An online counseling degree can let you keep working while you prepare for clinical practice - but it may not meet the licensing rules where you intend to practice. This guide helps prospective students and career changers compare Western programs by training format, state eligibility, cost, and career fit. It accompanies the 2027 Best Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the West, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. Use it to narrow your options before committing time or money.
Key findings about online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in West
Check state eligibility before comparing rank or price: a Western program's online coursework does not automatically qualify a graduate for licensure in another state.
Clinical mental health counseling commonly requires graduate study plus supervised clinical training; plan for roughly 2-3 years of full-time or structured study, with part-time options potentially taking longer.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 and projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for the relevant mental health and addiction counseling occupation. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's pay or job prospects.
What can I expect from an online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in West?
Clinical mental health counseling is graduate-level preparation for assessing mental health concerns and providing counseling under professional and legal standards. The usual route is a master's degree followed by the examinations and supervised post-degree experience required by the state where you seek a license. A degree, a professional certification, and a state license are different credentials.
"Online" usually describes academic instruction, not an entirely remote path to practice. Skills courses may require live participation or campus visits, while practicum and internship take place with approved supervisors and clients. For a student in a rural Western community, local placement support may matter more than the location of the university. For someone planning to move, written confirmation that the curriculum meets the destination state's education requirements is essential.
This path fits people who want to provide psychotherapy and can accommodate supervised, often scheduled, clinical work. If your goal is school counseling, social work, or a shorter nonclinical credential, compare those distinct training and licensing routes before enrolling.
Where can I work with an online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in West?
Depending on the position and license status, graduates may work in community mental health agencies, outpatient clinics, hospitals, substance-use treatment programs, integrated care settings, or private practices. New graduates should distinguish jobs that accept an associate or prelicensed counselor from positions requiring independent licensure; employers and state boards set different conditions.
Location affects the choice of program. A placement network near a large metro area may offer a wider selection of specialties, while students in remote communities should ask whether the school can approve a suitable local supervisor and clinical site. Telehealth can expand service delivery, but it does not erase licensing boundaries: confirm the rules governing the state where a client is located with that state's board.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. It is an occupational median, not a starting salary, a Western regional median, or a forecast of what a particular degree will earn. Pay depends on setting, location, experience, licensure status, and whether work is salaried or paid per client visit.
Before estimating the degree's return, compare local postings for prelicensed and independently licensed roles, not just private-practice earnings. Include your current pay, expected time in supervised employment, tuition and debt, completion likelihood, and earnings you may forgo while training. A higher-paying eventual role does not necessarily make a high-cost program the better investment; the most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs are a useful comparison, not a substitute for your own budget.
The programs below merit different follow-up questions. Delivery, residency, field-placement, and licensing disclosures can change, so verify each directly with the program before treating it as an option for studying from your state.
Utah Valley University: Its dedicated clinical mental health counseling program gives Utah-based applicants a direct place to examine local training and placement arrangements. Ask how much of the current degree can be completed online and whether clinical placements can be approved outside Utah.
University of Wyoming: Its published master's admissions information specifically addresses Casper, an admissions assessment. Applicants comparing schools on entry requirements should confirm whether it is required for their intended intake and ask separately about delivery format and out-of-state placements.
Corban University: Its counseling program offers a faith-oriented context that may matter to students seeking that educational environment. Ask how the program teaches professional ethics and culturally responsive care, as well as which activities require attendance in Oregon.
Oregon State University: Its Master of Counseling identifies clinical mental health counseling as a distinct program path. Compare its current in-person commitments and clinical-placement process with fully remote coursework options before deciding whether its format is practical.
City University of Seattle: Its Master of Arts in Counseling gives Washington-focused applicants a program to evaluate against that state's licensing education rules. Request the current clinical mental health pathway, schedule, and written guidance for the state where you intend to practice.
University of Providence: Its dedicated clinical mental health counseling program may be especially relevant to applicants planning to train or practice in Montana. Confirm how it arranges supervised fieldwork in your community rather than assuming online classes include a local placement.
Northwest University: Its catalog publishes the counseling degree as a defined course of study, giving applicants a basis for checking specific requirements. Use the current catalog - not a broad description of the university - to verify curriculum, residency expectations, and eligibility in your target state.
Grand Canyon University: Its named master's in clinical mental health counseling lets applicants investigate a counseling-specific route rather than a general psychology degree. Check current state disclosures and ask which clinical requirements must be completed at approved sites near you.
University of the Southwest: Its MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a graduate counseling route for applicants considering study through a New Mexico institution. Compare its course schedule and placement approval process with your work hours and intended licensing state.
Colorado Christian University: Its mental health counseling program is an option for students who deliberately want Christian perspectives in their graduate education. Ask how those perspectives are integrated with clinical training, and verify both online attendance requirements and state licensing alignment.
These are comparison points, not claims that every listed degree is fully online or qualifies graduates in every Western state. Request the current program handbook, accreditation status, tuition schedule, and state-eligibility disclosure for each serious contender.
Plan on roughly 2-3 years for a master's program, depending on its credit load, term schedule, and clinical sequence. Part-time study can take longer. An accelerated classroom schedule may not shorten fieldwork or the supervised experience required after graduation for independent licensure.
Ask for a term-by-term plan showing when practicum and internship begin and whether they require daytime availability. That answer is more useful to a working student than an advertised minimum completion time. Compare the fastest clinical mental health counseling programs only after checking whether you can realistically secure and complete their required placements.
The key difference is where academic instruction happens. Both formats still need opportunities to develop counseling skills and complete approved clinical training. This comparison identifies the commitments that most often affect a Western student's choice.
Decision factor
Online or hybrid study
On-campus study
Classes
May mix self-paced work with required live meetings
Typically requires regular travel to campus
Skills training
May include live practice sessions or short residencies
Usually scheduled in person
Clinical placement
Student and school must arrange an approved site, potentially near home
May draw on established sites near campus
Best fit
Someone who needs geographic flexibility and can meet live and clinical obligations
Someone who values regular face-to-face access and can relocate or commute
An online format may spare a long commute, but it is not automatically cheaper or more flexible during internship. Ask whether the school finds placements, helps students find them, or expects students to secure their own sites.
There is no single defensible price for an online counseling master's across the West: published rates vary by institution, residency classification, credit system, and fees. A national or regional average would also conceal the costs of required visits and fieldwork. Compare written total-program estimates, not a per-credit figure alone.
Ask each school to itemize tuition for all required credits, university and distance-learning fees, residency travel, books, background checks, and any costs tied to placement. At a public university, confirm whether online graduate students receive resident, nonresident, or a separate distance rate; living in the same region does not establish in-state eligibility. Use the most affordable clinical mental health counseling programs to build a shortlist, then compare net cost after aid and any income you may lose during clinical training.
Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and confirm that both the institution and your enrollment meet federal aid rules. Eligible graduate students may consider Direct Unsubsidized Loans; schools may also offer scholarships, assistantships, or employer-supported tuition benefits. State aid is not uniform across the West and may depend on residency, institution, or enrollment format. Check the relevant state agency and the school's aid office rather than assuming an online student qualifies.
Do not build a financing plan around Graduate PLUS without checking eligibility. Federal Student Aid's rules changed for graduate borrowing beginning July 2026; availability depends in part on whether a student qualifies under the transition provisions for an existing program of study. Ask the aid office to apply the current rules to your circumstances and provide a year-by-year borrowing plan. Compare grants and total debt with likely prelicensed pay, not only with the pay of established independent practitioners.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
65–69
1
70–74
0
75–79
1
80–84
3
85–89
8
90–94
15
95–99
1
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree, transcripts, and materials such as recommendations, a statement of purpose, or an interview; individual schools may add assessments or prerequisite coursework. A psychology undergraduate major is not necessarily required. Admission, however, answers a different question from whether the degree will meet a licensing board's education rules.
Before applying, ask admissions to identify prerequisites, any transfer-credit limit, the current accreditation status, and whether the program meets educational requirements in your intended practice state. Transfer credit may reduce classroom study without replacing required program-specific clinical training. If you are comparing the easiest clinical mental health counseling programs to enter, do not mistake a less restrictive admissions process for an easier path to licensure.
Expect study in counseling theories, assessment and diagnosis, ethics, research, multicultural counseling, group work, and treatment planning, followed by supervised practicum and internship. Course titles alone are insufficient evidence of licensing alignment: boards may look at credit totals, content areas, and clinical-hour documentation. CACREP accredits qualifying counseling programs, while institutional accreditation is a separate consideration; check current status directly with CACREP and the institution's recognized accreditor.
Compare syllabi or a curriculum map against the licensing board's requirements in your target state. Keep copies of course descriptions and clinical records, particularly if you may seek a license in a different state later.
Programs may offer electives or emphases in areas such as substance-use treatment, trauma, or work with children and families. The name of an emphasis does not create a separate license or establish expertise by itself. Compare the actual coursework, supervisors, and available placement sites: a trauma elective, for example, has different practical value if the school can also approve relevant supervised work.
If you specifically want to be a school counselor, marriage and family therapist, or rehabilitation counselor, check those professions' separate educational and licensing pathways first. Choose a clinical mental health counseling program because its core credential matches your intended work, not because one elective resembles another profession.
Start with the state where you expect to seek your first license, then compare programs you can actually attend and afford. This order avoids the costly mistake of selecting a convenient online degree before discovering a curriculum or placement mismatch.
Read that state licensing board's current education, examination, and supervised-experience rules; ask the school for written confirmation of how its program addresses the education component.
Verify current programmatic and institutional accreditation with the accrediting organizations, and clarify whether your target board requires a particular status or accepts an equivalent curriculum.
Request a term-by-term schedule and ask who approves placement sites and supervisors in your community.
Compare total net price, likely borrowing, time away from paid work, and published program outcomes using the same definitions and reporting periods.
Speak with the program about what happens if a local placement falls through or you move to another state mid-degree.
A ranking can identify programs to investigate. The best personal choice is the one whose verified licensing fit, clinical access, schedule, and financial risk match your plans.
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
The most direct path is supervised, prelicensed counseling work followed - if you meet your state's requirements - by independent clinical practice. Depending on qualifications and employer rules, graduates may also pursue roles in community agencies, behavioral health programs, integrated care, or substance-use services. Independent practice typically brings different business responsibilities from salaried agency work, including billing, referrals, and managing gaps between client appointments.
Choose placement experiences that match your intended setting, but leave room to change direction. An applicant focused on private practice, for instance, still needs a realistic plan for post-degree supervision. A master's degree is not a substitute for the separate training needed for professions such as psychology or psychiatry.
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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% national employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That points to growing demand across the occupation, but it is not a Western-state forecast or a guarantee of openings in a particular town. Licensing, supervision availability, employer requirements, and local funding still shape entry into the field.
For a useful local check, search current openings separately for associate or prelicensed counselors and independently licensed clinicians in the areas where you could live. Compare required credentials and supervision arrangements. In a sparsely populated area, a promising need for services may coexist with few approved internship sites; confirm training access before treating job demand as a reason to enroll.
2027 Best Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the West
Investing in a counseling degree is a consequential decision. Research.com created its ranking to help readers compare programs using documented outcomes, accreditation, and cost rather than promotional claims. Its team draws on the following sources to check institutional and program information:
IPEDS database: institutional reporting on enrollment, completions, and prices.
The Best ranking first combines program completion, employment or doctoral admission, applicable licensure-exam pass rates, CACREP programmatic accreditation, and institutional Title IV eligibility. Their respective weights are 40%, 20%, 20%, 16%, and 4%; weights are redistributed when a measure does not apply. Cost contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The method is the same for online and campus programs; other Research.com rankings emphasize the dimension named in their titles. These measures make comparison easier, but they cannot establish whether a program satisfies your state's licensing rules or whether its schedule fits your life. See the Research.com methodology for more on the ranking process.
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a regionally/nationally accredited institution, provided student meets prerequisite coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Statistics.
Additional requirements
Graduate application; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; TOEFL 79 iBT / IELTS 6.0 for non-native English speakers; three academic/professional recommendation letters; personal interview for qualifying applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Utah Valley University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 96.0/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 2 position
University of Wyoming
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (hybrid cohort, UW at Casper)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
UW at Casper: November 30, 2027 (for fall 2028; a cohort is admitted every 3 years)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required only for international applicants (GRE 291 minimum); not required for domestic applicants
Prerequisites
Transcripts from all institutions; minimum 3.0 GPA (domestic); no GRE for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80/IELTS 6.5); three recommendation letters; 3-4 page personal statement; admissions packet; resume/CV; interview day.
Additional requirements
Application and fee; transcripts; three recommendation letters; GPA 3.0; GRE not required for domestic applicants (international: GRE 291, TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.5); interview day by invitation.
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 Wyoming earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.27/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 3 position
Corban University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
93.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years (full-time pace)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Mar 30
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00; profession of faith in Jesus Christ and a consistent Christian lifestyle.
Additional requirements
Online application; three essays on Christian faith, qualities of a Christian professional counselor, and professional/personal goals; Christian character and professional references; all college transcripts; interviews for selected applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Corban University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.7/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 93% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter credits (2.5-2.9 may also be considered)
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, resume/CV, three letters of recommendation, responses to application questions; applicants who meet initial screening may be invited to an interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Oregon State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.56/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 94% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 5 position
City University of Seattle
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.80
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
90 quarter credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
93% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2022-23)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
An accredited bachelor's degree and official transcripts.
Additional requirements
Bachelor's degree and official transcripts, a personal statement about why you want to be a counselor, possible interview, plus supplemental admissions documents (per Supplemental Admissions Documents Form).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
City University of Seattle earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.8/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 93% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 6 position
University of Providence
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.17
/ 100
Final score
Program length
three years; six 15-week semesters and two summer courses
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023)
Application deadline
August (Fall enrollment)
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (lower GPA may require GRE at coordinator's discretion).
Additional requirements
Graduate application, official transcripts, one-page personal essay, CV/resume, $38 application fee (GradCAS). GRE is not required for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher; below 3.0, GRE may be required at the coordinator's discretion.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Providence earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.17/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 7 position
Northwest University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.01
/ 100
Final score
Program length
32 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
86.3% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Jan 31 (priority; interviews late Feb); Apr 1 (all items by Apr 15; interviews May); rolling thereafter as space allows
Class size
23
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; counseling, psychology, social science, or related major preferred but not required. Minimum 3.0 GPA in last degree; lower-GPA applicants may explain and enter on probation.
Additional requirements
Online application, current resume or curriculum vitae, and typed responses to interest-letter essay questions, approximately 250–300 words per question. Applicants below the GPA minimum may submit an explanation of grades.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Northwest University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.01/100, with 86.3% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 8 position
Grand Canyon University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.92
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
62 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (300 combined verbal/quantitative) or GMAT (500) required for full admission if undergraduate GPA is below 2.8 (2.5 minimum)
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or GCU-approved program. Standard admission requires a GPA of at least 2.8; alternatively a GPA of at least 2.5 with qualifying test scores.
Additional requirements
Bachelor's from an accredited, GCU-approved school; undergraduate GPA 2.8+, or 2.5+ with GRE 300 (verbal+quantitative) or GMAT 500 (applicants meeting neither may be accepted with specification); 2 short-answer questions; 2 professional recommendation letters; signed counseling dispositions document.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Grand Canyon University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.92/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 9 position
University of the Southwest
Master
Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.77
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
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 the Southwest earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.77/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 10 position
Colorado Christian University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.67
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as little as 30 months of consecutive coursework
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0. Applicants with GPAs of 2.0–2.49 may receive conditional admission and must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during their first semester.
Additional requirements
Online application; government ID; resume/CV; official bachelor's transcript and any graduate counseling transcripts; criminal background checks for every country of residence in the past seven years; Candidacy Writing Sample; interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Colorado Christian University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.67/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 11 position
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.36
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 1/2 to 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE, MAT or PLT scores (within last 5 years) required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 (waived with a conferred master's degree or higher)
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from regionally-accredited institution; minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA (if below 3.0, GRE/MAT/PLT scores from last five years required); acceptable undergraduate statistics or research methods course with grade of C or higher.
Additional requirements
Completed online application; official transcripts from each prior institution; resume/CV; statement of professional goals; three letters of recommendation; interview with Counseling Program Admissions Committee.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.36/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 12 position
Prescott College
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.28
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
37.23%
Application deadline
Fall: priority February 15, March 15, April 15; final June 1 if space is available. Spring: priority September 15, October 15; final November 15 if space is available.
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent four-year degree from a recognized institution abroad. Final-year applicants may receive conditional admission, with degree completion required before enrollment.
Additional requirements
Application; two professional or academic references; application essay; resume or CV; bachelor's transcripts (official transcripts required before the first term); required admissions interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Prescott College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.28/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 13 position
Western New Mexico University
Master
Master of Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two and a half year (7-semester)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: March 15; Spring: October 15
Application process
direct
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Western New Mexico University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.27/100, with 90% licensure exam pass rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 14 position
George Fox University
Master
Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 Years Program length
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
82% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
96% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall 2027: Mar 1, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with 3.0+ GPA (any major); online application with two recommendations (one academic, one professional), a short essay, and a resume; no standardized tests required.
Additional requirements
Completed online application, two recommendations (one academic, one professional), a short essay, a professional resume, official transcripts, and participation in a group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
George Fox University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.0/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 82% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 15 position
Seattle University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Online, MAEd
Delivery mode: hybrid
90.22
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
90 quarter credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
February 1 (priority, Fall admission)
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE/GMAT required only if the bachelor's degree is non-graded
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; no specific prior coursework required.
Additional requirements
Letter of Intent (2-3 pages), one-to-two page résumé, two recommendation forms (from supervisors/instructors), official/unofficial transcripts, minimum 3.00 GPA; GRE/GMAT required only if bachelor's degree transcript is non-graded. No application fee.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Seattle University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.22/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 16 position
Eastern Washington University
Master
Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science (MS)
Delivery mode: hybrid
90.12
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years, including required summer coursework
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
93 quarter credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
74% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 15
Class size
23
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (typically psychology, education, or related field) with an inferential/undergraduate statistics course before fall start; minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter or 60 semester credits.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Eastern Washington University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.12/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 96% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 17 position
Bushnell University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
89.93
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Complete in 28 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
81.82% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
91% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Class size
44
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
Additional requirements
Graduate application; official transcripts (bachelor's degree, min 3.0 GPA); 2-3 page statement of purpose; resume; two professional or academic recommendation letters; professional disposition assessment; criminal background check; interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Bushnell University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.93/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 81.82% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 18 position
Saint Martin's University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: online
89.47
/ 100
Final score
Program length
designed three-year progression (cohort model)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: March 1 (priority), 3rd Monday in June (additional spots); Spring: 3rd Monday in October
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; overall 3.0 undergraduate GPA or graduate coursework GPA.
Additional requirements
Standard Saint Martin's University graduate admission materials plus a MAC supplemental application.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Saint Martin's University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.47/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 19 position
Antioch University-Seattle
Master
MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Low-Residency)
Delivery mode: hybrid
89.13
/ 100
Final score
Program length
40 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
85.83%
Employment or doctoral admission
87%
Application deadline
Fall: July 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required; transcript evaluations required for coursework completed outside the U.S. or Canada.
Additional requirements
Online admissions application; official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; optional two letters of recommendation; resume; admission essay (multiple prompts); select applicants may be invited to a group interview with faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Antioch University-Seattle earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 89.13/100, with 87% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 20 position
Antioch University-Seattle
Master
MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Residential Weekend Delivery
Delivery mode: hybrid
88.94
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 - 3-1/2 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Employment or doctoral admission
87%
Application deadline
Fall: July 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required; transcript evaluations required for coursework completed outside the U.S. or Canada.
Additional requirements
Online admissions application; official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended; optional two letters of recommendation; resume; admission essay (multiple prompts); select applicants may be invited to a group interview with faculty.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Antioch University-Seattle earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 88.94/100, with 87% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in West
Can I become a licensed counselor with an online degree?
Potentially, if the program meets your intended state's education rules and you complete all required exams and supervised experience. Online delivery alone neither grants nor prevents licensure; obtain written program guidance and verify it with the state board.
Are online counseling master's degrees completely remote?
Not necessarily. Programs may require live classes or campus visits, and clinical placements involve approved supervised work. Ask for the full attendance and fieldwork schedule.
Do I need a psychology bachelor's degree?
Not always. Admissions rules vary; some programs accept other majors but may require prerequisite courses. Check the current requirements of each school.
Does CACREP accreditation replace a state license?
No. CACREP accreditation applies to a qualifying program. A license is issued by a state after an applicant meets that state's applicable requirements.
Is the least expensive program the best investment?
Not automatically. Compare net cost and debt alongside licensing fit, placement access, completion prospects, program length, and income you may forgo while studying.
