Enrolling in a top mental health counseling graduate program can take your career to new heights in the growing mental health profession. There’s little doubt we live in stressful times. As a result, we frequently feel overwhelmed emotionally, mentally, and also physically.
This article was originally published in July 2023 and was last updated/reviewed in February 2024.
Having a third party with whom we can discuss our issues and who can suggest prevention solutions, coping techniques, and skills can also be an invaluable asset. Obtaining a Master’s in Counseling with a Mental Health concentration can position you to help individuals, families, and groups work toward healthier lives.
10 Top Mental Health Counseling Graduate Programs Methodology
To rank the 10 Best Counseling Master’s Programs, Best Health Degrees’ editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. Then, from our initial pool, we ranked each mental health counseling program according to cost, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential. We use data from IPEDS, Niche, US News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications to determine which schools fit our desired criteria.
| Rank | School | Graduate Tuition (In-state/year) |
| #1 | UNC | $10,552 |
| #2 | Johns Hopkins University | $60,480 |
| #3 | University of Florida | $6,381 |
| #4 | Rutgers University | $18,696 |
| #5 | James Madison University | $11,520 |
| #6 | Illinois Tech | $34,101 |
| #7 | University of Iowa | $10,875 |
| #8 | Boston University | $61,050 |
| #9 | University of Colorado | $7,722 |
| #10 | Clemson University | $10,858 |
1. UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
At UNC-Chapel Hill, you can earn a Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Master’s degree from the School of Medicine. The degree is a 60-credit-hour counseling program that provides a concentration in training to counsel people with psychiatric and developmental disabilities.
Some students opt for a dual track of study. You can focus on theory, fundamentals, diagnosis, and research in the discipline.
A sampling of class topics includes:
- Foundations of Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling
- Theories of Counseling
- Research & Program Evaluation
- Principles of Group Counseling
Students also study evidence-based practices comparable with their selected concentration. A practicum and internship will conclude with a master’s paper, project, or thesis. (This program can qualify North Carolina residents for state credentials for (LCMHC) Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor).
Pros
- 100% pass rate for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam
- Ranks #4 in Top Public Schools with U.S. News and World Report
- Certification and licensure eligibility
- RSA-funded training grants, fellowships, and awards for incoming students
Cons
- GRE test scores required for admission
2. Johns Hopkins University
This program will earn you an MS in Counseling from one of the country’s premier universities. Furthermore, as one of the top counseling degree programs, students at Johns Hopkins University also have a choice of concentrations. They can choose either Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling.
Offered through the university’s School of Education, this is an evidence-based, 60-credit hour degree you can study either in person or following a hybrid path. Some of the coursework of the two concentrations overlap. Additionally, students on both paths must take an Introduction to Children and Youth with Exceptionalities Students course. Students also take:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Counseling Theory and Practice
- Diagnosis in Counseling, Appraisal, and Testing for Counselors
- Addiction Counseling
- Psychopathology
Toward the end of the degree, and regardless of concentration, you’ll complete a practicum and internship experience.
Pros
- No GRE scores required
- Full- and part-time options available
- Two concentrations available
- Optional hybrid pathway offered
Cons
- Research emphasis may not be a good fit for some students
- Rigorous courses
3. University of Florida Gainesville
If your career goals include practicing as a mental health counselor, you may want to review the program offered at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) provided by the National Board For Certified Counselors (NBCC). Additionally, students can become members of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA).
The 72-credit hour entry-level Mental Health Counselor program is a dual M.Ed./Ed.S. and MAE/Ed.S. degree. Courses include:
- Introduction to Counseling
- Counseling Theories and Applications
- Group Counseling
- Theory and Practice
- Trauma and Crisis Intervention
You’ll also complete a Practicum in Agency Counseling. The courses provide you with general knowledge and experience with treatment modalities and mental health services delivery. The program takes 2 to 2 1/2 years to complete, on average.
Pros
- Diverse course selections (both core and electives)
- Eligibility to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE)
- GRE scores not required
- Practicum experience
Cons
- Large student population (over 55,000 students)
- No certification options as of yet for students outside Florida
4. Rutgers University
Rutgers University, one of the nation’s oldest schools, offers a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track. Like other programs on this list, the Rutgers degree requires 60 credit hours, and full-time students can complete it in two years.
Courses offered include:
- Human Growth and Development
- Counseling Techniques
- Statistical and Research Methods
- Psychopathology
You can also take specialty courses that explore topics like trauma counseling and addictions and mental illnesses. In addition, students must complete a practicum and internship.
Pros
- GRE scores not required
- Internship and direct service experience opportunities
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1
- Online or on campus options
Cons
- Admission required interviews by faculty
- Online students must attend a residency of up to three days in New Jersey each year
5. James Madison University
James Madison University’s Department of Graduate Psychology awards a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration (M.A./ED.S.). This 60-credit-hour program has courses in:
- Introduction to Measurement and Statistics
- Assessment Procedures in Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Counseling Strategies: Crisis Intervention, Supervision, and Consultation for Counselors
- Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Intervention Planning, Career Development
- Multicultural Perspectives in Intervention: Enhancing Compassion
Additionally, students complete a professional experience or supervised internship in a clinical setting. Furthermore, students have a choice of one of two electives in either Thesis Research or Educational Research Specialist Research Project.
Pros
- Small class sizes (8-10 students on average)
- Degree completion rate is high (91%)
- Meets educational requirements for licensure or certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Scholarly work and research opportunities
Cons
- Small program with limited course choices
- Small cohort can limit networking opportunities
6. Illinois Tech
The only technical university in Chicago, the Lewis College of Science and Letters at Illinois Tech, offers an MS in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. This program prepares students to be Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC). Additionally, it teaches the skills to provide mental and rehabilitation services.
This well-rounded, 60-credit-hour curriculum includes courses like:
- Psychopathology
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Human Growth
- Psychopharmacology
- Theories of Psychotherapy
You’ll also participate in a practicum field experience in Rehabilitation Mental Health and a supervised internship. Finally, the program ends with a research project in either Special Projects or Research in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling.
Pros
- Specialized courses and diverse programming
- GRE scores not required
- Exposure to clinical settings
- Internship and practicum opportunities
Cons
- No online options
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
7. University of Iowa
If you’re looking for a program that will train you to work with clients individually, in groups, in families, or couples, you may want to look at the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Iowa’s oldest university.
The University of Iowa program provides students with the knowledge and skills to counsel individuals across a broad spectrum of emotional and psychological disorders. This 60-credit hour degree in counseling prepares students for certification by the National Board on Counselor Certification (NBCC).
Curriculum includes studies in:
- Introduction to Group Counseling
- Theories of Counseling and Human Development Across the Life Span
- Assessment and Appraisal
- Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Disability Across the Developmental Lifespan
- Applied Micro-counseling
You’ll also complete a Practicum and Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and take electives that explore a wide variety of topics. Electives cover everything from sleep disorders to human sexuality. The program culminates with both oral and written comprehensive exams.
Pros
- Nationally-ranked graduate program
- Serves as preparation for PhD pathway
- Graduate assistantships and fellowships offered
- Research opportunities alongside accomplished faculty
Cons
- Oral and written comprehensive exams required
- Large student population (over 30,000 students)
8. Boston University
Boston University offers an EdM in Counseling that consists of 60 credit hours you can complete in two years. There is also a concentration and licensure option. For those in the Child & Adolescent Mental Health concentration, the degree can lead to licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Regardless of your chosen concentration, students take a series of core courses that include:
- Counseling Skills & Techniques
- Child & Adolescent Psychopathology
- Counseling: Philosophy, Theory, and Practice
- Clinical Assessment: Psychological Testing, Substance Abuse and Treatment
- Ethics & Professional Responsibilities, and others
The Child & Adolescent Mental Health specialty requires additional classes. These include Children at Risk and Evidence-Based Practice for Children and Adolescents.
Additional educational requirements include two semesters of a supervised practicum and clinical practice.
Pros
- Diverse programming and specialty pathways
- Field-based experiences
- GRE scores not required
- Licensure options and assistance
- Part- and full-time options available
Cons
- Large student population over 36,000
- No online options available
- Rigorous in-person classwork
9. University of Colorado Denver
Through UC’s School of Education and Human Development, you can earn a 63-credit hour MA in Counseling and Clinical Mental Health degree. While most classes are on the Denver campus, some courses are in a hybrid format.
Fundamental courses required include:
- Counseling Theories
- Group Counseling
- Counseling Issues and Ethics
- Family Counseling Therapy
- Techniques of Counseling
- Human Development Over the Life Span
Additionally, you’ll take a series of advanced courses that explore theories and techniques. Some studies include Mental Health Diagnosis and Addictions Counseling. A practicum and internship experience are also required.
Pros
- No GRE score requirements
- Licensed Professional Counselor eligibility pathway
- Assistance with state licensure
- Named by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Graduate School”
Cons
- Half-day on-campus admissions interview required
- No online options
10. Clemson University
Clemson University offers a Counselor in Education, M.Ed./Ed.S. degree that requires you to attend classes at both the Clemson campus and the University Center in Greenville. You’ll be prepared to apply research, skills, and theory with a spotlight on prevention, wellness, as well as intervention.
This program offers a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, requiring 60-credit hours of study. According to the Student Handbook, the curriculum offers courses in:
- Theories/Techniques of Counseling
- Assessment in Counseling
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Addictions Counseling
- Ethical Issues in Counseling
Additionally, students must complete a practicum and fieldwork internship. Graduates are eligible to pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Pros
- GRE scores not required for admission
- Part- or full-time enrollment options
- Specialization options in clinical mental health and school counseling
- Travel required between two campuses (Greenville and Clemson)
Cons
- Applicants reviewed only once per year
- Online classes not offered
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to work as a mental health counselor or in family therapy, a master’s degree in counseling can help open doors to licensing. Students interested in counseling interventions and practices can get a master’s degree that will help launch their career. You can also go on to pursue doctoral programs and teach university courses.
Yes! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the counseling profession is expected to grow 18% through 2032. The job growth is much faster than the 3% average for all other occupations. This means about 42,000 job openings should result each year over the next 10 years, making a degree in counseling worth it.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates salaries from $34,580 to $82,710 annually for counselors. The most recent data from the BLS reports pay for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors is $49,710/year.
The average time it takes to get a master’s in counseling is two years. Some programs (mostly online) offer accelerated options for students to complete requirements in 18-20 months. But the average time is about two years.
Counseling is a licensed profession. Graduates qualify to pursue state licensure. You can find information about licensing at the following:
• American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• American Mental Health Counselors Association AMHCA
• National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• NBCC State Licensing Information
You can find careers in marriage and family counseling and general mental health counseling. You can also work in career counseling, as a professional school counselor, or as a rehabilitation counselor. Places to work include:
• Correctional facilities
• Government agencies
• Hospitals
• Mental health centers
• Private practice
• School settings
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the best student counseling programs since 1981. As of the publication of this information, CACREP accredits more than 400 counseling psychology education programs in over 900 specialties. It is the gold standard for counseling programs and qualifies you to sit for professional licensure exams, such as the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Other Counseling Online Master’s Programs for You
Not all of the great counseling programs made it to our list. So, here are a few more of the top schools with masters in counseling programs for you to check out.
- University of Maryland
- Wake Forest University
- NC State University
- University of North Dakota
- New York University
- The Ohio State University
- Florida State University
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- University of Missouri
- Oklahoma State University
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