Best 19 Masters in Mental Health Counseling Programs in 2024

Within the School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, CUNY Brooklyn College offers a Mental Health Counseling M.A. The 60-credit hour program exposes students to psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and experiential/humanistic approaches. Additionally, students are exposed to opportunities to intern with counselors and ways to get their 3,000 hours of supervised experience following their degree in order to get licensed.

At Kent State University, it is possible to get a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program is 60 hours and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students will get a broad understanding of the various counseling approaches. While most students choose to take courses on the campus, there are online and hybrid options available, too.

A Clinical Counseling MS can be obtained at East Carolina University. The program is offered within the College of Allied Health Sciences, which also gives students access to a wide array of departments – biostatistics, occupational therapy, communication sciences and disorders, and much more. The 62-hour program to obtain an MS in clinical counseling covers a wide array of topics including practicums. Additionally, there will be experiential activities as well as an internship requirement.

The College of Education & Human Services at Central Michigan University offers a concentration in clinical mental health counseling. The 66-credit hour program includes core classes, courses on crisis and trauma counseling, an internship featuring 600-hours of clinical experience, as well as at least 6 hours of electives. Students will have access to courses across the entire department as a way to diversify their education.

Students can explore a master’s program from Idaho State University. In addition to obtaining a master’s in Mental Health Counseling, there are also other specialties including Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, and Student Affairs Counseling. The majority of courses are offered on the campus, though online courses are available. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

At Alvernia University, it is possible to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (MACC). The program is offered at the main campus as well as at the Philadelphia Center. Students will learn through lectures, role plays, skill demonstrations, discussions, and small groups. The courses are delivered in person, though there are blended and online course offerings available for some of the required courses. Those who attend the university will also have access to a full community, including being able to attend professional conferences and seek counseling internships.

The Department of Counselor Education at Emporia State University offers a wide array of master’s programs. It is possible for students to explore clinical counseling, mental health counseling, and counseling education. The program is 45-hours of core classes and there is both a thesis and non-thesis option available. The concentrations that one can choose from with the 15 credit hours of electives include clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, and addiction counseling.

An MA from Antioch University-New England is available in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The full-time program generally takes students three years to complete, though there is a part-time program available, too. The requirements include 60 credit hours that focus on core courses, practicum and internships, and electives. The program is offered on two campuses – one that is online and one that is located in Keene, New Hampshire.

The College of Theology & Christian Ministry at Belmont University allows students to earn an MA in Mental Health Counseling. The private Christian university offers a unique program in that it teaches not only the scientific psychotherapy but also the insight and values of Christian tradition. The program is a total of 60 hours, which includes course in Christian ethics and an array of counseling techniques. Students can choose from one of three tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Pastoral Therapy, or Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling.

Carlow University offers a Master of Science in Professional Counseling. The program, offered at the Main Oakland campus, is a total of 60 credit hours. There are various tracks that are available, including clinical mental health and addiction studies program. Within the program, there will also be a practicum and internship, ensuring that it’s possible to get the hands-on experience of working to counsel individuals and small groups.

An MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is available from Gallaudet University. Within the Department of Counseling, students can choose from various courses in counseling as a way to diversify their education. The program is a minimum of 69 credit hours, which spans across two years. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs.

A Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling is offered by Boston College within the School of Education and Human Development. The two-year program provides students with the knowledge needed to work in a variety of different industries. The courses are offered online while the second year is more hands-on with a practicum internship. The school makes it possible to intern at a clinic, school, or organization around the Boston area and prepare for the licensure exam.

The Graduate School of Education at Fordham University offers an MSEd in Mental Health Counseling. The program consists of 60 credit hours and can be taken full-time or part-time. The campus that the courses are offered is the Lincoln Center. The options are to take the course in two years or in three years, both with summers. Graduates will be able to get licensed following the licensing exam and accruing 3,000 hours of supervised experience post-graduation.

The master’s program at Marquette University makes it possible to focus on clinical mental health counseling. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the university offers options on the campus and online. The 60-credit hour program takes 21 months to complete. In addition, students can choose to specialize in a few different areas such as child and adolescent, clinical rehabilitation, or addiction.

Andrews University, located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program is CACREP accredited and consists of core classes and a practicum. Students will learn how to function in an array of settings including private practice, family counseling centers, and mental health centers. Clinical and research training is provided.

Clinical mental health counseling is offered at Holy Family University. Students will obtain an MS in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in clinical mental health. Students will learn in a way that allows them to apply Christian principles to their counseling approach. The program requires a total of 60 credit hours along with a 600-hour internship and a 100-hour practicum.

Graduate counseling opportunities exist at John Brown University. There are several emphases within the program, including Marriage and Family Therapy, Play Therapy, and Adventure Therapy. Students can choose to take courses face to face across various campuses in Arkansas including Rogers, Little Rock, and Siloam Springs. Approximately one-third of the courses can also be taken online.

At Fairfield University, students can choose to get a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. The program is found within the Graduate School of Education & Allied Professionals and has been identified as a “best value.” The program consists of 60 credit hours and focuses on a number of areas including human growth and development, group counseling, and research and evaluation. Students are also given access to opportunities post-graduation.

A Master of Arts in Counseling can be obtained from Heidelberg University. Students will take various core classes to introduce them to the various techniques of counseling as well as ethical and legal standards. Emerging issues pertaining to trauma and crisis are also a part of the curriculum. Additionally, students will be introduced to field experiences and supervision trainings.