Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Promote the Mental Health and Wellness of Clients
Program Detail
Next Start Date
October 17
Est. Program Length
2-3 years
Credit Hours
60 hours
Course Length
8 weeks
Cost Per Credit
$429
Degree Overview
See how UWA’s accreditation stacks up.
Is UWA’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited?
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to provide support to people with the online master’s in clinical mental health counseling. You’ll develop a deep understanding of counseling techniques, theories and principles that allow you to promote the mental health and wellness of clients across diverse populations.
The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), so you know you are getting industry-standard instruction. Mental health counseling courses are taught by experienced faculty who are licensed mental health counselors. Earn your MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online at one of the most affordable institutions in the state.
Who is this degree for?
Explore the counseling careers and earning potential this degree can open up.
What Clinical Mental Health Counseling Careers and Salary Potential Does This UWA Degree Support?
- Individuals who are looking for a program that meets the core CACREP educational components required by most states for counseling licensure.
- Individuals pursuing clinical mental health counseling careers to help individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, managed behavioral health care organizations, community agencies and substance abuse treatment centers.
- Those who would like to boost their clinical mental health counseling salary potential. Explore the counseling career paths guide for earnings potential and more.
Pursue Impactful Mental Health Careers
Develop clinical knowledge and counseling skills to make a meaningful impact with the University of West Alabama’s 100% online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prepare to pursue licensure and support individuals, families and communities in a growing, in-demand profession.
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor: Average salary $67,0001
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Average salary $59,1902
- Marriage and Family Therapist: Average salary $63,7803
Sources
- Payscale. ”Licensed Mental Health Counselor Salary” Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Licensed_Mental_Health_Counselor_(LMHC)/Salary.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ”Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors” Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ”Marriage and Family Therapists” Retrieved July 13, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm.
Program Detail
Next Start Date
October 17
Est. Program Length
2-3 years
Credit Hours
60 hours
Course Length
8 weeks
Cost Per Credit
$429
Submit your information to be contacted by phone/email.
Course Details
Get a closer look at the courses that make up the curriculum.
What Courses Are Included In UWA’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Curriculum?
Total Hours: 60
Student Handbook For Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum and Internship
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can you do with an online mental health counseling degree?
A: Graduates of UWA’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling are prepared to work with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children across settings including private practice, hospitals, managed behavioral health care organizations, community mental health agencies, and substance abuse treatment centers. The degree also qualifies graduates to pursue state licensure as an LPC or equivalent.
Q: How much does a clinical mental health counselor earn?
A: Clinical mental health counselor salaries vary by setting, specialization, and state. Counselors in private practice, hospital systems, and behavioral health organizations typically command higher salaries, while those in community agencies may earn less. Graduates of CACREP accredited programs like UWA’s are often preferred by employers and may qualify for a broader range of licensure pathways.
Admissions
Find out exactly what it takes to get into the program.
What Are The Admission Requirements For UWA’s MS In Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program?
Your experience at the University of West Alabama is designed to be as straightforward and convenient as possible. From the moment you apply, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance from an enrollment counselor. And once you’re in your program, you’ll have a personal success coach who can answer your questions and help with anything you need.
Simply follow these steps to get started.
- Complete an online application.
- Submit official college and institution transcripts (if applicable).
- Electronic: Submit your official transcripts electronically through services such as Parchment, the National Student Clearinghouse, etc.
- Email: transcripts.westalabama@risepoint.com
- Mail: The University of West Alabama, PO Box 2099, Livingston, AL 35470
To be admitted to the master’s in clinical mental health counseling program, the prospective candidate must meet all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies, including fingerprints and verification of background clearance.
What Must Be Included In The Admissions Portfolio For UWA’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program?
Candidates must submit a portfolio to the counselor education program for review. The portfolio affords a candidate to provide valuable information regarding:
- Relevance of career goals
- Aptitude for graduate-level study
- Potential success in forming effective counseling relationships
- Respect for cultural differences
Portfolio should include all of the following:
- Resume including educational background, a record of employment and volunteer activities
- Professional goals essay
- Three completed recommendation for admission forms
- Video Interview
Tuition
See what this program actually costs, credit hour by credit hour.
What Is The Tuition Cost For UWA’s Online MS In Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
Graduate tuition is $429 per credit hour. There is a $120 technology fee each semester.
The University of West Alabama is dedicated to keeping education costs affordable and providing students with a full range of grants, scholarships and loans. Approximately 80 percent of UWA students receive some type of financial aid to support their studies. To determine financial aid eligibility, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The school code for UWA is 001024.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: How much does an online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree cost?
A: Tuition for UWA’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is $429 per credit hour, plus a $120 technology fee per semester. The program requires 60 total credit hours, and approximately 80% of UWA students receive some form of financial aid to help offset the cost.
Transfer
Bringing in credit from another program? Here’s what transfers.
How Many Transfer Credits Does UWA Accept Toward The MS In Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
UWA may accept up to 9 hours at the graduate level for matching courses and curriculums for most programs.
