-of-state learners
- Two in-person residencies required for students admitted after July 2026
- Program duration of 2.5-3 years, full time; 3.5-4 years, part time
65%
$ 9,288
75%
$13,932
- Acceptance Rate
- 95%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,088
- Institution Type
- Public
LaGrange College
- Lagrange, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose LaGrange: Encourages Open Discussion and Community Service
One of the program objectives of La Grange's online master's in clinical mental health counseling is to develop professionals who engage in advocacy and social justice. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to participate in community service projects and have the option to discuss social justice issues with peers in a virtual forum called Courageous Conversations.
The 60-credit program also highlights the importance of professional development through 700 hours of practical experience, collaborative projects with faculty, and opportunities to present at conferences. LaGrange boasts strong graduate outcomes, including a 100% pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination since 2022.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by CACREP
- Clinical coordinator provides practicum/internship placement support
- No application fee
Considerations
- Estimated total program cost of $45,362 (approximately $756/credit)
- Requires synchronous and asynchronous course components
- Program duration of two years, full time
25%
$21,699
60%
$21,699
- Acceptance Rate
- 58%
- Students Enrolled
- 671
- Institution Type
- Private
Montreat College
- Montreat, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Montreat: Ethically Integrates Counseling, Faith, and Spirituality
Students who prefer a Christ-centered academic environment can find a great match in Montreat's online clinical mental health counseling master's program. Throughout the 60-credit program, Montreat integrates Christian worldview perspectives, theology-informed ethics, and faith-based cultural considerations.
Core courses include spirituality and religion in counseling, multicultural counseling, and research methods in counseling. Internship and practicum requirements require a minimum of 700 clock hours. Additionally, online learners are required to attend two four-day in-person residencies.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by CACREP
- No tuition differential for out-of-state students ($630/credit)
- Accelerated eight-week courses
Considerations
- Students responsible for securing their own fieldwork sites
- Students responsible for transportation, lodging, and meals during residencies
- Program duration of less than three years, full time
59%
$10,710
62%
$10,710
- Acceptance Rate
- 66%
- Students Enrolled
- 932
- Institution Type
- Private
University of New Haven
- West Haven, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UNH: Prepares Graduates for Criminal Justice Careers
Learners interested in criminal justice will appreciate the forensic mental health concentration offered by UNH's online master's in clinical mental health counseling. The 12-credit concentration requires four courses — forensic psychology, forensic assessment, forensic treatment models, and mental health law — and prepares students for counseling careers focused on the mental healthcare of incarcerated people and victims.
You will fulfill the remaining 48 credits through core coursework and electives, fostering the development of ethical frameworks, counseling skills and techniques, and multicultural competence. All students complete a 100-hour counseling practicum and a 600-hour internship experience.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by CACREP
- All students can access UNH's career development center.
- Internship coordinator supports fieldwork planning
Considerations
- Most expensive per-credit cost on this list ($1,136/credit)
- Two on-campus residences required
- Program duration of three years, full time
54%
$18,990
77%
$18,990
- Acceptance Rate
- 60%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,229
- Institution Type
- Private
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UWA: Lowest Tuition Rates for All Online Students
All students enrolled in UWA's online master's in clinical mental health counseling pay the same low tuition rate of $429/credit, regardless of state residency. This is the most affordable per credit rate of all schools on our 2026 list. With required course and technology fees, you can expect to pay an estimated total of approximately $27,300.
The 60-credit curriculum includes unique elective options for professionals interested in counseling remotely, covering law and ethics, administration and practice, and working with special populations. You will complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship experiences.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by CACREP
- Rolling admissions, with start dates throughout the year
- Students connected 1-to-1 with an alumni mentor
Considerations
- Students responsible for initial clinical site and supervisor identification
- Applicants may be waitlisted due to cohort capacity.
- Maximum of 9 credits accepted for transfer
83%
$ 6,678
61%
$13,356
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,194
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, hands-on experience, licensure qualification, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in counseling. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many counseling programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How To Choose a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
The master’s program you choose will shape your grad school experience and career. When researching programs, consider factors including cost, schedule, and accreditation status to find a good fit. Ensure that your education path meets your state’s licensure requirements.
Here’s what to consider when choosing your program.
Accreditation
Accreditation recognizes counseling programs that follow the best practices for educating counselors. Choosing an accredited counseling degree helps you meet licensure requirements and may help you qualify for more forms of financial aid.
Look for accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Admission Requirements
Since graduate school applications cost time and money, it can be valuable to prioritize options where you have a good chance of acceptance. Common admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
While you don’t necessarily need an undergraduate major in counseling, courses in psychology, social work, or research methods will make you a stronger candidate.
Career Relevance
The right program should match your career goals, especially if you choose an out-of-state or online program. To become a mental health counselor, carefully review each program to ensure you qualify for a counseling license in your state.
Flexibility
Some master’s programs prioritize flexibility, designing their curriculum for students balancing graduate school with work or other responsibilities. An online or hybrid program could be a good fit if you have a busy schedule. For on-campus programs, check whether the program offers courses on nights and weekends if you need more flexibility.
Cost and Financial Aid
Mental health counselors need a master’s degree, but the cost of graduate school can pose a barrier for many students. When researching programs, compare estimated costs and factor in any financial aid. Scholarships and grants can make programs more affordable. Master’s students at accredited institutions can also use federal loans to help cover costs.
How To Apply to a Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program
Once you’ve narrowed your list of the best counseling master’s programs, it’s time to begin the application process. Each program has its own requirements, application materials, and deadlines. If applying to multiple programs, create a tracking document to ensure you complete every requirement on time.
- Step 1: Review Requirements
Admission requirements vary by program, so the first step is to make sure you meet the requirements. Typically, you’ll need an accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some programs recommend or require prerequisite courses in psychology or related fields. Finally, you may need to take the GRE, though many counseling master’s programs no longer require standardized test scores.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Begin preparing your application materials well before the deadline. Most programs require a resume or CV that should highlight any relevant experience, including internship or volunteer experience. You’ll also typically need a statement of purpose explaining your preparation for graduate school and your career goals with a master’s in mental health counseling.
- Step 3: Request Recommendation Letters
Counseling master’s programs generally require 1-3 recommendation letters from professors, supervisors, or mentors. When choosing references, consider who can best speak to your academic strengths, work ethic, and counseling skills. Provide your letter writers at least three weeks’ notice and copies of your statement of purpose.
- Step 4: Submit Your Application
Give your application materials a final review and submit them before the deadline. It’s a good idea to ask a friend or colleague to read your materials and offer feedback. Your letter writers are also a great resource for making sure your application stands out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Therapists typically hold a master’s in counseling. They may also earn a master’s in psychology or social work to meet the requirements to become therapists. These programs typically take two years and include courses on counseling theory and techniques.
