8 Top Masters in Counseling Programs in Alabama
Alabama’s growing mental health crisis needs qualified professionals like you. The numbers tell a compelling story – 794,000 adults in Alabama face mental health challenges. More concerning is that all but one of these residents – 2,923,845 people – don’t have proper access to mental health care. Your expertise could change lives here.
The state presents excellent paths to become a counseling professional. Students can choose from 29 CACREP accredited counseling degrees and about 25 counseling programs at accredited universities. Alabama’s counseling master’s programs give you vital flexibility when you have work or family responsibilities. The career prospects look bright with a 17% increase in job openings and counseling positions offering a median salary of $44,420.
The timing couldn’t be better to start your counseling journey. Over 200,000 Alabama residents don’t deal very well with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Let’s look at eight top-rated counseling programs that will help you become the solution Alabama needs.
1. University of West Alabama – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: Online
The University of West Alabama has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that prepares counseling professionals to make a difference in mental health. This program stands out among online master’s programs in Alabama by blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Program Overview
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UWA gives you the skills you need to become an effective counselor. The program helps you build expertise in clinical practices, ethical standards, and cultural competence that lead to success. You’ll work with various theoretical and practical models and master counseling techniques that promote mental health and wellness in a variety of populations.
Licensed mental health counselors with extensive real-life experience make up the program’s faculty, which sets it apart. Their expertise prepares you for career paths such as:
- Licensed professional counselor
- Therapist
- Mental health program director
Students find jobs in private practice, hospitals, community agencies, and substance abuse treatment centers. The program helps people who want to pursue clinical mental health counseling careers to support individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children.
Accreditation & Format
UWA’s program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which ensures quality instruction that meets industry standards. This accreditation is vital since it meets most states’ core educational requirements for counseling licensure.
Students can take classes fully online through both live and self-paced learning. Live classes usually happen in late afternoons or evenings (Central Time Zone), while self-paced coursework lets you study on your schedule. The program also features a residential training session at UWA’s campus where you can meet professors and classmates while developing clinical skills.
Tuition & Duration
Students need 60 credit hours to graduate from the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Each credit hour costs $429, making UWA one of Alabama’s most affordable options for graduate counseling education. Students also pay a $75 technology fee each semester.
Eight-week courses form the program structure, with several start dates throughout the year. Most students finish in 2-3 years, depending on their schedule. The next class starts August 18.
Licensure Preparation
The program gets you ready for counseling licensure. As part of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) National Counselor Examination Graduate Student Administration, you’ll get all the educational coursework needed for national certification.
You can take either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) during your final terms. This option remains available after graduation if you prefer to wait.
The program has:
- One practicum (100 clock hours)
- Internship experience (600 clock hours)
- Supervision from both site supervisors and UWA faculty
Students must keep a minimum 3.25 GPA on a four-point scale with no grade below “C” and pass a comprehensive examination to graduate. In spite of that, licensure requirements vary by state, so check your state’s specific requirements about which exam to take and when.
2. Faulkner University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: 85% Online
Faulkner University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling stands out among online master’s programs in Alabama. The program blends Christian principles with detailed counseling education. Working professionals who want to advance their careers while keeping their work-life balance will find this program especially valuable.
Program Overview
Faulkner’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program delivers quality education that works well for busy adults. Whether you’re working full-time, studying for your graduate degree, or expanding your counseling knowledge, this program fits your schedule. The curriculum takes a special approach by blending a Christian worldview with counseling concepts. Your counseling skills will grow stronger through biblical teachings and Jesus’s life examples.
Students get both academic knowledge and hands-on experience. This creates a balanced education that explores mental health and counseling areas. After graduation, you’ll qualify for many mental health and people-helping careers.
The program helps you:
- Build clinical skills through classroom learning and field work
- Get ready to work in community agencies, state organizations, and Christian ministries
- Blend faith with professional practice
Accreditation & Format
Students complete about 85% of their coursework online. This setup gives you flexibility without sacrificing educational quality. You’ll need to attend two required on-campus sessions:
Clinical Training I and II happen at the Montgomery campus during the third full weeks of January and September. Classes run Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Standard Time. These face-to-face sessions add crucial hands-on practice to your online learning.
The program also requires Counseling Practicum and Internship work that gives you essential field experience under supervision. You’ll complete 61 credit hours that meet state and national requirements for counselor licensure and certification.
Tuition & Duration
Full-time students can finish the Clinical Mental Health Program in two years. Part-time options add at least one semester, letting you balance studies with other commitments. Some students spread their Practicum and Internship work across multiple semesters, which extends their graduation timeline.
Tuition costs $565 per semester hour. Other costs include:
- General Fee: $350 per semester ($250 if taking 5 hours or less)
- Online Course Fee: $75 per semester hour
- Book Fee: $195 per year
Licensure Preparation
Graduates can pursue licensure through the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling and become Licensed Professional Counselors in Alabama. Many out-of-state students have gotten licensed in their home states. However, Faulkner can’t guarantee all state counseling boards will accept the degree for professional counseling licensure.
You’ll need to check with your state’s counseling board about licensure eligibility. Faulkner provides fact sheets that show whether their program meets specific state requirements. The documents confirm the program meets educational requirements for original licensure in Maine and Missouri.
The admission requirements are straightforward. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum 2.75 GPA (3.0 for graduate courses), MAT score of at least 370, three recommendation letters, goal statement, and video interview. These requirements ensure you’re ready for this challenging yet rewarding path toward becoming a licensed mental health counselor.
3. Auburn University – M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: On-campus and Online
Auburn University’s M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling focuses mainly on practical application, making it stand out among other online master’s programs in Alabama. The program gives you the real-life skills you need to succeed in various counseling settings.
Program Overview
You’ll be ready to work in treatment centers of all types including inpatient, outpatient, non-profit, private practice, community agencies, governmental, and educational settings. The curriculum covers all eight CACREP common core areas to provide detailed educational coverage. The program stands out because of its specialized coursework in:
- Counseling children and adolescents
- Crisis counseling
- Substance use disorders
These specialized courses help you better address specific mental health challenges and serve different populations. Students learn both theory and hands-on experience, so they’re ready to handle real-life counseling scenarios right after graduation.
Accreditation & Format
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits Auburn’s program. This ensures quality education that meets national standards and helps with licensure in many states.
Students can choose between on-campus and online formats. This flexibility makes the program available whatever your location or schedule needs. Students on campus can pick from various practicum and internship placements within 90 miles of Auburn. Online students usually find placements in their local areas.
Students must take courses in a specific sequence in both formats. Full-time students finish in five consecutive semesters (2 years) with 12 credit hours per semester. Part-time students usually complete the program in 4 years.
Tuition & Duration
Students need 60 total credit hours to graduate. The program costs about $31,986 total.
Fall semester enrollment starts on February 1 for both on-campus and distance cohorts. You’ll need these application materials:
- Graduate School application and payment
- Official transcripts
- Three reference forms
- Statement of intent
- Cultural statement
- Resume or CV
- TOEFL report (for international students)
Students need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs might require higher GPAs.
Licensure Preparation
The program really prepares you for professional licensure through clinical experiences. Students complete a practicum with 100 clock hours of practical work (3 credit hours) and an internship with 600 clock hours (1-9 credit hours). Both site supervisors and Auburn faculty provide supervision throughout these experiences.
The M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling meets all course requirements for counseling licensure in Alabama. Graduates can take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) from the National Board for Certified Counselors. Most states require this exam for licensure.
Note that some states have extra educational requirements beyond Auburn’s curriculum. You should check specific licensure requirements for your target state.
According to accreditation standards, students must complete all coursework and field experiences (practicum and internships) in the United States—no exceptions. This requirement ensures your training meets U.S. professional standards and improves your licensure eligibility.
4. Troy University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: Online
Troy University has transformed its MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program into a fully online format. Aspiring counselors can now complete their education from anywhere. This change shows Troy’s dedication to meeting graduate students’ evolving needs in counseling education throughout Alabama and beyond.
Program Overview
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Troy University prepares skilled mental health practitioners through a 60-semester hour curriculum. The program aims to train counselors who excel in theory, counseling skills, and treatment planning. Students become proficient in nine key areas:
- Professional ethics and applications
- Counseling facilitation skills, theories, and techniques
- Normal and abnormal human development
- Culturally sensitive approaches for diverse populations
- Career development frameworks
- Group counseling concepts
- Assessment and evaluation methods
- Research methodology and program evaluation
Students must complete 51 semester hours of core courses that cover Professional Orientation and Ethics, Foundations of Mental Health Counseling, and Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. The program stands out because it balances theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, getting you ready for real-life scenarios in mental health settings.
Accreditation & Format
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Troy’s counseling program at multiple locations: Altamonte Springs, Augusta, Dothan, Ft. Walton Beach, Montgomery, Panama City, Pensacola, Phenix City, Tampa, and Troy. This prestigious accreditation confirms the program meets national standards and delivers quality education.
The program’s move to a fully online format gives students more flexibility with their educational, family, and career commitments. Students experience interactive learning through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Two required three-day residency sessions let you build clinical competencies through hands-on activities, network with professionals, and receive direct faculty mentorship.
Tuition & Duration
Troy University’s graduate tuition for 2024-2025 costs $475 per credit hour for in-state students and $950 for out-of-state students. The 60-credit program’s total tuition ranges from $28,500 (in-state) to $57,000 (out-of-state).
Most full-time students finish their degree in 2½ to 3 years. Application deadlines fall on July 15th for fall admission and November 15th for spring admission.
Licensure Preparation
The program prepares you for counseling licensure through academic instruction and supervised clinical experience. Requirements include:
- One practicum with 100 clock hours
- Two internships totaling 600 clock hours (300 hours each)
Alabama licensure requires 3,000 supervised clinical hours after graduation. Requirements differ in nearby states. Georgia needs 1,000-3,000 supervised hours based on your degree, while Florida requires 1,500 supervised hours.
Troy’s program lets you take the National Counselors Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health National Examination (NCMHCE) before graduating. This means you’ll only need to complete your supervised clinical hours afterward. Taking the exam early can speed up your path to full licensure.
Troy University provides a well-laid-out, available path to a counseling career. Students get the best of both worlds – convenient online learning and solid professional preparation.
5. University of South Alabama – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: On-campus and Online
The University of South Alabama’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling stands out among online master’s programs in Alabama. The program shapes culturally responsive practitioners who are dedicated to social justice and advocacy. Students learn to address critical mental health needs in a variety of populations.
Program Overview
USA’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a complete 60-hour curriculum that develops advocacy-driven counselors with a strong social justice mindset. The program aims to prepare professionals who actively promote social, emotional, psychological, spiritual, economic, and physical wellbeing.
Students build practical expertise in:
- Assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions
- Advanced counseling techniques for diverse settings
- Cultural competency and advocacy skills
The program has specialized courses in diagnostic and treatment planning, addictions counseling, principles and theories of counseling, and group counseling procedures. This preparation helps graduates work in counseling agencies, private practices, employment centers, and substance abuse programs.
The program’s unique strength lies in building a community of counselors whose viewpoints reflect the region’s diversity and beyond. The 92% licensure examination pass rate shows how well the program works in preparing skilled practitioners.
Accreditation & Format
The counseling program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This ensures quality education that meets national standards. Many states require graduation from CACREP-accredited programs to get counseling licensure.
Students learn through a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person clinical training. This approach provides flexibility while maintaining high educational standards. The program includes classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences, with a complete two-semester internship at various practicum sites.
USA asks for a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants need to submit a 2–4-page statement about their career goals, three recommendation letters, and a professional resume. Qualified candidates must attend a personal interview with counseling program faculty.
Tuition & Duration
The program costs $960 per credit hour. With 60 credits required, total tuition reaches about $28,800. Classes take place at the Mobile campus.
Students who apply by March 15th get priority consideration for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. New students start once per year in fall semester. USA offers limited graduate assistantships and various scholarships to help with costs.
Licensure Preparation
Graduates meet all course requirements needed for licensure eligibility by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. Graduation alone doesn’t guarantee licensure – you’ll need to pass a standardized exam and complete post-degree supervised clinical hours.
Alabama’s licensure requirements as of January 2024 include:
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 60 semester hours under one degree
- Graduate-level coursework in eleven specific content areas
Clinical training includes a 100-hour practicum (40 hours direct service) and a 600-hour internship (240 hours direct service). The program boasts a 100% job placement rate for Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates.
Students planning to practice in other states should keep their course syllabi. This helps show how coursework meets specific state requirements. While the program prepares you well for Alabama licensure, each state has different requirements.
6. Jacksonville State University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: On-campus
Jacksonville State University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling ranks among Alabama’s best master’s programs. The program helps students become successful professionals through a purpose-driven approach. Students learn to help clients grow by mastering communication skills and creative therapeutic techniques.
Program Overview
JSU offers a well-laid-out curriculum with educational and clinical experiences that reflect modern society’s needs. The program shapes professionals who can:
- Use refined communication skills to help client growth
- Apply therapeutic techniques with creativity and purpose
- Practice ethical standards consistently
- Show multicultural competence and respect for diversity
Students develop self-awareness, intellectual growth, and social consciousness throughout their educational experience. Graduates can pursue rewarding careers like Licensed Professional Counseling with a median annual salary of $68,388. Mental Health Counseling positions offer an average of $68,400 yearly.
Accreditation & Format
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Jacksonville State holds prestigious CACREP accreditation through March 2026. This recognition proves the program meets high-quality standards—a vital factor since most states need CACREP-accredited program graduates for counseling licensure.
The program’s core courses meet the eight CACREP requirements needed for licensure in most states. Documents show a “100% Online” option that makes the program available to working professionals looking for nearby mental health counseling programs without disrupting their work.
Tuition & Duration
Students must complete 60 graduate semester hours. The total tuition costs about $13,920, making it an economical choice among Alabama’s online counseling master’s programs.
Most students finish the program in 3 years. The application costs $35. Students must pass a comprehensive exam before graduating—your graduate advisor can provide complete details.
Licensure Preparation
The degree qualifies you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama after passing required exams and completing post-master’s supervised experience. Students may qualify for licensure in other states based on their requirements.
Non-traditional CACREP-option track students must pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) before graduating. The exam runs twice yearly (April and October). Registration deadlines fall several months ahead (January and July). Students should plan carefully to avoid graduation delays.
7. Auburn University at Montgomery – M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: On-campus
Auburn University at Montgomery’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program shapes versatile practitioners by combining educational technology with hands-on experience. Students benefit from a balanced approach that blends academic excellence with practical skills, preparing them for today’s complex mental health field.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at AUM opens doors to diverse career paths with its practical focus. This CACREP-accredited program gives you the skills to work with different populations in public and private mental health settings. Graduates can pursue specialized careers in:
- Family counseling and addictions counseling
- Victimization and gerontological counseling
- Play therapy and testing/psychometry
- Creative arts in counseling
- Corrections and military settings
AUM’s program stands out because of its outstanding faculty. Dr. Paul Hard brings 13 years of rich experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor and LPC Supervisor from agency counseling and private practice. Dr. Yuh-Jen Guo adds valuable clinical expertise from outpatient and hospital settings.
Accreditation & Format
The program’s prestigious Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation ensures high national standards. AUM’s Master’s in Counseling takes a hybrid approach, offering classes in flexible formats including hybrid, synchronous, or online delivery.
Students connect with peers and faculty through virtual and in-class environments using various educational tools. The program’s internship requirement provides valuable ground experience.
Tuition & Duration
Auburn University at Montgomery earned recognition as a “best value school” from U.S. News & World Report, suggesting competitive costs compared to similar institutions, though specific tuition details aren’t listed.
Licensure Preparation
Program graduates qualify for state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and national board certification (NCC). The program grows stronger through systematic evaluation and assessment of student learning outcomes. AUM gathers feedback from current and former students about training quality, professional development opportunities, and faculty-student mentoring to keep the program relevant.
8. University of North Alabama – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: On-campus
The University of North Alabama runs a hands-on MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at its Florence campus. This program serves professionals who want to grow their expertise in mental health counseling.
Program Overview
The 60-semester hour program at UNA prepares students for rewarding careers in social service agencies, mental health facilities, and private practice settings. This CACREP-accredited curriculum gives you the foundations of counseling skills through a well-planned academic sequence. Students need faculty recommendation to join the program, which shows UNA’s steadfast dedication to excellence. Graduates become skilled at core competencies needed in professional counseling practice, including crisis intervention, assessment techniques, and treatment planning.
Accreditation & Format
The program received CACREP accreditation in 2014 and remains valid through October 31, 2025. The original Community Counseling program from 2009 evolved into the current Clinical Mental Health format in 2015. Students enjoy a traditional face-to-face campus experience that works well with their job schedules.
Tuition & Duration
Students pay $495 per credit hour for in-state tuition, while out-of-state rates are $990 per hour. A College of Education fee of $75 per hour applies on top of tuition. Students should submit their Spring 2026 applications by October 1, 2025. This is a big deal as it means that students with a 3.0+ undergraduate GPA don’t need test scores.
Licensure Preparation
Students get a full picture of their progress through the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) needed for graduation. The coursework matches requirements for National Counselor Certification, National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Certification, and State Counselor Licensure.
Choose an Alabama Masters in Counseling
Alabama’s premier counseling master’s programs serve a vital purpose. These eight programs create qualified mental health professionals in a state where nearly 800,000 adults struggle with mental health issues.
Each program has its own strengths to enhance your learning experience. The University of West Alabama keeps tuition affordable. Faulkner University integrates faith into its approach. Auburn, Troy, and Jacksonville State are great examples of 50-year-old institutions that combine academic excellence with hands-on experience to prepare you for real-life counseling scenarios.
CACREP accreditation connects all these programs. This accreditation ensures your education meets national quality standards—a vital factor to get licensed in Alabama and other states. The online and hybrid formats help you balance your studies with work and family while you gain clinical experience.
The programs vary in cost from $13,920 at Jacksonville State to higher rates at South Alabama. Despite that, counseling careers justify this investment. The field expects 17% growth and competitive salaries.
These programs lead to similar licensing paths. You’ll just need to pass national exams and complete supervised clinical hours. State requirements may vary slightly, but CACREP-accredited programs give you solid groundwork for licensing anywhere in the US.
Your choice among these options depends on what fits your situation best—your budget, schedule, interests, or preferred way of learning. Any program you pick will give you the skills to make an impact on Alabama’s mental health landscape. The experience might be challenging, but the chance to change lives through counseling makes it worth every step.