Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the United States as of 2020 have a mental illness? According to the National Institute of Mental Health Counseling, that figure also includes young adults, ages 18-25. Counseling provides a fulfilling — albeit emotionally challenging — career to make a life-changing difference, especially in high-need areas. The best online counseling programs prepare tomorrow's counselors to take on today's challenges in psychology.
If you think you have what it takes to start a counseling career, explore this guide on the best online counseling programs. Discover more about online counseling programs, including how to get admitted, online and hybrid options, and clinical practicum requirements.
What to Look For in an Online Counseling Program
Shopping for an online counseling program requires looking at the factors that separate one degree from the next. First, you want to ensure that you qualify and meet the admission requirements by reviewing the undergraduate and graduate application guidelines.
Once you verify your eligibility, figure out the differences like the student-faculty ratio, which lets you know how much academic resources, career assistance, and personal help you can get. Also, review the school's financial aid resources for psychology students and reputation. Reputable colleges and programs receive accreditation as a voluntary process to show that they offer quality education.
Last, research the differences between counseling vs. psychology programs.
Hybrid and Online Options
Online counseling programs meet virtually, but the online requirements vary by program. For instance, online counseling students may complete primarily asynchronous work, except for a practicum experience. They may attend lectures on assessment, research, and interventions.
Another online counseling program may meet at set times online, perhaps weekly in the evenings. Whether online, hybrid, or in person, all accredited counseling programs prepare graduates for counseling careers.
Hybrid counseling programs combine in-person and online coursework. In this case, students may meet on campus for labs or lectures, while completing other lessons online.
Practical Experience Requirements
Counselors need a foundation in psychological theories, but they also must learn practical applications of those theoretical principles. Psychology internships and practicum experience provide students with the know-how to conduct assessments and create plans of care.
Practicums and internships provide students with the clinical experience needed to pass professional counseling licensure board exams and earn a state license. Licensed counselors make an average annual salary of $49,730, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, they have the potential to boost their earnings with added responsibilities and work experience.
While entry-level counselors (those in the bottom 10%) make an average of $29,490 a year, professionals in the 90th percentile earn an annual average wage of $76,780.
Many counseling positions are in high demand. The BLS projects jobs for substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors to increase by 22% from 2021-2031 — far outpacing the average for most occupations.
Featured Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Best Online Counseling Programs
#1 Best Online Counseling Programs
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
NYU Steinhardt is among the best online counseling programs. The online master's degree in counseling is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.
Students choose between two online counseling master's degree concentrations: mental health or school counselor. Both programs offer part- and full-time options. Mental health counselors are licensed to provide counseling services to individuals or groups, addressing mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Certified school counselors advocate for students' academic performance, addressing social, family, educational, and emotional well-being.
There is also a dual degree option for a concentration in bilingual school counseling. This track focuses on multicultural theory and working with students who speak English as a second language.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants need a current resume, school transcripts, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a non-refundable application fee. GRE scores are not required.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Counseling Programs
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers interested in a top-rated school counseling degree can explore the online master of education in school counseling program at the University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education.
USC's online school counseling program prepares students for certification. School counselors must apply for a certificate in the state where they choose to practice.
The entirely online program focuses on several primary areas of study, including trauma-informed practices, restorative justice, and career readiness.
Students can complete the program in 2-3 years.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited institution, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and proven written and verbal communication skills. No GRE test results are required.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Online Counseling Programs
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, students can enroll in one of two tracks offered through an entirely online master of arts in counseling program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Students choose between two concentrations: school counselor and clinical mental health counselor. The online master's in counseling clinical mental health track prepares students for licensure. Professionals address mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and provide marriage and family counseling.
School counselors collaborate with educators and counsel children and adolescents of all ages to improve their overall well-being and optimize their educational success.
After enrollment, students gain access to tutoring services and 24/7 technical support,
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited college or university, a current resume, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, a virtual interview, and an $80 application fee.
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Counseling Programs
Adler University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Adler University in Chicago, Illinois, offers one of the best online counseling degree programs in the country. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the online master of arts in clinical mental health counseling program.
Students can complete the online program in 3-4 years. Asynchronous classes allow students to listen to prerecorded lessons in their own time. Some course requirements involve synchronous Zoom meetings at a scheduled time to provide peer and faculty relationship-building opportunities. On-campus course requirements take place at the Chicago campus location, involving two five-day residency weeks during years one and two.
Adler University offers two dual master's-level counseling degrees, including a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling/master of arts in forensic mental health leadership and a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling/master of science in sport and human performance.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a recommended minimum 3.0 GPA, a statement of intent, official transcripts, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, an application fee, and an interview with faculty members.
Graduates qualify to pursue Illinois licensed professional counselor credentials.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Counseling Programs
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in exploring top-rated online counseling programs may consider the Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles. The Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs-accredited degree prepares students for professional counselor licensure (LPC).
The master of arts in mental health counseling takes three years to complete. The curriculum comprises 60 credit hours of coursework, plus supervised clinical experience. Course topics include theories and research, assessment and diagnosis, counseling intervention, and early intervention/prevention in community settings. Students can expect to complete the program on a full-time basis in two years; the part-time program takes around three years to complete.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, an online application with a $50 application fee, a written essay that includes how applicants plan to contribute to the program's mission, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Best Online Counseling Programs
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers searching for a top-ranked master's in counseling program may consider the Morgridge College of Education's master's in school counseling online program at the University of Denver.
The 24-month, 90-credit online program includes 18 courses and 700 hours of counseling practice. The curriculum focuses on skills and student development, which prepares school counselors to serve students by recognizing their strengths and accomplishments.
The curriculum includes mock counseling sessions. Enrollees must participate in an additional 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships. Students can select a school in their local community to complete the program's hands-on counseling component. An optional on-campus immersion experience is available.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA from a regionally accredited institution, a current resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a diversity statement, and a statement of professional goals. No GRE or work experience is required.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 Best Online Counseling Programs
University of Western States
- Portland, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Western States offers an entirely online clinical and mental health counseling master's program. Students can enroll in the program independently or choose this specialization while enrolled in the doctorate of education in sports performance psychology program.
The clinical and mental health counseling master's program focuses on holistic wellness, integrating spiritual, social, physical, and cognitive components. Students learn how to use evidence-based practice to support holistic counseling approaches. In simulation labs, actors portray patients as part of a unique way for students to gain hands-on experience before interacting with clients professionally.
The 90-quarter/60-semester program takes 2-3 years to complete and fulfills the requirement to pursue a licensed professional counselor (LPC) credential. Tuition is $587 per quarter credit.
Admission requirements include U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, an undergraduate degree with a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, a current resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and a personal interview. Applicants must also pay a $50 application fee and pass a background check.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#8 Best Online Counseling Programs
West Texas A & M University
- Canyon, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The 60-hour master of arts in counseling program, offered at West Texas A & M University, in Canyon prepares students to become professional counselors who can work in a variety of clinical settings. Faculty-approved internships take place in hospitals, outpatient treatment facilities, and residential facilities.
Courses include diagnosis and treatment in counseling, assessment and testing in counseling, and couples and family counseling. Students must also complete a three-hour practicum and a 3-6-hour internship.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, an online application, and a recent resume.
Program graduates qualify to take the National Counselor Exam and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counseling Texas Jurisprudence Exam to be eligible as a licensed professional counselor (LPC).
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 Best Online Counseling Programs
Hope International University
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers searching for a top-ranked online counseling degree may consider Hope International University in Fullerton, California. HIU offers an online master of science in counseling with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. Successful completion qualifies students to pursue a California licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) licensed marriage and family therapist credential.
The 61-unit Christian-based program takes 2-3 years to complete. Graduates must procure 3,000 supervised hours of clinical practicums/internships before qualifying to sit for the licensure exam.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution, official transcripts, and a prerequisite waiver for those seeking to do without required courses.
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#10 Best Online Counseling Programs
Northcentral University
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 years
- Online
The entirely online counseling program at Northcentral University in La Jolla, California, requires 60 credit hours.
The master of science in clinical mental health counseling program prepares students to work with culturally diverse people of all backgrounds to address their mental health issues. The curriculum focuses on ethics and legal standards, evidence-based counseling approaches, and assessment and diagnosis skills. Professional counseling experience is provided through clinical practicums in various clinical settings.
On average, the course takes 32 months to complete.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, a current resume, a statement of intent, a licensure plan (to pursue local certification), a statement of professional ethics, a list of possible clinical sites (in the student's local geographic location), and a checklist of available technology. Applicants must also submit to a background check and interview with a faculty member.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online counseling programs worth it?
Enrolling in an online counseling program offers an above-average level of job security.
While the BLS projects the average growth from 2021-2031 for all occupations to be 5%, many counseling professionals offer faster-than-average job increases. School and career counseling jobs are expected to increase by 10% and marriage and family therapists by 14% during that decade.
Can I become a counselor without a degree?
Perhaps. Requirements to become a counselor vary by state. Educational requirements depend on the state, but generally you need a master's degree to get licensed as a counselor.
Positions in counseling, such as community health workers and peer support specialists, may not require a secondary degree.
Is counseling a good job?
Counseling offers an emotionally and financially rewarding career for professionals willing to take on added responsibility and earn a higher education.
Depending on the industry, counselors could make a top salary. Counselors at religious organizations make the most with a mean annual salary of $98,780, according to the BLS. Grantmaking and giving services offer counselors the second-highest wages, with a salary of $90,280.
Sources
Page last reviewed November 22, 2022. This page's information — not including school descriptions — was reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Psychology.org.