Mental health counselors provide counseling and treatment services to patients who live with behavioral disorders or addiction. A mental health counseling degree prepares students to work in hospitals, private clinics, and substance misuse treatment centers as counselors.
Schools offer on-campus and online mental health counseling degrees. The flexibility of online programs appeals to professionals who want to continue working while they complete their degree. Admission requirements generally include transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and writing an essay or personal statement.
Job opportunities for counseling degree holders continue to grow much faster than the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects mental health counseling jobs to grow 23% between 2020-2030.
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Questions About Becoming a Mental Health Counselor
What does it mean to be a mental health counselor?
Mental health counselors evaluate patients' emotional and behavioral health and provide appropriate treatment plans.
How many years does it take to become a mental health counselor?
A bachelor's degree in counseling typically takes four years of full-time study to complete.
Do mental health counselors make good money?
Salaries vary by education, location, and specialization. However, the BLS reports that counselors make a median salary of $47,660 per year.
Is a mental health counselor the same as a therapist?
Therapists generally need a master's degree or doctorate to practice. Counselors may practice with only an associate degree in some states.
What Are the Goals of a Mental Health Counseling Degree?
Typical mental health counseling programs cover topics like behavioral psychology, psychopathology, and social and emotional development. Counseling programs also feature clinical experiences that allow students to gain hands-on training at clinics, hospitals, and other treatment facilities.
Many mental health counseling degrees often offer specialization opportunities. Learners may choose to study specific areas like childhood development, marital and family studies, or substance misuse counseling. Specialized programs, like Christian counseling degrees, teach students topics on spiritual needs and growth. Specializations provide students with extra qualifications that may enhance their job prospects.
Why Get a Mental Health Counseling Degree?
A mental health counseling degree offers many personal and professional benefits. The following list outlines several benefits of earning an online mental health counseling degree.
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1
Increased Job Opportunities
Degree-holders typically qualify for more jobs than those without degrees.
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Counselors provide essential services to the public and serve as frontline workers.
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A mental health counseling degree provides students with the practical expertise that they need to succeed in the field.
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4
Improved Health Outcome
Mental health counseling and substance misuse treatment improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
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5
Better Earning Potential
What Are the Requirements for a Mental Health Counseling Degree?
Admission requirements for mental health counseling programs vary by school and degree level. However, schools typically require test scores, reference letters, and transcripts from high school or college. Additional requirements may include a personal statement, resume, and background check.
Once enrolled, students complete core and specialized courses on psychology and human development. Programs also typically require students to complete a certain number of clinical hours under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
Online Mental Health Counseling Degrees
See Our Rankings Methodology
#1 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Oregon Institute of Technology
- Klamath Falls, OR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With programs available on campus and online, Oregon Institute of Technology is a public institution educating students through academic programs in various fields. Learners can pursue 15 online programs from the school, along with in-person academic offerings in Klamath Falls. Students enrolled in the flexible BS in applied psychology program often work full time while earning their degree.
To graduate with the bachelor's degree, learners complete general education coursework, along with core and upper-division major classes. Electives and experiential learning opportunities help degree-seekers gain skills they can apply to careers. The school's career counselors help undergraduates identify career opportunities and develop professional plans.
The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees with financial need can qualify for federal grants and loans. Admissions advisors provide prospective applicants with details about application deadlines and requirements.
Oregon Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 34
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Number of Online Students: 1,618
Percent of Applicants Accepted: 97%
Graduation Rate: 46%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
30%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Toccoa Falls College
- Toccoa Falls, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can enroll in the top-ranked online counseling psychology bachelor's program at Toccoa Falls College. From its campus in Georgia, the private institution offers in-person and online bachelor's programs. The flexible learning format makes it easier for students to balance school with work or other responsibilities.
The online bachelor's program uses a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes foundational and advanced skills. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help degree-seekers build an individualized course of study based on their career goals. Online services, including tutoring, financial aid advising, and career counseling, help distance learners achieve their educational goals.
Distance learners pursuing a degree at the accredited institution can qualify for federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant. Distance learners also use scholarships, state grants, and student loans to cover costs.
Toccoa Falls College Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 31
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Number of Online Students: 1,189
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Percent of Undergrads who Graduate: 46%
Grants Transfer Credits: No
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Clarks Summit University
- South Abington Township, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners interested in mental health counseling can enroll in the online BS in counseling program from Clarks Summit University. The online program's flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy students to complete degree requirements. After completing the online bachelor's program, graduates often pursue entry-level careers to gain experience and qualify for advanced roles.
The curriculum comprises core coursework and advanced classes to prepare degree-seekers for the workforce. Along with major classes, learners complete general education courses and electives. Graduates can apply the critical thinking and analytical skills gained during general education coursework to careers in a variety of fields. Learners can customize the program through experiential learning opportunities and electives.
With 40 programs, the private institution provides academic programs with in-person and convenient online formats. The school offers three online bachelor's programs that are ideal for busy degree-seekers. Students with financial need can apply for federal aid, including grants and loans.
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Hobe Sound Bible College
- Hobe Sound, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hobe Sound Bible College is a private institution. The school delivers 18 online programs for distance students. Online learners can enroll in the BA in counseling program from the institution.
The online counseling program uses a rigorous curriculum that includes core and advanced coursework. Upper-division requirements help learners develop widely applicable skills, such as critical thinking abilities. Undergraduate degree-seekers typically graduate with the 120 required credits in four years, unless enrolled part time.
Online and on-campus learners can access support services, including career resources, from the school. Enrollees with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant.
Hobe Sound Bible College Numbers:
Total Programs: 25
Total Bachelor's Programs: 13
Online Bachelor's Programs: 9
Awards Transfer Credits: No
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Association for Bibical Higher Educaiton
#5 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Crown College
- Saint Bonifacius, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Crown College delivers undergraduate and graduate programs from its Saint Bonifacius campus. With 29 online programs, the private institution educates students based throughout the country. The school's bachelor's in psychology and counseling helps degree-seekers gain the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in mental health counseling.
The online bachelor's program features flexible enrollment options that benefit working professionals. The virtual classroom environment helps learners become comfortable using the latest technology. Online students can consult with professors virtually. The 120-credit bachelor's program typically takes four years for full-time degree-seekers to complete.
Learners with financial need can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Financial aid counselors help students explore funding options. At the school, 97% of students receive financial aid to fund their undergraduate education.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Faulkner University
- Montgomery, AL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private school in Montgomery, Faulkner University has one of the best online schools in the country. Of the school's 49 bachelor's programs, 12 are accessible to online students. A bachelor’s degree typically requires 120 credits.
Working professionals often benefit from the online counseling psychology program's flexible learning schedule. Bachelor's degree-holders often qualify for promotions and raises. The bachelor's in counseling psychology typically requires four years to complete.
Faulkner University Fast Facts:
Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 99%
Percentage of Learners Receiving Student Loans: 61%
Admission Rate: 78%
Applies Transfer Credits: No
Faulkner University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
University of Maine at Machias
- Machias, ME
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Distance learners can pursue an online BA in psychology and community studies from the University of Maine at Machias to prepare for mental health counseling careers. The school delivers academic programs in various fields. Students enrolled at the university can pursue four online programs, two of which confer bachelor's degrees.
The online psychology degree delivers flexible learning options. Busy learners balancing academics with personal obligations often benefit from the online program's customizable scheduling options. Online classes feature virtual discussions and opportunities to consult with faculty members. Bachelor's programs typically take four years for full-time degree-seekers to complete.
The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates and offers institutional funding for eligible applicants. Degree-seekers with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant. The school delivers financial aid advising to help admitted students identify scholarship and grant opportunities.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
#8 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Franklin University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Franklin University's academic offerings include high-quality online undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can also attend classes at the private institution's campus in Columbus, Ohio. The online psychology program's high-quality learning experience incorporates scheduling flexibility.
The virtual classroom environment allows distance learners in the BS in psychology program to complete course requirements from any location. Distance students participate in virtual discussions and communicate with faculty members online. The curriculum features specialized classes in the field and foundational core coursework. The degree emphasizes the hard and soft skills required for entry-level careers in mental health counseling.
For details about application deadlines and requirements, prospective students can review the school's website.
Franklin University Fast Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 44
Online Bachelor's Programs: 32
Students Receiving Aid: 96%
Students Awarded Student Loans: 55%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#9 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Hodges University
- Naples, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The applied psychology program at Hodges University is one of the top-ranked online programs in the field. The private institution, located in Naples, Florida, welcomes undergraduates to its on-campus and online programs. The school's online programs use a flexible learning format that helps learners balance school with other responsibilities.
The online bachelor's program incorporates foundational and advanced coursework in psychology. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help undergraduates design a customized degree based on their interests and career goals. The school's online services, including tutoring, financial aid advising, and career counseling, help distance learners complete the program and prepare for careers.
The school's accreditation status means that distance learners qualify for federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant. In addition to federal aid, students may receive institutional scholarships and state grants.
Hodges University Fast Facts:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 17
Online Bachelor's Programs: 15
Number of Online Students: 836
Applicants Admitted: 61%
Percent of Students who Graduate: 26%
Accepts Transfer Credits: No
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Master’s in Mental Health Programs 2023
Ecclesia College
- Springdale, AR
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Springdale, Arkansas, Ecclesia College is a private institution. Students can enroll in the school's 10 online programs to earn their degree without relocating. The online BS in psychology and counseling from the institution prepares online learners to enter careers in mental health counseling.
In addition to fulfilling core requirements, individuals studying psychology and counseling gain specialized knowledge during advanced classes. Upper-division requirements help learners develop widely applicable skills, such as critical thinking abilities. While most bachelor's degree-seekers graduate in four years, part-time enrollment may extend degree completion time.
Student support services such as tutoring and career counseling prepare learners to succeed academically and professionally. Enrollees with financial need can apply for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant.
Ecclesia College Facts:
Percent of Applicants Admitted: 63%
Total Programs: 15
Total Bachelor's Programs: 12
Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Association for Bibical Higher Educaiton
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