Mental health counselors play an important role in today's society. They help clients manage mental health conditions, trauma, and behavioral disorders.
To become a mental health counselor, you'll need to earn at least a master's degree in counseling or psychology. Keep reading for our list of the top five schools for mental health counseling.
Top 5 Schools for Mental Health Counseling
Several colleges and universities in the United States offer degree programs in mental health counseling. Below, you'll find our top schools for mental health counseling listed in alphabetical order.
All programs listed are accredited by either the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
1. Boston College
Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in Chestnut Hills, a village just west of Boston, Massachusetts.
It offers a Master of Arts (MA) in mental health counseling through its Carolyn A. and Peter S. Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
This program prepares students for a career as a licensed mental health professional or to pursue further study in counseling or related fields.
It includes courses such as:
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Mental Health
- Issues in Life-Span Development
- Neurological and Biological Bases of Behavior
- Theories of Personality and Counseling
Students can choose between the 48-credit program, which prepares them for further study, or the 60-credit program, which meets the educational requirements for licensure in Massachusetts.
Both programs take about two years to complete and offer a concentration in integrated behavioral health.
2. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, Maryland. It's well-known for its medical program, but it also offers an excellent counseling program through its School of Education.
Students can earn their Master of Science in counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling. This program prepares students to work in a range of clinical, community, and human service settings.
The program is 60 credits of coursework and fieldwork. Fieldwork includes a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship.
Full-time students finish in about three years, while part-time students have up to five years to complete their program.
This program is designed to fulfill the education requirements for licensure in Maryland and may fulfill the requirements for other states as well.
3. New York University
New York University (NYU) is a private research university in New York City. Its Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers mental health graduate programs.
The Master of Arts in counseling for mental health and wellness is a 60-credit program.
It includes courses such as:
- Cross-Cultural Counseling
- Foundations of Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
- Individual Counseling: Theory and Process
- Professional Orientation and Ethical Issues in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
The program can be done on campus or online, but the online program still requires a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship to be done in person at an approved location.
Both the online and in-person programs offer full-time and part-time schedules of study. Full-time students may be able to finish in as little as 21 months.
This program meets the educational requirements for licensure in New York State and may meet the requirements for other states.
4. Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. It offers counseling programs through The Family Institute at Northwestern University.
Students can earn their Master of Arts in counseling, which trains students to become effective clinical practitioners who can work with diverse clients.
It includes courses such as:
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
- Professional Topics in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis in Counseling
- Research Methods in Counseling
This program is available online or on campus, but the online program still requires a 200-hour practicum and 600-hour internship to be done in person.
Full-time students typically finish this program in as little as 18 months, while part-time students can finish in 36 months.
A concentration in child and adolescent mental health is available. A bridge program is also available for students who earned their undergraduate degree in a field other than psychology.
5. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public research university in Gainesville, Florida. Its College of Education offers counseling degrees.
Students can earn a master's in mental health counseling. This is a dual Master of Education and educational specialist program.
It covers topics such as:
- community counseling
- counseling diverse populations
- substance abuse
- trauma and crisis
This program is designed to meet the educational requirements for counselor licensure in the state of Florida.
FAQs About Top Schools for Mental Health Counseling
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about schools for mental health counseling.
What Degree Do I Need to Become a Mental Health Counselor?
While requirements for licensure vary between states, all states require mental health counselors to hold at least a master's degree in counseling or psychology.
How Long Are Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs?
The length of time it takes to complete your mental health counseling degree program depends on whether you're studying full-time or part-time and the level of degree you're earning.
Generally, full-time master's programs take two to three years to complete. Doctoral programs may take several years.
Can I Earn a Mental Health Counseling Degree Online?
Some programs, including some listed above, allow you to take courses completely online.
However, programs intended to lead to licensure will require in-person experiences, like practicums and internships.
Find Top Schools for Mental Health Counseling
Students can find mental health counseling programs through many fantastic colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Check out the ones listed above to get started today.
