Online CACREP-Accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

Choosing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a big decision and can be overwhelming, too. Counseling programs come in many shapes and sizes, such as being offered on-campus or online, CACREP-accredited or not, with focuses in speciality areas, and all at different price points.

Clinical mental health counseling is one of eight specialty areas under the CACREP accreditation structure. While each specialty area shares the same core professional counseling foundation, the clinical mental health speciality also focuses on areas such as diagnosis, treatment, clinical assessment and evidence-based interventions. Students are also taught to support various audiences, including individuals, couples, and families at all phases of their lives.

For those who like the flexibility of scheduling or live far from an on-campus counseling program, online CMHC programs are often a desirable option. While there are numerous legitimate online clinical mental health counseling graduate programs, it can be challenging to distinguish between those from reputable institutions and those from schools that do not provide quality education. However, with the CACREP-accreditation seal, you can ensure that the program you apply to is legitimate and most likely meets your home state requirements.

Quick Facts

• Total CACREP Accredited CMHC Programs: 430 Programs
• Online CACREP Accredited CMHC Programs: 107 Programs
• Average Program Completion Time: 2-4 Years
• Average Credit Hours: 60 Credit Hours
• Average Tuition: $299.23-1,186 per Credit Hour

Online CACREP-Accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

There are numerous online CACREP-accredited master’s programs in counseling; however, this abbreviated list highlights 20 of the most notable programs. Elements that we focused on when looking programs to include on this list included cost, time to complete, faculty and curriculum.

The 107 Online CACREP-Accredited Mental Health Counseling Programs in the US

University Name	City	State	Program Name	Accreditation State Date	Accreditation Renewal Date
Adams State University	Alamosa	CO	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2009-07-15	2027-03-31
Adler Graduate School	Minnetonka	MN	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2020-07-09	2030-10-31
Adler University	Chicago	IL	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-01-07	2031-10-31
Albany State University	Albany	GA	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-01-06	2031-10-31
Alliant International University	Fresno	CA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2020-07-09	2030-10-31
Antioch University New England	Keene	NH	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2018-01-13	2026-10-31
Antioch University Seattle	Seattle	WA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2011-01-12	2029-10-31
Asbury Theological Seminary	Wilmore	KY	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-01-07	2033-03-31
Auburn University	Auburn	AL	M.Ed./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2014-01-09	2026-10-31
Augusta University	Augusta	GA	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2014-01-09	2031-10-31
Barry University	Miami Shores	FL	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1994-04-01	2027-10-31
Bellevue University	Bellevue	NE	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-01-13	2026-10-31
Bluefield University	Bluefield	VA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-07-13	2032-03-31
Bradley University	Peoria	IL	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2014-01-09	2031-10-31
Buena Vista University	Storm Lake	IA	M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-07-14	2030-03-31
Capella University	Minneapolis	MN	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2002-03-01	2028-03-31
Catawba College	Salisbury	NC	M.HS. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-01-06	2031-10-31
Central Methodist University	Fayette	MO	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-07-12	2026-03-31
Central Michigan University	Mt. Pleasant	MI	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-07-10	2029-10-31
Chadron State College	Chadron	NE	M.A.E. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-07-13	2032-03-31
Charleston Southern University	Charleston	SC	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2024-01-17	2033-10-31
College of William and Mary	Williamsburg	VA	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2014-01-09	2032-10-31
Colorado Christian University	Lakewood	CO	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2010-01-14	2027-10-31
Columbia International University	Columbia	SC	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2014-07-14	2032-10-31
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven Campus	Lock Haven	PA	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-01-07	2032-10-31
Concordia University Irvine	Irvine	CA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2018-01-13	2027-10-31
Divine Mercy University	Sterling	VA	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-01-06	2031-10-31
East Carolina University, College of Education	Greenville	NC	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2012-07-11	2030-03-31
Emory & Henry University	Emory	VA	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-08-06	2033-03-31
Emporia State University	Emporia	KS	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1996-05-01	2030-10-31
Evangel University	Springfield	MO	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2018-01-13	2027-10-31
Freed-Hardeman University	Henderson	TN	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2018-07-18	2028-03-31
Geneva College	Beaver Falls	PA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2008-01-01	2033-04-30
George Fox University	Portland	OR	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2011-01-12	2029-10-31
Grace College	Winona Lake	IN	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2003-01-01	2029-03-31
Grand Canyon University	Phoenix	AZ	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2024-01-17	2033-10-31
Grand View University	Des Moines	IA	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-01-13	2032-03-31
Gwynedd Mercy University	Gwynedd Valley	PA	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-07-11	2032-10-31
Husson University	Bangor	ME	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2013-07-09	2031-10-31
Illinois Institute of Technology	Chicago	IL	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-07-11	2031-10-31
Indiana Wesleyan University	Indianapolis	IN	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2012-01-15	2030-10-31
John Carroll University	University Heights	OH	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2012-01-15	2029-10-31
Keiser University	Fort Lauderdale	FL	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-01-11	2032-01-31
LaGrange College	LaGrange	GA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2020-01-10	2029-10-31
Liberty University, Counselor Education & Family Studies	Lynchburg	VA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2017-07-19	2032-03-31
Lindsey Wilson University	Columbia	KY	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1994-10-01	2029-03-31
Long Island University Post and Brentwood	Brookville	NY	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2003-01-01	2029-10-31
Malone University	Canton	OH	M.A.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2010-07-05	2028-10-31
Marquette University	Milwaukee	WI	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2013-01-10	2031-10-31
Marshall University	South Charleston	WV	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-01-13	2026-10-31
Marymount University	Arlington	VA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2012-07-10	2026-03-31
Marymount University	Arlington	VA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2012-07-10	2026-03-31
Messiah University	Mechanicsburg	PA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2011-01-12	2028-10-31
Midwestern State University	Wichita Falls	TX	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-01-10	2028-10-31
Mississippi State University	Mississippi State	MS	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2012-07-11	2030-10-31
Montreat College	Montreat	NC	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-07-12	2026-03-31
National Louis University – Tampa	Tampa	FL	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2020-07-14	2030-03-31
Nelson University (formerly Southwestern Assemblies of God University)	Waxahachie	TX	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-08-06	2033-03-31
North Carolina Central University	Durham	NC	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2012-07-14	2030-10-31
North Carolina State University	Raleigh	NC	M.Ed./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2011-01-12	2030-03-31
Northern State University	Aberdeen	SD	M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-01-13	2026-10-31
Northwestern University	Evanston	IL	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2013-07-09	2031-03-31
Nova Southeastern University	Fort Lauderdale	FL	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-01-10	2029-10-31
Old Dominion University	Norfolk	VA	M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2007-07-10	2028-03-31
Palm Beach Atlantic University	West Palm Beach	FL	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-07-13	2032-03-31
Palo Alto University	Palo Alto	CA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-07-05	2026-03-31
Pennsylvania Western University	Edinboro	PA	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-02-06	2033-03-31
Pentecostal Theological Seminary	Cleveland	TN	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2021-07-08	2031-10-31
Prescott College	Prescott	AZ	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-01-10	2028-10-31
Regent University	Virginia Beach	VA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2014-07-14	2032-10-31
Richmont Graduate University	Atlanta	GA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-01-07	2026-10-31
Sacred Heart University	Fairfield	CT	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-07-13	2031-03-31
Saybrook University	Pasadena	CA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2017-01-14	2026-10-31
Seattle University	Seattle	WA	M.A.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-01-14	2026-10-31
Southern New Hampshire University	Manchester	NH	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-01-10	2028-10-31
St. Bonaventure University	St. Bonaventure	NY	M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-07-05	2032-10-31
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center	Lubbock	TX	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-01-16	2029-03-31
The Chicago School – Online	Los Angeles	CA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-07-12	2026-03-31
The Chicago School, Dallas Campus	Richardson	TX	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-08-06	2033-04-30
Thomas University	Thomasville	GA	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-07-11	2032-10-31
Trinity International University	Deerfield	IL	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-01-13	2026-05-31
Troy University	Troy	AL	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-07-05	2032-10-31
Truman State University	Kirksville	MO	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-08-06	2033-03-31
University of Alaska Fairbanks	Fairbanks	AK	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-07-12	2026-03-31
University of Bridgeport	Bridgeport	CT	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2018-07-18	2028-03-31
University of Holy Cross	New Orleans	LA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2013-01-10	2031-10-31
University of Houston – Victoria	Victoria	TX	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-01-07	2026-10-31
University of Kentucky	Lexington	KY	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2020-07-09	2030-10-31
University of Louisiana at Monroe	Monroe	LA	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2012-07-11	2028-03-31
University of Mount Olive	Mount Olive	NC	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-01-10	2032-10-31
University of New Haven	West Haven	CT	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-02-06	2033-03-31
University of Phoenix – Online	Phoenix	AZ	M.S.C. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-02-06	2033-03-31
University of Saint Thomas Houston	Houston	TX	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-07-10	2029-10-31
University of Tennessee at Martin	Martin	TN	M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-07-13	2032-03-31
University of the Cumberlands	Williamsburg	KY	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2014-07-14	2033-03-31
University of the Southwest	Hobbs	NM	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2019-01-16	2029-03-31
University of West Alabama	Livingston	AL	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2022-01-13	2032-03-31
Wake Forest University	Winston-Salem	NC	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2009-01-15	2026-10-31
Walden University	Minneapolis	MN	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-07-05	2026-03-31
Walsh University	North Canton	OH	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2005-07-10	2031-10-31
Waynesburg University	Waynesburg	PA	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2011-01-12	2029-10-31
Webster University, South Carolina	Columbia	SC	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2018-01-13	2027-10-31
West Virginia University	Morgantown	WV	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-07-17	2033-10-31
Western Kentucky University	Bowling Green	KY	M.A.E. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2003-07-01	2030-03-31
Western New Mexico University	Silver City	NM	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2023-02-06	2033-04-30
Winebrenner Theological Seminary	Findlay	OH	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2016-07-12	2026-03-31
Winthrop University	Rock Hill	SC	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	2015-01-07	2033-10-31

Source: https://www.cacrep.org/

What is Accreditation?

To gain admission to a counseling program, most graduate programs typically require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, such as social work, sociology, education, or the health sciences. However, there may be exceptions to this requirement. To be eligible for licensure as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), individuals must complete a graduate degree, such as a Master’s of Arts or Science, in psychology, counseling, or clinical mental health.

When selecting a counseling program, one important factor to consider is the program’s accreditation status. Accreditation serves as a form of official approval granted to educational programs by a national governing body responsible for overseeing the training and licensure of mental health professionals. For counselors, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) serves as the governing body for educational and training requirements. The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the accrediting organization that oversees training and graduate programs. CACREP is internationally recognized and monitors programs in various mental health areas, including counseling, marriage and family therapy, addictions, rehabilitation counseling, and school and educational counseling.

Why is it Important to Pursue an Accredited Mental Health Degree?

When deciding on which graduate program to apply to, you may be faced with many considerations related to cost, time commitment, and life obligations. Since this investment comes with major life adjustments, it is important to pursue an education that will bear fruitful results. Pursuing a CACREP-accredited program is recommended for the following reasons:

• Quality assurance: A CACREP-accredited program has to meet and maintain rigorous standards of education and training that are often reevaluated by the accreditation body. This ensures that students are gaining the knowledge and competence to be successful in their field upon graduation. 
• Professional recognition: Graduating from an accredited program serves individuals well in pursuing jobs and even further education at a doctoral level. It signifies that you have completed a program that has met the standards for professional practice and adds to your credibility. 
• Licensure eligibility: CACREP-accredited programs almost always prepare students for professional licensure upon graduation. This means that students complete all the required course curriculum, along with the needed training hours to be able to file for licensure during their last semester, or soon after graduation. This lowers the additional time and cost of completing any additional requirements and simplifies the process. 
• Professional networking and resources: Being a part of an accredited program opens the door to networking and professional development opportunities. Programs often have connections for networking conferences, research-related opportunities, and the ability for students to join professional organizations in their field.

This article highlights some online CACREP-accredited mental health counseling degrees that are recognized for their success in producing successful graduates.

What Counseling Program Should I Choose?

As mentioned, accreditation from a professional institution such as CACREP is an important part of choosing the counseling program that is right for you. There are also other factors to think about to make the decision. Each university may have different features to fulfill your needs.

Affordability
Choosing a university that is located in your home state is often more affordable than the tuition for an out-of-state institution. This is a good way to save money because state universities receive tax dollars to help with the cost . State universities are often equal in quality to private institutions, with a much lower price tag. By attending a local school that is considered a state school, (for example: attending Midwestern State University if you live in Texas), you can avoid paying extra money for the out-of-state tuition and fees. However, you can work to afford the university you truly want to go to by looking for affordable counseling programs on top of applying for things like the FAFSA and other grants and scholarships.

Location
Living at home with family and commuting to school, if it’s nearby, can hold benefits such as saving money on living expenses. Another option is to attend an online CACREP-accredited counseling program. Online programs are often flexible so people who have a full-time job or other responsibilities can earn a higher education. Online options can also be beneficial to people who work best in a private environment at home. Finally, another location to consider when looking into schools is living in the dorms. This can be a handy option for those who don’t want to live at home or need to move out of state for school. Learning about a school’s housing can be an important factor of decision making.

Application Requirements
Some schools require students to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as a part of their application process. Although this requirement is gradually being phased out, it’s important to see if the graduate counseling program that you want to attend requires the GRE. Luckily, there are many counseling programs that do not require the GRE to choose from. Another requirement to be aware of is the grade point average. You will want to make sure that your undergraduate coursework has met the required GPA for the counseling program. There are other requirements as well, but these two can be a good start in determining what schools you apply for.

FAQs About CACREP-Accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

What is the difference between a CACREP-accredited program and a non-accredited program?

• CACREP-accredited programs all follow CACREP’s 2024 standards. This means that these programs will all have courses similar to other accredited programs and have internship requirements. CACREP-accredited counseling programs will also require all students to take and pass a comprehensive examination. 
• Programs that are not CACREP-accredited may be similar to those that are accredited in terms of course material, but they may also have courses that are based on the institution’s values that differ from other programs. 

Can I complete all my studies online? 

Yes! There are many programs offered completely online, with courses being either synchronous or asynchronous. Depending on the program, there may be requirements for on-campus residencies where students will visit campus every few semesters to check in. It is important to note that while courses may be online, most practicums and internships are done in the community in which you live. 

How long until I qualify for licensure? 

This varies state-by-state. In most states, once you graduate from your program, you are required to take and pass a standardized counseling examination, and then you may apply for dependent licensure. However, in other states, you must wait up to two years before applying for licensure to gain supervised experience. 

Will my program be accepted if I move to a new state? 

If you choose to enroll in a CACREP-accredited master’s of counseling program, your program will likely be accepted for licensure if you move to a new state. However, if your program is not CACREP-accredited, you may be required by your state licensure board to take extra courses from an accredited university in your new state to meet licensure requirements. 

Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or write essays? 

It depends. Many programs do not require the GRE for admission. However, most programs do require applicants to complete an essay, usually on the topic of why you want to be a counselor, experience in the field, etc. Also note, many programs require an interview for admission that may either be done virtually or on campus.