Mental health counselors assist people struggling to cope with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, addictions, and other emotional problems. During counseling sessions, these specialists ask patients a series of questions and administer tests to evaluate them. Once core problems are pinpointed, mental health counselors administer appropriate therapies. They identify unhealthy behaviors and empower patients to take control of their lives. In addition to identifying unhealthy behaviors, mental health counselors evaluate patients’ environments and social settings to identify risky behavior triggers.
Mental health counselors must hold a master’s degree in counseling or related discipline to become professionally licensed. A supervised clinical internship is one requirement for professional licensure. Most state licensing boards also require mental health counselors to pass a test. Some mental health counselors hold PhDs in counseling. The National Board for Certified Counselors administers a national certification program for mental health counselors.
| Auburn University – Auburn University, AL |
Programs offered include: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Troy University – Troy, AL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Alaska-Anchorage – Anchorage, AK |
Programs offered include: Certificates in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
| Argosy University – Phoenix, AZ |
Programs offered include: MA in Sport-Exercise Psychology & Mental Health Counseling |
| Arkansas State University – State University, AR |
Programs offered include: Education Specialist in Psychology & Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Harding University – Searcy, AR |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Henderson State University – Arkadelphia, AR |
Programs offered include: Masters of Science – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| California Institute of Integral Studies – San Francisco, CA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Community Mental Health |
| Fielding Graduate University – Santa Barbara, CA |
Programs offered include: Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology – Parent-Infant Mental Health (online) |
| Mills College – Oakland, CA |
Programs offered include: BA/MA in Infant Mental Health. |
| Palo Alto University – Redwood City, CA |
Programs offered include: Master of Mental Health Counseling (online) |
| Phillips Graduate Institute – Encino, CA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts – Co-Occurring Disorders |
| San Diego State University – San Diego, CA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Psychology – Physical and/or Mental Health Research |
| University of San Diego – San Diego, CA |
Programs offered include: MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| William Jessup University – Rocklin, CA |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Community Mental Health |
| University of Colorado-Denver – Denver, CO |
Programs offered include: MA in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health |
| Albertus Magnus College – New Haven, CT |
Programs offered include: Major in Psychology – Counseling and Mental Health |
| Fairfield University – Fairfield, CT |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Mental Health Research and Practice |
| University of Saint Joseph – West Hartford, CT |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Criminal Justice/Mental Health |
| Southern Connecticut State University – New Haven, CT |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Mental Health |
| University of Hartford – West Hartford, CT |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Clinical Practices in Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Wilmington University – New Castle, DE |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Mental Health Counseling |
| Gallaudet University – Washington, DC |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling |
| Barry University – Miami, FL |
Programs offered include: Educational Specialist in Counseling – Marital, Couple & Family Counseling / Therapy & Mental Health Counseling |
| Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton, FL |
Programs offered include: Educational Specialist in Mental Health Counseling |
| Florida Gulf Coast University – Fort Myers, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Florida International University – Miami, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counselor Education – Mental Health Counseling Track |
| Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL |
Programs offered include: Education Specialist in Mental Health Counseling |
| Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) Mental Health Counseling |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University – West Palm Beach, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology – Professional licensure in Mental Health Counseling |
| Rollins College – Winter Park, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling |
| Saint Thomas University – Miami Gardens, FL |
Programs offered include: Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Stetson University – Deland, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| The University of West Florida – Pensacola, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Psychology – Counseling – Licensed Mental Health Counselor |
| Trinity International University – Davie, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counselor Education – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Florida – Gainesville, FL |
Programs offered include: EdD in Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Education – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of North Florida – Jacksonville, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| University of South Florida – Tampa, FL |
Programs offered include: MA in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling |
| University of South Florida-Polytechnic – Lakeland, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counselor Education – Community/Mental Health |
| Fort Valley State University – Fort Valley, GA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Georgia State University – Atlanta, GA |
Programs offered include: Master of Sciecne in Mental Health Counseling and Educational Research |
| Spelman College – Atlanta, GA |
Programs offered include: Major in Psychology – Mental Health |
| Brigham Young University-Hawaii – Laie, HI |
Programs offered include: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology – Mental Health |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo – Hilo, HI |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| Idaho State University – Pocatello, ID |
Programs offered include: Master of Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Idaho – Moscow, ID |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Mental Health Application |
| Bradley University – Peoria, IL |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Chicago State University – Chicago, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling. – Clinical Mental Health |
| Concordia University-Chicago – River Forest, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health and Counseling |
| Lewis University – Romeoville, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| Roosevelt University – Chicago, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale – Carbondale, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, IL |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Latino Mental Health |
| Western Illinois University – Macomb, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Psychology – Clinical/Community Mental Health |
| Ball State University – Muncie, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary – Winona Lake, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (online) |
| Indiana State University – Terre Haute, IN |
Programs offered include: Certification in Mental Health Counselor Endorsement |
| Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Valparaiso University – Valparaiso, IN |
Programs offered include: Law/MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Drake University – Des Moines, IA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Emporia State University – Emporia, KS |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Kansas Wesleyan University – Salina, KS |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Services – Mental Health and Clinical |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University – Olathe, KS |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Pittsburg State University – Pittsburg, KS |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health |
| Eastern Kentucky University – Richmond, KY |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Lindsey Wilson College – Columbia, KY |
Programs offered include: Master of Education in Counseling & Human Development – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Louisville – Louisville, KY |
Programs offered include: Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services – Mental Health Counseling |
| Loyola University New Orleans – New Orleans, LA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Southern University and A & M College – Baton Rouge, LA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling |
| The University of Louisiana at Monroe – Monroe, LA |
Programs offered include: MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Husson University – Bangor, ME |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Maine – Orono, ME |
Programs offered include: MEd in Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Maine-Farmington – Farmington, ME |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician |
| University of Southern Maine – Portland, ME |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community – MHRT/Community |
| Bowie State University – Bowie, MD |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling |
| American International College – Springfield, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counselor |
| Boston College – Chestnut Hill, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counselor |
| Bridgewater State College – Bridgewater, MA |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Mental Health Counseling |
| Cambridge College – Cambridge, MA |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| Fitchburg State College – Fitchburg, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Lesley University – Cambridge, MA |
Programs offered include: BS/MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Mount Ida College – Newton, MA |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Worker Track Psychology |
| Salem State College – Salem, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling & Psychological Services – Mental Health Counseling |
| Springfield College – Springfield, MA |
Programs offered include: Major in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies – Addictions and Mental Health |
| Suffolk University – Boston, MA |
Programs offered include: MS in Mental Health Counseling & Criminal Justice |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston – Boston, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Westfield State University – Westfield, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| Worcester State College – Worcester, MA |
Programs offered include: Major in Psychology – Mental Health Services |
| Madonna University – Livonia, MI |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Mental Health |
| Oakland University – Rochester, MI |
Programs offered include: Educational Specialist in Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Western Michigan University – Kalamazoo, MI |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Adler Graduate School – Richfield, MN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Adlerian Counseling & Psychotherapy – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Mississippi College – Clinton, MS |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City – Kansas City, MO |
Programs offered include: Educational Specialist in Counseling and Guidance – Mental Health (General) |
| Webster University – Saint Louis, MO |
Programs offered include: MA in Counseling – Professional Mental Health Counseling |
| Montana State University-Billings – Billings, MT |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Psychology – Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling |
| Auburn University – Auburn University, AL |
Programs offered include: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Troy University – Troy, AL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Alaska-Anchorage – Anchorage, AK |
Programs offered include: Certificates in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
| Argosy University – Phoenix, AZ |
Programs offered include: MA in Sport-Exercise Psychology & Mental Health Counseling |
| Arkansas State University – State University, AR |
Programs offered include: Education Specialist in Psychology & Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Harding University – Searcy, AR |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Henderson State University – Arkadelphia, AR |
Programs offered include: Masters of Science – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| California Institute of Integral Studies – San Francisco, CA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Community Mental Health |
| Mills College – Oakland, CA |
Programs offered include: BA/MA in Infant Mental Health. |
| San Diego State University – San Diego, CA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Psychology – Physical and/or Mental Health Research |
| University of San Diego – San Diego, CA |
Programs offered include: MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| William Jessup University – Rocklin, CA |
Programs offered include: B.A. in Psychology – Community Mental Health |
| University of Colorado-Denver – Denver, CO |
Programs offered include: MA in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health |
| Albertus Magnus College – New Haven, CT |
Programs offered include: Major in Psychology – Counseling and Mental Health |
| Fairfield University – Fairfield, CT |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Mental Health Research and Practice |
| University of Saint Joseph – West Hartford, CT |
Programs offered include: B.A. in Psychology – Criminal Justice/Mental Health |
| Southern Connecticut State University – New Haven, CT |
Programs offered include: B.A. in Psychology – Mental Health |
| University of Hartford – West Hartford, CT |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Clinical Practices in Psychology – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Wilmington University – New Castle, DE |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Mental Health Counseling |
| Gallaudet University – Washington, DC |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling |
| Barry University – Miami, FL |
Programs offered include: Educational Specialist in Counseling – Marital, Couple & Family Counseling / Therapy & Mental Health Counseling |
| Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton, FL |
Programs offered include: Educational Specialist in Mental Health Counseling |
| Florida Gulf Coast University – Fort Myers, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Florida International University – Miami, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counselor Education – Mental Health Counseling Track |
| Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL |
Programs offered include: Education Specialist in Mental Health Counseling |
| Nova Southeastern University – Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Programs offered include: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) Mental Health Counseling |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University – West Palm Beach, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology – Professional licensure in Mental Health Counseling |
| Rollins College – Winter Park, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling |
| Saint Thomas University – Miami Gardens, FL |
Programs offered include: Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Stetson University – Deland, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| The University of West Florida – Pensacola, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Psychology – Counseling – Licensed Mental Health Counselor |
| University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counselor Education – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Florida – Gainesville, FL |
Programs offered include: EdD in Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Education – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of North Florida – Jacksonville, FL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| University of South Florida – Tampa, FL |
Programs offered include: MA in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling |
| Fort Valley State University – Fort Valley, GA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Georgia State University – Atlanta, GA |
Programs offered include: Master of Sciecne in Mental Health Counseling and Educational Research |
| Spelman College – Atlanta, GA |
Programs offered include: Major in Psychology – Mental Health |
| Brigham Young University-Hawaii – Laie, HI |
Programs offered include: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology – Mental Health |
| University of Hawaii at Hilo – Hilo, HI |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| Idaho State University – Pocatello, ID |
Programs offered include: Master of Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Idaho – Moscow, ID |
Programs offered include: B.A. in Psychology – Mental Health Application |
| Bradley University – Peoria, IL |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Chicago State University – Chicago, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling. – Clinical Mental Health |
| Concordia University-Chicago – River Forest, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health and Counseling |
| Lewis University – Romeoville, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| Roosevelt University – Chicago, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale – Carbondale, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, IL |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Latino Mental Health |
| Western Illinois University – Macomb, IL |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Psychology – Clinical/Community Mental Health |
| Ball State University – Muncie, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary – Winona Lake, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling |
| Indiana State University – Terre Haute, IN |
Programs offered include: Certification in Mental Health Counselor Endorsement |
| Indiana Wesleyan University – Marion, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne, IN |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Valparaiso University – Valparaiso, IN |
Programs offered include: Law/MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Drake University – Des Moines, IA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Emporia State University – Emporia, KS |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Kansas Wesleyan University – Salina, KS |
Programs offered include: B.A. in Psychological Services – Mental Health and Clinical |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University – Olathe, KS |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Pittsburg State University – Pittsburg, KS |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health |
| Eastern Kentucky University – Richmond, KY |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Lindsey Wilson College – Columbia, KY |
Programs offered include: Master of Education in Counseling & Human Development – Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Louisville – Louisville, KY |
Programs offered include: Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services – Mental Health Counseling |
| Loyola University New Orleans – New Orleans, LA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| The University of Louisiana at Monroe – Monroe, LA |
Programs offered include: MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Husson University – Bangor, ME |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Maine – Orono, ME |
Programs offered include: MEd in Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Maine-Farmington – Farmington, ME |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician |
| University of Southern Maine – Portland, ME |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community – MHRT/Community |
| Bowie State University – Bowie, MD |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling |
| American International College – Springfield, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counselor |
| Boston College – Chestnut Hill, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counselor |
| Bridgewater State College – Bridgewater, MA |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Mental Health Counseling |
| Cambridge College – Cambridge, MA |
Programs offered include: Certificate in Counseling Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| Fitchburg State College – Fitchburg, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Mount Ida College – Newton, MA |
Programs offered include: B.S. in Mental Health Worker Track Psychology |
| Salem State College – Salem, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Counseling & Psychological Services – Mental Health Counseling |
| Springfield College – Springfield, MA |
Programs offered include: Major in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies – Addictions and Mental Health |
| Suffolk University – Boston, MA |
Programs offered include: MS in Mental Health Counseling & Criminal Justice |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston – Boston, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| Westfield State University – Westfield, MA |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Psychology – Mental Health Counseling |
| Worcester State College – Worcester, MA |
Programs offered include: Major in Psychology – Mental Health Services |
| Madonna University – Livonia, MI |
Programs offered include: B.S. in Psychology – Mental Health |
| Oakland University – Rochester, MI |
Programs offered include: Educational Specialist in Counseling – Mental Health Counseling |
| Western Michigan University – Kalamazoo, MI |
Programs offered include: Master of Arts in Counselor Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Mississippi College – Clinton, MS |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City – Kansas City, MO |
Programs offered include: Educational Specialist in Counseling and Guidance – Mental Health (General) |
| Webster University – Saint Louis, MO |
Programs offered include: MA in Counseling – Professional Mental Health Counseling |
| Montana State University-Billings – Billings, MT |
Programs offered include: Master of Science in Psychology – Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling |