Best Master’s Programs in Mental Health Counseling for 2025
Discover the top mental health counseling programs to earn your master’s degree.
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Mental health counselors are in high demand, and a master’s in mental health counseling can prepare you to meet state licensing requirements. But 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.
Best Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs of 2025
CUNY Lehman College
- Bronx, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Lehman College's MS in clinical mental health counseling offers a 60-credit cohort program with a year-round learning schedule. This structure combines academic depth and rigor with efficiency. Graduates are qualified to seek licensure as clinical mental health counselors in New York.
The program explores clinical counseling techniques, balancing scientific perspectives with an equity-based approach to social justice. We also like the program's extensive fieldwork components, which include internships and practicums throughout the second year.
Highlights:
- Affordable tuition relative to other programs on this list
- Strong evidence-based focus
- Extensive coverage of practical topics
Considerations:
- No programmatic accreditation
- No specialization options or electives
73%
Yes
71%
55%
$11,090
$20,520
55%
15,143
Public
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
UF's mental health counseling program leads to a dual master of education (M.Ed.) and education specialist (Ed.S.) degree. It covers 72 credits and prepares students for roles in a variety of professional settings.
We like the program's emphasis on key counseling proficiencies and issues, including crisis intervention, substance use, personal trauma, and community-focused counseling. The curriculum also includes 15 credits of fieldwork experiences, which comprise more than one-fifth of the program's total requirements.
The program qualifies graduates to seek counseling licensure in Florida or clinical membership in the Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors.
Highlights:
- Affordable tuition relative to other programs on this list
- Accredited by CACREP
- Comprehensive focus
Considerations:
- Rigid cohort structure
- Intensive year-round schedule
- May not lead to licensure outside of Florida
57%
Yes
97%
24%
$10,770
$27,335
24%
54,814
Public
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
JHU's MS in counseling explores mental health across the human lifespan, rooting students in evidence-based approaches. Accomplished faculty guide students through interactive learning that includes collaborative projects and practical experiences at offsite settings. We appreciate the program's flexibility, which includes part-time scheduling options.
You can focus your learning through two concentration options: one in clinical mental health counseling, and another in school counseling. Both paths include a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, which accelerate your path toward counseling licensure in Maryland and most other states.
Highlights:
- Prestigious university
- Take up to five years to graduate
- CACREP accredited
Considerations:
- Competitive admissions
- Must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination to graduate
- Higher-cost program relative to other programs on this list
62%
Yes
98%
8%
$60,480
$60,480
8%
30,363
Private
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Champaign, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
UIUC's MS in mental health counseling blends a 53-credit core with coursework in developmental psychology and clinical assessment. We like how the program builds clinical proficiencies before requiring students to declare a practicum specialization area.
Specialization options include career counseling, counseling and developmental sciences, and mental health counseling. Students complete an intensive, professionally supervised field experience in their chosen area.
UIUC offers this program through its counseling psychology division. The school's counseling psychology programs have been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1985.
Highlights:
- Strong focus on applied theory
- Pursue licensure or doctoral studies after graduation
- Specialization options
Considerations:
- Paid assistantships not available to MS students
- Most UIUC tuition and fee waivers not available for this program
- Selective admissions process
62%
Yes
94%
44%
$14,891
$29,176
44%
56,563
Public
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
Why We Chose This School:
Baruch College's MA in mental health counseling explores both qualitative and quantitative viewpoints. We like the program's broad scope, which covers theoretical, ethical, and legal foundations, along with advanced topics in developmental and counseling psychology.
The curriculum features required research components that complement extensive campus-based internship requirements, which cover 600 hours across two semesters. The program's generalist focus emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health and well-being.
Endorsed by New York's Department of Education, the program qualifies graduates for licensure when combined with 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience.
Highlights:
- Lowest net price among programs in this ranking
- Strong coverage of various counseling topics
- Adheres to elevated student outcome standards
Considerations:
- Rigid full-time cohort structure
- No programmatic accreditation
- No personalization or specialization options
53%
Yes
88%
51%
$11,090
$20,520
51%
19,698
Public
Boston College
- Chestnut Hill, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
BC's MA program in mental health counseling offers a 60-credit licensure track and a 48-credit non-licensure track, along with specializations in child and family mental health, youth development, and traumatic stress and intervention response.
Accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, the program offers a dynamic blend of applied theory and practical training. The 60-credit track meets Massachusetts' educational requirements for mental health counseling licensure, while the 48-credit track builds a strong base for students planning to pursue a psychology doctorate.
Both tracks feature built-in internship programs at offsite partner organizations in the Boston area.
Highlights:
- 92% on-time graduation rate
- 80% retention rate
- 54% alumni licensure or credentialing rate
Considerations:
- Comprehensive exam required to graduate
- High net price compared to other programs on this list
- Fall starts only
17%
Yes
93%
17%
$33,912
$33,912
17%
14,734
Private
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
U of M's master in mental health counseling program includes 20 rigorous courses and follows a structured cohort model. As a student, you'll build applied practitioner skills rooted in scientific perspectives. The program leads to a master of science in education degree.
We like the program's focus on training students according to standardized diagnostic criteria. U of M identifies applied knowledge of the DSM-5-TR as its primary learning outcome. You'll supplement this clinical approach with extensive coursework designed to develop advanced cultural sensitivities.
Graduates may pursue careers in private practice, community organizations, hospitals, and government agencies.
Highlights:
- 24-month completion timeline
- 700-hour practicum includes 280 hours of direct client contact
- No GRE scores required for admission
Considerations:
- MPCAC accreditation pending
- Licensure eligibility not guaranteed without MPCAC accreditation by July 2025
- High net price compared to other programs on this list
26%
Yes
92%
19%
$41,580
$41,580
19%
19,593
Private
Fairfield University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Fairfield's MA in clinical mental health counseling program combines coursework with state-of-the-art training opportunities. You'll apply your learning at the school's cutting-edge Counselor Education Lab and Training Center, where students engage with clients and perform counseling interventions under the non-invasive supervision of senior faculty.
We like the program's strong track record for positive student outcomes. Program graduates consistently have above-average pass rates on the National Counselor Examination, and one-year follow-up survey data indicates a 100% employment rate among alums.
You can choose from a generalist track in clinical counseling, or pursue a specialization in queer and trans counseling.
Highlights:
- 100% employment rate
- CACREP accredited
- Unique specialization opportunities
Considerations:
- Highest net price of any school in this ranking
- 30-month completion timeline
21%
Yes
90%
45%
$20,034
$20,034
45%
6,289
Private
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
GWU's master's in clinical mental health counseling has a long, proven track record as one of the first programs of its kind ever offered in the United States. The curriculum has undergone extensive development that successfully integrates time-honored practices with progressive clinical innovations.
We particularly like the variety of practicum placement settings available to GWU students. Situated in Washington, D.C., GWU connects students to a wealth of urban and suburban fieldwork opportunities and the chance to work with diverse populations.
You can complete this CACREP-approved program full-time or part-time. The 60-credit curriculum includes 600 internship hours and 100 practicum hours.
Highlights:
- 100% National Counselor Examination pass rate
- 94% employment rate at six months post-graduation
- 90% retention rate
Considerations:
- Comprehensive exam required for graduation
- High net price compared to other programs on this list
- No concentration options
25%
Yes
92%
44%
$33,930
$33,930
44%
25,568
Private
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Minneapolis, MN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
We like how UMN's counseling psychology graduate program blends scientific and practitioner perspectives to prepare students for advanced study at the doctoral level. Accredited by the APA since 1952, UMN's program offers hands-on learning opportunities that include live sessions at the student counseling services center and up to 800 hours of offsite experiences.
UMN's graduate program emphasizes evidence-based counseling practices and supports students planning to take the Examination for Practice in Professional Psychology licensure examination. Funding opportunities are available to doctoral-track students.
Highlights:
- Strong practicum placement network
- Structured practical experiences
- 79% of 2014-24 graduates obtained psychologist licensure
Considerations:
- Students must actively participate in psychology research
- Dissertation required for graduation
37%
Yes
91%
77%
$18,468
$28,578
77%
54,890
Public
How To Choose a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
The master’s program you choose will shape your grad school experience and career options. When researching programs, consider factors including cost, schedule, and accreditation status to find a good fit. Mental health counselors also need to ensure that their education meets the licensure requirements in their state.
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 About Becoming a Counselor
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.
