A clinical mental health counseling master's degree can prepare you for licensure, but the wrong program may leave you with unexpected coursework, placement, or financing hurdles. This guide is for aspiring counselors and career changers comparing programs across the South. It explains costs, training formats, state licensing differences, and career prospects. The Research.com team of data scientists created the 2027 Best Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South to help students make an informed choice about which programs are worth considering.
Key findings about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in South
For a counseling license, prioritize a master's curriculum and supervised training that meet the rules of the state where you intend to practice; South-wide licensure eligibility does not exist.
The U.S. median annual wage for the broader substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors occupation was $59,350 in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). It is not a starting-salary promise.
U.S. employment in that occupational group is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Compare a program's full cost and placement support against that opportunity, not growth alone.
What can I expect from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South?
Expect a practice-oriented master's degree covering assessment, diagnosis, counseling methods, ethics, and supervised work with clients. A clinical mental health counseling degree differs from a school counseling degree, which targets school settings, and from a psychology doctorate, which follows a different training and licensing path. For someone seeking independent clinical counseling practice, a short certificate alone is generally not a substitute for the qualifying graduate degree (state counseling boards).
Programs may award an MA, MS, or MEd. The letters matter less than the curriculum, clinical hours, accreditation status, and the licensing board's educational requirements. Training sites may include community agencies, hospitals, and university clinics; a student in a rural area should ask how the school secures an accessible supervised placement before enrolling.
Where can I work with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South?
Potential settings include community mental health centers, substance-use treatment programs, hospitals, integrated primary care, college counseling services, and private practices. The role available immediately after graduation may differ from the role available after independent licensure: states generally require additional supervised experience and an examination before independent practice (state counseling boards).
Location changes the practical choice. A program near a large health system may offer a different placement network from one serving rural communities, where travel and supervisor availability can matter more. Ask where recent students completed internships and whether those sites match the population and state in which you hope to work.
The national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational wage data). This occupational category spans credentials, specialties, experience levels, and employers; it is not a salary figure for new master's graduates or for the South specifically. Agency pay, private-practice income, benefits, and the time required to obtain independent licensure can produce very different financial results.
For an investment decision, compare local job postings for provisionally licensed and independently licensed counselors in your intended state. Then weigh plausible earnings against tuition, living costs, existing debt, time out of the workforce, and the possibility that completing supervised post-degree hours will take longer than expected.
The programs below offer different academic structures and professional directions. Their features are useful starting points for comparison - not substitutes for confirming the current catalog, accreditation record, placement arrangements, and your target state's licensing rules.
Texas State University: Its clinical mental health counseling MA has a thesis option (Texas State University graduate catalog). That makes it worth examining for students who want formal research experience alongside counselor preparation, particularly if doctoral study is a possibility.
Southeastern Louisiana University: Clinical mental health counseling is a concentration within its counseling MS (Southeastern Louisiana University). Applicants comparing Louisiana programs can use that structure to check how much coursework is shared with other counseling paths and how much is clinically focused.
University of South Alabama: Its mental health counseling program is housed in the College of Education and Professional Studies (University of South Alabama). Students interested in practicing around Mobile should ask about local clinical-site access and Alabama-specific licensure preparation.
The University of Texas at San Antonio: UTSA offers a dedicated master's program in clinical mental health counseling (UTSA). For applicants planning to remain in South Texas, its location makes the program's placement network and Texas licensing alignment especially important points to investigate.
University of Arkansas: Counseling master's study is offered through its counselor education department (University of Arkansas). Arkansas-bound applicants should compare the available clinical coursework and field placements with the state board's requirements rather than relying on the degree title alone.
Bluefield University: Its counseling offering gives applicants a private-university option in Virginia (Bluefield University). Compare its current delivery format and total net price with public alternatives, and confirm that the specific degree and clinical training meet the rules where you plan to seek licensure.
Lipscomb University: Its clinical mental health counseling program provides a Nashville-based option (Lipscomb University). Students seeking placements in that metro area should investigate site availability and supervision arrangements alongside the program's full cost.
George Mason University: Its clinical mental health counseling degree is an MEd (George Mason University). For students targeting Northern Virginia, the relevant comparison is not MA versus MEd alone, but how its coursework and placements fit Virginia licensure and the local employment market.
University of Florida: Mental health counseling is a track within its counselor education offering (University of Florida). That track-based structure may appeal to applicants who want to study within a broader counselor education department; confirm the precise degree combination and requirements in the current catalog.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Its clinical mental health counseling program sits in a health sciences department associated with clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling (UNC-Chapel Hill). That context is particularly worth exploring for students interested in counseling people with disabilities or complex health needs.
A full-time clinical mental health counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years; part-time study usually takes longer. Actual time depends on course sequencing, thesis requirements, and when supervised placements are offered. Graduation is also not the end of the licensing timeline: independent practice generally requires post-degree supervised experience and other state-specific steps (state counseling boards).
An accelerated schedule can reduce time away from full-time work but may make an internship difficult to combine with a job. Ask schools for a term-by-term plan showing when clinical hours occur, including whether placements are available in summer.
Online programs can reduce commuting or relocation, while campus programs may make face-to-face practice activities and nearby placement relationships easier to access. Neither format removes the need for supervised clinical experience. An online student may still have to arrange approved in-person placements and meet any scheduled campus or live-session requirements.
Choose by the location where you will train and seek licensure, not by delivery label alone. Before accepting an offer, ask whether the school can place students in your state, who finds supervisors, what travel is required, and whether its curriculum meets that state board's educational rules. A convenient online program is a poor fit if it cannot support your clinical placement.
There is no single defensible South-wide price for this degree: published tuition can be reported per credit, term, or year, and programs differ in length. NCES/IPEDS institutional graduate tuition figures can provide context, but they do not necessarily equal a clinical counseling student's total program bill. Public-university resident rates may differ from nonresident rates; private universities can have different aid packages, so neither institution type determines value by itself.
Request a total-cost estimate that includes required credits, fees, books, travel to placements, and any reduced earnings during internship. Use the most affordable clinical mental health counseling programs as a shortlist, then compare each school's current net cost rather than advertised tuition alone.
Possible funding includes institutional assistantships, scholarships, employer tuition support, state workforce initiatives, and federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for eligible graduate students. Complete the FAFSA and ask each school whether counseling students receive aid during internship terms; eligibility and award amounts vary (Federal Student Aid; institutional financial aid offices).
Graduate PLUS availability changed for new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026. Limited transitional eligibility may apply to students who were enrolled in the same program and had received a Graduate PLUS loan before that date, subject to federal conditions (Federal Student Aid). If borrowing is central to your plan, have the financial aid office confirm your individual eligibility and a term-by-term funding plan before you enroll.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
75–79
5
80–84
3
85–89
35
90–94
89
95–99
18
Programs generally require a bachelor's degree and an application that may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, and an interview; specific prerequisites and test policies vary by institution (institutional admissions offices). A psychology bachelor's is not necessarily required, but an applicant without behavioral-science coursework should check for required foundation classes.
Admission and eventual licensure are separate decisions. Before applying, send the program your intended practice state and ask for written guidance on curriculum alignment, accreditation, placement eligibility, and any background-check rules relevant to fieldwork. Verify the school's answer with the state licensing board.
Common subjects include counseling theories, helping skills, diagnosis and assessment, ethics, research, multicultural counseling, group work, and treatment planning. Programs also incorporate supervised practicum and internship experiences; exact course titles and requirements vary (CACREP standards; institutional catalogs).
Compare syllabi, not just course names. Someone aiming for integrated healthcare, for example, should look for relevant clinical preparation and sites that serve that population. Ask how the curriculum teaches telehealth practice and its ethical and legal limits, since delivery rules depend on where the client and counselor are located (state counseling boards).
Depending on the school, students may pursue electives or placement experience in substance-use counseling, trauma, work with children and adolescents, rehabilitation, or integrated behavioral health. An elective focus is not necessarily a separate credential or license. Compare the clinical sites and required courses behind a stated specialty rather than assuming its name establishes professional eligibility.
If your goal is school counseling or marriage and family therapy licensure specifically, compare those distinct degree pathways and your state board's requirements before choosing a general clinical mental health track. Closely related work does not mean the credentials are interchangeable.
Start with your intended license and state of practice, then compare programs that can support that path. A ranking helps identify candidates; the most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs offer another comparison, but personal value also depends on your financing and likelihood of completing the program.
Use this sequence to avoid the most costly selection mistakes:
Check the specific program's current accreditation status in the accreditor's directory and confirm educational requirements with your target state board; institutional accreditation and programmatic CACREP accreditation are not the same thing.
Ask for written details on total credits, transferable credits, clinical hours, placement responsibilities, and recent program-level completion and exam outcomes, including their reporting periods.
Compare net cost and likely debt with your current earnings, expected work hours during training, completion probability, and the time needed to reach your career goal.
Speak with placement staff about realistic sites and supervision in the area where you can live and work.
Do not assume that a lower sticker price, a faster advertised timeline, or graduation itself establishes licensing eligibility. If you need a different credential or cannot accommodate supervised training, a shorter route into an adjacent support role may be a better immediate investment.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Mental Health Counselors (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
38,940
Median
59,350
90th percentile
97,590
The usual path is to finish a qualifying master's, complete required supervised experience and examinations, and apply for the relevant state counseling license. Graduates may begin in agency or other supervised roles before qualifying for independent clinical practice (state counseling boards). Later options can include clinical supervision, program leadership, or private practice, subject to state rules and experience.
A degree can also support work serving particular communities, but job title alone does not tell you which license an employer requires. Read postings in your target city or rural service area for credential and supervision requirements before selecting electives and internship sites.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Mental Health Counselors (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
80,770
AL
47,310
AR
51,580
AZ
65,300
CA
59,250
CO
62,390
CT
63,590
DC
60,450
DE
56,020
FL
56,790
GA
58,960
HI
60,090
IA
60,880
ID
63,360
IL
60,730
IN
53,760
KS
59,470
KY
54,190
LA
37,910
MA
59,890
MD
59,530
ME
59,970
MI
61,690
MN
58,780
MO
56,910
MS
46,990
MT
59,000
NC
55,490
ND
68,630
NE
63,770
NH
54,840
NJ
62,820
NM
74,100
NV
57,210
NY
59,450
OH
58,360
OK
59,350
OR
74,590
PA
52,010
PR
46,790
RI
65,120
SC
52,370
SD
53,650
TN
49,580
TX
62,630
UT
63,890
VA
59,880
VT
61,810
WA
68,910
WI
62,220
WV
49,430
WY
62,980
National employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections). This signals demand across the broader occupation, not a guaranteed opening for a graduate in a particular Southern state.
Local opportunity depends on employers, client demand, payer arrangements, and the license you hold. Compare openings by state, setting, and experience level; then ask schools how their placement sites connect students with those employers. The most popular clinical mental health counseling programs can broaden your search, but popularity is not evidence of a local job match.
2027 Best Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com developed this ranking to help readers compare programs using documented outcomes, accreditation, eligibility for federal aid, and cost rather than reputation alone. The team checks and combines information from the following sources to improve the ranking's quality, credibility, and accuracy:
IPEDS database: institutional reporting on enrollment, completions, and costs.
The Best ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), licensure-exam pass rates where applicable (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional Title IV eligibility (4%). Shares are renormalized when a criterion does not apply. Program cost then contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The method applies to both online and campus programs; other Research.com counseling rankings order programs by the dimension named in each ranking. This approach helps narrow a shortlist, but applicants should still verify current costs, placements, and licensing fit directly with schools. See Research.com's methodology for more detail.
# 1 position
Texas State University
Master
M.A. Major in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
97.37
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university or qualifying international equivalent; minimum 3.0 overall GPA or 3.0 in the last 60 undergraduate hours plus completed graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, official general GRE scores (waivers may be available with a master's or doctorate), informed consent form, resume/CV and statement of purpose; English proficiency scores unless exempt.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 97.37/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 2 position
Southeastern Louisiana University
Master
Counseling, MS – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: campus
96.49
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer/Fall: April 1; Spring: November 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if GPA (cumulative or last 60 hours) is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Nine hours of undergraduate or graduate study in behavioral studies (e.g. psychology, sociology, social work)
Additional requirements
Graduate school application; undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or last 60 hours; GRE if GPA below 3.0; completed application portfolio to the Counseling Program Admissions committee
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Southeastern Louisiana University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 96.49/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 3 position
University of South Alabama
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
96.34
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (Year 1 and Year 2 curriculum sequence)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
30%
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
98.5% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
March 15
Application process
WebAdmit
GRE
Conditional: GRE or MAT (50th percentile) required if GPA is below 2.5 overall and on the last 60 semester hours
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; statement of purpose (2-4 pages, typed double-spaced) on career goals; three letters of recommendation; professional curriculum vitae or resume; required personal interview with program faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of South Alabama earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 96.34/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 98.5% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 4 position
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Master
Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
96.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3.5 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
88% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: October 1; Fall 2027: March 1; Spring 2028: October 1. All deadlines at 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time; summer admission unavailable.
Class size
146
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent foreign training; adequate preparatory coursework (no specific courses listed). Minimum 3.0 GPA; the department may consider the last 60 semester credit hours.
Additional requirements
Graduate application and fee, transcripts, three recommendation/rating forms, and narrative statement (2027-28: a video of up to five minutes). English proficiency where applicable: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7, or Duolingo 130.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The University of Texas at San Antonio earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 96.27/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 88% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 5 position
University of Arkansas
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.88
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
99% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Jan 15; Spring: Sept 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum 3.00 GPA on all undergraduate and any graduate coursework; program application, three letters of professional recommendation, a writing sample, and a statement of professional goals; GRE not required; top applicants interviewed.
Additional requirements
Admission Checklist; Writing Sample and Statement of Purpose; Graduate School Application; Letters of Recommendation; On-campus interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Arkansas earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.88/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 99% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 6 position
Bluefield University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.62
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Time to Complete: 2 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
42%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Class size
14
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; personal statement; graduate reference forms/three recommendations; current resume/CV; eligibility for readmission at last institution; personal and group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Bluefield University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.62/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 7 position
Lipscomb University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.57
/ 100
Final score
Program length
7 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95.4%
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Fall 2027: Mar 4, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (any major) with a 3.0 GPA; if GPA is below 3.0, applicant may submit an explanation, GRE scores, or transcripts of a completed master's degree
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended (unofficial accepted for initial review), resume, and Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA (if below 3.0, submit one of: a short explanation of the GPA, GRE scores, or transcripts of a…
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Lipscomb University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.57/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 95.4% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 8 position
George Mason University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.44
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100%
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
12 credits in behavioral sciences undergraduate coursework; 500 hours of counseling-related work and/or volunteer experience; admissions interview
Additional requirements
Graduate application and fee; essay prompt responses (in place of personal goals statement); current resume; two letters of recommendation; transcripts from all previously attended institutions
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
George Mason University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.44/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 9 position
University of Florida
Master
M.Ed./Ed.S. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
95.42
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
72 semester credits
Acceptance rate
48.84%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
November 1, 2026 (for Fall 2027 entry)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree deemed equivalent by UF Office of Admissions
Additional requirements
Minimum 3.0 upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate GPA; acceptable GPA for previous graduate work; no GRE required
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.42/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 10 position
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.38
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisite courses required; a completed undergraduate degree in any discipline from any accredited college or university is acceptable.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.38/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 11 position
University of Central Florida
Master
M.A. in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track
Delivery mode: campus
95.29
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
Acceptance rate
12%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
98% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
98% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1 (domestic applicants); January 15 (international applicants); Spring: September 1 (domestic applicants); July 1 (international applicants)
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Central Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.29/100, supported by 90% licensure exam pass rate and 98% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 12 position
Tennessee Tech University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.29
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 1 (fall cohort)
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Undergraduate coursework in psychology
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, proof of residency, interview with faculty review committee, English proficiency for international students
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tennessee Tech University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.29/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 13 position
Florida State University
Master
M.S./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.24
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 full semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
11.7%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
December 1st
Class size
26
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (or comparable international degree) with a minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division coursework attempted toward the bachelor's degree; GRE is waived for admission to this MS/Ed.S. program.
Additional requirements
Personal statement (max 3 pages), 3 letters of recommendation, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts (official transcripts also required to Office of Graduate Admissions)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.24/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 14 position
University of the District of Columbia
Master
Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.24
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2021-22)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15; Spring: September 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary institution
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, two professional references, minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE waived
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
University of the District of Columbia earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.24/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 15 position
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
95.16
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
94% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: March 1; Spring: September 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (294 combined + 3.5 writing) or MAT (390) required if GPA in the last 60 hours is below 3.000 (waived with a master's degree)
Prerequisites
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Resume, Formal Essay (max 500 words), Three letters of recommendation, Self-Rating Sheet, Background Check; GRE or MAT scores unless waived
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Houston-Clear Lake earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.16/100, supported by 94% licensure exam pass rate and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 16 position
Mississippi State University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.16
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time students complete the program in two years, including summers.
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
60%
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: Dec 1; Summer: May 15; Fall: Aug 1
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Additional requirements
Graduate application; statement of purpose addressing digital delivery, professional goals and wellness balance; three references (two professional, one instructor); official transcripts; current immunization record
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mississippi State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.16/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 95% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 17 position
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Master
M.S. in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.08
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
33%
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
March 1
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
No specific undergraduate major required (typical majors include psychology, sociology, child and family studies, and education); coursework in developmental psychology, learning, and abnormal psychology expected.
Additional requirements
Graduate School application, official GRE scores, resume of counseling-related work/volunteer experience, 500-750 word writing sample, transcripts, letters of recommendation; possible admissions committee interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Louisiana at Lafayette earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.08/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 18 position
Texas Woman's University
Master
M.S. in Counseling and Development
Delivery mode: campus
95.07
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
91% (2024)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024)
Application deadline
Fall: February 15; Spring: September 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or equivalent foreign degree, completed before entry. Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 undergraduate semester credits and in all previous graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, and letter of intent (max 350 words) on motivation, experience, and program fit. Selected applicants attend a faculty interview. From Fall 2027, a 45–60 second video on interest in counseling needed.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas Woman's University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.07/100, supported by 91% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 19 position
Texas A&M University - Victoria
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.51
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
93% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
December 31
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas A&M University - Victoria earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.51/100, supported by 93% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 20 position
East Texas A&M University
Master
Counseling (MS) – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Emphasis
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.44
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
89% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: June 15; Spring: October 15; no Summer admission
Application process
ApplyTexas or ETAMU graduate application
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Graduate application ($50 fee), official transcripts, three references (department form), counseling essay (self-exploration statement), resume/CV; possible group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
East Texas A&M University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.44/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 89% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South
Do I need a master's degree to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor?
Generally, yes. States set their own qualifying graduate education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements. Check the board in the state where you intend to practice (state counseling boards).
Is CACREP accreditation required?
Requirements vary by state and licensing route. Verify the program's current CACREP status and ask your intended state board whether it requires that accreditation or accepts another qualifying curriculum (CACREP; state counseling boards).
Can an online degree lead to licensure?
Potentially, if the program meets your state's educational requirements and you can complete approved clinical placements. Confirm both points before enrolling (state counseling boards; institutional program offices).
Can I practice in another Southern state after graduating?
Not automatically. Each state controls licensure, and rules for applicants already licensed elsewhere may differ. Check the destination board before assuming your degree or license transfers (state counseling boards).
Is the degree worth the cost?
It may be if the program fits your licensing goal and its expected career benefit justifies the full cost and time commitment. Compare net price, debt, lost earnings, completion prospects, and local roles rather than relying on the national median wage alone.
University of Arkansas - M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://cned.uark.edu/ms/
