15 Top Mental Health Counseling Graduate Programs

Founded in 1946, the Counselor Education Program at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina, boasts a rich history of educating future mental health counselors.

Offered in both on-campus and online formats, this online Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling focuses on promoting wellness in future clients through preventive interventions.  

This top mental health counseling graduate program commits to multicultural diversity, reflected in the courses and the faculty and students. This program has increased its culturally diverse proportions from less than 5% to 20%. Through this degree, graduates will be able to work as culturally competent counselors across a variety of counseling environments.

You can complete the on-campus option in just two years if you are full-time. The online option entails a three-year part-time cohort that requires you to take one class in the summer and two each fall and spring semester. If you’re interested in applying, you need to submit:

• GRE or MAT scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official post-secondary coursework transcripts

Student Reviews Summary: Students commend the counseling program for its strong emphasis on practical experience and a supportive faculty. The curriculum is noted for its comprehensive coverage of counseling theories and techniques, effectively preparing graduates for professional roles. Some students mention that the workload is demanding but feel it is manageable with proper time management.

The University of Buffalo’s Master’s in Mental Health Counseling focuses on:

• Personal and Professional Growth
• Human Diversity
• Multicultural Competence
• Social Justice

This full-time on-campus degree requires 60 credit hours and typically takes 2-3 years. Graduates can prepare to work in professional settings such as hospitals, mental health centers, state government institutions, and substance abuse centers.

This top graduate program includes counseling foundations such as:

• Psychopathology
• Evidence-Based Interventions
• Self-Care in Service

You will also complete a 600-hour internship during the third and fourth semesters. The majority of internships are in non-profit mental health centers in surrounding areas. This program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

To apply for this program, you need an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA. While UB states the undergraduate degree does not need to be psychology or counseling-related, having a related degree is highly recommended. GRE scores, letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of intent are also required.

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Student Reviews Summary: The counseling program is praised for its diverse course offerings and experienced faculty. Students value the research opportunities and the program’s commitment to cultural competence. A few mention that administrative processes can be slow but find the overall experience rewarding.

The Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Fitchburg State University is among the best in the nation. This graduate program encompasses psychotherapy, human development, and intervention planning to prepare you for counseling careers in various settings. The 60-hour program includes flexible offerings, including evening, online, and hybrid courses.

Fitchburg’s graduate program emphasizes human development and proactive techniques to promote well-being and growth. Some required courses are:

• Life Span Development
• Lifestyles and Career Development
• Family and Systems: Models and Interventions

You will complete a 600-hour internship in a professional counseling agency during your last year.

To apply for this program, you need:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school
• Three letters of recommendation (two professional and one academic)
• A 300-word personal statement

GRE and GMAT scores are not required. In addition, you must complete these prerequisite courses:

• Developmental Psychology and Statistics
• Psychological Statistics
• Applied Statistics for Counselors

Student Reviews Summary: Students commend the program’s affordability and the personalized attention from faculty. They appreciate the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Some suggest that expanding elective options could enhance the learning experience.

OSU’s master’s of counseling in clinical mental health counseling is a part-time 90-credit hybrid degree. This graduate program provides students with the theory and application practice to provide mental health services in settings like:

• Community-based organization
• Hospitals
• Mental health clinics
• Residential facilities
• Other mental health settings

This program includes online courses and on-campus classes on two Fridays and Saturdays each semester.

Ideal for those who need a flexible education option, you can finish this program in 3.5 to 4 years. The collaborative cohort model creates inclusion among students, all progressing toward the common goal of becoming competent, respected counselors. This program focuses on eight common core areas that prepare students for future helping professions.

To apply, you should hold a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Undergraduate work in psychology and counseling is preferable. Experience with openness to diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice are also requirements for admission. In addition, you need to provide:

• Official transcripts
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A statement of goals
• Three letters of recommendation from professional references

Student Reviews Summary: The program is noted for its flexible online options and supportive learning environment. Students value the faculty’s expertise and the program’s focus on evidence-based practices. A few mention that the online format requires strong self-discipline but appreciate the accessibility it offers.

UNT’s master’s of counseling ranks among the best mental health counseling graduate programs in the nation. UNT offers a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling on the Denton/Frisco campus.

This curriculum prepares you for counseling careers in various clinical settings. As a UNT graduate student, you will choose to specialize in working with children, youth, college populations, or adults.

UNT’s counseling program is rigorous, competitive, and fulfilling. Many of the faculty are renowned experts in the counseling field, earning national awards. Throughout this program, you will complete:

• 33 credits of required counseling coursework
• 27 credits of coursework in your chosen program track
• a 100-hour practicum
• a 600-hour internship

UNT screens applicants holistically, and admission is competitive. You should hold an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall or for the last 60 semester hours. GRE scores (no minimum required score), three references, and a one-page writing sample are also required.

UNT’s counseling programs exceed strict academic standards and are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Student Reviews Summary: The counseling program at the University of North Texas is known for fostering a strong community atmosphere. Students value the faculty’s dedication to their academic and personal growth, highlighting how professors make themselves readily available for mentorship and guidance.

The program’s hands-on training opportunities, including practicum and internship placements, are frequently cited as a significant benefit, providing students with real-world experience before graduation. Additionally, students feel the curriculum aligns well with current counseling standards and licensure requirements, making them confident in their career prospects.

One of the best schools with a Master’s in Counseling is Boston’s public research university, UMass. This Master of Science in Mental Health prepares you for all types of professional counseling careers.

The graduate program uses a close-knit cohort model where you will work with other students to complete the program at the same pace. While the majority of this program is online, two weeks of on-campus study is required in the first summer semester.

UMass mental health counseling graduates are eligible to obtain licensure through the MA Board of Allied Health Professions. With three additional credits, you can also choose to pursue a school adjustment counselor license. The MS mental health program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

UMass states that applicants must demonstrate evidence of the ability to complete graduate courses with distinction. What does this mean?

Evidence may include:

• An undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• At least five social science courses
• At least one year of employment or volunteer experience in a mental health setting
• Acceptable GRE scores

Do note that if you already have a master’s degree, the GRE scores are waived.

Student Reviews Summary: Known for its academic rigor, the counseling program at UMass Amherst is described as challenging yet rewarding. Students appreciate the program’s commitment to social justice and diverse perspectives, which is reflected in the curriculum and faculty backgrounds. Many students value the program’s research opportunities, which allow them to work on projects that contribute to the field of counseling

Auburn University offers an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to prepare you to become a licensed professional counselor. This 60-credit master’s degree can be completed in five semesters for full-time students and tailored for part-time students. Most of the classes are on campus, with a few online offerings.

You will take courses in topics such as:

• counseling children
• crisis counseling
• substance-abuse counseling

You will then apply the theories and framework of your courses in a 100-hour practicum course and 600 hours in clinical practice or an internship. The practicum and internship coordinator will place you in internships within a 90-mile radius of Auburn by the end of year one.

For admission to Auburn’s top mental health counseling program, you need to submit:

• All official undergraduate work transcripts
• Three references
• A statement of intent
• A diversity statement
• An in-person or online video interview

No GRE scores are required. This mental health counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Student Reviews Summary: Auburn University’s counseling program is highly regarded for its supportive faculty and emphasis on experiential learning. Students appreciate the well-structured curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing them effectively for professional roles. The program’s accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) adds to its credibility. Some students suggest that increasing networking opportunities could further enhance the program.

If you are interested in becoming a rehabilitation counselor, this nationally recognized program may be for you. Ranked #4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Virginia Commonwealth University’s master’s in mental health and rehabilitation counseling prepares you for both Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) licensure. 

As a VCU grad student, you will complete:

• 48 credit hours of required didactic courses
• Nine internship credits
• Three elective credits

Courses are offered both on-campus and online. This program is unique in that students are eligible to take the CRCC examination after they finish 75% of the coursework. After passing the exam and graduating from this program, you are already qualified as a certified rehabilitation counselor.

To apply, you need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall or in your last 60 credit hours. You also need:

• GRE or MAT scores
• Three professional reference letters
• A professional statement
• Evidence of past counseling work (either paid or volunteer)

Student Reviews Summary: VCU’s counseling program is praised for its focus on community engagement and diverse practicum placements. Students value the faculty’s real-world experience and the program’s commitment to inclusivity. The program offers concentrations in School Counseling, College Counseling and Student Affairs, and Couples and Family Counseling, providing tailored paths for students. Some note that the urban setting provides unique learning opportunities but can be overwhelming at times.

Governors State University’s nationally ranked Master of Arts in Counseling program equips students to work with clients through “preventive interventions to bring life-changing results through counseling.” Depending on your career goals, you will choose one of three focus tracks:

• Clinical mental health counseling
• Marriage, couple, and family counseling
• K-12 school counseling

This mental health counseling graduate program is offered on-campus or in a hybrid format with flexible evening and online courses. As a Governors State grad student, you will complete 100 practicum hours and a 600-hour internship. Students must earn at least a B in all courses, and if they earn lower than a B, they must retake the course to proceed in the program.

If you’re interested in Governors State’s mental health counseling degree, you need a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on all undergraduate coursework or a 3.0 of the last 60 credit hours of a completed bachelor’s degree. If your GPA is between 2.5 and 2.74, you can submit GRE scores or earn Bs or higher in three prerequisite courses.

Student Reviews Summary: Governors State University’s counseling program is commended for its affordability and the faculty’s accessibility. Students appreciate the evening class options, which accommodate working professionals. The program’s curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for licensure and professional practice. Some mention that campus resources could be improved but find the overall experience positive.

Open since 1886, National University has a long history of preparing students for successful careers. NLU’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences offers both an on-campus and an online Master of Science in counseling.

This graduate program prepares you for successful counseling careers in clinical mental health agencies or schools. You can choose among three concentration options:

• Addictions Counseling
• School Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Throughout this program, you will complete 60-67 credit hours, 100 practicum hours, and a 600-hour internship. Courses offered include:

• Educational Psychology
• Psychopharmacology for Counselors
• Trauma and Crisis Intervention

If you choose to pursue this degree online, you will take courses in real-time in virtual live classrooms. These classes typically meet in the evenings to ensure flexibility.

If you’re interested in applying for this mental health graduate program, you need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. If you don’t meet these requirements, you still may be admitted on a provisional status. Also required are:

• An admission interview
• Three recommendation letters
• A written response to questions from the office of admissions

Student Reviews Summary: National Louis University’s counseling program receives positive feedback for its flexible scheduling options, making it a solid choice for working professionals. Students value the faculty’s practical approach, with many noting the emphasis on real-world skills and multicultural competence. While the program is generally praised for offering a supportive learning environment, some students suggest that an expansion of elective courses could further enrich the curriculum. Overall, students report satisfaction with the program’s balance of academic rigor and accessibility, which they feel prepares them well for a variety of counseling careers.

If you live in or near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University’s Master’s in Counseling may be for you. This innovative mental health counseling graduate program is designed for those already working in the field of counseling and offers four concentrations:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling
• Substance Abuse Counseling and Education
• Applied Behavior Analysis

Depending on your chosen track, you will complete between 48-63 credit hours in this program. These credits include core classes, track concentration classes, and a comprehensive final exam.

Courses are offered in a flexible hybrid or completely online format. All concentrations require a supervised practicum or internship to complete the degree. Most students complete this program between two and five years.

To apply, you must present evidence of:

• Academic ability
• Counseling interest
• Personal stability
• Strong character
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field
• GPA of at least 2.5
• A total score of 300 or higher on the GRE

You also need at least two recommendation letters and a five-paragraph personal statement reflecting academics and character.

Student Reviews Summary: Students in Nova Southeastern University’s counseling program frequently highlight the comprehensive nature of the curriculum, noting that it covers a broad range of counseling areas and offers several specialization options. The faculty is described as highly dedicated to student success, providing ample guidance through both coursework and practical experiences. Many students appreciate the opportunity for hands-on experience, which they feel is essential for career preparation. However, some students mention that the program can be intensive and demanding, though they find it thoroughly prepares them for licensure and professional roles in counseling.

If you want to work with people across lifespans and cultures while promoting social justice and equity, check out NYU’s top mental health counseling program. NYU’s Master’s in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed either full or part-time. Graduates will be eligible to pursue fulfilling careers in different settings, including:

• College centers
• Community health facilities
• Trauma-focused programs
• HIV and AIDS outreach programs
• Substance-abuse facilities

Combining coursework with counseling labs and internships, NYU’s graduate program teaches:

• Counseling Foundation
• Theory and Process
• Ethical Issues
• Group Dynamics
• Cross-cultural Counseling
• Abnormal Psychology
• Human Growth and Development

As an NYU mental health counseling graduate student, you will receive a well-rounded education that will take you places! NYU’s mental health graduate program is accredited by the Master in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

To apply, submit official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended, a resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and a 2-3 page statement of purpose. Your statement of purpose should detail how your experiences led you to pursue a counseling degree. No specific bachelor’s degree or GRE scores are required to apply to this program.

Student Reviews Summary: NYU’s counseling program is widely recognized for its prestigious faculty and strong network within the mental health field. Students appreciate the diverse range of clinical placements available, which allow them to gain practical experience in varied counseling settings.

The program’s focus on integrating theory with practice and its commitment to cultural competence receive high marks from students, who feel well-prepared for roles in urban and multicultural environments. While the program’s high tuition is a concern for some, most students believe that the quality of education, networking opportunities, and program reputation are valuable assets that justify the cost.

The University of Illinois at Springfield’s Department of Human Development Counseling offers an on-campus Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. At UIS, You will learn how to effectively counsel others using a “self as instrument” theoretical approach. This self-care approach applies the principle that knowing yourself ensures that you can know your clients.

This mental health counseling program involves 49 core credit hours along with 12 additional concentration courses, totaling 61 hours. Concentration courses include:

• Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Social Justice and Advocacy in Counseling
• Multicultural Counseling

You will complete both a practicum and internship experiences during your final year of the program.

The application process at UIS is completed in three phases, and the progression to the next stage entails acceptance of the previous stage. You will submit three letters of recommendation in phase one. Phase two is a supervised written essay and group interview. Stage three for full admission status entails submitting all undergraduate transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Student Reviews Summary: The University of Illinois at Springfield’s counseling program is praised for its affordability and focus on student-centered learning. Students report that faculty members are accessible and provide personalized attention, which helps them navigate the program’s rigorous curriculum. The program’s structure is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals, with options for evening and online classes. Some students mention that the online resources could be enhanced to improve remote learning experiences, but overall, they feel the program effectively prepares them for careers in counseling.

A 2017 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s M.S. Ed. in counseling and mental health services said this:

“Ultimately, the one-year program gave me the foundation to be a successful Ph.D. student, and one day, develop interventions that I hope will change lives.”

The University of Pennsylvania’s graduate program is unique because students can earn the degree in one year after taking ten courses. This top mental health counseling program emphasizes:

• Social Justice
• Diversity
• Person-centered Counseling

Penn Graduates are eligible to move into the M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling for licensure or continue in a doctoral program.

The typical course load for this program is four courses per semester and two in the summer in order to finish in one year. Expect to take courses such as:

• Diagnosis and Psychopathology
• Counseling Interventions
• Sociocultural Foundations in Counseling

Eight to ten hours per week of practicum hours are also required.

Penn graduates must demonstrate their knowledge learned in this program by passing a comprehensive exam and submitting a final portfolio. To apply to this program, you need to submit:

• Undergraduate coursework transcripts
• A current resume
• Three recommendation letters
• GRE scores
• A 750-word statement of purpose

Student Reviews Summary: Known for its academic rigor and strong research foundation, the University of Pennsylvania’s counseling program receives high marks from students seeking a challenging and comprehensive educational experience. The faculty is noted for its expertise and dedication to evidence-based practices, which students feel enhances their professional preparation. Many students appreciate the program’s research opportunities, which allow them to delve deeper into specific counseling topics and methodologies. While the demanding workload is mentioned as a challenge, students feel that it prepares them exceptionally well for both clinical and academic roles in counseling. The program’s prestigious reputation and strong alumni network are also cited as major advantages.

Webster University’s Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling emphasis is known as one of the best counseling master’s programs in the United States. The high-quality curriculum prepares students to become professional counselors in a wide range of mental health settings. Webster’s graduate program is conveniently offered:

• Main campus in Webster Groves, Missouri
• Three South Carolina campuses
• Online

You will complete 60 credit hours of coursework, which includes a 15-month clinical experience to gain hands-on training in a clinical setting. Notable courses include:

• Trauma, Crisis, and Emergency Relief Counseling
• Lifestyle and Career Development
• Techniques of Group Counseling

WU’s counseling program is accredited by The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

If you’re interested in applying for WU’s mental health counseling graduate program, you need:

• A bachelor’s degree (minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA)
• A short essay that details personal and professional interests in counseling and career goals,
• Three professional recommendations
• A resume that includes work and volunteer experience and relevant leadership roles

Student Reviews Summary: Webster University’s counseling program is highlighted for its flexible format, which includes online and in-person options catering to a variety of schedules. Students appreciate the supportive faculty, who are described as approachable and invested in their success. The program’s curriculum focuses on practical skills and ethical considerations, preparing students for real-world counseling challenges. While students appreciate the program’s flexibility, some suggest that an expansion of practicum placement options would enhance the hands-on learning experience. Overall, students find Webster’s counseling program to be a good fit for those balancing work, study, and family commitments.