Choosing a counseling master's program in the South means comparing more than school names: the degree must fit your state's licensure rules, your budget, and the time you can spend in clinical training. This guide accompanies the 2027 Most Popular Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. It explains how to compare training formats, costs, career prospects, and the requirements that can affect your path to licensure.
Key findings about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in South
Clinical mental health counseling is generally a master's-level route toward state licensure, but degree completion alone does not confer a license; compare each program with the board rules where you intend to practice.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $59,350 national median annual wage for the relevant counseling occupation in May 2025 and projects 18% employment growth from 2025 to 2035; neither figure predicts an individual graduate's earnings or prospects.
A practical shortlist should compare required clinical placements, total net cost, and state-specific eligibility - not popularity alone. Online coursework can reduce travel to campus, but supervised fieldwork still requires an approved site.
What can I expect from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South?
A clinical mental health counseling degree is usually a graduate program preparing students to assess clients, plan treatment, provide counseling under supervision, and work toward a state-issued professional counselor license. It differs from a school counseling degree, which centers on school settings, and from a psychology doctorate, which follows a different training and licensing pathway.
Expect coursework in counseling theory, diagnosis, ethics, assessment, and multicultural practice, followed by supervised practicum and internship. In the South, the crucial question is where you plan to seek your first license: boards in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and other states set their own educational, examination, and post-degree supervision rules. Ask a program to document how its curriculum and placements align with your intended state board rather than relying on the degree title alone (state professional counselor licensing boards).
This path fits people who want sustained client-facing clinical work and can accommodate fieldwork and supervised practice after graduation. If your goal is school counseling, prescribing medication, or a research-focused psychology career, compare the corresponding credentials before committing to a counseling master's.
Where can I work with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South?
Clinical mental health counselors work in outpatient clinics, community mental health agencies, hospitals, integrated-care settings, substance-use treatment programs, and, once eligible under state rules, private practice. Employers and permitted duties differ for students, provisionally licensed graduates, and independently licensed counselors (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state professional counselor licensing boards).
Location changes the training decision. A program near a large Texas or Florida metro area may give a student a different set of potential placements than a program serving a rural community, while rural practice may involve broader referral and access needs. Ask each school which sites accept its students, whether you must find your own placement, and whether sites near your home meet the board's supervision rules. A placement network is valuable only if it works in the community where you can actually train.
The national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook). This occupation includes jobs beyond clinical mental health counseling, so the median is a benchmark - not a starting salary, a South-specific figure, or a forecast of what a particular degree will pay.
Pay depends on state, employer, experience, and licensure status. When comparing offers in different Southern states, use the same BLS occupation and reference year for each location, then weigh take-home pay against housing costs and any period of supervised work before independent licensure. A degree's return on investment also depends on aid, debt, time away from work, the likelihood of finishing, and how long you expect to practice - not salary alone.
The programs below present different decisions about location, degree structure, and professional focus. These are comparison points, not claims that any program automatically satisfies a particular state's current licensing rules. Request each school's current catalog, clinical-placement handbook, and state-eligibility disclosure before enrolling.
Troy University: Troy's counseling program is an Alabama-based option for students comparing training close to where they expect to seek placements and eventual licensure. Check the current catalog against the Alabama board's course and fieldwork rules, especially if you plan to study from another state (Troy University).
The University of Texas at San Antonio: UTSA identifies its master's specifically as clinical mental health counseling. That direct clinical focus makes it worth comparing with broader counseling degrees if you expect to train and apply for licensure in Texas (UTSA).
Johns Hopkins University: Its MS in Counseling includes a clinical mental health counseling pathway within a broader counseling degree. Compare that pathway's required courses and placements - not just the university name - with the requirements of the state where you intend to practice (Johns Hopkins University).
University of North Texas: UNT offers a clinical mental health counseling program in a university counselor-education setting. For students considering North Texas, the useful distinction is whether its clinical-site arrangements fit their commute and intended client population (University of North Texas).
Mercer University: Mercer places clinical mental health counseling among its graduate and professional counseling offerings in Georgia. It is a relevant comparison for applicants who want to examine a professional-school route alongside public-university options; verify current tuition and Georgia licensure alignment separately (Mercer University).
Divine Mercy University: Its MS in Counseling is a distinctive option for applicants who want to assess how the program's stated mission and counseling curriculum fit their approach to clinical work. Confirm the clinical mental health pathway, placement requirements, and eligibility in your intended licensing state before treating that fit as decisive (Divine Mercy University).
Sam Houston State University: SHSU's catalog lists a Counseling MA within counselor education. Because the degree title is broader than "clinical mental health counseling," applicants should check the specific track and course sequence against Texas professional counselor requirements (Sam Houston State University).
University of Central Florida: UCF identifies clinical mental health counseling as a track within its Counselor Education MA. That structure gives applicants a clear track to evaluate, but Florida board eligibility still depends on the completed coursework and supervised training (University of Central Florida; Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling).
Tarleton State University: Tarleton offers an MS specifically titled Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For a Texas applicant, the comparison is whether its campus, course scheduling, and available clinical sites fit better than another Texas-based program with a similar degree goal (Tarleton State University).
East Texas A&M University: Its Counseling MS identifies a clinical mental health option, making the selected track important when reviewing the transcript requirements for Texas licensure. Applicants who need placements in East Texas should ask which sites and supervisors the program currently approves (East Texas A&M University).
These descriptions identify what to investigate, not comparable outcome scores. If two schools appear equally suitable, ask both for the same recent completion, licensure-exam, placement, and total-cost information before deciding.
A full-time clinical mental health counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years; part-time enrollment can take longer. The actual calendar depends on course sequencing, summer availability, and when you can complete supervised practicum and internship. Graduation is not the end of the licensing timeline: states typically require additional supervised experience and an examination before independent practice (program catalogs; state professional counselor licensing boards).
An accelerated schedule makes sense only if you can reliably attend classes and clinical shifts. For working adults, a slower program with predictable placement hours may cost less in missed wages or reduce the risk of delaying graduation. Ask for a term-by-term plan that includes fieldwork - not merely the advertised classroom completion time.
The main difference is where you complete academic instruction, not whether you need hands-on clinical training. Online programs still require supervised practice at approved sites, and an out-of-state school's curriculum does not automatically satisfy the rules of the state where you live (state professional counselor licensing boards).
The comparison below focuses on constraints that can change whether a format is feasible for a working student.
Factor
Online coursework
On-campus coursework
Schedule and travel
May reduce routine campus travel; live classes or occasional visits may still apply.
Requires travel for scheduled classes but may suit students who prefer in-person instruction.
Clinical training
Requires an approved local or otherwise accessible placement.
Requires an approved placement; campus attendance does not guarantee a nearby site.
Licensure check
Especially important when the school and intended licensing state differ.
Still necessary, particularly if you expect to move after graduation.
Choose online study if its schedule helps you remain employed and the program can support an acceptable placement where you live. Choose campus study if its timetable and local clinical connections better fit your circumstances. Confirm residency requirements, placement assistance, and state eligibility in writing before paying a deposit.
There is no single defensible price for a clinical mental health counseling master's across the South: institutions report tuition in different ways, and a published regional average would conceal differences in residency, credits, and fees. NCES IPEDS institutional tuition data can provide context, but institutional averages are not quotes for a specific counseling program (National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS).
For a meaningful comparison, calculate each school's total program cost from its current required credits and your applicable per-credit tuition. Add mandatory fees, clinical-placement expenses, travel or campus visits, and expected living costs; subtract grants and assistantship support. Public in-state tuition may be attractive, but do not assume an online student qualifies for resident pricing. A lower sticker price is not necessarily cheaper if the program takes longer or requires substantial unpaid time away from work.
Graduate students can submit the FAFSA to establish eligibility for applicable federal aid and to meet some schools' aid procedures. Potential funding includes federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, institutional scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition support, and state- or institution-specific awards; availability and terms vary (Federal Student Aid; U.S. Department of Education).
Graduate PLUS eligibility has changed for students beginning graduate study under the rules effective July 2026. New graduate borrowers generally should not budget on receiving a new Graduate PLUS loan; limited transitional eligibility may apply to borrowers who meet the federal prior-enrollment and borrowing conditions. Confirm your own status and current borrowing limits with Federal Student Aid and the school's financial aid office before accepting an offer (Federal Student Aid).
Compare net cost rather than scholarship headlines. Ask whether an award renews during internship terms and whether an assistantship leaves enough time for required clinical hours. If you plan to work for a government or qualifying nonprofit employer, review Public Service Loan Forgiveness rules, but do not treat future forgiveness as guaranteed (Federal Student Aid).
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
Programs typically require a bachelor's degree and an application with transcripts, recommendations, and a statement of purpose; interviews, prerequisite coursework, or other requirements depend on the school (institutional admissions pages). A psychology major is not necessarily required, so career changers should check the actual admissions page rather than rule themselves out.
Admission and licensure are separate decisions. Before applying, take these steps to avoid a costly mismatch:
Choose the state where you are most likely to seek your first counselor license and read its board's educational requirements.
Ask the program which concentration, courses, and supervised experiences it expects you to complete for that state.
Confirm whether your bachelor's coursework meets admissions prerequisites and whether any prior graduate credits can transfer without disrupting the required clinical sequence.
Ask how the school handles placements, background checks, and any required campus attendance before you commit.
CACREP is a programmatic accreditor for counseling programs; institutional accreditation and CACREP recognition are different checks. Determine whether your intended state board requires, recognizes, or offers a particular route for graduates of a CACREP-accredited program, rather than assuming one rule applies throughout the South (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state professional counselor licensing boards).
Clinical mental health counseling curricula commonly cover counseling skills and theories, lifespan development, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, ethics, research, group counseling, and multicultural counseling. Supervised practicum and internship connect those subjects to client work (program catalogs; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Course titles alone can be misleading when you compare states. One board may scrutinize specific content or supervised-experience documentation that another evaluates differently. Request a curriculum map showing which courses satisfy your intended board's categories, and ask whether a course you need is offered often enough to keep you on schedule. A broadly appealing elective cannot replace a missing licensing requirement.
Depending on the school, students may find electives or structured tracks related to substance-use counseling, trauma, child and adolescent counseling, couples and family work, or integrated behavioral health. A specialization can help you target placements and build relevant skills, but its label does not create a separate license or guarantee eligibility for a specialty credential (program catalogs; state professional counselor licensing boards).
Compare the courses and supervised client experience behind a track. If addiction services are your goal, for example, ask whether the program can arrange relevant supervised work and whether your state has a distinct substance-use credential. If you want to counsel students in schools, check the separate school-counselor credential instead of assuming a clinical mental health concentration qualifies you for it.
Start with eligibility, then compare fit and cost. A popular program can be a poor investment if its fieldwork is inaccessible, its curriculum does not fit your intended state, or its financing requires more debt than your likely career path supports. The best clinical mental health counseling programs offer another way to build a shortlist, but no ranking replaces a personal licensure and cost check.
Use these questions in the same order for every finalist so the answers are comparable:
Will this exact track meet the educational requirements of my intended state board, and where can I verify that answer?
Who secures the practicum and internship sites, and what happens if a placement is unavailable near me?
What will I pay through graduation after confirmed aid, including fees and required travel?
What recent, clearly defined program-level completion, exam, and employment outcomes can the school share?
How will part-time study, transferred credits, or a change in licensing state affect my plan?
For return on investment, compare net cost and likely debt with your current earnings, potential post-degree earnings, time out of the workforce, completion prospects, and the years you expect to practice. The most valuable clinical mental health counseling programs can inform that comparison, but avoid treating a ranking position or national wage median as a personal payoff calculation.
View the chart data as a table
Graduates (2024-25) distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0–24
85
25–49
32
50–74
12
75–99
1
100–124
2
125–149
1
150–174
2
The most direct path is supervised clinical work after graduation followed by an application for independent professional counselor licensure under the relevant state board's rules. Graduates may pursue roles in community agencies, outpatient behavioral health, hospital-affiliated services, or substance-use treatment; independent practice generally requires the appropriate state license (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state professional counselor licensing boards).
A student interested in addiction treatment should compare clinical mental health programs with dedicated addiction-counseling pathways and the state's credential rules. Someone aiming to teach counselor education or conduct advanced research may eventually need doctoral study. Your first job should be evaluated partly for the quality of its supervision and qualifying experience, not only its pay.
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% employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That national projection signals demand across the broader occupation, but it is not a placement rate for any Southern program or a guarantee of openings in a particular town (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections).
For a local decision, search openings separately in the state and community where you intend to live, and distinguish positions that accept supervised, not-yet-independently-licensed counselors from those requiring full licensure. Compare employers' supervision arrangements, caseload expectations, and accepted credentials. This matters especially if your placement or first job must be within commuting distance: national growth cannot solve a local supervision shortage.
2027 Most Popular Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the South
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision, so Research.com uses multiple data sources and checks program information for credibility and accuracy. Its counseling rankings consider graduate outcomes, licensure exam results where applicable, accreditation, federal aid eligibility, and cost. Each ranking orders programs by the dimension named in its title; popularity should therefore be read as a measure of interest, not proof of clinical quality or licensure eligibility.
The ranking draws on these sources, which readers can also use to check institutional and program claims:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completion, and cost data.
For context, Research.com's separate Best counseling ranking first weights program completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, applicable licensure exam pass rates at 20%, CACREP accreditation at 16%, and Title IV eligibility at 4%; inapplicable criteria are reweighted. Cost contributes about 7% of its final score. Readers can review Research.com's methodology and then confirm current program details directly with schools before applying.
# 1 position
Troy University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
69.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 1/2 - 3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
77% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2022-23)
Application deadline
Fall: Jul 15; Spring: Nov 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
Transcripts; three reference forms (adviser/chair/dean, most recent employer, and one chosen by the applicant); minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or 3.0 in final 30 semester hours).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Troy University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 69.6/100, supported by 147 graduates (2024-25) and 77% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 2 position
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Master
Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
64.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3.5 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
88% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Spring 2027: October 1; Fall 2027: March 1; Spring 2028: October 1. All deadlines at 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time; summer admission unavailable.
Class size
146
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent foreign training; adequate preparatory coursework (no specific courses listed). Minimum 3.0 GPA; the department may consider the last 60 semester credit hours.
Additional requirements
Graduate application and fee, transcripts, three recommendation/rating forms, and narrative statement (2027-28: a video of up to five minutes). English proficiency where applicable: TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7, or Duolingo 130.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The University of Texas at San Antonio earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 64.5/100, supported by 102 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 3 position
Johns Hopkins University
Master
Master of Science in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
60.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 to 5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Acceptance rate
23.43%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: January 21, 2027
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Additional requirements
Application, official transcripts from all accredited post-secondary institutions, résumé/CV, personal statement of goals, two letters of recommendation; qualified applicants invited to a group admission interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Johns Hopkins University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 60.5/100, with 76 graduates (2024-2025) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 4 position
University of North Texas
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
59.30
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
78% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: March 15; Spring: October 1
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; GRE scores not required.
Additional requirements
Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; Three (3) professional reference evaluation forms specific to the counseling program
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of North Texas earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 59.3/100, supported by 70 graduates (2024-25) and 78% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 5 position
Mercer University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
59.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
30-42 months
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
27.79%
Program completion rate
75% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
90% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
98.4% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Spring: September 30; Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university with an acceptable GPA; no specific prerequisite courses are listed.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts from all prior institutions; background check; two professional references; current résumé; autobiographical goal statement; interview; identity verification. International applicants need TOEFL or IELTS.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Mercer University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 59.3/100, supported by 70 graduates (2023-24) and 75% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 6 position
Divine Mercy University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
58.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time students typically complete the program over a three-year period
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
69% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Additional requirements
Complete the online application, review responses, sign and complete the electronic signature, and verify the electronic signature through the confirmation email.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Divine Mercy University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 58.7/100, with 67 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 7 position
Sam Houston State University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
58.10
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
95% (2022-23)
Employment or doctoral admission
85% (2022-23)
Licensure exam pass rate
95% (2022-23)
Application process
direct (ApplyTexas + Office of Graduate Admissions Self-Service Portal)
GRE
no
Additional requirements
ApplyTexas graduate application and fee; official transcript from the institution conferring the undergraduate degree; two reference forms; personal statement; interview for top candidates after holistic review.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Sam Houston State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 58.1/100, supported by 64 graduates (2024-25) and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 8 position
University of Central Florida
Master
M.A. in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track
Delivery mode: campus
56.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 Years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
63 semester credits
Acceptance rate
12%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
98% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
98% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
90% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1 (domestic applicants); January 15 (international applicants); Spring: September 1 (domestic applicants); July 1 (international applicants)
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Central Florida earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 56.0/100, supported by 55 graduates (2025-26) and 98% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 9 position
Tarleton State University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
56.00
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: Priority Dec 1; Final Apr 1 (Fall start only)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Additional requirements
College of Graduate Studies application; official transcripts (3.0 GPA on last 60 hrs); program application; in-person admissions interview; mandatory program orientation; complete 2 Pre-CMHC classes with a B or better in first semester
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tarleton State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 56.0/100, with 55 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 10 position
East Texas A&M University
Master
Counseling (MS) – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Emphasis
Delivery mode: hybrid
55.50
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
89% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: June 15; Spring: October 15; no Summer admission
Application process
ApplyTexas or ETAMU graduate application
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Graduate application ($50 fee), official transcripts, three references (department form), counseling essay (self-exploration statement), resume/CV; possible group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
East Texas A&M University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 55.5/100, supported by 53 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 11 position
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Master
Master of Education in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
55.50
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 55.5/100, with 53 graduates (2024-25) among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 12 position
Barry University
Master
Counseling, MS – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
54.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
~ 2-2 ½ years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
95% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Barry University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 54.7/100, supported by 50 graduates (2023-24) and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 13 position
Marymount University
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
54.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
64.1% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Jan 15 (priority), Mar 1 (final)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Marymount University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 54.2/100, supported by 48 graduates (2024-25) and 64.1% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 14 position
Lipscomb University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
53.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
7 semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95.4%
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Licensure exam pass rate
100%
Application deadline
Fall 2027: Mar 4, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (any major) with a 3.0 GPA; if GPA is below 3.0, applicant may submit an explanation, GRE scores, or transcripts of a completed master's degree
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended (unofficial accepted for initial review), resume, and Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA (if below 3.0, submit one of: a short explanation of the GPA, GRE scores, or transcripts of a…
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Lipscomb University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 53.3/100, supported by 45 graduates (2022-23) and 95.4% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 15 position
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.
Delivery mode: campus
53.30
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Licensure exam pass rate
94% (2025-26)
Application deadline
Fall: March 1; Spring: September 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (294 combined + 3.5 writing) or MAT (390) required if GPA in the last 60 hours is below 3.000 (waived with a master's degree)
Prerequisites
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Resume, Formal Essay (max 500 words), Three letters of recommendation, Self-Rating Sheet, Background Check; GRE or MAT scores unless waived
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Houston-Clear Lake earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 53.3/100, supported by 45 graduates (2024-25) and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 16 position
George Mason University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
51.70
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100%
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: December 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
12 credits in behavioral sciences undergraduate coursework; 500 hours of counseling-related work and/or volunteer experience; admissions interview
Additional requirements
Graduate application and fee; essay prompt responses (in place of personal goals statement); current resume; two letters of recommendation; transcripts from all previously attended institutions
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
George Mason University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 51.7/100, supported by 40 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 17 position
The Chicago School - Washington, D.C.
Master
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
51.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
50%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
Additional requirements
Application; $50 application fee; GPA of 3.0 or higher; two-page essay on how the applicant would contribute to the program's mission and to the profession as a clinical mental health counselor; resume; three letters of recommendation;
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).
The Chicago School - Washington, D.C. earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 51.3/100, supported by 39 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 18 position
Southeastern Louisiana University
Master
Counseling, MS – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: campus
50.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 to 3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Summer/Fall: April 1; Spring: November 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if GPA (cumulative or last 60 hours) is below 3.0
Prerequisites
Nine hours of undergraduate or graduate study in behavioral studies (e.g. psychology, sociology, social work)
Additional requirements
Graduate school application; undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or last 60 hours; GRE if GPA below 3.0; completed application portfolio to the Counseling Program Admissions committee
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Southeastern Louisiana University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 50.6/100, supported by 37 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 19 position
Stetson University
Master
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
50.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Two to three years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Program completion rate
68.4% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
95%
Licensure exam pass rate
40% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Stetson University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 50.6/100, supported by 37 graduates (2024-25) and 68.4% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 20 position
Texas State University
Master
M.A. Major in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
49.90
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university or qualifying international equivalent; minimum 3.0 overall GPA or 3.0 in the last 60 undergraduate hours plus completed graduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts, official general GRE scores (waivers may be available with a master's or doctorate), informed consent form, resume/CV and statement of purpose; English proficiency scores unless exempt.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas State University earned a Research.com Student Interest Score of 49.9/100, supported by 35 graduates (2024-25) and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in South
Do I need a master's degree to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor?
A qualifying graduate degree is generally part of the professional counselor licensure pathway, but states set their own coursework, examination, and supervised-experience requirements. Check the board where you intend to practice before choosing a program (state professional counselor licensing boards).
Is a CACREP-accredited program required?
Requirements differ by state and licensing route. Check the program's current CACREP status and ask your intended board how it evaluates that degree; do not confuse programmatic accreditation with the university's institutional accreditation (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; state professional counselor licensing boards).
Can I become licensed after an online counseling master's?
Possibly. Online instruction does not eliminate supervised clinical training, and eligibility depends on the completed curriculum, placement, and rules of your intended licensing state. Get a state-specific answer from both the program and board before enrolling.
Is the degree worth the cost?
It can be if clinical counseling is your intended career and the program offers a feasible route to licensure at a manageable net cost. Compare debt, lost earnings, graduation time, and supervised-work requirements with your current career options rather than using the national median wage as a promised return.
Should I choose a clinical mental health or school counseling program?
Choose according to the credential and setting you want. Clinical mental health training targets behavioral health practice; school counseling follows a distinct school-based credential pathway. Ask the relevant state board or education agency which program qualifies for your goal.
