Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.
Liz Simmons
Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.
With five years of experience as a writer and editor in the higher education and career development space, Ilana has a passion for creating accessible, relevant content that demystifies the higher-ed landscape for traditional and nontraditional learners alike. Prior to joining Forbes Advisor's education team, Ilana wrote and edited for websites such as BestColleges.com and AffordableCollegesOnline.org.
Reviewed
Ilana Hamilton
With five years of experience as a writer and editor in the higher education and career development space, Ilana has a passion for creating accessible, relevant content that demystifies the higher-ed landscape for traditional and nontraditional learners alike. Prior to joining Forbes Advisor's education team, Ilana wrote and edited for websites such as BestColleges.com and AffordableCollegesOnline.org.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Mental health counselors evaluate, manage and treat various mental and emotional health issues, including depression and anxiety, relationship problems, addiction and substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They work with individuals, couples, families and groups, and some specialize in treating specific populations, like children.
If you like the idea of helping people improve their mental and emotional health and well-being, you might consider becoming a mental health counselor, because the career outlook is excellent. As the need for mental health services increases, jobs in the field are expected to grow much faster than average within the next decade.
As a mental health counselor, you’ll need a master’s degree and a state license to practice. An online master’s in mental health counseling can help you meet your state’s qualifications to become a licensed mental health counselor.
Explore some of the best master’s in mental health counseling online programs and find out how to choose the right fit for you.
Our Methodology
Read more
Best Psychology & Counseling Degree Programs
Show Summary
- Best Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree Options
- Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Program?
- Accreditation for Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs
- How To Find the Right Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Online Degrees
Best Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Program?
An online master’s in mental health counseling program might be the perfect choice for you, but it depends on several factors. The below considerations can help you decide whether to pursue an online mental health counseling degree.
- What’s your learning style? Can you manage your own time, stay on task and motivate yourself to finish your work? If so, an online program might suit you well. However, not everyone finds it easy to succeed without the structure of attending class in person. These learners might prefer a face-to-face or hybrid program.
- What’s your budget? Distance learning is sometimes more affordable than an on-campus program, in part because online students avoid paying for on-campus housing and transportation. If you plan to enroll in an out-of-state public university, keep in mind that some schools charge a flat or discounted tuition rate to all online learners regardless of where they live, potentially sparing you steep out-of-state tuition rates.
- What’s your schedule? Many students find it easier to fit school into their lives by choosing an online program, especially one with asynchronous classes. Rather than traveling to campus at specific times each week, online students can learn wherever and whenever it makes the most sense for them. This flexibility can make it easier to work full time or meet other personal obligations without putting your education on hold.
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs
Institutional accreditation evaluates the quality of an entire higher education institution. Institutionally accredited universities meet stringent academic standards, demonstrating that they can offer a high-quality education.
Schools can receive institutional accreditation from accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. Attending an institutionally accredited college is crucial if you want to be eligible for federal financial aid. You can research a school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website.
Programmatic accreditation evaluates specific programs within an institution. This kind of accreditation can be important for getting a job in your chosen field, applying to graduate school or qualifying for a professional credential.
Many of the best master’s in mental health counseling online programs hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). You can find out if a mental health counseling program holds programmatic accreditation by searching CACREP’s directory.
Mental health counseling master’s programs can also receive accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council. However, CACREP accreditation is more prevalent.
How To Find the Right Online Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
An online mental health counseling master’s degree can qualify you to launch a career as a mental health counselor or to pursue other related jobs. But not all programs are the same, so make sure to evaluate each option on its own merits and ensure it can help you reach your goals.
All states require mental health counselors to hold a license, so your degree should meet the education requirements laid out by the state where you intend to practice. More than half of U.S. states require a CACREP-accredited degree to qualify for mental health counseling licensure. Whether or not your state stipulates a specific accreditor, you will need to complete supervised clinical hours and pass an exam to earn your license and qualify for a job after graduation.
If you want to work with a specific client population, like children or adolescents, try to find a program that offers coursework and a field experience with this group. To learn more about this career path, see our guide on how to become a mental health counselor.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Tuition rates for the online mental health counseling master’s programs ranked on this page range from $342 to $1,039 per credit. The typical program requires about 60 credits, bringing the total tuition cost of the degree between $20,520 and $62,340.
For comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average yearly cost for graduate school tuition and fees is $20,513, bringing the total for a two-year degree to around $41,000.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to find out your eligibility for federal student aid such as loans, grants and scholarships. Other popular ways to fund a graduate education include fellowships, assistantships and work-study programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Online Degrees
What is the difference between an M.A. and an M.S. in counseling?
There isn’t much difference between an M.A. and an M.S. in counseling. Both graduate degrees can prepare you to become a professional mental health counselor. Regardless of whether you choose an M.A. or an M.S., confirm that the program meets licensure requirements in the state where you want to practice mental health counseling after you graduate.
What is the highest degree for a mental health counselor?
You typically need at least a master’s degree to become a licensed mental health counselor in any state. However, some mental health counselors may choose to earn a doctoral degree.
Can you get a master’s in counseling online?
Yes, many accredited schools offer online mental health counseling master’s programs, though some require on-site residencies or clinical training. Usually, online students can complete internships or practicums in their home areas if they do not live near their schools.
Can you be a counselor without a master’s degree?
Typically, you cannot become a counselor without a master’s degree, but it depends on how you define the term. To become a licensed professional counselor, you generally need to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a related field, complete clinical supervision hours and pass an exam. However, some professions with “counselor” in the title are open to individuals with only a bachelor’s or even just a high school diploma. These include substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors (in some cases) and peer counselors.
