An inexpensive online counseling master's degree can become an expensive mistake if its clinical placements or coursework do not meet your state's licensing rules. This guide helps prospective students and working professionals compare costs, formats, timelines, and career outcomes across the West. It accompanies the 2027 Most Affordable Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the West, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students identify programs worth considering. You'll learn what to verify before enrolling - and whether the investment fits your career goal.
Key findings about online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in West
Affordability is not just tuition: compare the complete degree price, required travel, placement costs, aid, and the time you may need to reduce paid work.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $59,350 national median annual wage in May 2025 for the mental health and substance abuse counselor occupation and projects 18% employment growth for 2025-2035. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's earnings or local job prospects.
Licensure is state-specific. Before paying a deposit, ask the licensing board where you intend to practice whether the degree's coursework and supervised training meet its educational requirements; online delivery alone establishes nothing about eligibility.
What can I expect from an online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in West?
An online clinical mental health counseling degree is generally a graduate program preparing students to assess clients, develop treatment plans, provide counseling under appropriate supervision, and work toward professional licensure. Online usually describes the academic coursework - not the entire experience. Practicum and internship work take place with real clients at approved sites, and some programs require live online classes or campus visits (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, or CACREP; individual program requirements).
For a career changer, the central question is whether the program prepares you for the license in the state where you plan to practice. The West spans distinct licensing jurisdictions: California's Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor pathway, Colorado's Licensed Professional Counselor pathway, and Utah's Clinical Mental Health Counselor pathway are administered under different state rules (California Board of Behavioral Sciences; Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations; Utah Division of Professional Licensing). A degree that fits one pathway should not be assumed to fit another.
This route makes sense if you want to provide clinical counseling and can accommodate supervised fieldwork. If your goal is school counseling, marriage and family therapy, or a nonclinical mental health job, compare degrees built for those paths first; similar-sounding credentials are not interchangeable.
Where can I work with an online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in West?
Depending on the job, experience, and state credential, clinical mental health counselors work in outpatient clinics, community mental health agencies, hospitals, residential programs, and private practices. Some positions also serve clients through telehealth, but employers and licensing boards determine what credentials and supervision are required (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; relevant state licensing boards).
Location affects the first job as well as the degree. A student in a sparsely populated part of Alaska, Wyoming, or New Mexico may value online classes yet have fewer nearby placement sites; a student in a large metro area may have more site choices but face different commuting and scheduling demands. Ask each program which approved sites it can support near your home and whether its graduates have completed placements there. Do not assume that being able to log in from a state means the school can arrange clinical training in that state.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $59,350 national median annual wage in May 2025 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That occupational median includes workers with different specialties, credentials, experience, and employers; it is not an entry-level offer or a West-wide salary figure. For a realistic budget, compare current postings in the state where you intend to work and separate prelicensure roles from independently licensed positions.
Salary alone cannot establish whether a degree pays off. Compare likely earnings with your present income, borrowing costs, any reduction in work hours during field training, and the time between graduation and independent licensure. A cheaper degree that cannot support your intended state license has poor practical value regardless of its advertised price.
The programs below present different starting points for comparison. Their linked program descriptions and academic pathways do not, by themselves, establish a common online format, current price, or eligibility for every Western state license. Use each distinction to ask a more precise question of admissions staff rather than treating this list as a substitute for written verification.
New Mexico Highlands University: Its counseling program is a New Mexico-based option to examine if you expect to train and seek licensure in that state (New Mexico Highlands University). Ask how its current clinical mental health pathway is delivered and whether it can approve a placement in your community before comparing its price with fully remote alternatives.
University of Wyoming: The program maintains an admissions page specifically addressing its Casper-based master's pathway, making study location a particularly important point to clarify (University of Wyoming). Students outside Casper should confirm where classes and clinical training occur rather than assuming a Wyoming program is accessible entirely from home.
Western New Mexico University: Its counseling department offers another New Mexico program to compare with New Mexico Highlands University (Western New Mexico University). Request the current clinical mental health course sequence, placement policy, and full tuition schedule from both schools so that a lower quoted rate does not obscure a different training requirement.
Utah Valley University: The university identifies a clinical mental health counseling program rather than only a broadly titled counseling degree (Utah Valley University). That makes it a useful Utah-specific comparison, but students should confirm its current attendance format and how its curriculum aligns with their intended state license.
Adams State University: Its published master's pathway is explicitly in clinical mental health counseling (Adams State University). For Colorado residents comparing it with out-of-state options, the consequential distinction to verify is which activities can be completed remotely and which require a local site or travel.
Grand Canyon University: Its program page identifies a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling (Grand Canyon University). Compare the complete per-credit price and mandatory fees with public-university options, then confirm the program's placement approval process for your state; an online course schedule is only one part of accessibility.
University of Alaska Fairbanks: Its clinical mental health counseling master's gives Alaska-based applicants a program to investigate without assuming a mainland school will support a local placement (University of Alaska Fairbanks). Ask specifically about distance delivery, required visits, and field-site availability in your part of Alaska.
University of the Southwest: It identifies its credential as a clinical mental health counseling MS (University of the Southwest). For applicants considering New Mexico programs with different institutional models, compare the published total program charge, course scheduling, and placement arrangements rather than tuition labels alone.
University of Phoenix - Online: Its program page explicitly presents an online clinical mental health counseling master's pathway (University of Phoenix). The relevant comparison is whether its course schedule and state-specific clinical placement support fit a working adult better than a lower-priced option with attendance requirements.
Concordia University Irvine: Its page uses the broader title "Master of Arts in Counseling," which makes the precise track and licensing outcome especially important to establish (Concordia University Irvine). California applicants should obtain written confirmation of the applicable clinical pathway and check it against California Board of Behavioral Sciences educational rules before comparing costs.
Program names and delivery arrangements can change. For a broader quality comparison alongside affordability, review the best clinical mental health counseling programs, then verify each finalist's current catalog and licensing disclosures.
Plan for approximately two to three years of full-time study for a counseling master's, with part-time study taking longer; the actual schedule depends on the school's curriculum, course rotation, and availability of approved clinical sites (CACREP; individual program catalogs). Online courses may save commuting time, but they do not remove fieldwork or the supervised experience a state may require after graduation for independent licensure.
Ask for a term-by-term plan showing when you may start practicum, whether internship can overlap other courses, and what happens if a site is unavailable. An accelerated course calendar offers little benefit if placement delays graduation. If speed is your main constraint, compare the fastest clinical mental health counseling programs against your ability to complete their clinical schedule.
The degree title does not tell you where training happens. The comparison below separates classroom convenience from clinical obligations - the distinction most likely to affect a working student's schedule.
Factor
Online or hybrid program
On-campus program
Academic classes
May be asynchronous, live online, or a mixture; verify the timetable.
Typically requires regular travel to scheduled classes.
Clinical training
Requires approved in-person or otherwise authorized client-facing training arrangements.
Also requires approved clinical training; proximity to campus does not guarantee a site.
Geographic fit
Can widen school choice, but placement and state-authorization rules may limit where you enroll.
May simplify access to local faculty and site networks if you intend to stay nearby.
Best fit
Students who need classroom flexibility and have a feasible fieldwork plan.
Students who prefer regular in-person instruction or access to a nearby campus network.
If you may move across state lines, ask both formats the same licensure question. Neither a campus location nor an online label proves that the curriculum satisfies the board where you eventually apply.
There is no single reliable West-wide average for this specific online degree in the sources used here. An institutional graduate tuition average would mix unrelated degrees and omit fees and clinical expenses, so it would be a weak estimate of what your counseling program costs. Obtain a written, program-specific total instead, using the school's current credit requirement and price schedule (individual institution catalogs; NCES/IPEDS for institution-level context).
Compare these cost components consistently. The cheapest tuition quote is not necessarily the cheapest path to licensure.
Instruction and mandatory charges: Multiply the school's published credit requirement by the applicable tuition rate, then add required program, technology, and university fees.
Residency rules: At public universities, verify whether online students qualify for an in-state rate, a separate distance rate, or a nonresident rate; do not infer eligibility from a Western mailing address.
Clinical and travel expenses: Budget for any required campus visits, travel to a placement, background checks, and other school- or site-required items.
Opportunity cost: Consider whether practicum and internship hours will require reducing paid work or extending enrollment.
To judge value rather than sticker price alone, compare total net cost, expected borrowing, completion likelihood, lost earnings during study, and plausible post-degree earnings over a time horizon that matters to you. The most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs offer another lens, but no ranking can calculate your personal return without those inputs.
Eligible graduate students can investigate federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, school-funded scholarships or assistantships, employer tuition assistance, and applicable state or workforce programs. Complete the FAFSA and check the school's federal aid eligibility; admission to a program does not itself establish that a particular student or enrollment pattern qualifies for aid (Federal Student Aid; U.S. Department of Education).
Do not build a new borrowing plan around Graduate PLUS without checking current rules. Federal changes restrict new graduate borrowing through that program beginning July 1, 2026, while transitional eligibility may apply to certain continuing borrowers in the same program (Federal Student Aid). A prospective 2027 entrant should ask the school's financial aid office which federal loans are available for their start date and circumstances, and confirm the answer with Federal Student Aid.
Ask each school for an aid estimate covering the entire course sequence, not just the first term. If an award requires full-time enrollment but you expect to work and study part time, compare the amount you would actually retain after changing pace.
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree and must meet the individual program's academic and application requirements. Depending on the school, materials may include transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendations, an interview, or evidence of readiness for graduate-level counseling work; specific requirements and any prerequisite courses belong to the current program catalog, not a region-wide rule (individual institution admissions pages).
Admissions eligibility, program eligibility for financial aid, and eventual eligibility for a professional license are separate decisions. Before applying, identify your intended licensing state and request the school's written disclosure about that state. Also ask whether a prior graduate counseling course can transfer and, crucially, whether accepting it would preserve the required clinical sequence. Comparing the easiest clinical mental health counseling programs may help with admissions planning, but an accessible application process is not evidence of an easier route to licensure.
Expect coursework in counseling theories and techniques, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, human development, multicultural counseling, research, group work, and career development, followed by supervised practicum and internship (CACREP standards; individual program catalogs). Programs may organize or name these subjects differently.
When comparing catalogs, look beyond a familiar course title. A state board may care about particular content, credit levels, or clinical training documentation. Ask the program to map its curriculum to the rules of the state where you plan to apply, especially if you intend to train in one Western state and practice in another.
Depending on the school, students may pursue electives or focused training in areas such as addiction, trauma, child and adolescent counseling, or work with particular communities. A named emphasis is not automatically a separate professional credential, and elective availability may depend on the course schedule (individual program catalogs; relevant state licensing boards).
Choose a focus after confirming the core degree meets your intended license's educational rules. If you want to work primarily in schools or practice marriage and family therapy, compare the separately regulated degree and credential pathways rather than assuming a clinical mental health concentration will substitute for them. If you expect to serve a particular community, ask whether the school can support a relevant supervised placement - not merely whether it lists an elective.
Start with the license and location you want, then compare programs that can plausibly get you there. This sequence prevents a low price or convenient course calendar from hiding a problem that appears only when you arrange fieldwork or apply to a board.
Check the intended state's licensing board: Record its education, supervised-experience, and examination rules, and ask the school for written confirmation of how its curriculum addresses the education portion.
Verify accreditation and authorization: Check institutional accreditation and any claimed CACREP accreditation directly with the relevant accreditor; ask whether the school can enroll and place students in your state. Do not assume CACREP recognition is required - or sufficient - for every state license.
Get the actual training plan: Request the current course sequence, live-session schedule, visit requirements, and process for finding and approving clinical sites near you.
Compare net cost and risk: Use current tuition and fees, realistic aid, likely debt, time away from work, and the possibility of delayed field placement - not tuition alone.
Check outcomes carefully: Ask for program-level completion and applicable exam-pass results with their reporting years, and find out whether a small cohort makes those results hard to interpret.
Two common mistakes are treating "online" as "no travel" and treating graduation as automatic licensure. Another is selecting solely by ranking position. A useful final question for every admissions representative is: "Can you show me, in writing, the requirements I must still meet after this degree to apply for a license in my intended state?"
View the chart data as a table
Reported total program cost distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
$20,000–$39,999
7
$40,000–$59,999
14
$60,000–$79,999
4
$80,000–$99,999
1
$100,000–$119,999
1
A common path is to complete the master's degree and approved clinical training, enter an appropriately supervised counseling role, and then apply for independent licensure after meeting the relevant state board's remaining experience and examination requirements. Titles, permitted duties, and timelines vary by state (relevant state licensing boards). The degree can also inform work in behavioral health organizations that does not require independent clinical practice, but a job title alone does not establish permission to provide psychotherapy.
For someone already working in human services, the investment may be worthwhile if independent clinical counseling is the desired destination and the program supports that state's pathway. Someone seeking a faster move into a nonclinical support role should compare that role's actual hiring requirements before committing to a clinical master's and its fieldwork obligations.
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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% national employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2025 to 2035. This projection signals demand across the occupation, not a promise that each Western community will have an opening for a new graduate. Employment opportunities also depend on local employers, supervision availability, the credential you hold, and your willingness to travel or relocate.
Use the national projection to assess the broad direction of the field, then test your intended market. Review local openings for their license requirements and ask prospective placement sites whether they hire graduates under supervision. That matters especially if you plan to remain in a smaller community: a program may be affordable and accessible online while the next supervised career step is harder to find nearby.
2027 Most Affordable Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the West
Education is a consequential investment, so Research.com designed its counseling rankings to help readers examine price alongside evidence of program quality. The team draws on multiple education databases and evaluates graduate outcomes, licensure-exam results where applicable, accreditation, federal aid eligibility, and cost. Data availability varies by program; a high placement in an affordability ranking should not be mistaken for a guarantee of licensure or employment.
The Most Affordable ranking orders programs by its cost dimension. Research.com's separate Best ranking first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), applicable licensure-exam pass rates (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation (16%), and institutional Title IV eligibility (4%). Shares are renormalized when a criterion does not apply; cost then contributes about 7% of the final Best score. The approach applies to online and campus programs alike. Readers can use the affordability ranking to build a shortlist, then check outcomes and licensing fit before choosing. More detail is available in Research.com's methodology.
The following sources inform the ranking. Using several sources helps distinguish institutional information from program-level evidence, although applicants should still confirm current prices and requirements directly with each school.
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on enrollment, awards, and costs.
Peterson's database - program and institution information used in comparisons.
College Scorecard database - federal institutional data, including aid and outcomes measures where available.
Master of Arts in Counseling – Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
96.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time load is 9 credits per semester; program can take 2.5 to 6 years, most students finish in three years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
98.5%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
60% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring: Oct 15; Summer: Mar 15; Fall: Apr 1
Class size
53
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
Additional requirements
Graduate application ($25 fee), written statement addressing educational goals/motivation/contribution to profession, transcripts from all institutions attended, 2 professional recommendation letters, resume/CV documenting relevant work experience
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
New Mexico Highlands University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 96.5/100, supported by $20,925 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 2 position
University of Wyoming
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.90
/ 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 Affordability Score of 95.9/100, supported by $21,780 total tuition (estimated) and 61 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 3 position
Western New Mexico University
Master
Master of Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
95.00
/ 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 Affordability Score of 95.0/100, supported by $23,038 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
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 Affordability Score of 91.7/100, supported by $27,579 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 5 position
Adams State University
Master
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Fall cohort: 5 semesters; Spring cohort: 7 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
82% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
77% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution (or in final year of undergraduate study pending verification of degree receipt).
Additional requirements
Online application, $30 application fee, five short essay questions (200-300 words each), two online recommendation forms from professional (non-family) sources, official 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 Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Adams State University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 87.2/100, supported by $33,868 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 6 position
Grand Canyon University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
83.80
/ 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 Affordability Score of 83.8/100, supported by $38,520 total cost (tuition and fees) and 62 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 7 position
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Master
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
82.80
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time students = nine semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
63% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
62.5% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 10; Spring: Oct 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher or submit GRE scores; suitability of the applicant's undergraduate degree/background is considered individually by counseling faculty
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; bachelor's degree (human-service field preferred); 3.0 undergraduate GPA; resume/CV; statement of academic goals; 3 letters of recommendation; faculty interview; GRE not required; FBI background check before client contact.
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 Alaska Fairbanks earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 82.8/100, supported by $39,905 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 8 position
University of the Southwest
Master
Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
81.90
/ 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 Affordability Score of 81.9/100, supported by $41,200 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 9 position
University of Phoenix - Online
Master
Master of Science in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
81.30
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
34% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
70% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited institution (any field) with 2.5 GPA; successful completion of CCMH/502 Graduate Portfolio for admission
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, required admission forms, criminal conviction acknowledgement form, CCMH/502 Graduate Portfolio and admissions committee approval; no essays, no application fee, no GRE
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 Phoenix - Online earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 81.3/100, supported by $42,030 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 10 position
Concordia University-Irvine
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
80.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
as few as 24 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
77% (2024)
Employment or doctoral admission
96% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
90%
Application deadline
Spring 2027: Feb 5, 2027
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university (confirmed via official transcript); minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Additional requirements
Completed application; official transcript confirming bachelor's degree; cumulative GPA of 3.00; 2-page (500-word) essay on personal, professional, and educational goals and fit for counseling; at least 2 professional references.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Concordia University-Irvine earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 80.3/100, supported by $43,320 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 11 position
Northwest University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
79.60
/ 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 Affordability Score of 79.6/100, supported by $44,400 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 12 position
Eastern Washington University
Master
Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science (MS)
Delivery mode: hybrid
79.10
/ 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 Affordability Score of 79.1/100, supported by $45,076 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 93 quarter credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-03-31.
# 13 position
Corban University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
76.60
/ 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 Affordability Score of 76.6/100, supported by $48,450 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 14 position
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
76.30
/ 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 Affordability Score of 76.3/100, supported by $48,880 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 15 position
Prescott College
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
75.20
/ 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 Affordability Score of 75.2/100, supported by $50,395 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-10-31.
# 16 position
George Fox University
Master
Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
74.90
/ 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 Affordability Score of 74.9/100, supported by $50,880 total tuition and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 17 position
Alliant University
Master
MA in Clinical Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
74.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
takes a minimum of two years to complete
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 units
Acceptance rate
82.33%
Program completion rate
73.8% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
80% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
94% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Alliant University earned a Research.com Affordability Score of 74.5/100, supported by $51,400 total cost (tuition and fees) and 60 units. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 18 position
Bushnell University
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
73.80
/ 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 Affordability Score of 73.8/100, supported by $52,400 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 19 position
Antioch University-Seattle
Master
MA in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Low-Residency)
Delivery mode: hybrid
71.10
/ 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 Affordability Score of 71.1/100, supported by $56,030 total tuition (estimated) and 60 semester credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
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 Affordability Score of 69.5/100, supported by $58,250 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated) and 90 quarter credits. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in West
Can I become licensed with an online counseling degree?
Possibly. Online delivery is not the deciding factor; your intended state's board evaluates the degree, coursework, supervised experience, examinations, and other applicable requirements. Confirm the program's state-specific educational fit before enrolling.
Is a CACREP-accredited program required?
Requirements differ by state and licensing pathway. Verify any program's CACREP status with the accreditor, then check the intended state board's rules rather than assuming accreditation alone establishes eligibility.
Will I have to complete clinical hours in person?
Expect supervised client-facing practicum and internship requirements. Ask the school where those activities may occur, who approves the site, and whether any campus visits or live online sessions are required.
Is the least expensive program the best choice?
Only if it also fits your licensing state, schedule, and placement needs. Compare the complete net cost - including fees, travel, and lost work time - before choosing on tuition.
Can I study at a school in one Western state and work in another?
Potentially, but state licenses are not automatically interchangeable. Check the board in the state where you want to practice and ask the school for its current disclosure about meeting that state's educational requirements.
How long should I budget before independent practice?
Budget roughly two to three years for full-time master's study, potentially longer part time, followed by whatever post-degree supervised experience and examinations your state requires. Ask the licensing board - not just the school - for the steps after graduation.
New Mexico Highlands University - Master of Arts in Counseling - Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://www.nmhu.edu/landing-counseling/
Western New Mexico University - Master of Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://coe.wnmu.edu/counseling/
Utah Valley University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. Official program page (curriculum, tuition, admissions). https://www.uvu.edu/cmhc/
