12 Best Masters in Counseling Programs in New York
Pursuing a master’s in counseling in New York offers exceptional growth potential in this dynamic field. New York state hosts more than 50 master’s programs in counseling, giving you plenty of choices to find the right fit for your career goals.
The career outlook for counseling professionals paints an impressive picture. Educational, guidance, and career counselors in New York earn an annual mean salary of $71,160, which stands substantially higher than the national median of $60,140. The field continues to expand rapidly. Marriage and family therapists can expect 15% job growth, while mental health counselors will see an 18% increase over the next decade (2022-2032). Your career path could lead to mental health counseling programs in NYC or other specialized areas throughout New York state. The right program choice becomes a vital step in your professional trip.
Our research team has identified and analyzed the best mental health counseling programs in New York to guide your decision. This piece covers the top 12 counseling master’s programs statewide. We dissect their strengths, accreditation status, learning formats, and costs. Programs range from flexible online options for working professionals to prestigious campus-based curricula.
St. Bonaventure University’s Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling welcomes both newcomers and professionals seeking licensure. The program helps you become an outstanding community leader and practitioner while encouraging society’s well-being.
Program overview
St. Bonaventure’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program creates highly skilled counselors dedicated to serving communities. You’ll get excellent preparation for the licensed professional counselor exam, and graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on licensure exams. The program has hands-on learning through a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships in community settings. Students can also add an Advanced Certificate in School Counseling right after finishing their master’s degree.
Accreditation and licensure
St. Bonaventure University has earned prestigious accreditation from several organizations. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program’s CACREP accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) shows it meets national standards. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has also accredited the university. The New York State Department of Education approved the program for diagnostic privilege, which gives you an important credential for clinical practice.
Online learning format
You can complete the program 100% online without visiting the New York campus. Most courses let you study at your own pace, though some classes need weekly live participation, like group counseling, practicum, and internship sessions. Faculty members provide customized support through email, video, and phone.
Tuition and financial aid
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program costs $825 per credit hour plus a $25 per credit hour fee. This 60-credit program also has a one-time $500 fee for software and internship supervision in your first semester. St. Bonaventure helps manage costs through payment plans up to five installments, military benefits for eligible students, and traditional financial aid via FAFSA. 99% of students at St. Bonaventure get some type of financial help.
Touro University
Touro University excels as a leading institution that offers multiple counseling degree options at its schools and campuses. Students receive specialized training to become licensed professionals in the mental health field.
Program overview
Students can choose from several counseling programs at Touro University. The Master of Arts in Counseling with an Addiction Counseling specialization gives graduates the skills to treat people with addiction and dependency disorders. The program helps students build clinical counseling skills that promote mental health wellness and support recovery. The university also runs a 60-credit MS program in School Counseling designed for future K-12 guidance counselors. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program gives students complete training to become licensed New York mental health counselors. After graduation, they can work in hospitals, clinics, community agencies, or start their own private practices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $49,710. The field expects 18% job growth over the next decade.
Accreditation and licensure
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, recognized by the United States Secretary of Education, accredits Touro University. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This makes it one of the few CACREP-accredited programs in the NY Metro area. Graduates can apply for licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. They can also sit for board certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors, which includes both the National Certification Exam and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam.
Online learning format
The university’s counseling programs come with flexible learning options. Students can complete the Master of Arts in Counseling 100% online without any residency requirements. The MS in School Counseling program also runs online to fit working professionals’ schedules. Most students finish the curriculum in three years, with a 600-hour internship in the final year. The CMHC program lets students choose between 2-year and 3-year completion plans. Evening classes help working students balance their studies.
Tuition and financial aid
The university believes that “affordability and an exceptional education go hand in hand”. Students can access federal loans, work-study programs, and veteran’s benefits. Military students might qualify for education assistance through the GI Bill. Students need to reapply for financial aid each year. Admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite coursework in psychology or related fields.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University offers a residential master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program focuses on wellness, development, prevention, and aims to strengthen clients who need mental health services.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Syracuse University needs 60 credits. Graduates learn to provide a wide range of clinical mental health counseling services. Students help clients grow through wellness and advocacy programs. The clinical experience includes more than 700 supervised hours. Students complete a 100-hour practicum and 600 hours of internships in community settings. Full-time students typically graduate in 2 years with summer sessions, and part-time options exist. The program shows excellent results with a 90%+ placement rate within 6 months. Students have achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Credentialing in the last five years.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has fully accredited the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program through October 2025. This respected accreditation will give a solid foundation as the program meets strict professional standards through thorough evaluation. The program satisfies all educational requirements for New York State’s license in clinical mental health counseling (LMHC). Graduates can apply for a limited permit to practice while they complete their post-degree hours before the licensure exam.
Syracuse University online learning format
The School of Education offers this program exclusively on campus. The coursework fits well with practicum and internship requirements. Classes usually run from 4-7 pm or 7-10 pm once per week. Students can complete their field work during regular business hours with this schedule.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate programs at Syracuse University cost $2,015 per credit hour. The 60-credit program totals around $120,900. Social work and marriage and family therapy programs have lower rates at $1,196 per credit. A graduate student’s total yearly cost reaches $61,719, including housing, food, and other expenses. Syracuse provides various financial aid options through FAFSA to help with these costs. During the 2022-23 academic year, 82% of Syracuse University students received financial support, with total aid exceeding $465 million.
Mercy University
Mercy University offers a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program that gets graduates ready for professional licensing in New York State. This 60-credit program stands out as an excellent choice for aspiring counselors in the New York metropolitan area.
Program overview
The Mental Health Counseling program at Mercy follows three progressive levels: foundational knowledge (18 credits), intermediate preparation (27 credits), and advanced specialty concentration with internship (15 credits). Students learn everything in counseling ethics, human development, group counseling, and specialized areas like trauma and crisis intervention. Graduates can take the New York state professional licensing examination and start collecting the 3,000 supervised hours needed for full licensure. They can work in a variety of settings such as family services, outpatient centers, hospitals, government agencies, private practice, and substance disorder programs. Students need two professional recommendation letters, a personal statement, résumé, baccalaureate degree, and a minimum 3.0 GPA to get admitted.
Accreditation and licensure
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has given Mercy University institutional accreditation, which was renewed in 2024. The next evaluation will happen in 2031-2032. The School Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. New York State recognizes the Mental Health Counseling program as meeting all educational requirements for licensed professional counselors. The White House has recognized Mercy as a national leader in community service and added it to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.
Online learning format
Mercy gives students flexible learning options with part-time and full-time study choices. Students can attend classes during day or evening hours at the Dobbs Ferry or Bronx campuses, with some online options available. The university has three types of online courses: traditional online classes without fixed times, live online classes at specific times, and hybrid formats that combine both approaches. Students get online support services including academic advising, learning center access, and career guidance throughout their studies.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate tuition rates at Mercy depend on the program and are charged per credit. The 2024-25 academic year has a graduate registration fee of $450 per term for 12+ credits or $225 per term for fewer than 12 credits. Mercy helps students manage costs through many financial aid options via FAFSA. Students automatically get considered for merit-based scholarships. The Career Pathways Training program gives full-time students starting in summer or fall 2025 a chance to get 100% tuition coverage. Military benefits and work-study programs add more ways to get financial support.
New York University (NYU)
NYU Steinhardt’s Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness ranks among New York City’s most prominent mental health counseling programs. This program prepares future mental health counselors to get their license and excel in a variety of professional settings.
Overview
The 60-credit master’s program gives you the tools to help clients from all backgrounds and ages build lives filled with health, wellness, and meaning. Students learn to build effective counseling relationships while developing critical assessment, case conceptualization, and advocacy skills. The program requirements include:
- A 100-hour practicum in a mental health setting, with 40 hours of direct practice
- A 600-hour internship at an NYU-approved clinical location, with 240 hours of direct practice
Students can shape their learning path through electives in substance-related disorders, marriage and family counseling, trauma response, and immigrant-origin youth services. Graduates qualify for diagnostic privileges in New York State and can independently diagnose mental disorders and create assessment-based treatment plans—a qualification many employers want or need.
Accreditation and licensure
New York University has regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The counseling program also holds accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Board (MPCAC) through January 2025. New York state recognizes the program as license-qualifying in mental health counseling. Students may qualify for licensure in other states, but requirements vary substantially between jurisdictions. Most state licensing boards need a master’s degree, standardized testing, and post-master’s clinical hours.
Online learning format
The Counseling@NYU program runs fully online with live classes led by NYU’s distinguished faculty. Students participate in interactive counseling simulations and attend a three-day on-campus immersion in New York City. They can choose full-time or part-time study options based on their schedule and needs. The program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2025-2026 academic year tuition costs $2,272 per credit. Students pay a registration/service fee of $571 for the first credit each term and $79 for additional credits. The total tuition comes to approximately $136,320 over the program’s duration. NYU offers program-specific scholarships through the admission application, without needing a separate scholarship application. Eligible graduate students can receive up to $20,500 per academic year through Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, while Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans can cover any remaining costs.
CUNY Hunter College
CUNY Hunter College’s School of Education runs an exceptional Mental Health Counseling program that helps students pursue their passion of enriching others’ lives. This New York City institution gives future counseling professionals quality training at an affordable price.
Program overview
The Mental Health Counseling program offers a 60-credit Master of Science in Education (MSEd) that opens doors to various career paths. Students learn everything in building collaborative client relationships, cultural competencies, and self-awareness. The program qualifies graduates to work in hospitals, agencies, community settings, and private practice. Students must complete 700 field hours across three semesters through Practicum and Internship courses. The program needs a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA minimum, 15-25 credits of approved prerequisite coursework, and two recommendation letters. Students can only start in fall semesters.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has given the program its prestigious accreditation. Hunter College’s earlier Rehabilitation Counseling program held accreditation since 1978 and moved to dual accreditation in 2017. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education also fully accredits Hunter College. The program’s graduates can apply for New York State licensure as Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), a credential that most professionals need now.
Online learning format
Hunter schedules courses in afternoon and evening slots to fit students’ busy lives. Students get clinical experience through supervised practice at various agency placement sites across New York City. The program balances hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge.
Tuition and financial aid
New York State residents pay $470 per credit or $5,545 per semester for full-time study. Non-resident rates are higher at $855 per credit. Additional costs include a $13.45 student activity fee, technology fees ($125 full-time/$62.50 part-time), and a $15 consolidated service fee. Hunter ranks among America’s most affordable graduate schools. More than 75% of Hunter’s students graduate without any debt.
Fordham University
Fordham University’s Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in Mental Health Counseling program stands out with its emphasis on multicultural counseling and social justice principles. This practitioner-scientist program prepares counselors to work with people of all backgrounds in many professional settings.
Program overview
The Mental Health Counseling program at Fordham requires 60 credits and includes a supervised internship of at least 600 hours. Students learn to blend psychological knowledge with ethical decision-making while applying social justice principles and developing self-awareness. Graduates can work in mental health clinics, community centers, hospitals, nonprofit agencies, university counseling centers, and corporate mental health services. Students complete the program in two years full-time (including summers) or three years part-time. The field experience starts in fall semester and includes 600 hours of supervised practice on-site.
Accreditation and licensure
The program has accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) through January 2026. Graduates can get a New York State License as a Mental Health Counselor after they pass the licensing exam and complete 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised experience. The program’s success shows in its numbers – every student who started in Fall 2019 graduated on time.
Online learning format
The program takes a traditional approach – all courses happen in person. Students benefit from direct interactions with faculty and classmates in a dynamic learning environment. The evening class schedule works well for students who have day jobs.
Tuition and financial aid
The Graduate School of Education’s tuition rate for 2025-2026 is $1,799 per credit. The total tuition comes to about $107,940 for all 60 credits. Each term includes a General Fee of $95 and a Technology Fee of $356. Students can get financial help through federal aid, student loans, and graduate loan programs. The GSE Office of Financial Aid helps students find monthly payment plans, scholarships, and assistantships.
SUNY Brockport
SUNY Brockport’s Department of Counselor Education is the first New York institution to earn CACREP accreditation. Their prestigious Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program prepares students for successful careers in the counseling profession.
Program overview
SUNY Brockport’s 60-credit Mental Health Counseling program gives you specialized skills in counseling theory, diagnostic procedures, treatment planning, and crisis intervention. Students become eligible to apply for a Limited Permit as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and take the New York State licensing exam after graduation. The program’s success speaks volumes – 100% of alumni from the last three years have secured counseling positions.
Accreditation and licensure
The counseling program at SUNY Brockport became the first in New York state to receive CACREP accreditation in 1987. This prestigious recognition will give students confidence that the program meets rigorous professional standards. Licensed graduates can work in Office of Mental Health clinics, inpatient programs, and even establish private practices.
Online learning format
Students gain practical experience at the program’s on-campus counseling clinic while providing mental health services to those in need. The faculty includes recognized leaders in the field who contribute at local, regional, and national levels.
Tuition and financial aid
Full-time New York residents pay $5,655 per semester for graduate tuition. Out-of-state students pay more but still benefit from one of the lowest tuition rates nationwide. Students can access financial aid through federal grants, loans, and the Excelsior Scholarship, which supports eligible families earning less than $125,000 yearly.
Columbia University
Teachers College at Columbia University offers an Ed.M. in Mental Health Counseling through its Program in Psychological Counseling. The program helps you develop professionally in a variety of settings, both individually and in groups.
Program overview
The Mental Health Counseling program at Teachers College combines practical counseling skills with strong theoretical foundations. Students need 60 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree to complete their Ed.M., with 42 points earned at Teachers College. The program teaches counselors to deliver culturally relevant services and use evidence-based strategies. Students learn to work effectively within organizations to enhance cognitive and emotional well-being. Career opportunities await graduates in clinics, schools, hospitals, and community agencies.
Accreditation and licensure
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited the Mental Health Counseling program through February 2026. New York State approved the program in 2005, which meets all requirements to become licensed Mental Health Counselors. Graduates can pursue licensure after they complete 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised experience and pass a national examination.
Online learning format
Students can choose flexible enrollment options at Columbia. Full-time students take 9+ credit hours each semester, while half-time students enroll in 5-6.5 credits. Working professionals benefit from a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning experiences.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2024-2025 academic year costs $2,049 per credit with a required college fee of $518 per term. Rates will increase to $2,131 per credit for 2025-2026. The total tuition reaches approximately $125,000 based on the 60-credit requirement. Health fees range from $208-$694 based on enrollment status.
Adelphi University
Adelphi University offers an exceptional Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program through its award-winning Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology. The program ranks #24 among Addiction Counselor’s Top 50 Master’s Counseling Programs nationwide.
Program overview
The 60-credit graduate program equips future mental health counselors to work in a variety of settings like hospitals, community clinics, and schools. Students build their clinical skills through a 100-hour practicum and a 900-hour internship. The program’s substance abuse counseling concentration meets New York’s 350 educational requirement hours. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and qualify for the CASAC-T certification. Mental health counselor jobs will grow by 22% through 2032, which is by a lot more than average.
Accreditation and licensure
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Adelphi. Graduates can pursue New York State licensure after completing 3,000 post-graduate supervised hours and passing the state licensing exam.
Online learning format
The program schedules evening classes to fit working professionals’ needs. Students can complete the full-time program in two years.
Tuition and financial aid
Students pay about $1,550 per credit or $46,500 annually. U.S. News & World Report recognizes Adelphi as a Best Value School. Students can access graduate assistantships, field placements, and standard federal aid through FAFSA.
Long Island University (LIU)
Long Island University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program blends challenging academic work with hands-on field experience. This combination prepares graduates to excel in clinical settings throughout New York and beyond.
Overview
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program spans 60 credits and includes three semesters of fieldwork that total 700 hours – a requirement set by NYSED and CACREP. Students can pick from partner schools and agencies or suggest their own placement for approval. Tenured school counselors and licensed mental health professionals provide supervision. We designed the program to help students start their careers immediately. Graduates can qualify for provisional certification as school counselors or limited permits as clinical mental health counselors. LIU Post has also earned OASAS approval as an Education and Training Provider. The program meets all educational requirements for the CASAC-T certification.
Accreditation and licensure
Full CACREP accreditation ensures top-quality faculty and curriculum standards. The program meets all educational requirements for New York State Mental Health Counselors License. Students need 3,000 supervised experience hours and must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination for full licensure. The results speak for themselves – 92.5% of students finish their degrees on time. Every alumni survey respondent has passed the licensing exam and found work within three months after graduation.
Online learning format
The program combines face-to-face classroom instruction with blended learning options. Students in blended courses attend five class sessions online through Zoom. The schedule becomes available during registration. Students complete practicum and internship courses virtually while working at their chosen practice sites.
Tuition and financial aid
The 2024-2025 tuition costs $1,379 per credit. This rate will rise to about $1,407 per credit for 2025-2026. Students can expect to pay between $41,370-$42,210 for the entire program annually. Financial help comes through federal loans, work-study programs, and monthly payment plans. Military students might qualify for special benefits.
University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo has led the way in online education since 2001. Their Graduate School of Education offers flexible learning paths for future mental health counselors.
Program overview
UB’s fully accredited mental health counseling master’s program gives you the core counseling, assessment, and consultation skills needed for clinical practice. The 60-credit curriculum focuses on personal growth and respect for human diversity. Students learn about social justice and ethical responsibility. Your second year includes 600 hours of clinical work spread across two semesters. This prepares you for professional licensure in New York State. The program’s graduates can work in non-profit mental health centers, hospitals, college counseling centers, and substance abuse treatment facilities.
Accreditation and licensure
The mental health counseling program has earned prestigious accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). This recognition confirms your education meets high standards and includes current, effective practices. UB stands out as the first SUNY institution invited to join the Association of American Universities, showing its strong academic tradition.
Online learning format
Students can choose between on-campus classes or a part-time online program that takes four years. The online courses run through UB Learns, the university’s online system that houses all course materials. Students connect with faculty and classmates through discussion boards, blogs, and group work at their own pace. Each 3-credit course requires 9-12 hours of weekly work on readings and assignments.
Tuition and financial aid
New York State’s resident tuition rates apply if you can show proof of living in the state for 12 months before starting your semester. Students need good grades, U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and at least six credits to qualify for financial aid. UB’s Financial Aid office helps answer all questions about funding options.
Take the Next Step
Your career path and job satisfaction depend heavily on picking the right master’s in counseling program. This piece explores 12 excellent programs in New York state. Each program offers distinct benefits that line up with different career goals and personal needs.
New York’s counseling field is growing faster than ever. Mental health professionals in New York earn much higher salaries than the national average. Job growth projections of 15-18% in the next decade show we just need more qualified counselors.
Several key factors matter in your program choice. CACREP and MPCAC accreditation proves your education meets strict industry standards. Program formats give you plenty of options. St. Bonaventure and Touro offer fully online programs while Columbia and Syracuse provide traditional campus experiences. The cost varies a lot – SUNY Brockport’s public institution rates could save you money compared to private universities.
Your professional goals should guide your program choice. These New York programs offer specialized tracks in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse treatment to match your career plans.
The next step is to dig deeper into your top choices. Talk to admission counselors and connect with students or alumni. Get a full picture of how each program fits your career goals, learning style, and budget. Without doubt, time spent finding the right educational fit now will pay off throughout your counseling career.