Best Mental Health Counseling/Counselor colleges in the U.S. 2024

As a mental health professional, it is your job to observe, listen to, and communicate with clients to understand their issues and offer personalized strategies to improve their daily lives. Depending on the industry or client, mental health counselors may work one-on-one, with families, or with groups to address the issues that are impacting their psychological health. 

Quality of life is affected by a range of factors that encompass both physical and mental health. While aspects of physical health are observed in real-time, mental health and wellness require ongoing observation and human interaction to assess. A degree in mental health counseling prepares you to assess mental health. 

A mental health counseling degree teaches skills to promote wellness for individuals with ranging emotional and mental distress. Mental health counseling professionals provide long-term support to improve the mental health and productivity of employees. This investment in human capital has had a direct effect on the demand for educated professionals with secondary degrees in the field of mental health. 

What Can I Do With A Master’s Degree In Mental Health Counseling?

Today there are many viable career options for professionals with a master’s degree in mental health counseling. In higher education, school counselors offer services to students and faculty that seek help with personal issues in school and at home. In the corporate world, many companies establish wellness programs so employees can access counseling to improve stress management, work-life balance, and general emotional health. 

At home, many individuals seek couples and family therapy as a means to resolve personal problems and seek common ground. No matter the industry, mental health counselors provide an essential service that only increases in demand. 

Getting a master’s degree in mental health counseling can be a daunting task given the financial and time commitment. A bachelor’s degree in education or psychology provided students with an excellent introduction to the field of mental health counseling, although some master’s programs require applicants to complete general psychology or sociology electives to qualify for the program. 

Depending on what school or program is of interest, it’s always helpful to review the application requirements and/or prerequisites. Future applicants should consider admissions requirements, cost, and areas of specialization to be sure that the program they choose fits their criteria. 

Pros And Cons Of Master’s Degree In Mental Health Counseling 

Like many post-graduate degrees, there are positives and negatives associated with a graduate degree in mental health counseling. Time, cost, and post-graduation job placement are all key factors that should be assessed prior to applying. 

Compared to a master’s degree in mental health counseling, a master’s of psychology typically requires students to pursue a specific field of treatment, such as PTSD or depression, with a focus on patient assessment and treatment. If you have a master’s degree in mental health counseling, you may need a doctorate to provide similar services as professionals with a master’s of psychology. 

Each degree can also lead to very different salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master of psychology graduates typically earn double what master of mental health counseling graduates earn, so this can be an important factor for prospective applicants. 

Coursework In Mental Health Counseling Master’s Programs

While course loads and content vary slightly by program, many of the courses offered in mental health counseling programs are aligned to meet industry standards. Classes such as Behavioral Evaluation, Human Growth and Development, and Family Therapy teach important counseling theories and can be expected as part of the core course-load, while specialized courses like Substance Abuse and Disability Counseling comprise just a couple of the typical elective options. 

Skills Learned In A Master Of Mental Health Counseling Program

With a master’s degree in mental health counseling, graduates are expected to develop counseling skills to better understand their patients’ needs. Programs build skills such as:

• Communication
• Observation
• Listening
• Critical-thinking

How Long Does It Take To Get A Master’s Degree In Mental Health Counseling?

Some graduate programs take one year to complete, while others take up to two years with compulsory post-graduation internships or clinical experience. Most programs require applicants to complete the GRE and submit scores as part of their application package, but it is always best to check each schools’ admission requirements to be sure. 

Factors that impact the length of a degree program include:

• Previous education
• Online vs. in-person learning
• Accelerated course availability
• Synchronous vs asynchronous learning
• Part-time vs. full-time course loads

Choosing The Best Master’s Degree In Mental Health Counseling

There are many viable paths to earning a master of mental health counseling. It is important to note that there are both online and in-person degree options, as well as additional certifications and licenses depending on a student’s specialization or field of interest. This section explored the different options available for future mental health counseling students. 

Mental Health Counseling Degree Specializations

When exploring specializations for mental health counseling, first get familiar with the options. Depending on the demographic that you’re interested in working with, you might select a common specialization such as:

• Early Childhood Development
• Marital/Familial 
• Educational
• Clinical Rehabilitation
• Addiction

Mental Health Counseling Vs Psychology Master’s Degrees

There are distinct differences between psychology and mental health counseling degrees that have lasting financial, time, and employment implications. According to BLS, a graduate with a master of mental health counseling can expect post-graduation salaries starting at $47,660, while individuals with a master of psychology might expect a salary of $82,180, depending on location and field of expertise. 

From a professional standpoint, it’s important to point out that to provide similar levels of service to psychology professionals, those with a master’s degree in mental health counseling typically need to earn a doctorate. 

As with many other degree programs, prospective mental health counseling students have multiple options of study depending on their schedules and goals in the program. 

Future applicants should note that while there are many online options to choose from, human interaction, observation, and lab-time are crucial skills needed for mental health counseling careers. While online learning can offer added flexibility and no commute, on-campus learning provides added social and networking opportunities that can benefit post-graduate job placement. 

If students choose to study online, they can anticipate completing some courses and all required clinical experience in person. 

How Long Does It Take To Complete An Online Course? 

Depending on the format of an online course, student experience may vary. If courses are taught synchronously, then students must attend online lectures and labs at set times. If a course is taught asynchronously, students can watch lectures and study on their own time, ideal for busy schedules. 

Hybrid courses offer a combination of online lectures and in-person lab time, which can be especially helpful for students looking to acquire the skills needed to work with clients post-graduation. Some certificate programs offer accelerated online courses that condense the subject matter into 3-6 week increments. 

Master of Mental Health Counseling Salaries and Career Outlook

Graduates with a master’s degree in mental health counseling often pursue careers as:

• Rehabilitation Counselors
• Psychologists
• School and Career Counselors
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselors

Job growth projections in this field may vary depending on the position, and graduates should note that these statistics are reflections of the current job market that can fluctuate over time. 

Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree Career Paths 

Mental Health Counseling Career Resources

1. American Counseling Association (ACA) - ACA is an organization for mental health counseling students and professionals that funds need-based and merit-based scholarships, networking opportunities and awards. ACA provides continuing education, career, and publications that celebrate their members achievements and offer information for future counselors. 

2. American Mental Health Counselors Association  - This group provides networking and continuing education opportunities for future students and current counselors in the United States. In addition to networking galas and conferences, they also conduct policy research and offer credentialing services. 

3. American College Counseling Association  - This organization is composed of psychologists, counselors, and social workers that work in higher education. Members include professionals in the college counseling field that hold master’s and doctoral degrees. Members have access to a variety of job boards, networking events, and grants for those interested in pursuing academic research in the field. 

• Is a mental health counselor a psychologist?

  • Not exactly, though there are similarities in certain duties, both help patients work towards better mental health. However, counselors are not doctors. Psychologists usually hold a Ph.D.

• Is a mental health counselor better than a psychologist?

  • One is not better than the other, but psychologists hold doctoral degrees, undergo different training, and have different career paths. Like psychologists, mental health counselors hold state licensure, work directly with clients, and take insurance.

• Is a mental health counselor different than a college counselor?

  • College counselors offer a broad range of services to students, such as stress management, emotional issues, and career guidance, while mental health counselors focus on mental health issues.

• What does a mental health counselor do?

  • Mental health counselors help individuals, families, and groups with a wide range of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional issues in order to boost mental wellness.

• Is there a demand for mental health counselors?

  • The stresses and rigors of modern everyday life have given rise to mental health matters requiring the services of professional Mental Health Counselors. Jobs are projected to grow 25% over the coming decade.

• How much do counselors make?

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health counselors earn an annual median salary of $47,660 annually in 2020, with the highest 10% making over $78,700

• How many hours do mental health counselors work a day?

  • Mental Health Counselors work standard 40-hour workweeks, though some offer flexible night or weekend hours to accommodate clients’ schedules.

• How long does it take to become a counselor?

  • It takes up to six or seven years to be a Mental Health Counselor by the time you finish the required bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including a one-year internship. Part-time students may expect to double the time needed.

• What is online counseling therapy?

  • Online counseling uses telemedicine appointments to deliver virtual therapy sessions via video conferencing. This modern approach makes counseling more accessible, though patients need to have access to a computer, camera, microphone, good internet connection, and a private place where they can feel relaxed and have a confidential session.

• Is counseling better in person?

  • A 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders found that telemedicine appointments are an effective alternative to in-person counseling. However, patients with severe issues or who don’t have access to private spaces may be better served in person.

• Is being a mental health counselor stressful?

  • Mental Health Counseling can be challenging and often emotionally demanding, but most workers find it rewarding to provide critical assistance to those in need.

• Is a master’s in mental health counseling worth it?

  • If you are interested in helping others overcome mental health obstacles through counseling to foster emotional growth and healing, then a mental health counseling degree is worth it. 

• What can you do with a master’s in mental health counseling?

  • Professionals with a master’s degree in mental health counseling can be school counselors, addiction and substance abuse counselors, marriage/family counselors, or career counselors. 

• How long does it take to get a master’s in mental health counseling?

  • Typically master’s programs take 1-2 years to complete.

• Can you be a mental health counselor with a master’s in psychology?

  • Regardless of degree, mental health counselors must be licensed in the state they wish to practice, and have a relevant specialization specific to their patient demographic. While there is significant subject-matter overlap, professionals cannot use these degrees interchangeably to qualify for a specific professional role.  

• Payscale.com
• BLS
• https://www.bls.gov/oes/2016/may/oes211014.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/rehabilitation-counselors.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm
• https://www.northwestu.edu/college-social-behavioral-sciences/master-arts-clinical-mental-health-counseling
• https://www.amhca.org/home