Choosing a counseling master's degree in Florida means comparing more than tuition: the program also needs to fit your schedule, clinical training needs, and plans for licensure. This guide is for future counselors and working professionals weighing those trade-offs. It accompanies the 2027 Most Valuable Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Florida, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about programs worth considering. You'll learn how to assess cost, accreditation, training, and career prospects before committing.
Key findings about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees in Florida
For Florida's licensed mental health counselor pathway, compare master's programs against the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling's education, examination, and supervised-experience requirements; a degree alone does not confer a license.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $59,350 for the relevant counseling occupation and projects 18% employment growth for 2025-2035. Neither figure predicts an individual Florida graduate's earnings or job prospects.
Florida's minimum educational requirement includes 60 semester hours of graduate coursework, according to its licensing board. Ask schools for the complete program price and a written explanation of how their curriculum and placements support the state pathway.
What can I expect from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Florida?
A clinical mental health counseling degree is typically a graduate program combining counseling theory, assessment, ethics, research, and supervised work with clients. Its practical purpose is to prepare students for professional counseling roles and, when all requirements are met, an application for licensure - not to grant a license at graduation.
Florida options use different degree names, including clinical mental health counseling, mental health counseling, counselor education with a clinical mental health track, and professional counseling. Those labels do not establish equivalent licensure preparation. If you are comparing the most popular clinical mental health counseling programs, request a course-by-course Florida licensure alignment statement from each school before treating popularity as a reason to enroll.
This path fits someone who wants sustained client-facing clinical work and can accommodate supervised placements. If your goal is school counseling, social work, or psychological testing, compare the separate degrees and licenses associated with those roles first.
Where can I work with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Florida?
Depending on the position and credential required, graduates may seek work in community mental health agencies, behavioral health clinics, hospitals, substance-use treatment settings, or group practices. Independent clinical practice requires the appropriate Florida license; employers may have additional requirements for positions available to graduates completing post-degree supervision (Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling).
Placement location matters before graduation as well as afterward. A student in Southwest Florida or Jacksonville should ask whether a program can support approved clinical sites within a workable commute; a promising placement network in another metro area may not help someone who cannot relocate. Ask where recent students trained, who secured their placements, and which sites offered schedules compatible with paid work.
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, the occupational group relevant to clinical mental health counseling. This is a nationwide occupation-level midpoint, not a Florida entry-level salary or a graduate earnings figure. Pay can differ by employer, experience, location, and licensure status.
To judge the investment, compare the salary you could realistically pursue after graduation and supervision with what you earn now. Include tuition, living expenses, loan interest, any reduction in work hours during placements, and the time needed to become licensed. A national median alone cannot establish that a particular degree will pay for itself.
The programs below offer different degree structures, disciplinary settings, and locations. These distinctions are useful for building a shortlist, but students should confirm current credit requirements, accreditation status, placement support, and Florida licensure alignment directly with each program before applying.
Florida Atlantic University: FAU offers an M. Ed. specifically in clinical mental health counseling, rather than a broader professional-counseling degree (Florida Atlantic University). Its Boca Raton location makes it a practical comparison for applicants who need to study and arrange clinical training in South Florida.
Florida Gulf Coast University: FGCU offers an M.A. in clinical mental health counseling through its Marieb College of Health & Human Services (Florida Gulf Coast University). For a student based in Southwest Florida, that regional location may make required on-site training more feasible than commuting to a program across the state.
Florida State University: FSU has a dedicated mental health counseling program within its Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Florida State University). Applicants interested in Tallahassee should compare its current degree requirements and clinical-site process with programs closer to where they intend to practice.
University of Central Florida: UCF identifies clinical mental health counseling as a track within its counselor education M.A. (University of Central Florida). That structure may appeal to students seeking counselor-education training in the Orlando area; confirm that the specific track, not merely the umbrella degree, covers Florida's required content.
Florida International University: FIU offers an M.S. specifically named clinical mental health counseling (Florida International University). Its Miami location is worth considering if staying near South Florida clinical sites is essential, but applicants should ask which placements the program can actually arrange or approve.
University of South Florida: USF houses its master's offering in a rehabilitation and mental health counseling program (University of South Florida). That combined disciplinary focus may suit students interested in both mental health and disability-related services; verify the requirements of the exact track you would enter.
University of North Florida: UNF offers a program specifically titled clinical mental health counseling in Jacksonville (University of North Florida). Its public-university setting gives Jacksonville-area applicants a direct local comparison with Jacksonville University on total cost, scheduling, and placement access.
Southeastern University: Southeastern's M.S. is titled professional counseling rather than clinical mental health counseling (Southeastern University). Students considering its Lakeland program should make the extra check that its current coursework and supervised training satisfy the Florida pathway they intend to follow.
Jacksonville University: Jacksonville University offers an M.S. in mental health counseling in the same metro area as UNF's program (Jacksonville University). Comparing the two is especially useful for applicants who want to stay in Jacksonville but need to weigh different institutional prices and clinical schedules.
University of Florida: UF explicitly presents mental health counseling as an on-campus track within its counselor education M. Ed. (University of Florida). The stated campus format is an important distinction for students deciding whether they can attend in Gainesville rather than needing a more location-flexible option.
A full-time counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years; part-time study can take longer. Clinical placements, course sequencing, and whether classes run in summer matter more than the advertised credit total alone. Florida's licensing board requires at least 60 semester hours of graduate education for the mental health counselor pathway, but meeting that coursework threshold does not complete the separate examination and post-degree supervised-experience requirements.
Ask for a term-by-term plan showing when practicum and internship begin, whether required courses are offered every term, and how long students working full time usually take. An accelerated schedule is attractive only if you can complete its clinical hours without jeopardizing your income or placement performance.
Online coursework can reduce commuting, but counseling degrees still require supervised clinical experiences. On-campus study provides scheduled in-person classes; it does not eliminate travel to field sites. The better format depends on where you live, how you work, and whether the school can approve placements near you.
Before enrolling online, ask who identifies supervisors and sites, where any required in-person meetings occur, and whether the program's coursework and clinical training support Florida licensure. If you may move, ask about the other state's rules too. A flexible delivery format is not evidence that a program meets every state board's requirements (Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling).
There is no single reliable Florida-wide price for a clinical mental health counseling master's: institutions set different graduate rates, and charges depend on residency, credit load, fees, and program length. Published institutional tuition averages are not substitutes for a quote covering the specific degree. When reviewing the most affordable clinical mental health counseling programs, compare the estimated total cost to completion, not only the price per credit.
Request a written estimate that includes all required credits, university and program fees, books, travel to clinical sites, and any costs tied to background checks or placement requirements. At a Florida public university, verify whether you qualify for resident tuition; do not assume living in the state automatically establishes eligibility. Compare net costs after grants or assistantships, then account for wages you may forgo during clinical training.
Eligible students can submit the FAFSA to be considered for federal graduate aid and ask each institution about assistantships, scholarships, and payment plans. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are generally the main federal loan option for eligible new graduate borrowers; borrowing limits and terms should be checked with Federal Student Aid and the school's aid office.
Do not build a new enrollment budget around Graduate PLUS without checking eligibility. Under federal rules taking effect for the 2026-27 academic year, new graduate borrowers generally cannot access new Grad PLUS loans; limited transitional eligibility may apply to certain students who previously borrowed for the same program, subject to federal conditions (Federal Student Aid). Ask the aid office to show the funding gap for every term, including clinical semesters when paid work may be harder to maintain.
View the chart data as a table
Annual earnings-to-program-cost ratio distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
0.50–0.74
2
0.75–0.99
5
1.00–1.24
2
1.25–1.49
0
1.50–1.74
3
1.75–1.99
2
2.00–2.24
1
2.25–2.49
1
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree. Individual schools may also require transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, an interview, or specified preparation in psychology or related subjects; admissions criteria belong to the institution, not to Florida's licensing board. A bachelor's in another field does not necessarily rule out counseling, but prerequisite courses could add time and cost.
Check three separate questions before applying: whether you qualify for admission, whether the proposed degree covers Florida's education requirements, and whether you can complete its clinical placements. Ask how previously earned graduate credits would transfer. Admission or transfer approval does not by itself mean the licensing board will accept a course for a particular requirement (institutional admissions offices; Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling).
Expect study in counseling techniques, human development, assessment, diagnosis, ethics, research, and counseling across diverse populations, followed by supervised practicum and internship work. Programs may organize these subjects differently, so compare syllabi and fieldwork requirements rather than relying on course titles alone.
Florida's licensing board evaluates defined graduate education and supervised-training requirements for mental health counselor applicants. Ask a program to identify which courses meet each board requirement and whether it has changed the curriculum since its last published catalog. A concentration or elective is useful only if it fits into the required sequence without delaying graduation.
Depending on the school, students may find electives or tracks related to substance use, trauma, family work, or rehabilitation. USF's rehabilitation and mental health counseling program is a particularly relevant option to investigate if disability-related services interest you (University of South Florida). Availability, however, varies by program and catalog year.
Choose a specialty for the clients and settings you hope to serve, not because its name sounds like an additional credential. Ask whether it requires extra credits or a particular placement, and whether completing it changes your Florida licensure preparation. School counseling and marriage and family therapy have distinct professional pathways; a mental health counseling elective does not automatically qualify you for either license (Florida Department of Health).
Start with your intended license and where you can realistically complete clinical training. Then use the best clinical mental health counseling programs as a shortlist rather than a substitute for checking fit. Florida's licensing board, the program's current catalog, and its accreditation information should inform the final decision.
These checks separate a plausible choice from one that merely looks inexpensive or convenient:
Ask the program for written documentation mapping its coursework and supervised training to current Florida mental health counselor education requirements.
Verify the institution's accreditation and any claimed programmatic CACREP accreditation directly with the relevant accreditor; do not assume CACREP recognition is the only possible route to Florida licensure.
Get a complete, term-by-term price and aid estimate, including clinical-placement expenses and any income you expect to lose.
Ask who secures placements, where recent students trained, and how the program supports students when a site falls through.
Compare completion and applicable licensure-exam outcomes using their reporting years and definitions, and ask what happens if you need to study part time.
For return on investment, consider completion probability, aid, debt, current earnings, potential post-degree earnings, time to licensure, and the years over which you expect to use the credential. Neither public nor private nonprofit status alone settles that calculation.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Mental Health Counselors in Florida (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
39,430
25th percentile
46,590
Median
56,790
75th percentile
73,030
90th percentile
84,410
A graduate may pursue an eligible supervised role on the way to Florida mental health counselor licensure, then consider positions in community agencies, behavioral health services, or clinical practices according to employer and licensing requirements. Some counselors develop expertise in substance-use or other client populations through their work and additional training. Private practice is a later option for appropriately licensed professionals, not an automatic first job after graduation (Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling).
If you already work in human services, ask prospective employers whether the degree would qualify you for a different role or pay band and at what stage of licensure. If your goal instead requires a social work, school counseling, or psychology credential, choose the corresponding educational pathway before taking on counseling-degree debt.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 18% national employment growth from 2025 to 2035 for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. That projection indicates demand across the occupational group, but it is not a Florida-specific forecast and does not establish how many openings will be available to a newly graduated, not-yet-licensed applicant.
For a local reality check, search current postings in the Florida area where you intend to live. Note which jobs accept graduates completing supervision, which require an active license, and whether employers provide supervision. Compare those requirements with each school's placement and career support. This is more useful for choosing between, for example, a South Florida and a Jacksonville program than applying a national growth rate to either market.
2027 Most Valuable Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Florida
Investing in a graduate degree is a consequential decision. Research.com developed this ranking to help readers compare programs using consistent evidence rather than reputation alone. Its team reviews program information and checks the quality, credibility, and accuracy of the data used in its scoring.
Research.com's counseling rankings consider graduate outcomes, licensure-exam pass rates where applicable, accreditation, federal aid eligibility, and program cost. The underlying Best score weights completion at 40%, employment or doctoral admission at 20%, applicable licensure-exam performance at 20%, CACREP accreditation at 16%, and institutional Title IV eligibility at 4%; weights are adjusted when a measure does not apply. Cost contributes a smaller share - about 7% - to the final Best score. Online and campus programs use the same method; rankings named for another dimension order programs by that dimension. The ranking draws on these data sources:
IPEDS database - institutional enrollment, completion, and price information.
A ranking is a starting point, not a licensure determination or a personalized affordability calculation. Use it to identify candidates, then confirm each program's current curriculum, total price, field-placement arrangements, and Florida licensure alignment. Research.com explains its approach further on its methodology page.
# 1 position
Florida Atlantic University
Master
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
64.60
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years expected to complete master's program
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
90% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: January 15
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Undergraduate GPA of 2.5; GRE General Test (no minimum sub-scores); three letters of recommendation; statement of objectives; resume; in-person interview. International applicants need transcript evaluation and English proficiency scores.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, GRE General Test, three letters of recommendation, statement of objectives, resume; in-person interview (per handbook)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida Atlantic University earned a Research.com Value Score of 64.6/100, supported by $53,838 median earnings and 90% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 2 position
Florida Gulf Coast University
Master
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
60.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
61 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
100%
Application deadline
February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE required if GPA for the last 60 undergraduate semester hours is below 3.0 (V+Q 1000 pre-Aug 2011, or 151-153 V and 143-144 Q)
Prerequisites
Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body or equivalent foreign 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).
Florida Gulf Coast University earned a Research.com Value Score of 60.2/100, supported by $50,427 median earnings and $22,776 total cost (tuition and fees). The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 3 position
Florida State University
Master
M.S./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
53.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
5 full semesters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
11.7%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
96% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
December 1st
Class size
26
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (or comparable international degree) with a minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division coursework attempted toward the bachelor's degree; GRE is waived for admission to this MS/Ed.S. program.
Additional requirements
Personal statement (max 3 pages), 3 letters of recommendation, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts (official transcripts also required to Office of Graduate Admissions)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida State University earned a Research.com Value Score of 53.0/100, supported by $57,059 median earnings and 100% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 4 position
University of Central Florida
Master
M.A. in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track
Delivery mode: campus
52.00
/ 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 Value Score of 52.0/100, supported by $45,569 median earnings and 90% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-10-31.
# 5 position
Florida International University
Master
MS in Counselor Education: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Major
Delivery mode: campus
41.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
The length of study is 2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.20 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall 2027 (fall intake only): February 15, 2027, 5 p.m. EST
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Non-psychology majors must complete 9 hours of prerequisite psychology (introductory Psychology; Educational/Abnormal Psychology or Personality Theories; Research/Statistics), each with a C or better and a 3.0+ GPA across these prerequisite courses…
Additional requirements
Unofficial transcripts, autobiographical sketch/letter of intent, 3 letters of recommendation, resume, interview by the admissions committee (if selected), and a proctored writing sample (if selected).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Florida International University earned a Research.com Value Score of 41.9/100, supported by $46,820 median earnings and $28,731 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated). The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 6 position
University of South Florida
Master
M.A. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
39.90
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years and one semester full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
January 15, 2027 (priority deadline for Fall 2027; application closes when University Deadline passes in June)
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a social, behavioral or health sciences related discipline; no specific undergraduate major is required
Additional requirements
USF graduate application plus program supplemental forms, including CRMHC Student Accountability and Background/Drug Screening forms.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of South Florida earned a Research.com Value Score of 39.9/100, supported by $40,855 median earnings and $26,085 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated). The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 7 position
University of North Florida
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Delivery mode: campus
39.20
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
92% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
63% (2023-24)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree.
Additional requirements
Resume (max 2 pages); letter of intent (max 2 pages) on reasons and goals; two recommendation forms (preferably one from faculty); interview for top candidates; application, fee, and official transcripts.
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 Florida earned a Research.com Value Score of 39.2/100, supported by $45,840 median earnings and 63% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 8 position
Southeastern University
Master
MS in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
24.50
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
82% (2025)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2025-26)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants below this minimum may complete the graduate certificate in mental health services and reapply with a graduate GPA of at least 3.0. GRE is not required.
Additional requirements
Admission essay, letter of recommendation, faculty committee evaluation, and admission 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).
Southeastern University earned a Research.com Value Score of 24.5/100, supported by $37,746 median earnings and 100% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-10-31.
# 9 position
Jacksonville University
Master
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
24.00
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two-year, full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 15
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (minimum combined 290) required if cumulative GPA is below 3.0
Prerequisites
No specific undergraduate major required, but the undergraduate degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university.
Additional requirements
Completed JU Application, unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred, statement of intent, resume/CV, 3 letters of recommendation; applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.0 must submit official GRE scores (minimum combined 290).
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).
Jacksonville University earned a Research.com Value Score of 24.0/100, supported by $52,738 median earnings and $49,800 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated). The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 10 position
University of Florida
Master
M.Ed./Ed.S. in Counselor Education
Delivery mode: campus
20.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
72 semester credits
Acceptance rate
48.84%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
November 1, 2026 (for Fall 2027 entry)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree deemed equivalent by UF Office of Admissions
Additional requirements
Minimum 3.0 upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate GPA; acceptable GPA for previous graduate work; no GRE required
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Florida earned a Research.com Value Score of 20.3/100, supported by $35,991 median earnings and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 11 position
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Master
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. (Online)
Delivery mode: hybrid
19.10
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 ½ calendar years (seven semesters)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with case-by-case exceptions. Specific prerequisite courses are not identified.
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts from the bachelor's institution and prerequisite course institutions; two confidential recommendation forms; essay on the supplied prompt; interview after application 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).
Palm Beach Atlantic University earned a Research.com Value Score of 19.1/100, supported by $43,029 median earnings and $47,520 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated). The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 12 position
Barry University
Master
Counseling, MS – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
16.30
/ 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 Value Score of 16.3/100, supported by $45,209 median earnings and 95% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 13 position
Nova Southeastern University
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: campus
14.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (300 V+Q) required if GPA in the last 60 undergraduate hours is below 2.5 and no master's with 3.0 GPA (or 'other similar measures')
Prerequisites
Regionally accredited bachelor's degree; a degree in psychology, education, behavioral science, social work, or a related field preferred, and/or demonstrated aptitude for counseling through professional, volunteer, or research experience.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts from all schools attended (or evaluation of foreign degrees), an 800-word, three-paragraph statement of professional goals, and English proficiency scores for international applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Nova Southeastern University earned a Research.com Value Score of 14.6/100, supported by $44,672 median earnings and $58,650 total cost (tuition and fees). The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 14 position
Nova Southeastern University
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: hybrid
14.60
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (300 V+Q) required if GPA in the last 60 undergraduate hours is below 2.5 and no master's with 3.0 GPA (or 'other similar measures')
Prerequisites
Regionally accredited bachelor's degree; a degree in psychology, education, behavioral science, social work, or a related field preferred, and/or demonstrated aptitude for counseling through professional, volunteer, or research experience.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcripts from all schools attended (or evaluation of foreign degrees), an 800-word, three-paragraph statement of professional goals, and English proficiency scores for international applicants.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Nova Southeastern University earned a Research.com Value Score of 14.6/100, supported by $44,672 median earnings and $58,650 total cost (tuition and fees). The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-10-31.
# 15 position
Stetson University
Master
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
12.90
/ 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 Value Score of 12.9/100, supported by $38,619 median earnings and 40% licensure exam pass rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 16 position
South University-West Palm Beach
Master
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
10.40
/ 100
Final score
Program length
10 quarters
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
95 quarter credits
GPA range
2.30 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.3 GPA for the last 60 semester/90 quarter hours or overall; or a graduate degree with 3.0+ CGPA. Non-native English speakers must meet English proficiency requirements.
Additional requirements
Application; personal/professional statement on counseling interests, goals and qualifications; official transcripts; résumé; background check; faculty or program leadership interview; English proficiency test when applicable.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
South University-West Palm Beach earned a Research.com Value Score of 10.4/100, supported by $41,585 median earnings and $66,475 total cost (tuition and fees, estimated). The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree in Florida
Can I become a Florida licensed mental health counselor immediately after graduation?
No. A qualifying degree is one component; Florida also has examination and supervised-experience requirements. Confirm the current sequence with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
Does a Florida counseling program have to be CACREP-accredited?
Do not assume CACREP accreditation is the only acceptable educational route. Check the board's current rules for your circumstances and have the school document how its specific program meets them.
Can I complete a counseling master's entirely online?
Coursework may be online, but supervised clinical training still requires arrangements with approved sites and supervisors. Ask about any campus visits and who coordinates placements near you.
Is a cheaper program always the better investment?
No. Compare the full net cost, time to completion, placement access, likely borrowing, and fit with your career goal. A low advertised tuition rate can be less attractive if required courses or clinical sites delay completion.
Is a clinical mental health counseling degree worth it for a career changer?
It may be if you want clinical counseling work, can meet Florida's licensing requirements, and can finance the degree and supervised-training period. First ask schools about prerequisites and employers about roles available before full licensure.
