20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Mental Health Counseling

People suffering from mental health disorders take many forms. One common effect of suffering from mental health disorders across the board, though, is substance abuse issues. The opiate crisis is shattering communities as we speak, and many of the people suffering from addiction are plagued by mental health issues.

If you want to play a role in battling the opiate epidemic, consider the University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Science in substance abuse counseling program.

Some notable courses in this program are Theoretical Foundations of Substance Abuse Counseling, Fundamental Substance Abuse Counseling Skills, Group Skills in Substance Abuse Counseling, and Crisis Management Skills. Students can complete the 120-credit program full-time or part-time.

At $505 per semester, the University of Cincinnati isn’t as affordable as many other options at this list. Otherwise, we may have considered it the best program in the country, especially if you want to get into substance abuse counseling.

The University of South Dakota offers an excellent online Bachelor of Science in addiction counseling and prevention program. Students here learn about the intricacies of addition, the chemical dependence that makes recovery challenging, the foundations of addictions counseling, and the methods that substance abuse counselors cherish.

Some core courses students in this program take are:

• Study of Alcohol Use and Addiction
• Addictive Family Systems and Family Counseling
• Fundamental Skills of Group Counseling for Addiction
• Evidence-Based Decision Making

Students must choose a specialization in treatment or prevention, which each require two additional courses. Besides that, students take general education classes and twelve elective credits.

There is little not to like about this program. It’s affordable, well managed, and suitable for any aspiring substance abuse counselor. If you want to become a substance abuse counselor, be sure to consider the University of South Dakota as one of your better options. 

Southern New Hampshire University has emerged in the last decade as one of the best learning institutions focused on distance learning. It has more experience than most schools at creating online platforms, catering to distant students, and echoing the university environment online. Thankfully, Southern New Hampshire University has an excellent online Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a concentration in mental health.

Several notable classes in this 120-credit program are Introduction to Psychology, Research I: Statistics for Psychology, Community Psychology, Experiential Learning, and Psychology of Personality. Students devote much of their learning to general education requirements, too, including humanities, arts, composition, and health courses.

At $330 per credit, it’s hard to beat the affordability of Southern New Hampshire University, especially when the affordability is compounded by excellent instructors and state-of-the-art online platforms. Applying students have the benefit of not having to pay an online application fee. Additionally, the school doesn’t require students to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana is an emerging school in the distance learning field. Its programs hold up well against the nation’s best schools, and many acclaimed lists are realizing that NSULA is becoming one of the nation’s best online schools. Hence, you’ll understand why Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s online Bachelor of Science in psychology program is ranked so high on this list.

Students in this program take excellent courses, including:

• Physiological Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Ethics in Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Abnormal Psychology

These classes supplement the general education courses and electives that make up Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s 120-credit program.

Students in this program can concentrate in substance abuse counseling, which requires several additional classes. Students who choose this concentration won’t have a heavier course load; they just substitute concentration courses for electives. This option is ideal for aspiring substance abuse and mental health counselors. 

Are you a Christian-minded individual who seeks to have a future in counseling or psychology? If so, look no further than Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in psychology program with a concentration in addictions and recovery. Students in this program take excellent psychology courses informed on the latest research, but they also focus on theology and Christianity specifically.

Some notable courses in this program are:

• Psychology and Christianity
• Social Psychology
• Overview of Theory and Treatment of Substance Abuse
• Psychology of Personality
• Psychological Measurement

More Christian-focused classes are:

• Survey of Old and New Testament
• Introduction to Theology Survey
• Christian Life and Biblical Worldview

As you can see, Liberty University is the perfect option for Christians who want to become psychologists. It’s an equally strong option for people who want to complete school as quickly as possible: Students complete Liberty University’s psychology program in an average of 3.5 years.

Central Michigan University is a large state school with selective admissions and dozens of outstanding programs. Some Central Michigan University alumni you may recognize are Tim Allen, J.J. Watt, and Andrew Dost. But the university has many alumni who are equally notable outside of the spotlight. 

Central Michigan University’s online Bachelor of Science in psychology program offers students an excellent opportunity to engage in research, take fantastic classes, and make connections with faculty and students that will last a lifetime. Central Michigan University is receptive to transfer students; consult an admissions department professional if you’re interested in transferring credits from another university.

Central Michigan University students in the psychology program take excellent courses like:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Applications of Research Methods
• Introduction to Psychological Statistics

Each student must take six elective courses and a handful of general education requirements. General education courses focus on:

• English
• math
• quantitative reasoning
• writing

Would you like to become a counselor who focuses on addictions and helping addicts find recovery paths? And would you rather begin your undergraduate schooling steeped in the nuances of addictions counseling than take a general program? If both statements are true, you’ll love Purdue University’s Bachelor of Science in psychology in addictions program. 

Some sample courses in this program are:

• Health Psychology
• Case Management in Clinical Settings
• Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs
• Abnormal Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Students in this program also take courses that focus on building the speaking, listening, and writing skills required of counselors and other social workers.

Purdue University charges $371 per credit, but note that the program is 180 credits, not 120. Thus, Purdue University is a bit more expensive than many other programs on this list. But we’ve ranked it highly regardless, given the reputation and excellence of this program, as well as the career outlook for students who have graduated from the Psychology in Addictions program. 

The University of Maine at Machias offers an excellent and unique program: a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and community studies. This program focuses on the macro level in psychology, which is often ignored or sidelined for the more personal approach. But it’s only through micro and macro-level analysis and understanding that a psychologist or counselor can truly excel.

Students in this program can choose an option minor in counseling and substance use rehabilitation. As one of the few interdisciplinary programs on this list, students who typically prefer liberal arts programs should take special note of the University of Maine at Machias’s program. With classes in a variety of areas like humanities and sociology, students here prepare to excel as successful psychologists and worldly citizens. 

Saint Leo University’s Bachelor of Arts program in psychology with an emphasis in clinical counseling was an obvious choice for this list. It’s affordable, reputable, and worth every second of time you invest in the program. Students here benefit from a hands-on approach, even though the program is online. Whether you want to be a mental health counselor or social worker, this program will take you there.

Some notable features of this program are its classes in:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Personality Theory
• Interviewing and Counseling Skills

Each of these courses looks in detail at the earliest foundations and latest theories of counseling. These classes are demanding: Students must study and invest time in their education. They’re paying for it, after all.

Graduates from this program have become:

• case workers
• addictions counselors
• business managers
• advertising assistants
• child welfare workers
• psychologists

Others have gone onto successful careers as researchers, educators, and graduate students at schools like William & Mary Law School, New York University, and Hofstra University.

Do you lead a busy life, but you still want to carve out time for an excellent Christian education? If that’s the case, Faulkner University will suit you perfectly. The school offers a fantastic online Bachelor of Science in counseling psychology program that students can complete at their own pace. That means no fixed class times, no hourly due dates: It’s your education.

Some notable courses in this program are:

• Behavioral Statistics
• Seminar: Foundations In Psychology,
• Research Methods
• Social Psychology
• Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

As the latter class suggests, this program melds Christian learning with the scientific backing of psychology. It doesn’t hold the two subjects separate. If that sounds good to you, and you’d like to cater to a Christian clientele, you’ll love this program.

Are you interested in attending Faulkner University? If so, you’ll have to complete the online application and meet the university requirements. The requirements include being a high school graduate or GED holder, SAT or ACT scores, and submitting a personal statement. Students who transfer with 24 or more credits from another university needn’t submit SAT or ACT scores.

Are you so dedicated to your Christian roots that you’d prefer to implement Christian thinking and dogma into your counseling practice? If so, consider Hobe Sound Bible College’s excellent Bachelor of Arts in counseling. Students in this program have seven optional minors:

• pastoral ministries
• education
• music
• intercultural studies
• child evangelism
• TESOL
• aviation

As you can see, HSBC is one of the most dynamic programs on this list. Where else can you combine a Christian counseling degree with aviation? We’ll answer that: nowhere. With excellent academics, experienced faculty members, and more opportunities than we can name, students find resounding success and experience at this program.

At $240 per credit for undergraduate tuition rates, it doesn’t get much more affordable than Hobe Sound Bible College. And for the education you receive at this excellent Christian school, it’s one of the best values for an education in the country. So, what are you waiting for? Learn about music theory, aviation, foreign cultures, and more, and join the ranks of Hobe Sound Bible College. 

Clarks Summit University is another Christian-minded college. Unlike some schools that keep Christian thought and counseling separate, the intention of Clark Summit University’s Bachelor of Science in Counseling program is to create biblically minded counselors. If that’s up your alley, then Clarks Summit University will suit you perfectly.

CSU students take fascinating courses like:

• Personality Theory
• Social Psychology
• Introduction to Counseling
• Adolescent and Adult Psychology
• Marriage and Family Dynamics

These courses aren’t overtly Christian, but they do emphasize biblical thinking. Plus, students also take a handful of Christian core classes. And while it’s not required, CSU suggests that all students complete an internship.

This 123-credit program is challenging, but it’s rewarding, too. One significant benefit of CSU is the opportunity to enroll in the school’s Master of Science in counseling program during your final year of university. That way, you can hurry your path to becoming a counselor and helping patients use Christian thinking to conquer their troubles. 

Capella University has an excellent Bachelor of Science program in psychology pre-counseling. Capella is also notable for its transfer policy: Students can transfer up to 135 of the required 180 credits to graduate. And with three master’s level courses, every graduating student will have an automatic reduction of credits required if they go on to pursue a master’s in counseling. 

Some notable courses in this program are:

• Introduction to Psychology of Personality
• Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors
• Counseling and Advocacy with Diverse Populations
• Abnormal Psychology

These classes examine in detail the foundations and theories of psychology and counseling.

Bay Path University offers an outstanding Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program with an emphasis on the Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling. This program focuses on imparting the skills required to help others overcome addictions and cope with addicted family members. If you want to play a role in helping people conquer crippling addictions and re-enter the workplace as a functioning adult, this program is for you.

Some courses in this program are:

• Behavioral Research Methods
• Adolescent and Adult Development
• Counseling Diverse Populations
• Principles of Sociology
• Ethics and Professional Conduct in Counseling

Bay Path University requires its psychology students to complete a two-part 300-hour internship, which you can do in-person at a location near you.

Bay Path University students also complete two graduate level courses to prepare for national certification. By completing these courses, you can also expedite Bay Path University’s Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling or a similar program. 

Are you sure that counseling is for you, and you want to finish undergraduate and graduate school as quickly as possible? If so, consider Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s bachelor’s degree in counseling (pre-professional). This program seeks to prepare students for graduate school and the counseling profession. Here, you can learn the foundations of counseling, the techniques of counseling diverse populations, and the Christian foundation to help see clients through to better lives.

One barrier to many students’ willingness to attend university is the cost. If you’re hesitant about sinking into debt, you’ll be pleased to know that Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s students graduate with 20% less debt on average compared with the typical university graduate. And while you’re saving money at SAGU, you’re not compromising your education: This program is as good as it gets.

So, what are you waiting for? Read more about SAGU on the university webpage and apply to the school today. 

Graduates from Colorado Christian University’s Bachelor of Arts in psychology program have gone onto such diverse professions as:

• career counselors
• mental health counselors
• case managers
• writers
• childcare workers
• social workers
• marketing researchers

How, exactly? Well, with a program as excellent and dynamic as Colorado Christian University’s, your possibilities are endless.

Students here combine general education courses with biblical studies and psychology courses. Students here also have the opportunity to pursue a dual major in psychology and biblical studies, criminal justice, or clinical counseling. Some notable courses in this program are:

• Theories of Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Clinical Counseling Methods
• Transformational Psychology
• Old Testament

To graduate from this program, students must complete 120 credits with a letter grade of D or better and a 2.0 or higher GPA in all CCU coursework. Additionally, students must complete 180 hours of ministry service and 180 chapel credits to meet the Christian requirements of the program.

Whether you want to work in the church or in a secular setting, Toccoa Falls College will take you there. The school’s Bachelor of Science in counseling psychology degree focuses on psychology with a Christian approach. The program’s goals are to:

• impart counseling and psychological knowledge
• teach fundamental principles and theories
• help students develop the soft skills to excel in the field
• understand biblical values

Students in this program take 30 hours in the Bible and theology department and 42 hours in the psychology core. Some courses that students take are:

• Counseling Skills
• Family Therapy
• Christ-Centered Counseling
• Abnormal Psychology
• Personality Theories
• Group Counseling

All Toccoa Falls College students must choose between a counseling internship or psychology research project.

Students must take fifteen credits in a minor or open electives. By choosing a minor, you can become an expert in another field. With open electives, you can diversify your knowledge base and excel to a lesser extent in many different fields. 

Do you want to be on the front lines of our fight against addiction? It’s clear that damaging drugs are torturing millions of people, communities, and families around the globe. If you want to play a role in the prevention and treatment of addictions, consider Crown College’s Bachelor of Science in alcohol and drug counseling program. One unique aspect of this program is its Christian focus, making this option ideal for Christian-focused students.

Some courses that students in this program take are:

• Methods of Counseling
• Group Dynamics
• Diversity Issues in Counseling
• History of the New Testament
• Interpreting the Gospels
• Systematic Theology

The counseling courses are separate from the Christian courses, but counseling instructors emphasize Christian thinking.

Most students complete the 125-credit program in four years, but Crown College does allow students to enroll part-time. At $455 per credit, Crown College isn’t one of the more affordable options on this list. But we’ve included it anyway because, considering the academics, faculty, and career outcomes, this program can’t be overlooked.

The mental health crisis takes more than counselors and psychologists—it requires systemic change. For that reason, Palo Alto University now offers a fantastic Bachelor of Science in psychology and social action program. The psychology aspect of the program focuses on individual and group therapy; the social action segment seeks to develop professionals who can effect systemic change.

Some courses in this program are:

• Fundamentals of Social Action
• Cross Cultural Psychology
• Cultural Anthropology
• International Political Economy
• Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences
• Biological Psychology

Students must complete a nine-month internship during their senior year at a nonprofit or community agency near them.

Graduates from this program have become executive directors at nonprofits, psychologists, social workers, advocates in the criminal justice system, and more. Students will be pleased that Palo Alto University is an accredited school that has flexible transfer policies, no tuition increases, and expedited programs that allow students to graduate in as few as two years.

Grace College and Theological Seminary offers an excellent bachelor’s in counseling. The program offers a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. To earn a Bachelor of Science, students must complete two additional math and science courses; to earn a Bachelor of Arts, students must take two additional humanity and language classes. Otherwise, the requirements of the program are the same, regardless of your degree choice.

Some notable courses in this program are:

• Essential Doctrinal Themes
• Exploring the Bible
• Theories of Personality
• Victimology
• Research Methods in Social Science
• Process and Theories of Counseling and Addictive Treatment

To graduate from this program, students must complete 120 credit hours with a 2.0 overall GPA or higher and a 2.2 minimum GPA in core classes.

Graduates from this program have gone on to graduate school and successful careers as:

• case managers
• human resource managers
• social workers
• psychologists
• counselors