Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs

Is an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Right for You? | Mental Health Counseling Program Accreditation | CACREP Accreditation | Online Student Support Services | Clinical Experience Placement Assistance | Curriculum | Concentrations | Is a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Worth It? | FAQs

Is an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Right for You?

An online counseling degree is just one of the many graduate degrees available via distance learning. But is an online master's degree in mental health counseling right for you? If you’re asking yourself that question, it might be helpful to consider some of the traits and characteristics of online students:

• Self-motivated learners capable of studying in a nontraditional online class setting
• Comfortable working independently
• Organized and good at meeting deadlines
• Prefer flexible class schedules
• Have a computer and internet access

Does this sound like you? If so, you may be a fit for an online master's degree in mental health counseling.

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• No GRE Required
• On-the-go Accessibility
• Field Placement Support
• No Required Campus Visits
• Live classrooms

Mental Health Counseling Program Accreditation

Obtaining accreditation for any online degree in the helping professions signifies meeting career standards and ensuring the best preparation for future professionals. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) set standards for online master’s in mental health counseling programs that meet the needs of clients and the changing landscape of the profession, as well as incorporate research trends in mental health.

Curriculum

Course titles and descriptions vary by program. When comparing master’s degrees in mental health counseling, be sure to look at the required and elective coursework and consider how the curriculum will prepare you to become an effective mental health practitioner. Does the curriculum integrate theory, philosophy and technical skills that are consistent with the competencies of professional counselors?

You might also evaluate a graduate program’s curriculum on how well it aligns with education requirements for licensure in the state where you wish to practice as a mental health counselor. For example, CACREP requires mental health counselors to complete graduate courses in the following content areas:

1. Counseling theories and models related to mental health counseling.
2. Settings and roles of mental health counselors.
3. Inpatient, outpatient, aftercare and the mental health counseling services networks.
4. Substance use disorders.
5. Government policies relating to mental health counseling.
6. Cultural factors.
7. Crisis intervention.
8. Diagnostic processes.
9. Psychological tests and assessments.
10. Record-keeping and third-party reimbursement.

Concentrations

You may be able to tailor your degree and focus your studies on the clients you plan to serve after graduation. Specializations and focus areas may include:

• Addiction counseling.
• Career counseling.
• Forensic counseling.
• Trauma and crisis counseling.
• Couple and family counseling.

Is a Master's in Mental Health Counseling Worth It?

People who successfully complete a master’s degree program in mental health counseling can help individuals and families across different cultures, backgrounds and circumstances. Not all counseling jobs require a master’s degree; the value of earning a graduate-level degree in mental health counseling lies in the skill set and knowledge it provides. A master’s degree in mental health counseling may signal to potential employers that you are deeply knowledgeable about how to help people live happier, more functional lives.

Counselors work in different facilities, depending on their specialty. Settings may include hospitals, schools, prisons and private practices. The decision regarding your specific counseling concentration is entirely up to you.

Here are some of the careers students can pursue after earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling:

Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors help people navigate their struggles with mental and emotional health, developing personalized therapy sessions that examine the roots of their problems and provide long-term solutions.

The median salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is $59,190 per year as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advanced degrees and professional certifications may increase earning potential for mental health counselors. Notably, the employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is expected to experience a rapid growth rate of 17% from 2024 to 2034, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations.

Learn more about how to become a mental health counselor.

School Counselor

School counselors are responsible for the welfare of students within the education system, from elementary schools to colleges and universities. They develop programs to help students cope with emotional difficulties resulting from school-related stress.

One of the most important responsibilities of the school counselor is to make life easier for students with behavioral and mental illnesses. Students with learning disabilities or autism aren’t always suited for traditional learning environments, and counselors help create settings in which they can thrive.

The BLS has two important statistics about school counselor jobs that aspiring professionals may wish to consider: The median annual salary for school counselors was $65,140 a year in 2024, and employment is expected to increase by 4% from 2024 to 2034.

A master’s in mental health counseling may provide relevant counseling training, but it does not necessarily meet the requirements to become a school counselor. School counselor certification is set at the state level, and some states require completion of a school counseling program or other school-counselor-specific preparation.

Learn more about how to become a school counselor.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors help people struggling with drug and alcohol misuse. This means identifying the mental and emotional issues that people with addiction experience and helping them better manage their distress, reducing the likelihood of a relapse.

The BLS reports that the median annual salary for substance abuse counselors was $59,190 in 2024. Education requirements depend on where you work. In some states, the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in psychology, bachelor’s degree in social work, or other related fields. However, counselors with a master’s degree can provide more services and potentially earn more as a substance abuse counselor.

Learn more about how to become a substance abuse counselor.

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

A marriage and family therapist plays a vital role in helping married couples and family members resolve conflicts and build healthier, more resilient relationships. During sessions, the therapist encourages family members to discuss their issues openly. This approach allows the therapist to develop solutions that promote understanding among all parties involved.

As of 2024, the BLS reported that these professionals earn a median annual salary of $63,780. The number of jobs in this field is expected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for most jobs.

While you can become an MFT with a master’s in mental health counseling, you can also choose a different degree path, such as an online MFT degree.

Learn more about how to become a marriage and family therapist.

Geriatric Counselor

These specialized mental health professionals focus on providing counseling and support services to elderly individuals, addressing their unique emotional, psychological and social challenges. For example, they may look for signs of depression and substance use in older adults, help clients navigate a life-changing medical diagnosis or share resources to help resolve relational issues.