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Online master’s in mental health counseling programs

Earning an online graduate degree in mental health counseling can prepare you for a rewarding counseling career. Learn more about online counseling programs.

Browse online master’s degree programs in mental health counseling

Why earn an online master's in mental health counseling degree?

Prepare for counseling licensure

Gain the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for earning a counseling license in your state.

Learn on your schedule

Earn a degree at your own pace while keeping your personal and professional commitments.

Join a fast-growing field

In a world full of stressors, mental health counselors are needed more than ever. Get one step closer to earning your license.


Mental health counselors help people navigate the behavioral, emotional, and social challenges they face in their daily lives. If you're ready to become a counselor, an online master's in counseling program can help equip you with the skills and knowledge you'll need to earn a counseling license, diagnose and treat clients, and practice independently.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in mental health counseling degree?

Mental health counselor

Mental health counselors can work with individuals, couples, and families to help address various mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Online graduate programs in mental health counseling can help prepare you to earn your licensed professional counselor (LPC) or equivalent license. License requirements vary by state, but most require a master's degree, supervised experience, and a passing score on the national counseling exam.

Mental health counseling salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mental health and substance use counselors earn the following annual salaries as May 2023:

  • Median salary: $53,710
  • Lowest-earning 10% made less than: $36,700
  • Highest-earning 10% made more than: $89,920

Your salary as a mental health counselor depends on factors like experience, education, and location.

Mental health counseling career outlook

The BLS projects that mental health and substance use counselor jobs will grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

What's the ROI of a master's in mental health counseling program?

Is a master's in counseling worth it? Since you need at least a master's degree to qualify for most counseling licenses, graduates often find that this degree is a worthwhile investment.

In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that students budgeted an annual average of $30,576 for their master's in psychology program. Most counseling master's programs take between 18 and 36 months to complete.

While degree value varies, many graduates find that their earning potential (a median of $53,710 per year for mental health counselors) outweighs the cost of their master's program.

What can you learn in an online master's in mental health counseling program?

Master's in mental health counseling program curricula vary by school and program. Accredited programs typically cover core concepts such as:

  • Therapeutic theories and techniques
  • Ethics and professional standards
  • Assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions
  • Group counseling dynamics
  • Family counseling
  • Crisis intervention
  • Trauma counseling

Master's in mental health counseling programs also require you to complete a hands-on clinical internship in your community. Required credit hours for this experience vary by program.

Online graduate degrees in mental health counseling

Accredited online mental health counseling programs generally offer the same rigorous and rewarding coursework as in-person programs. While practicum experience must be completed in person, online programs allow you to earn an advanced degree on your own schedule.

Admissions requirements for an online master's in mental health counseling program

Admissions requirements for online graduate programs in mental health counseling vary by institution and program. Most accredited master's programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.

Additional requirements may include:

  • Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions or programs
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A statement of purpose
  • An essay on a specific topic
  • An application fee
  • Test scores

Some counseling programs require GRE scores, but many do not. Check with each college for their exact program requirements.

Frequently asked questions