7 Best New Hampshire Masters in Counseling Programs for 2025
Want to make a real impact on New Hampshire’s mental health community? The state’s Masters in Counseling programs give you a clear path to help people who don’t deal very well with challenges from poverty, addiction, trauma, and mental health issues.
New Hampshire has 10 schools that offer programs in five key counseling areas: mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. You might be thinking about the SNHU masters in counseling program or learning about other options like the University of New Hampshire masters in counseling. Each program offers specialized tracks that align with your career goals. Seven schools now provide hybrid and online counseling degree programs, which makes getting your degree possible even if you can’t make it to campus.
Rivier University’s online M.Ed. in School Counseling program helps graduates get licensed in all 50 states. Plymouth State University offers a 60-credit MS in Marriage and Family Therapy with focused areas in Addictions Treatment, Eating Disorders, and Play Therapy. Your ideal program is out there. Let’s look at the seven best counseling master’s programs New Hampshire offers for 2025.
Southern New Hampshire University – M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Southern New Hampshire University has a detailed Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that stands out among New Hampshire’s masters in counseling choices. The program helps meet the growing need for qualified mental health professionals and offers flexible learning options.
SNHU program overview
SNHU’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program takes 60 credits to help you develop skills for working with clients who face various behavioral and emotional issues. These range from childhood development problems to addiction and major mental illness. The curriculum weaves together four main themes: ethical reasoning, embracing diversity, integration of theory and skills, and critical thinking.
The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through 2028. But future students should know that SNHU plans to end this program by June 1, 2028. The final group of new students will start in May 2024, mainly to make room for waitlisted applicants.
Students currently enrolled can either finish their studies at SNHU or switch to partner schools. These schools include Antioch University, Adler Graduate School, or Walden University through special transfer agreements.
Online format and residencies
The program runs mostly online but has vital in-person elements. Students must attend two 5-day residencies, usually held in New Hampshire. These sessions happen at key moments: one in the first year and another before students begin their practicum and internship courses.
Students work together with faculty and peers during these intensive week-long sessions through one-on-one and small group activities. A student shared, “The residency has been such a great experience. I’ve gained so much knowledge in such a short period of time”. These residencies offer several benefits:
- A chance to practice counseling micro-skills like active listening and paraphrasing
- Faculty demonstrations of counseling techniques
- Mock counseling sessions with peer feedback
- Connections with a diverse group of about 50 students
Student Christine Bell values these residencies because they let students “watch an in-person demonstration of counseling skills and then ask questions”.
Practicum and internship hours
The program requires significant supervised clinical experience beyond regular coursework. Students must complete:
- A 100-hour practicum
- Two 300-hour internships during the program
Licensed counselors supervise these hands-on training experiences. Students usually pick sites that match their professional interests and slowly build their caseloads. The clinical work lets students use their theoretical knowledge in real-life settings while getting helpful feedback from experienced supervisors.
Family members cannot supervise internships, and some sites might ask for background checks, drug testing, or other requirements.
Tuition and affordability
SNHU keeps its graduate degree tuition competitive at $659 per credit hour. The 60-credit program costs about $39,540 total, though some sources mention a slightly lower figure of $37,620 plus fees and travel costs.
Students can make their education more affordable through several options:
- Financial aid through FAFSA to see if they qualify for grants and loans
- Employer tuition assistance programs
- A 25% tuition discount for active-duty U.S. service members and their spouses
- Transfer credits (up to 12 credits can count toward the master’s degree)
SNHU aims to keep its graduate tuition among the lowest for online programs nationwide, with no extra fees for out-of-state students.
Licensure preparation
The program prepares graduates to meet counseling licensure requirements in most states, except Arkansas and Kansas. Each state has different licensing requirements, including:
- Educational prerequisites
- Required supervised clinical hours
- Specific examination requirements (NCE or NCMHCE)
Most states want 2,000-3,000 documented hours of post-graduate supervised experience before full licensure. SNHU suggests students check their state’s specific requirements through the National Board for Certified Counselors directory.
The university helps students get extra practicum/internship hours or take electives when states require more than SNHU’s standard program.
The career outlook looks good, with the U.S. Bureau of Statistics showing mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counselors earned a median annual salary of $49,710 as of May 2022.
Antioch University-New England – M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Trauma Focus)
Antioch University-New England offers one of the best masters in counseling programs in New Hampshire through its specialized trauma-focused program. The university combines social justice principles with advanced trauma counseling techniques to give students a unique educational experience.
Trauma counseling concentration overview
Antioch’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program features a specialized concentration in Trauma Counseling that gives graduates the skills to help trauma survivors. The program has maintained Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling-Related Education Programs (CACREP) since 2012 status. Students learn eight core areas: professional counseling orientation and ethical practice, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, counseling and helping relationships, group counseling, assessment and testing, plus research and program evaluation.
Antioch’s program stands out because of its trauma-informed and polyvagal-informed point of view. The faculty teaches trauma courses through a social justice lens and emphasizes advocacy and anti-racism. Students need 60 semester credit hours to graduate – 42 credits of core classes, 9 credits of practicum and internship courses, and 9 credits of electives.
Hybrid format and weekend sessions
The program’s life-blood lies in its flexibility. Students can pick between two main formats:
- Online with two-week-long intensive residencies (based in Ohio)
- Weekend low-residency format in Keene, NH (with a new site predicted for Fall 2025 in Yellow Springs, OH)
Working professionals often choose the weekend low-residency model. This format delivers 75% of courses face-to-face on weekends and 25% online. Students can keep their jobs while pursuing their degree through this hybrid approach.
Students in the trauma certificate program attend online classes through Zoom. The cohort model promotes community and connection—key elements when learning about trauma.
Practicum and internship structure
Clinical experience is vital to Antioch’s program. Students complete at least 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours for internship. The program accommodates extra hours for students from states with higher licensure requirements.
Students can intern in a variety of settings:
- Community mental health agencies
- Addiction treatment centers
- Correctional facilities
- Family service agencies
- Military and government agencies
- College counseling centers
- Integrative primary behavioral health clinics
These supervised experiences help students verify and use classroom theory as they grow into clinical roles. Professional supervision continues throughout clinical training, giving students ground experience with actual clients.
Tuition and financial aid
Program format determines tuition rates. The on-campus MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling costs $944 per credit. Online format costs less at $840 per credit. Total program costs range from $50,400 to $56,640 for the required 60 credits.
The Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Trauma Counseling focus costs $600 per credit for 9 credits. Smart course selection lets students earn both the MA degree and Trauma Counseling certificate within standard degree requirements.
Students save $5,000-$8,000 on required supervision hours by attending a CACREP-accredited program. Antioch makes education available to more people through various funding options.
Licensure and specialization
Graduates leave the program ready for professional licensure. They gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to work as professional clinical mental health counselors. After passing the National Counselor Exam, CACREP-accredited program graduates can get full certification as National Certified Counselors (NCC).
Full-time students finish in three to three and a half years. Part-time students typically need four to five years. The program shows strong results—about 32 students graduate each academic year, and 87% find counseling-related jobs within six months.
Graduates work in community agencies, hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices. Some teach at community colleges or work in consulting and research. The trauma specialization helps counselors meet the growing need for trauma-informed care in a variety of populations.
Rivier University – M.Ed. in School Counseling
Rivier University’s Master of Education in School Counseling program stands out as a premier choice for future school counselors. The 20-year-old institution offers a complete program that blends academic excellence with real-life experience to help graduates make their mark in K-12 educational settings throughout New Hampshire and beyond.
M.Ed. program overview
Rivier University’s M.Ed. in School Counseling has 57 credits built around the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Students learn conceptualization and intervention skills tailored for school settings. The program has counseling core requirements (13 credits), counseling content requirements (18 credits), foundational requirements (9 credits), electives (3 credits), internships/seminars (12 credits), and residencies (2 credits).
Students take these core subjects:
- Simple human interaction
- Clinical counseling theories and techniques
- Group counseling
- Professional issues in school counseling
- Psychopathology
- Career and lifestyle development
- Social and cultural foundations
The program helps students develop skills to support K-12 students’ educational and emotional growth as they face social, emotional, and educational challenges.
Online learning and flexibility
Rivier has adapted its traditional on-campus program to meet today’s educational needs. Students can now complete their coursework 100% online with minimal campus visits. The program features:
- Online courses in both 7-week and 14-week terms
- Six term starts yearly (September, October, January, March, May, and July)
- Two weekend residencies on campus
The program takes about three years to complete and lets working professionals advance their education while maintaining their careers.
Internship and practicum
Students get extensive hands-on experience through fieldwork requirements:
- 50 hours of pre-practicum in school counseling
- A one-year, 600-hour internship in New Hampshire
The internship splits into two 6-credit courses: Internship in School Counseling I and II. Students apply their knowledge in real-life settings under experienced professionals’ guidance. The program also reviews e-portfolios at three stages: candidacy, internship, and graduation.
Students who plan to pursue doctoral degrees in Rivier’s clinical mental health or school counseling programs can use their internship hours toward the required 50 pre-practicum hours.
Tuition and cost per credit
Graduate programs at Rivier will cost $712 per credit hour in the 2025-26 academic year. The 57-credit program’s total tuition comes to about $40,584. Additional costs include:
- Textbooks and supplies: $1,400 yearly
- Graduation fee: $175
- Technology fee: $25 per course
- Liability insurance fee: Varies for counseling internships
Rivier makes its application process available without fees. The university provides various payment plans to fit different financial needs.
Licensure and state alignment
Graduates qualify for K-12 school counselor licensure from the New Hampshire Department of Education. The program’s interstate agreements give graduates excellent geographic mobility:
The NASDTEC Interstate Agreement makes graduates eligible for licensure across the United States, District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, Department of Defense Education Activity, and Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario).
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits the program, and it has approval from the New Hampshire Education Department. Notwithstanding that, students should note that NASDTEC Interstate Agreement jurisdictions might have extra requirements for educators from other areas.
The program prepares graduates for school counseling careers through coursework, internships, and mentored experiences. Graduates can expect annual salaries between $45,510 and $52,424.
Plymouth State University – M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Plymouth State University offers a reliable Master of Science program that helps aspiring marriage and family therapists in New Hampshire learn systemic approaches to mental health treatment. Students can choose from multiple paths to professional practice. The program prepares graduates to get their license in this growing field.
MFT program overview
The 60-credit MS in Marriage and Family Therapy at Plymouth State prepares students to become licensed marriage and family therapists and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Clinical Fellows. Students learn through a scholar/practitioner model of systemic family therapy training, which aligns with Plymouth State University’s Integrative Clusters Model of Learning. This systemic approach helps students understand their clients’ symptoms and interaction patterns within their existing environments.
Plymouth State considers marriage and family therapy a core mental health discipline. Research shows that mental illness and family problems work better when treated in a systemic context. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, though they have up to six years to finish. Most full-time students take four courses each semester and begin their practicum and internship when their second year starts.
Concentration options
Students can develop expertise in high-demand areas through specialized concentrations:
- Addictions Treatment: Students learn specialized addiction treatment methods
- Eating Disorders: Students get detailed training across five specialized courses. These cover clinical awareness, prevention, treatment methods, nutrition counseling, and medical aspects
- Play Therapy: The program has required courses in dynamic play therapies, child-centered play therapy, expressive play therapies, and special populations. Students also take four elective play therapy courses
These concentrations let graduates pursue dual licensure, which opens more career opportunities and specialized practice options.
Internship and clinical hours
Clinical training follows a step-by-step model. Students start with a 100-hour practicum that needs at least 40 direct and 60 indirect hours. This experience connects theoretical knowledge with practical skills and prepares students for their internship.
The next step is a 900-hour internship (9 credits). Students must complete 460 direct client contact hours at their chosen site. The other 440 hours are indirect. Students must document all client contact and supervision hours with the date, type of session (family, couple, or individual), and session length.
Students need professional liability insurance, which they can get through the AAMFT Insurance Trust or other providers.
Tuition and job placement
New Hampshire residents will pay $584 per credit plus $43 in mandatory fees for the 2024-25 academic year. This brings the total to $627 per credit. Out-of-state students pay $809 per credit plus fees, totaling $852 per credit. The 60-credit program costs about $37,620 for residents and $51,120 for non-residents.
Students can get financial help through:
- Merit-based scholarships for admitted graduate students
- Federal financial aid through FAFSA completion
- Various payment plans that fit different financial situations
The job market looks promising. The U.S. Department of Labor expects marriage and family therapy jobs to increase by more than 40% over the next decade. This makes it one of the fastest-growing careers. U.S. News and World Report ranks marriage and family therapists among the top 10 best social service jobs.
Licensure and accreditation
Plymouth State’s MFT program is working toward accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), part of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. This accreditation shows the program meets current training and ethical standards while teaching AAMFT Core Competencies.
Graduates can pursue licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) in New Hampshire. The program shows strong results with a 100% graduation rate within the maximum time frame and an 87.5% program retention rate as of September 2018.
University of New Hampshire – M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies
The University of New Hampshire stands out among the state’s counseling master’s programs with its M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. Students can specialize in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Program overview
UNH’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program prepares students to work in mental health, family service, medical, and human service settings. The program has paused admissions for 2025-2026. Current students will continue their education until graduation.
Students learn to treat families, couples, and individuals within their broader social systems. The curriculum takes a systemic approach to help students understand complex family dynamics and relationship challenges. Graduates become competent, ethical professionals with strong foundations in theory, research, and clinical practice.
UNH’s program highlights:
- Competitive stipends and scholarship opportunities
- Award-winning mentorship from nationally recognized faculty
- On-campus clinical facilities
- Access to UNH’s Career and Professional Development resources
MFT accreditation and structure
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has accredited the program since 1994. This recognition shows the program meets high standards for marriage and family therapy education.
Students must complete 72 credits, with 24 credits focused on practicum experience. Most students finish in two years of full-time study, including two summers. Part-time options spread over 3-4 years help students balance other commitments.
Students progress through the program as a cohort, which creates a supportive learning community. Part-time enrollment applications are due by January 15th for fall semester start dates. The program reviews these applications case by case.
Internship and clinical experience
Clinical training serves as the life-blood of UNH’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. Students complete 500 hours of supervised clinical practice before graduation. The on-campus Marriage and Family Therapy Center provides this hands-on experience.
UNH now offers telehealth options to help clients who struggle with transportation or bad weather. Students receive telehealth training at the start of each academic year.
Second-year students can take on a 12-hour weekly community internship along with their MFT Center practicum. This extra experience broadens their clinical exposure while keeping them connected to core training.
Tuition and program length
Students typically need two years of full-time study, including two summers. This time allows them to finish 72 credits and 500 clinical hours. The program ends with an integrative paper and presentation.
Tuition rates for 2025-2026 vary between New Hampshire residents ($7,440 per semester/$14,880 annually) and out-of-state students ($14,605 per semester/$29,210 annually).
Students must also pay health and wellness, counseling services, memorial union, student recreation, and technology fees. Full-time students might qualify for one of four half-time research assistantships. These positions offer ten paid hours weekly and cover half of in-state tuition plus technology fees.
The program shows excellent results with a 97% graduation rate and 100% pass rate on the national exam. Yes, it is a worthwhile investment despite the current admissions pause, thanks to its exceptional graduate placement rate.
New England College – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
New England College offers a comprehensive M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students who want to become licensed professional counselors can choose from multiple formats and hands-on field experiences. The program stands out among New Hampshire masters in counseling pathways.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program takes 24 months to complete and requires 60 credits. Students can qualify for licensure as independent clinical mental health counselors in certain states. The well-laid-out curriculum builds on research, scientific practices, and ethical standards that are rooted in social justice principles.
Students learn to develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and strong ethical foundations – key qualities they need for effective therapy. The nine academic terms help students tackle coursework in counseling techniques, professional ethics, and treatment planning. This prepares them to work with different populations and clinical issues.
Hybrid and online options
The program offers two main ways to study:
- A hybrid model that blends in-person classes with self-paced Blackboard coursework
- A complete online format that combines self-paced learning with live residency classes
Students can keep their jobs while studying through these options. International students must attend on-campus residency classes each term, scheduled Friday through Sunday every semester.
Clinical fieldwork
The program concludes with a minimum 700-hour clinical field experience. This consists of:
- A 100-hour practicum with supervised practice
- Two internships that need 600 hours of supervised practice
Clinical placements match students’ skills and career goals. They receive guidance from host organizations and faculty members. Each student must track their client contact and supervision hours. They also need professional liability insurance during fieldwork.
Tuition and flexibility
Students pay around $17,280 in total tuition, making it an affordable choice among New Hampshire’s masters in counseling programs. They can choose from several payment plans, including automatic bank transfers or card payments.
Students can work while completing their CMHC program. This career-friendly approach and multiple study formats make advanced counseling credentials more available to aspiring professionals.
Franklin Pierce University – M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Franklin Pierce University has recently launched an innovative M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, adding a valuable option to New Hampshire’s masters in counseling programs. The CACREP-lined up program excels with its quick design and detailed clinical training.
Program overview
The program spans 60 credit hours with 20 three-credit courses that help students develop their counseling knowledge and skills. Students finish the program in 24 months or 8 terms and learn to help clients dealing with addiction, depression, anxiety, and trauma. The curriculum offers a detailed framework in counseling theory and clinical methods. Hannah Bland leads the program and brings years of experience as a CMHC program director and clinical coordinator.
Hybrid format and intensives
The program uses a hybrid delivery model where students complete most courses online asynchronously. Students must also attend two five-day intensive labs at the Rindge, NH campus during their studies. Students stay connected through:
- Live virtual chats with professors and peers
- Interactive content with patient simulations
- Case studies and practice question banks
Clinical hours and mentorship
Each student works with their own faculty coach who guides them beyond simple academic advising. The second year includes 700 total hours of field experience with:
- 100-hour practicum (40 direct service hours)
- Three 200-hour internships (80 direct service hours each)
Tuition and admission requirements
The program costs $665 per credit ($39,900 total) plus about $2,000 for textbooks. Students need a bachelor’s degree with 3.0+ GPA, three recommendation letters, a 250-500 word essay about career goals, and an interview with the Program Director. Students must get liability insurance ($150) before starting field experiences.
Start Your Path Today
Your path to becoming a mental health professional starts with picking the right counseling program in New Hampshire. These seven outstanding programs come with their own strengths that match different career paths.
SNHU lets you study online with strategic residencies, while Antioch focuses on trauma-specific training. Rivier stands out nationally for its school counseling program. Students at Plymouth State can specialize in growing fields like addiction treatment and play therapy. UNH’s COAMFTE accreditation shows its excellence in marriage and family therapy education.
New England College and Franklin Pierce University give you budget-friendly options with hybrid learning that works well for professionals who already have jobs. You’ll need between 500 and 900 supervised hours of clinical experience to get ready for ground application.
The cost varies between schools. New England College charges $17,280 while Antioch’s program costs about $56,640. Financial aid makes these programs available to more students. Each program helps graduates meet the educational requirements for counseling licensure, though state requirements can be different.
These programs give you complete training to help with mental health needs in New Hampshire and beyond. The job market looks promising. Marriage and family therapy jobs should grow by more than 40%. Your investment can lead to both personal satisfaction and professional growth.
Without doubt, these seven exceptional programs open doors to your counseling career. They give you the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience you need to become an effective mental health professional. Your ideal program is waiting – take the first step toward helping others through counseling excellence.