11 Best Mental Health Counseling Masters Programs for Career Success in 2026
Mental health counseling master’s programs stand out as an exceptional career path with amazing growth potential as we look toward 2026. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows this field will grow by 17% from 2024 to 2034, which outpaces most other professions by a lot.
Mental health counseling graduate programs give you both financial stability and meaningful work, with professionals earning a median annual salary of $59,190 as of May 2024. The results speak for themselves – 95% of graduates from top mental health counselor programs either land jobs, continue their education, or dedicate themselves to service within six months of finishing. You can take the licensure exam that lets you practice privately and independently after you complete 3,000 hours of supervised post-degree experience. This opens up many more career paths.
Let’s get into the 11 best mental health counseling master’s programs that will set you up for success in 2026 and beyond. These programs will help you thrive in this fast-growing field through their unique strengths in curriculum, hands-on experience, and career support.
1. University of Florida – M.Ed./Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling
The University of Florida’s M.Ed./Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling is essential to professional counseling education. This program gives you the prestigious credentials you need to succeed.
Program Overview
UF’s strong 72-credit hour Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to work as Mental Health Counselors in a variety of settings. These include community agencies, state institutions, federal organizations, and private social services. The curriculum helps students master specialized areas like child and youth services, couple and family therapy, employment counseling, multicultural approaches, gerontological support, substance abuse treatment, and wellness counseling.
Students can choose between M.Ed./Ed.S. and M.AE./Ed.S. degree paths. Both options will give you the pre-professional skills needed to achieve Registered Intern status in Florida. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division undergraduate courses. The program is more available now since UF no longer requires GRE scores.
Accreditation and Licensure
The program earned its prestigious CACREP accreditation in September 1996. It evolved into a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in 2011 while keeping its high standards. The current accreditation runs through March 31, 2029, which means graduates receive nationally recognized credentials. After completing required post-degree supervised clinical experience, graduates can pursue Florida licensure as Mental Health Counselors.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate students can expect to pay around $31,720 for in-state on-campus study and $55,212 for out-of-state off-campus study. Base tuition starts at $6,381 for in-state and $30,886 for out-of-state students. Financial aid brings the net price down to about $8,754 for qualifying in-state students.
The UF College of Education helps students with costs by offering over 150 scholarships each year through one simple application process. Some students work as graduate research or teaching assistants for 10 hours weekly, earning $10-$15 per hour. These positions often include tuition waivers covering up to 9 semester hours in fall and spring, and 6 hours in summer.
Program Length and Format
Students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment. Small classes of about 15 students create a tailored learning experience. Most people finish the program in 2.5 years while taking 12 credits each semester. Students interested in Fall 2027 enrollment should apply by November 1, 2026.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
UF’s training philosophy puts hands-on experience first. The UF Couple and Family Clinic lets students work with faculty and advanced peers. This clinic serves the community at no cost while giving students great real-world experience.
Students get more training at the university’s Counseling and Wellness Center. The center employs 56 clinicians, 15 support staff, and many trainees. Students learn individual counseling, couples therapy, group facilitation, and community outreach programs here.
Career Outcomes
Graduates typically earn around $35,991. The program graduated 31 students with master’s degrees in mental health services in 2022. These graduates now work in community agencies, state institutions, federal organizations, private practices, and corporate employee assistance programs.
2. Fairfield University – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Fairfield University’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is one of the nation’s best. The program takes an all-encompassing approach to counselor education and delivers exceptional quality.
Program Overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Fairfield requires 60 credits to meet Connecticut’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requirements. Students learn essential topics like counseling theories, basic skills, multicultural issues, trauma intervention, and ethical practice. The program lets you customize your education through electives. You can even specialize in areas like Queer and Trans Mental Health with just 9 extra credits. Students work with nationally recognized faculty members on research and give professional presentations.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the program through March 31, 2026. Fairfield made history as Connecticut’s first CACREP-accredited institution back in 1986. This recognition will give a solid foundation that meets national standards for professional counseling. Graduates can become Licensed Professional Counselors and work with individuals, groups, couples, and families.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate tuition runs about $940 per credit, which comes to $22,560 yearly. About 90% of Fairfield students get financial help through scholarships, grants, assistantships, and loans. Students must submit both FAFSA and CSS Profile applications. Early applicants should apply by December 1, while regular decision deadline is January 15.
Program Length and Format
Most students finish in 2.5 to 3 years, and you can choose full-time or part-time study. The program follows a well-laid-out sequence from basic counseling theories to advanced practice areas. Small class sizes mean you’ll get plenty of attention from expert faculty members.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Hands-on training is the heart of Fairfield’s approach. Students start with a 100-hour practicum (40 hours direct service) and move on to a 600-hour internship (240 hours direct service). The Clinical Coordinator helps match students with placement sites that fit their career goals. These experiences help you apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings with guidance from site supervisors and university faculty.
Career Outcomes
The program’s success speaks through numbers – 100% of graduates find jobs within a year. Students consistently beat the average scores on the National Counselor Examination. Graduates work in mental health agencies, college counseling centers, hospitals, and private practices. Recent data shows graduates earn a median salary of $52,092, higher than the national median of $48,197 for similar programs. The program ranks #14 nationally for mental health services education, putting it among the top 5% nationwide.
3. Johns Hopkins University – MS in Counseling
Johns Hopkins University’s MS in Counseling program leads the vanguard of mental health education through its demanding curriculum and research-based counselor development.
Program Overview
The Johns Hopkins MS in Counseling program offers two specialized paths: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. These tracks follow a nationally recognized, evidence-based curriculum that lines up with state and national standards. The 60-credit program covers everything in professional orientation, ethical practice, social diversity, human development, career development, helping relationships, group work, assessment, and research/program evaluation. Students work on hands-on experiences, small group projects, and applied learning at community or school-based sites.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited this program. This national credential will give graduates access to high professional practice standards. State requirements vary, but the program builds the academic foundation needed for licensure in Maryland and many other states. Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates can start their licensure process after they complete supervised post-graduation hours.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The academic year tuition costs $1,320 per credit. Students pay about $79,200 for the complete 60-credit program. Each semester requires a $175 non-refundable registration fee and a $175 graduation fee. The Johns Hopkins School of Education gives merit-based scholarships to select students when they’re admitted. Students can also get grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities.
Program Length and Format
Students choose between full-time and part-time study, with five years maximum to finish. Full-time students usually complete the program in 2-3 years. The well-laid-out curriculum builds skills step by step across all required areas.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Real-world experience is vital to the program. Students must finish a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship. The university runs Field Experience Orientation sessions to help students find placements, learn field experience etiquette, and succeed in both School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling tracks.
Career Outcomes
Mental health counseling jobs look promising. Counselor positions should grow by 22% through 2031—much higher than average job growth. Johns Hopkins awarded 131 master’s degrees in mental health counseling during 2019-2020. The program attracts students from various backgrounds, with 33.6% being racial-ethnic minorities. Clinical Mental Health Counseling boasts an 89% completion rate.
4. George Washington University – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
George Washington University stands among the pioneers of counselor education. Their MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has built a legacy of excellence in training mental health practitioners.
Program Overview
The 60-credit hour program creates knowledgeable and ethical counseling professionals ready to help individuals, couples, families, and groups. Students learn strategies to promote social, emotional, psychological, and physical health in a variety of contexts. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and field-site training. A diverse faculty and student body participate in reflective practice, critical inquiry, civic engagement, and responsible social action.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the program through October 31, 2030. This recognition confirms the program meets national standards. Graduates qualify to sit for board certification as National Certified Counselors (NCC) and can pursue careers as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC).
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition costs $2,000 per credit hour. Students invest approximately $120,000 total for the 60-credit program. Notwithstanding that, more than 60% of GWU students receive financial assistance. Students can access institutional scholarships, need-based grants, employee reimbursement, and federal loans. The program offers merit-based scholarships to admitted students.
Program Length and Format
Most students complete their studies in 2.6 years (8 semesters). The program maintains a 90% retention rate. A well-laid-out curriculum progresses from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical skills.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Students gain hands-on experience through:
- A one-semester practicum (100 hours, including 40 direct service hours)
- A second semester advanced clinical skills course
- A two-semester internship (600 hours, including 240 direct service hours)
Students provide counseling services under supervision at the program’s Community Counseling Services Centers in Foggy Bottom and Alexandria, as well as health/human services agencies throughout the community.
Career Outcomes
The program achieves remarkable results with 94% of graduates finding employment within six months. Students maintain a 100% passing rate on the National Counselor Examination. Graduates work in community mental health settings, inpatient units, intensive outpatient programs, and crisis counseling. The counseling field shows strong growth potential—19% increase from 2014-2024 compared to 7% for all U.S. jobs. Experts project over 30% growth in the next decade.
5. CUNY Lehman College – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CUNY Lehman College has the only weekend-based mental health counseling master’s program in the CUNY system. The program works well for working professionals and career-changers who want to get New York State licensure.
Program Overview
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lehman College has a complete 60-credit curriculum that prepares students to work in a variety of settings. Students can work in private practice, substance misuse counseling, community organizations, government agencies, and healthcare settings. The program focuses on culturally affirming, ethical, data-driven counseling and builds expertise in urban, economically and linguistically diverse settings. Students can specialize in one of five areas: Bilingual Migrants and Immigrants, Children and Adolescents, Couples and Families, Intersectional Identities, or Trauma.
Accreditation and Licensure
The program lines up with Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards and has applied for CACREP accreditation. Graduates can pursue New York State licensure in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and get a limited permit in New York State while they complete supervised practice hours.
Tuition and Financial Aid
New York State residents pay $470 per credit, which comes to about $28,200 for the whole program. Students from other states pay $855 per credit. Some students have received grant funding through SEIU that covered tuition for two years. Students must also pay a $75 application fee, $125 technology fee for full-time enrollment, and $15 combined service fee each semester.
Program Length and Format
Students move through this full-time, cohort-based program in two years. They learn through a mix of in-person, remote, and hybrid classes. The program uses project-based learning with classes scheduled mainly on Saturdays. This schedule is perfect for adult learners and professionals changing careers.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Students need to complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship in clinical mental health settings. The Bronx Telehealth Counseling Center at Lehman lets students learn by providing family, couple, group, and individual counseling through telehealth. Clinical experience covers direct counseling services and indirect collateral counseling/consultation.
Career Outcomes
Graduates work as clinical mental health counselors, behavioral counselors, family therapists, program managers, clinical case managers, and social services managers. The program helps address an expected shortage of 16,900-48,500 mental health workers by 2025. Job listings for licensed mental health counselors with master’s degrees have grown 173% in five years.
6. CUNY Baruch College – MA in Mental Health Counseling
CUNY Baruch College is America’s most affordable mental health counseling master’s program. Students get exceptional counseling career preparation at a fraction of other programs’ costs.
Program Overview
Baruch’s 60-credit MA in Mental Health Counseling gives graduates the tools they need to practice in a variety of settings. These settings range from clinics and hospitals to counseling centers and private practices. Students get both intensive academic coursework and supervised clinical training to become well-rounded practitioners. The program takes a generalist approach, which sets it apart from others. Graduates can work with adolescents, adults, families, groups, and organizations.
Accreditation and Licensure
The New York State Education Department fully approves the program. It meets all NYSED standards for mental health counseling education. Students can take the licensure examination after graduating and completing 3,000 hours of supervised post-degree experience. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Baruch College since 1968.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Baruch’s costs are notably lower than similar programs:
- NY State Residents: $5,545 per semester (flat rate for 12+ credits) or $470 per credit
- Out-of-State/International: $855 per credit
NY residents pay a total program cost of $24,898.40, while out-of-state students pay $54,018.40.
Program Length and Format
Students can complete the full-time program in four semesters (2 years). The cohort model lets students take courses together as a group. This setup makes shared learning easier and builds strong professional relationships.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Students must complete these field experiences:
- 100 hours of practicum (Spring of 1st year)
- 300 hours of Internship 1 (Fall of 2nd year)
- 300 hours of Internship 2 (Spring of 2nd year)
Placement options span NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey. Students can work in various areas from addiction and forensics to LGBTQ services and community-based clinics.
Career Outcomes
Active clinicians and researchers with rich experience in medical centers, hospitals, agencies, and private practice teach the program. Students come from 168 countries and speak over 104 languages. This diversity helps graduates develop cultural skills that are valuable in today’s mental health field.
7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – MS in Mental Health Counseling
UIUC offers a complete MS in Mental Health Counseling that blends theoretical foundations with practical field experience.
Program Overview
The university’s 61-credit hour mental health counseling program focuses on psychological science and cultural diversity throughout life. Students can choose from three specialized practicum areas: Mental Health Counseling, Career Counseling, or Counseling and Developmental Sciences. This focused approach helps students tailor their training to match their career goals.
Accreditation and Licensure
The mental health counseling track’s graduates qualify for Illinois Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. Students can pursue state licensure after meeting all program requirements through Illinois’s established pathways for mental health practitioners.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program runs independently from most tuition and fee waiver programs. Students pay annual tuition of approximately $28,464. Master’s students cannot access the on-campus assistantships that doctoral students typically receive. All the same, they can work on campus up to 9 hours weekly. Financial aid options are available through FAFSA.
Program Length and Format
Students complete this face-to-face program over two years, following a well-laid-out course sequence. The curriculum starts with core foundations and progresses to advanced clinical work.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Students get hands-on experience through:
- A 100-hour practicum in year one (about 7 hours weekly)
- A 600-hour internship in year two (about 18 hours weekly)
Students can complete their field work at several locations including UIUC’s Counseling Center, Disability Resources and Educational Services, Counseling Psychology Training Clinic, and local community agencies.
Career Outcomes
Mental health counseling jobs should grow by 23% between 2016 and 2064. Mental health counselors earn a median annual wage of $44,630. The program’s combination of theory and practical experience prepares graduates for careers in mental health settings of all types.
8. Boston College – MA in Mental Health Counseling
Boston College’s MA in Mental Health Counseling program is known for its focus on social justice. The program prepares practitioners to help clients of all backgrounds in clinical settings of all types.
Program Overview
Boston College provides two options – a 60-credit licensure track and a 48-credit non-licensure path in their Mental Health Counseling program. The curriculum builds on cultural humility, social justice principles, and evidence-based clinical practice. Students become skilled counselors through reflective scholarship and scientifically-proven best practices. Required courses typically have 30 students, while elective classes are smaller. Students can specialize in Child & Family Mental Health, Positive Youth Development, or Trauma Studies.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited this program. Students who complete the 60-credit degree meet Massachusetts’ requirements to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC). They must then complete 3,360 hours of supervised experience and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program costs $1,834 per credit, bringing the total to $110,040 for the 60-credit track. More than 70% of master’s students get some financial help. The campus has 361 graduate assistantships that pay stipends, and some cover tuition. Boston College gives out $11.40 million in financial aid each year.
Program Length and Format
Most full-time students finish in two years. Evening classes let students work during the day. The curriculum follows a set sequence through fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students have five years from their acceptance date to finish all requirements.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Second-year students start with a 100-hour practicum (40 hours of direct service) followed by a 600-hour internship (240 hours of direct service). Students work in various settings like:
- Community mental health centers
- Substance abuse clinics
- Eating disorders programs
- Hospitals and college counseling centers
Dr. Jamie Aronson, the Director of Practicum Experience, helps students find opportunities that match their goals and experience.
Career Outcomes
Graduates work as mental health counselors, behavioral health specialists, case managers, and therapists. Mental health services graduates with a master’s degree earn a median salary of $48,795, higher than the national average of $48,197. Boston College ranked 47th nationally in 2022, with 53 students earning their master’s degrees in mental health counseling.
9. University of Miami – M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling
The University of Miami’s M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling program shapes future practitioners through a scientist-practitioner model that meets mental health needs in a variety of populations.
Program Overview
This 60-credit program helps counseling students become reflective practitioners who promote psychological well-being in our complex multicultural world. Students become experts in DSM-5-TR diagnoses, cultural responsiveness, detailed case conceptualization, evidence-based treatments, and ethical practice. The curriculum blends theory, clinical skills, and science-based training to prepare graduates for careers in private practice, community organizations, hospitals, and government agencies.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited the program from December 2024 through December 2032. Graduates qualify for Florida Mental Health Counselor licensure. They must complete about one year of supervised experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor associate before independent practice. While requirements vary by state, many graduates successfully get licensed elsewhere.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The estimated total cost of attendance for on-campus students reaches $98,118. Students can access financial aid through loans, tuition discounts, program scholarships, and assistantships. The Program Director reviews requests for tuition waivers based on financial hardship.
Program Length and Format
Fall and spring classes run Monday through Thursday from 5:00-7:40pm, while summer sessions go until 8:55pm. Students finish the program in 2 to 4 years. The program structure dedicates the first year to coursework and the second year to practicum experience.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
The clinical requirements include 1,000 total practicum and internship hours, with 700 practicum hours and 280 hours of direct client contact. Students track their hours through Time2Track software, which supervisors verify. Community sites host student placements, and practicum typically needs 20 weekly hours.
Career Outcomes
About 20-30% of graduates continue to doctoral programs. Others build careers in private practice, community mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, non-profits, universities, and government agencies. Though not designed as a school counseling program, some graduates use their mental health counseling credentials in school settings.
10. New York University – MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
NYU’s MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness shapes future therapists through a detailed program that builds clinical expertise with clients of all backgrounds.
Program Overview
The 60-credit curriculum gives aspiring mental health counselors the skills to treat mental illness and help clients build better lives. Students learn assessment, case conceptualization, and advocacy while working with individuals and groups in different settings. The program teaches students to understand people’s needs throughout their lives in cultural contexts and promotes equity and social justice.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Board (MPCAC) has accredited the program through January 2025. Graduates meet New York State’s licensure requirements. They receive diagnostic privileges and can independently diagnose mental disorders and create treatment plans based on assessments.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition costs $2,272 per credit. Students need 60 credits to graduate, bringing the total tuition to approximately $136,320. Registration fees add $571 for the first credit and $79 for each additional credit per term. Students can receive scholarships based on their admission application without submitting separate forms.
Program Length and Format
Students can earn their degree in 21 months. The program offers flexible enrollment with five-term, six-term, or nine-term options. Students must pass the Counselor Education Comprehensive Examination in their final term.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Students complete their field training through a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship at approved sites. These experiences take place at community agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, college counseling centers, and hospitals. Students develop essential skills in assessment, treatment planning, and crisis intervention during these placements.
Career Outcomes
The program’s graduates work in community mental health programs, college counseling centers, trauma-focused programs, and private practices. Job prospects look promising with 17% growth expected from 2024-2034. Mental health counselors currently earn a median annual salary of $59,190.
11. Caldwell University – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Caldwell University’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program stands out by blending spirituality with traditional counseling practices. This approach helps future professionals address their client’s spiritual wellbeing.
Program Overview
The 60-credit program equips students to work as clinical mental health counselors in a variety of human service settings. Students learn cognitive-behavioral theory through coursework, practicum, and internship experiences. The academic capstone includes written and oral examinations that students must pass.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) has accredited all counseling programs at Caldwell. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program received re-accreditation through 2029, which shows its strong and consistent curriculum. The master’s degree meets all coursework requirements needed to become a licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The university has provided financial aid to 98% of its students. Students can access various scholarships and grants through the “Caldwell Commitment” program based on their academic merit and financial needs.
Program Length and Format
The program has 56 enrolled students. Faculty evaluates students beyond their GPA by looking at their professional qualities, including cultural competency, interpersonal skills, and dedication to personal growth.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Students gain supervised counseling experience through practicum and internship placements. These field experiences help students apply their classroom learning to ground concerns.
Career Outcomes
The program has achieved outstanding results with a 92% completion rate and 91% of students passing the National Counselor Examination. The job placement rate for graduates stands at an impressive 96%.
Choose Your Program Today
Your professional future depends on picking the right mental health counseling master’s program. This piece showcases exceptional programs that can launch your career in this fast-growing field. The job growth outlook of 17% through 2034 is important since it means that mental health counseling offers both personal satisfaction and financial stability with median annual salaries around $59,190.
These featured programs come with their own unique strengths. University of Florida provides complete training across multiple counseling domains. NYU focuses on promoting equity and social justice. You’ll find options that match your career goals. These programs also meet strict accreditation standards that help you get licensed and start practicing.
The right program needs more than just a solid curriculum. Clinical skills get a real boost through practicum and internship opportunities. Program format plays a key role too. Boston College offers evening classes while CUNY Lehman College has weekend-based instruction. Money matters just as much – you can choose from budget-friendly public schools like Baruch College or prestigious private universities with great scholarship options.
Mental health professionals are in high demand right now. The field just needs qualified, caring people to help others. Picking one of these top programs sets you up to succeed and make a real difference in people’s lives. Your investment in quality mental health counseling education will pay off both in your career and personal growth as you begin this rewarding journey.