Choosing a clinical mental health counseling master's program means looking beyond a school's name: the degree must fit your budget, schedule, clinical training needs, and Virginia licensure plans. This guide is for prospective students and career changers weighing those trade-offs. It accompanies the 2027 Best Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Virginia, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. You'll learn how to compare programs, estimate the full investment, and identify questions to resolve before enrolling.
Key findings about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in Virginia
For a Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) goal, compare graduate counseling coursework, supervised training, accreditation, and Board of Counseling eligibility - not the degree title alone. CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs are structured around at least 60 semester credits (CACREP).
The U.S. median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025; employment is projected to grow 18% nationally from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's Virginia earnings or job prospects.
Compare total program cost and the time available for clinical placements, not just advertised tuition. New graduate borrowers generally cannot use Graduate PLUS loans beginning July 1, 2026; limited transition eligibility may apply to continuing borrowers (Federal Student Aid).
What can I expect from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Virginia?
A clinical mental health counseling degree is usually a graduate program preparing students to assess mental health concerns, develop treatment plans, provide counseling, and work under professional and ethical standards. In Virginia, students aiming for LPC licensure should evaluate the degree against the Virginia Board of Counseling's current education requirements. Admission to, or graduation from, a counseling program is not itself a license.
Expect substantial applied training alongside coursework: supervised practicum and internship experiences connect interviewing, assessment, and treatment skills to work with clients. CACREP's clinical mental health counseling standards provide a useful program-comparison benchmark, but applicants should check each program's current accreditation and the Board's requirements rather than assume that similar-sounding degrees are interchangeable (CACREP; Virginia Board of Counseling).
This path is a strong fit if you want to provide counseling and can accommodate supervised clinical training and postdegree licensure steps. If your goal is school counseling, social work, psychology, or a nonclinical helping role, compare those credentials first: each can lead to different scopes of practice and licensing rules.
Where can I work with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Virginia?
Possible settings include community mental health agencies, hospitals, outpatient practices, substance-use treatment programs, and college counseling services. Employers may hire graduates into supervised roles before independent LPC licensure; responsibilities and job titles depend on the employer and the worker's credential (Virginia Board of Counseling; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Location changes the practical choice of program. Students near Northern Virginia may want to ask about placements serving a large, diverse metropolitan population, while students elsewhere in the state may prioritize a program with accessible local supervisors and placement sites. An advertised online degree does not eliminate the need to arrange supervised, in-person clinical experience where required. Ask each school which sites accept its students in the part of Virginia where you intend to live and work.
The national median annual wage for the BLS category covering substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook). That is an occupational median across workers with different credentials, settings, and experience - not a starting salary or a Virginia-specific estimate.
For an investment decision, compare likely pay for the actual roles you could take before and after licensure in your intended Virginia labor market. Agency positions, independently licensed practice, and self-employment involve different pay structures and expenses. A useful return-on-investment calculation also accounts for aid, borrowing, time out of work, the probability of completing the degree and licensure pathway, and the earnings you would otherwise have received.
The most useful distinctions are those that change how a student studies, completes clinical training, or prepares for a specific career. The program characteristics below are starting points for comparison, not substitutes for confirming current curricula, placement arrangements, accreditation status, and costs with each school.
Bluefield University: Bluefield presents counseling within its broader programs-of-study offering rather than through the same clearly titled graduate clinical mental health counseling page used by several other schools here (Bluefield University). Applicants seeking Virginia LPC eligibility should first confirm the exact degree, graduate credit requirements, and supervised-training pathway before treating it as equivalent to an LPC-oriented master's.
George Mason University: Mason offers an M. Ed. specifically in clinical mental health counseling (George Mason University). Its Northern Virginia location makes it particularly relevant to applicants who plan to seek placements and later work in that area; ask how placement assignments and commuting requirements operate in practice.
James Madison University: JMU houses its clinical mental health counseling program within graduate psychology and counseling (James Madison University). Students interested in that academic setting should compare its clinical sequence and placement model with programs housed in schools of education, rather than assuming that the degree's departmental home changes LPC eligibility.
Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech identifies a dedicated master's program in clinical mental health counseling (Virginia Tech). For applicants outside a major metropolitan campus market, the decisive comparison is where required classes and supervised experiences actually occur and whether those locations fit a working student's schedule.
University of Lynchburg: Lynchburg offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (University of Lynchburg). Its private-university setting may suit students seeking this particular graduate program, but applicants should compare the complete aid-adjusted price and clinical placement arrangements with public alternatives.
Old Dominion University: ODU offers a master's-level mental health counseling option in the Hampton Roads area (Old Dominion University). Students intending to remain in that region should investigate its local clinical-placement network; proximity can matter when training requires recurring site visits rather than occasional campus attendance.
Regent University: Regent offers an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and explicitly frames the program within its institutional approach to counseling education (Regent University). Applicants who value that fit should still check how course delivery, clinical training, and professional ethics requirements align with their own goals and Virginia licensure plans.
William & Mary: William & Mary offers a clinical mental health counseling M. Ed. through its counseling education offerings (William & Mary). Its delivery options deserve close scrutiny from students comparing campus access with remote study: confirm where residencies, skills training, and clinical placements take place before assuming the format is fully location-independent.
Radford University: Radford identifies clinical mental health counseling as a concentration (Radford University). This structure makes it especially important to examine the full degree and concentration requirements together, including whether the completed course of study meets the Virginia Board of Counseling's education rules.
For another lens on student interest, see the most popular clinical mental health counseling programs. Popularity can help generate a shortlist, but it does not establish clinical fit, affordability, or licensure eligibility.
A full-time clinical mental health counseling master's typically takes about two to three years; part-time study can take longer. The precise timeline depends on the program's credits, course sequence, summer enrollment, and availability of practicum and internship placements. CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs require at least 60 semester credits, which helps explain why an LPC-oriented master's is a larger commitment than a short counseling certificate (CACREP).
Do not confuse graduation time with time to independent practice. Virginia has separate postdegree supervised-experience and examination requirements for LPC licensure (Virginia Board of Counseling). If speed matters, ask when clinical courses are offered and how often students can start placements; an accelerated classroom schedule may not accelerate site approval or supervised hours.
Online and campus programs can teach the same professional subject, but they distribute the work differently. Online coursework may reduce routine travel, while campus study may make face-to-face skills practice and access to nearby placement contacts easier. Neither format removes clinical training or Virginia licensure requirements (CACREP; Virginia Board of Counseling).
An online option makes the most sense when its live-session times, any required campus visits, and approved clinical sites work where you live. A campus program may be preferable if you want structured in-person practice and can commute consistently. Before enrolling from another state - or planning to move during the degree - obtain written confirmation of where the school can place you and how its curriculum addresses the licensing jurisdiction in which you intend to practice. A program's online availability is not evidence that it meets every state's rules.
There is no single Virginia-wide price that accurately represents every clinical mental health counseling master's. Published institutional graduate tuition is a starting point, but it may combine disciplines with different fees and does not describe an individual student's aid package. For a meaningful comparison, request each program's current per-credit or program tuition and the credits required for your enrollment plan (NCES/IPEDS; individual institutions).
Then add mandatory fees, books, travel to clinical sites, possible campus visits, and living costs. Compare in-state and out-of-state rates at public universities only after checking your residency classification; private universities may use a different tuition structure. A lower sticker price can lose its advantage if a longer schedule delays full-time work or a distant placement adds significant travel.
The most affordable clinical mental health counseling programs offer a useful price-focused starting point. Request a written cost-of-attendance estimate for the entire expected enrollment period before deciding which option is affordable for you.
Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then compare each school's graduate scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, and eligibility for federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Availability and award terms differ by program; an assistantship that reduces tuition may also require work hours that complicate clinical placements (Federal Student Aid; individual institutions).
Graduate PLUS deserves particular attention for a 2027 applicant. Under federal changes effective July 1, 2026, new graduate borrowers generally cannot obtain Graduate PLUS loans; a limited transition exception may apply to eligible continuing borrowers in an existing program. Confirm your own status and current borrowing limits with Federal Student Aid and your school's aid office rather than building a budget around a loan you might not receive (Federal Student Aid).
Ask the aid office whether awards continue during internship terms and whether part-time enrollment changes eligibility. Compare the amount you would need to borrow after grants - not just the initial award letter - with the range of roles you intend to pursue.
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree; individual Virginia programs set their own rules for prior coursework, minimum academic performance, recommendations, statements, interviews, and any testing. A psychology major is not necessarily required, so career changers should check the admissions page for the specific program rather than rule themselves out based on their undergraduate major (individual institutions).
Admissions eligibility and licensure eligibility are separate questions. Before accepting an offer, ask the program to identify the degree and coursework it expects graduates to use for Virginia LPC applications, verify its current accreditation through the accreditor, and check the Virginia Board of Counseling's rules yourself. If you have previous graduate credits, request a written transfer-credit evaluation; accepted credits may reduce coursework without shortening a fixed clinical sequence.
Expect study in counseling skills, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, research, group work, career development, and counseling across diverse populations, followed by supervised practicum and internship. CACREP standards shape accredited curricula, while each university determines its specific course sequence and electives (CACREP; individual institutions).
Compare course descriptions against the work you want to do. For example, someone interested in substance-use treatment should look for relevant clinical coursework and appropriate placement opportunities, not just an elective title. Ask when required courses run and whether missing a sequence could delay internship or graduation.
Programs may offer electives or clinical experiences involving addiction, trauma, children and adolescents, couples and families, or other client populations. Those options do not automatically create a separate professional license or qualify a graduate for every related job. Check the credential required for the role you want and whether the program offers supervised experience with that population (Virginia Board of Counseling; individual institutions).
If your goal is specifically school counseling or marriage and family therapy, compare the dedicated degree and licensing pathway before choosing a clinical mental health counseling specialization. An elective can deepen your preparation, but it cannot be assumed to replace another profession's required education and supervised training.
Start with the credential you need, then work backward to program eligibility, training logistics, and cost. Rankings help narrow the field, but your best-fit program is one you can complete and use toward your intended career without an avoidable licensing or financing gap.
Use these checks when requesting information from schools:
Verify the pathway: Check current program accreditation and ask how the curriculum addresses Virginia Board of Counseling LPC education requirements; confirm the Board's rules independently.
Test the clinical plan: Ask who finds placements, where recent students trained, what scheduling is required, and what happens if a site falls through.
Price the whole degree: Obtain a term-by-term estimate including tuition, fees, aid, travel, and any periods when internship limits paid work.
Check completion fit: Compare full-time and part-time sequences, course availability, transfer-credit decisions, and policies for working students.
Evaluate outcomes carefully: Ask for program-level completion and licensure-exam information with reporting periods, denominators, and an explanation of what is - and is not - measured.
A common mistake is choosing the cheapest advertised credit rate without checking required credits and placement costs. Another is treating a ranking position or online label as proof of Virginia licensure eligibility. If the financial decision is close, compare aid-adjusted debt, likely time to completion, forgone earnings, and plausible postdegree work over the time you expect to practice. The most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs provide another comparison lens, not a personalized return-on-investment calculation.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Mental Health Counselors in Virginia (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
39,730
25th percentile
47,390
Median
59,880
75th percentile
77,870
90th percentile
100,040
The typical clinical route is graduate study, supervised work toward Virginia's LPC requirements, and an application for licensure after meeting the Board's education, experience, and examination standards. Some graduates instead pursue counseling-related agency or program roles whose duties depend on employer requirements and their current credentials (Virginia Board of Counseling).
Think in stages rather than assuming that the first postdegree job is the final destination. A supervised position may offer valuable clinical support but differ from independently licensed practice in responsibilities and earning potential. Before selecting a school, look at real vacancies in your preferred part of Virginia and note whether they require an LPC, accept a license-eligible applicant, or call for a different credential.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
84–85
3
86–87
1
88–89
1
90–91
7
92–93
3
94–95
2
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% national employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. This indicates expanding demand in the broader occupation, but it is not a Virginia placement rate and does not show how many openings will suit a newly graduated, not-yet-licensed applicant.
For a local decision, compare vacancies by region, setting, required credential, and supervision offered. Demand in the place you want to live is more useful than a national projection alone. The rise of remote service options can widen some employers' reach, but applicants should still verify clinical-site arrangements and applicable professional rules; technology does not erase licensure boundaries (Virginia Board of Counseling).
2027 Best Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Virginia
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision, particularly when a counseling degree is intended to lead to licensure. Research.com's team built this ranking to give readers a more credible starting point than reputation alone, using multiple sources to check program outcomes, recognition, and cost. Readers can use the results to narrow their options, then confirm current details directly with each program and the Virginia Board of Counseling.
The Best ranking begins with a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score: program completion accounts for 40%; employment or doctoral admission, 20%; licensure exam pass rates, 20% where applicable; CACREP programmatic accreditation, 16%; and institutional federal Title IV eligibility, 4%. Weights are renormalized when a criterion does not apply. Program cost contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The same approach applies to online and on-campus programs; other Research.com rankings order programs by the dimension named in each ranking.
The team used the following data sources to assemble and cross-check the ranking:
IPEDS database: institutional enrollment, completion, and cost information.
These measures make comparisons more useful, but a ranking cannot establish that every graduate will obtain a license or a particular job. Outcomes may be reported at different levels of detail, and tuition, accreditation status, and licensure rules can change. See Research.com's ranking methodology for more information about how the ranking was created.
# 1 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.
# 2 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.
# 3 position
James Madison University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration (M.A./Ed.S.)
Delivery mode: campus
93.97
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
January 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completion of a baccalaureate degree; international applicants must submit TOEFL scores (minimum 550 written / 220 computer-based) taken within the past two years.
Additional requirements
Completed application form; official transcripts; resume; three letters of recommendation; personal statement (1,000+ words); personal interview; criminal background/sexual offender check upon admission; TOEFL for international applicants.
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).
James Madison University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.97/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 4 position
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.Ed. in Counselor Education)
Delivery mode: campus
93.97
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years of full-time studies
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Summer 2: January 10
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with 3.0 GPA for last 60 hours (2.5-2.99 provisional)
Additional requirements
Online Graduate School application, unofficial transcripts, three letters of recommendation, CV/resume, short answer responses, $75 application fee; GRE optional
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).
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.97/100, with 100% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 5 position
University of Lynchburg
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
Delivery mode: campus
93.04
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100%
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Application deadline
Summer: May 1; Fall: July 31; Spring: November 30
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; no specific prerequisite coursework is stated.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcript from the institution awarding the bachelor's degree, essay explaining motivation for clinical mental health counseling, two recommendation letters, and personal 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 Lynchburg earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.04/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 6 position
Old Dominion University
Master
Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
91.72
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 1; Spring: Oct 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Applicants may hold a bachelor's degree in any field; must meet minimum university requirements for Graduate Admission.
Additional requirements
Online application, current resume, essay, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation.
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).
B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited institution and minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Counseling, psychology and related human behavioral fields are preferred; other degree fields are considered.
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).
Regent University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.31/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 8 position
William & Mary
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
in as few as three years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
January 8 (Summer 2027 term)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completed bachelor's degree (or equivalent); applicants from various academic backgrounds accepted
Additional requirements
Online application, $50 fee, official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, personal essay, resume; TOEFL 100/IELTS 7.0 for international applicants
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).
William & Mary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.3/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 9 position
Regent University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
91.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: July 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited institution and minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Counseling, psychology and related human behavioral fields are preferred; other degree fields are considered.
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).
Regent University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.2/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 10 position
Radford University
Master
M.S. in Counseling and Human Development – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
91.18
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
84% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
97% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer and Fall: Priority Feb 15, Space-available Apr 15, Late Jul 15 (Fall only)
Application process
direct
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).
Radford University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.18/100, supported by 97% licensure exam pass rate and 84% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 11 position
Emory & Henry University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.04
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Total of six semesters (Fall-Spring-Summer x2)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
67% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
Additional requirements
Two professional recommendation letters; statement of interest of no more than two pages discussing career goals and professional fit, readiness for graduate study, counseling relationship potential, and respect for all identities; 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).
Emory & Henry University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.04/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 67% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 12 position
South University-Richmond
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
90.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
8 quarters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
91 quarter credits
GPA range
2.30 - 4.00
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.3 GPA in the last 60 semester/90 quarter hours or overall; or an accredited graduate degree with 3.0+ CGPA. English proficiency testing for non-native speakers.
Additional requirements
Application; personal/professional statement on counseling interests, goals, and qualifications; official transcripts; résumé; background check; faculty interview; admissions committee approval; English proficiency if applicable.
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).
South University-Richmond earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 13 position
Eastern Mennonite University
Master
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
88.58
/ 100
Final score
Program length
36 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
82.35% (2021-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
83%
Application deadline
Fall: January 15; applications reviewed afterward if space remains available.
Class size
18
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00; TOEFL score of at least 79 (internet-based) for applicants whose native language is not English, unless degree earned at an English-medium institution
Additional requirements
Online application; at least three letters of reference (two academic); official transcripts; 1-3 page essay on goals, experience, and views on compassionate service and social justice; foreign transcript evaluation if applicable; 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).
Eastern Mennonite University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.58/100, supported by 83% licensure exam pass rate and 82.35% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 14 position
Divine Mercy University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
86.48
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time students typically complete the program over a three-year period
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
69% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Additional requirements
Complete the online application, review responses, sign and complete the electronic signature, and verify the electronic signature through the confirmation email.
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).
Divine Mercy University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.48/100, with 69% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 15 position
Longwood University
Master
Counselor Education, MS
Delivery mode: campus
85.79
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
50% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Early Bird: December 1; Early: January 15; Standard: February 15 (applications accepted until June 1 or until program full) for Summer/Fall admission
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Conferred bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an institutionally accredited college or university.
Additional requirements
2.75 cumulative GPA, minimum of two recommendations, 500-word personal essay, résumé, official transcripts of bachelor's degree and post-degree coursework, an interview, and (after admission offer) a criminal background check.
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).
Longwood University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.79/100, with 50% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 16 position
Norfolk State University
Master
M.A. in Counseling Education – Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.63
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
86% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
58% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Apr 15; Spring: Oct 15
Class size
16
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (university-wide graduate admission requirement).
Additional requirements
Accredited bachelor's; online application and fee; GPA 2.5 undergrad (3.0 graduate); official transcripts; 3 letters of recommendation; personal statement; resume; faculty interview. Apply by Apr 15 (Fall) / Oct 15 (Spring). GRE not 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).
Norfolk State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.63/100, supported by 58% licensure exam pass rate and 86% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-03.
# 17 position
Marymount University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
85.25
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
64.1% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Jan 15 (priority), Mar 1 (final)
Application process
direct
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).
Marymount University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.25/100, supported by 64.1% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Virginia
Do I need a master's degree to become an LPC in Virginia?
Virginia's LPC pathway has graduate education requirements. Check the Virginia Board of Counseling's current rules for qualifying coursework, supervised experience, and examination requirements before choosing a degree; graduation alone does not confer a license.
Is CACREP accreditation required for every Virginia counseling student?
Do not assume either that every program must hold CACREP accreditation or that any counseling degree will qualify. Verify the program's current status with CACREP and ask the Virginia Board of Counseling how the specific degree meets its education requirements.
Can I complete a Virginia counseling master's entirely online?
Coursework may be online, but clinical training still requires approved supervised experiences. Confirm any campus visits, live classes, and placement requirements with the school before enrolling.
How long should I plan for the degree?
Plan on roughly two to three years for typical full-time master's study, potentially longer part-time. Postdegree steps toward independent LPC licensure require additional time.
Is a clinical mental health counseling degree worth the cost?
It may be if it supports the credential and work you want at a manageable total cost. Compare aid-adjusted debt, likely completion time, forgone earnings, placement access, and the jobs available at your intended career stage rather than using a national median wage as a promised starting salary.
Can I transfer graduate counseling credits?
Possibly, but each program sets its own transfer and clinical-course policies. Get a written evaluation showing which credits apply to degree requirements and whether they actually shorten your path to graduation.
