Mental Health plays a major role in every individual’s life. It encompasses the aspects of a person’s social life, physical, emotional and psychological well-being. A healthy mental state is a undoubtedly crucial regardless of age and is necessary for an individual so that they may handle different kinds of mental stress better.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 Americans are faced with mental illness in a given year. About 1 in 25 American live their lives with serious mental illnesses such as major depression for instance.
However, with the advancement in technology and medicine, a good number of mental illnesses can be improved by seeking the help of professionals like psychiatrists and mental health counselors.
Why Mental Health is Important?
A good mental health assures an individual the ability to maintain their relationships, keep themselves physically fit, increase work productivity and creativity. A sound mind will be able to manage stress better while learning to control their emotions as well.
Online Master’s Degree in Mental Health
A master’s degree can help individuals to acquire licensure from recognized organizations to allow them to practice in various settings that require mental health professionals to operate.
Individuals can opt for a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling on completion of a bachelor’s degree from either a related or other fields.
Have a look at the degree requirements below:
| Degree | Credits (may vary) | Program Duration (may vary by college) | General Admission Requirements (may vary) |
| Master’s Degree | 60-90 Credits | 2-3 years | A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA score of 3.0 |
Note: Some colleges listed do not require GRE/MAT scores for students with a GPA of 3.0 and above. While some colleges do not require GRE/MAT scores regardless of GPA score.
10 Online Master’s Degree in Mental Health
1. Capella University
Program: M.S. – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $487/credit hour
Credits: 90 credits
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will prepare students for mental health counseling professions across various settings. Graduates will acquire standards and ethics on how to assess, diagnose, treat and intervene individuals.
2. University of Louisiana – Monroe
Program: M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $500/credit hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The university is accredited by the SACSCOC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #5 in Top Public Universities in Louisiana.
Financial aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.
Individuals pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will qualify for the LPC licensure. Students taking up this program will explore a variety of areas including – anxiety, depression, substance abuse, PTSD, eating disorders, etc.
3. Walden University
Program: Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $505/quarter hour
Credits: 90 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
A master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program will help prepare students through its dynamic coursework and to seek a certification or licensure as a professional in mental health.
4. Grace College
Program: Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $608/credit hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The college is ranked #34 in Best Value Colleges in Indiana.
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
Acquiring a master’s degree in this program at Grace College will allow individuals to develop required skills and knowledge needed for pursuing a career in mental health counseling.
5. University of the Southwest
Program: M.S. – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $649/credit hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC
Financial aid: Available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.
The graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares individuals for future opportunities as mental health professionals across a range of settings that include – hospitals, social service agencies, correctional facilities, hospitals and more.
6. Northwest University
Program: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $677/credit hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The university ranks #5 in Best Colleges for Psychology in Washington.
Financial aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.
The three-year master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers students the opportunity to explore and learn across areas that include human psychology, culture, mental health and more to pursue a career as a professional mental health counselor.
7. Malone University
Program: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $725/credit hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The university is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #30 in Best Value Colleges in Ohio.
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
The graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare students for a career as a licensed professional counselor. The coursework includes learning about theories in counseling, human development and mental health to name a few.
8. Prescott College
Program:M.S. in Counseling (specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Tuition: $830/credit hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The college is regionally accredited by the HLC.
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
Students taking up this program will get the opportunity to participate across multiple areas including counseling, society, mental health, human growth and development. The coursework will help students to progress further in their careers as professional mental health counselors.
9. Hodges University
Program: Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $830/credit hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP. The university is regionally accredited by the SACSCOC.
Financial aid: Available, with 84% of students receiving financial aid.
The program will provide students with essential coursework that are necessary to prepare them for a career in mental health counseling. The program also includes an internship where students will get the opportunity to experience the profession in a community setting with supervision.
10. Bradley University
Program: M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tuition: $990/semester hour
Credits: 60 credits.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).The university is accredited by the HLC.
Ranking: The university is ranked #22 in Colleges with the Best Professors in Illinois.
Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.
Get a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the 60-credit hour program designed to provide students knowledge and skills through coursework on human growth and development, mental health, mental disorders and more.
Is a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling worth it?
Mental illnesses affect a lot of individuals across the world which could further lead to affecting their overall well-being and their relationships. Pursuing a master’s degree can help launch individuals across various mental health professions enabling them to help other individuals that are affected by various mental illnesses.
Also, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health professions are projected to grow at a rate of 22% from 2021 through 2031.
Source: BLS
Also, here’s a list of the top paying mental health occupations across various settings:
| OCCUPATION | MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY |
| Counseling Psychologist | $94,835 |
| Clinical Director | $83,826 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $74,445 |
| Therapist | $70,399 |
| Family Therapist | $68,143 |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $64,671 |
Conclusion
Mental health is an important aspect of an individual’s life that plays a major role in their lives and affects the people around them as well. If you are someone that has the passion and believes in helping individuals to overcome certain mental obstacles in their lives and improve their relationship with the people around them, then a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling will be worth it.
