Top Affordable Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs 2022Updated September 30, 2022 | BestCounselingDegrees.net Staff Show
 Are you ready to find your fit?Licensed mental health counselors help people with their emotional and behavioral needs. A master's in mental health counseling prepares compassionate learners to professionally support, assess, and treat people with mental health conditions. Counselor hopefuls must earn at least a master's degree to qualify for licensure and begin practicing professionally. Many online clinical mental health counseling programs provide the coursework and skills needed to become a professional counselor. Accredited online programs also help prepare graduates to sit for licensure exams. This page covers what to expect from an online clinical mental health counseling program, including courses, costs, and admissions. We also ranked the top affordable online master's in mental health programs. Discover What Matters: What to Expect | Courses | Cost | Jobs and Salaries | Top Affordable Programs | FAQ Why Get an Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
What to Expect From a Master's in Mental Health CounselingMaster's in mental health counseling programs prepare candidates to support people and communities with emotional and behavioral problems. These 60-credit programs often take 2-3 years to complete. After graduating, candidates must pursue licensure in their state. All 50 states require that mental health counselors hold current licensure. Many online clinical mental health counseling programs help students meet the education and experience requirements to sit for their state's mental health counseling licensure exam. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) offers both the National Counselor Examination and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. NBCC provides a detailed content outline for the licensing exams. Many online clinical mental health counseling programs help students meet the education and experience requirements to sit for their state's mental health counseling licensure exam. Continue reading to learn more about degree specializations, how to apply, and how to budget for online clinical mental health counseling programs. Degree and Concentration OptionsLearners can pursue several degree options to meet state and licensure counseling requirements. Universities may offer master of arts, master of science, or master of education degrees in mental health counseling. Coursework for these degrees varies by school, but these programs often share similar core elements. Many online schools allow learners to study at their own pace. Students can opt for part-time or full-time study schedules and pursue their degrees online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Some online clinical mental health counseling programs also offer accelerated programs that allow enrollees to finish a master's program in just one year. Master's in mental health programs generally allow learners to specialize in an area of interest. Focused studies prepare candidates to address specific needs and propose targeted solutions. Popular Specializations:
Admissions ProcessCounseling applicants must provide application materials and a fee. Schools may also ask candidates for an interview, background check, and fingerprinting if their chosen concentration deals with minors. Many schools no longer require GRE test scores. Candidates should compile the following application materials:
Top Online ProgramsExplore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level. Popular Mental Health Counseling Graduate CoursesRequired courses vary by program, but degree-seekers can expect a mix of core and elective courses and a mandatory internship. Common courses include theories of counseling, ethics and legal issues of counseling, couples and family counseling, and mental health counseling practicum and/or internship. Why You Should Get Your Mental Health Counseling Degree OnlineOnline clinical mental health counseling programs offer affordability and flexibility for working students. Online programs also allow for greater accessibility to top schools without incurring moving or commuting costs. Ideal distance learners are self-motivated individuals who can independently pursue their counseling goals. Earning an online counseling degree does not mean sacrificing academic merit — many online counseling programs hold accreditation with regional or national accrediting agencies. Additionally, much of the coursework in online programs mirrors traditional on-campus programs. How Much Do Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs Cost?The total costs of earning a master's degree in mental health counseling vary by school and program. The National Center for Education Statistics reports average graduate tuition ranging from $19,314 at public institutions to $25,929 at private institutions for the 2018-2019 school year. A school's reputation and public or private status can affect tuition rates. Students who attend school out-of-state may also incur hefty nonresident tuition rates. Fortunately, many online clinical mental health counseling programs offer flat-rate or in-state tuition options for all virtual learners. The National Center for Education Statistics reports average graduate tuition ranging from $19,314 at public institutions to $25,929 at private institutions for the 2018-2019 school year. Financial aid options can help lower tuition costs. Counseling students can pursue scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid to offset educational costs. Follow the links below to learn more about funding a master's degree in counseling. Making Cheap Master's in Mental Health Counseling Degrees Even CheaperStudents looking into affordable master's degree programs are on the right track, but tuition rates are not the only place they can save money. Degree-seekers can lower the overall cost of education by finding cheap textbooks, carefully planning their course load, applying for course waivers, and considering all possible aid options.
Mental Health Counseling Jobs and SalariesThe demand for mental health counseling professionals continues to grow. Many careers in mental health offer increases in salary with work experience and continuing education. Mental health professionals also benefit from advancement opportunities in leadership and management roles. Pursuing a master's degree in mental health helps professionals pursue many occupations like mental health counselor, case worker, and college admissions counselor. Mental Health CounselorMental health counselors support people and communities dealing with mental health conditions. These counselors must hold a master's degree and state certification. Mental health counselors work in a variety of settings including hospitals, addiction clinics, and outpatient facilities. Required Education: Master's in counseling required Average Annual Salary: $44,705 Case WorkerCase workers or managers collaborate with health providers to advise and guide individuals and communities in need. Case workers may assist recovering addicts, elderly, ex-convicts, or people battling severe illnesses. Required Education: Master's in counseling preferred Average Annual Salary: $42,156 College Admissions CounselorCollege or university admissions counselors advise incoming students for undergraduate or graduate study. These counselors support prospective students during the admissions process, recommend course options, and map course schedules to meet program requirements. Required Education: Master's in counseling preferred Average Annual Salary: $41,233 Selecting the Right Graduate ProgramWhile cost is an important factor in any school search, counseling graduate students should also consider the following when selecting the best school for their needs:
Top Affordable Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling ProgramsMaster of Arts in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health CounselingWake Forest University offers an online master of arts in counseling-clinical mental health counseling program. The online version of the program appeals to students pursuing education while continuing to work. WFU offers the 60-hour program on a part-time basis only. By taking fall, spring, and summer semesters, distance learners complete the course in three years. Although learners take all classes virtually, some requirements occur in person, such as the internship. The face-to-face clinical rotation involves an average of 20 hours per week in a mental health setting. Internships do not start until the second year of the program.WFU's AffordabilityNorth Carolina's cost of living falls a little over 1% lower than the U.S. average. To save on tuition, students can transfer up to six credits with university approval. Students assigned to clinical rotations outside of Winston-Salem may need to budget for additional expenses. Travel and lodging could cost them up to $3,600. The school and the FAFSA award financial aid based on income and demonstrated financial need. Students enrolled in master's programs fill out a CSS Profile along with the FAFSA application. A CSS Profile helps determine a student's financial responsibility toward college. Because of the critical need for counselors, different health organizations offer loan forgiveness and repayment programs. Students who accept a three-year position with a Health Resources and Services Administration-approved employer can earn up to $75,000 in loan forgiveness. WFU graduate students qualify for other scholarships, such as the $3,000 Richter Scholarship program.Program at a Glance
Master of Clinical Mental Health CounselingGrace offers an online master of clinical mental health counseling. The program includes some religious elements because it incorporates a Christian philosophy. Unlike online courses that let students view pre-recorded lectures any time, Grace's program uses a synchronous format. Students take each of the classes as a cohort. Students must participate in a yearly face-to-face requirement at the Winona Lake main campus. The in-person experience entails a clinical rotation along with some intensive coursework. During residency, students engage in activities related to spiritual growth, skills evaluation, and other training.Grace AffordabilityTo save on tuition, eligible students can transfer up to 12 credits toward their degree. Graduate learners qualify to apply for work-study loans, the FAFSA, and scholarships. Graduate degree-seekers may qualify for $20,500 in Stafford Loans annually to pay for personal and educational expenses. The Questa Education Foundation offers forgivable student loans and scholarships to graduate students in several counties in Indiana, including Kosciusko County.Program at a Glance
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health CounselingUWS's clinical mental health counseling MS teaches enrollees to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. The curriculum includes classes on group counseling, addiction, trauma, and family issues. Students benefit from a flexible schedule that fits their needs and accommodates work demands. UWS offers enrollment with fall and spring starting dates. Besides the program's online component, students must participate in face-to-face internships, including five clinical field placement terms. The faculty assists students in making arrangements for the mandatory practicum and internships.UWS's AffordabilityGraduate students get financial aid primarily through student loans or the FAFSA program. Degree-seekers must submit new FAFSA applications each school year. Learners can apply for loans through a lending institution, but they usually offer lower rates than FAFSA loans. UWS offers financial aid to graduate students through the Direct Grad Plus Loan program. The program lets students apply for a loan to cover attendance costs (minus other loans, grants, or scholarships). Students need good credit or a cosigner to qualify for a Direct Grad Plus loan. UWS also awards $500-$1,000 scholarships based on students' financial needs, merit, and scholarship application quality. Exact award amounts depend on funds available and the number of applicants.Program at a Glance
MA in Clinical Mental Health CounselingAUNE's online clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) program features fully virtual classes and an intensive virtual or face-to-face clinical component. The in-person practicum requires 100 hours. Students must also complete 900 total internship hours. The program focuses on ethics, client assessments, and social and cultural diversity. Graduates can become licensed as National Certified Counselors after passing the credentialing exam. The requirements for internship hours vary by state. Students should check their state's criteria to ensure an online program meets eligibility requirements.AUNE's AffordabilityBest Value Schools rated Antioch University's clinical and mental health counseling MA a good value. AUNE ranked in the top 19 online schools offering the CMHC program. Online enrollees receive a waiver for the application fee. Students qualify for financial aid based on family income, financial need, and other factors. Options for financial aid include federal and state grants and direct and federal student loans. Eligibility requires at least half-time enrollment and no previous loans in default.Program at a Glance
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health CounselingLiberty's online clinical mental health counseling MA includes fully virtual classes and face-to-face practicum and internship requirements. The accredited program prepares graduates for the Virginia state board exam to become licensed professional counselors. Learners in states other than Virginia should check their state requirements. The 60-credit MA covers clinical skills, evidenced-based practice, multicultural counseling, and legal issues and theories. To remain in good standing and qualify for the required practicum, enrollees must maintain a 3.0 GPA.Liberty's AffordabilityStudents stand to save a good amount of money by transferring up to 30 credits. Enrolling in the licensed counselor program full time also saves money. Full-time learners save about $3,000 over part-time enrollees. The school offers a no-interest payment plan option for students who choose to pay as they go. Liberty offers standard financial aid benefits, such as grants, loans, and scholarship opportunities. Minority students, members of religious affiliations, military members, and those with disabilities benefit from specialty scholarships. Virginia residents may qualify for special financial assistance or scholarships not available to out-of-state residents.Program at a Glance
Common Questions About a Master's in Mental Health Counseling
Recommended ReadingHelping you prepare and gain the most out of your educational experience. Are you ready to do impactful work in your community?Choose what you’d like to specialize in, and discover which schools offer a counseling degree that can help you make a difference. Is a masters degree in mental health worth it?Yes, a masters in mental health counseling is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 12% job growth in community and social service occupations over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Do you need to take the GRE for masters in counseling?GRE scores are not required for admission to the school counseling master's program if you have a 3.25 GPA in a baccalaureate program and/or 15 credit hours of completed graduate coursework in good standing.
Is University of the Cumberlands Cacrep accredited?CACREP accredits programs that meet national standards of quality and relevance to the counseling profession. University of the Cumberlands is one of the only higher education institutions to offer CACREP-accredited programs online. Pursue your studies.
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Cheapest online masters in mental health counseling
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