Online counseling degree options: Find your best fit

Clinical mental health counseling focuses on providing therapeutic support to individuals, groups, and families facing mental and emotional health challenges. Practitioners in clinical mental health counseling employ a variety of therapeutic techniques to address issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship problems, promoting overall mental health and well-being. Careers in this field span private practices, hospitals, and mental health clinics. The demand for mental health counselors is huge. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 19% projected growth rate for the field through 2033, which is much faster than other occupations.¹ That means it's a great time to get started on the academic and professional requirements it takes to achieve professional licensure in counseling.

But where should you start?

The answer depends on several factors including your level of education, your professional background, your career goals and of course, your personal preferences. There are plenty of mental health counseling programs out there including many counselor education options online. Choosing the best-fit counseling program for you starts with a detailed understanding of the options available to you. So, take a deep breath, sit yourself down with a cup of coffee or tea and let’s dig into the types of degrees you have at your fingertips.

Here's something you need to understand about a career in clinical mental health counseling: you will need a master's degree in order to see and treat clients in most states.

You could earn an associate's degree in early childhood education, social sciences or to be a medical assistant in order to get a foot in the door of certain entry-level jobs surrounding mental health counseling. Additionally, a bachelor's degree in psychology or sociology or related educational programs could be a good start to a career in counseling. As the U.S. News & World Report explains, individuals with undergraduate counseling degrees may find work providing social and community health services, managing cases, working as a psychiatric or mental health technician alongside a licensed professional, or in the corrections and justice systems as a probation officer or victim advocate.² But both the associate’s and bachelor’s levels leave you with limited options when it comes to finding a job.

A mental health counseling master’s degree is the key to work as a professional licensed counselor and to find the widest variety of job opportunities. You'll also typically need a master's degree if you're interested in digging into the clinical counseling practice by earning a doctorate degree (Psy.D., Ph.D. and Psy.D.) or for those who want to become a psychological researcher.

To become a licensed professional counselor, you will need to earn a master's in counseling. Counseling degree programs at the master's level could be a Master of Science, a Master of Education or a Master of Arts. Sometimes they're called "clinical mental health counseling" degrees but The type of master's in counseling degree program you choose typically won't affect the curriculum you encounter; it has more to do with the college and university in which the program is based.

However, there are certain things to look for in a counseling degree. For one, check if the programs you're interested in are approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). While you do not have to go to a CACREP-accredited program in order to pursue licensure, it can make it easier down the line.

A master's in counseling should cover the following topics:³

• Professional counseling
• Ethical practice
• Social and cultural diversity
• Lifespan or human development
• Career development
• Counseling practice and relationships
• Group counseling and group work
• Assessment and diagnostic processes
• Research and program evaluation
  

The program you choose should also provide you with supervised field experience hours. What can really affect the curriculum of counseling degree programs are the specializations available within the program itself.

Mental health counseling specializations prepare future counselors for niche work within a broad field. There are a variety of program specializations to choose from depending on the types of client you want to work with. The specialization you decide on will also depend on the types of disorders you want to work with, the types of counseling skills you'll need to develop and the environments you envision yourself working in day in and day out. The following are the most common counseling specializations:⁴

For individuals and families affected by alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual, food, and other addiction disorders, substance abuse and addiction counseling can help them on their recovery journey. Professionals working in addiction counseling concentrate on exploring treatment frameworks, prevention methods and strategies for preventing relapse in addiction, while also applying appropriate interventions on the path of recovery. Those who complete addiction counseling programs often opt to establish a private practice or join various community organizations that provide counseling services for substance misuse.

Child and adolescent counseling focuses on addressing the psychological, behavioral, and emotional needs of young individuals from infancy through adolescence. Professionals in this area are equipped with specific skills and knowledge to navigate the unique challenges and developmental stages of this age group. They employ a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to the individual client, with an emphasis on creating a safe, supportive, and understanding environment. This allows young clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, facilitating positive change and growth. Specialization in this field prepares counselors to work in diverse settings, including schools, private practices, and mental health centers, making meaningful differences in the lives of young people and their families.

Tailored to individuals navigating their career paths, career counseling assists clients in understanding their strengths, interests, and values to make informed decisions about their careers. Career counselors guide clients through career transitions, challenges, and development, utilizing assessment tools and coaching techniques to pave the way for professional fulfillment. Graduates may find opportunities in career centers, schools, and private consulting.

This specialization equips aspiring counselors with the expertise needed to support individuals experiencing mental health crises or navigating severe mental disorders, including those with concurrent disorders. With a deep understanding of clinical counseling's core elements—ranging from thorough assessments and accurate diagnoses to targeted treatment strategies and effective prevention measures—these professionals are adept at addressing a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions. Clinical rehabilitation counselors work in diverse environments, such as community mental health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, hospitals, schools, and other specialized treatment settings, providing crucial support during pivotal moments of recovery and rehabilitation.

Professionals specializing in college counseling and student affairs support students' academic and personal growth within higher education settings. They address a range of student needs, from academic advising and career planning to mental health support, fostering a supportive campus environment. Positions are typically available in colleges, universities, and vocational schools.

This specialization offers counselors the skills to help couples and families navigate the complexities of relationships, communication, and life transitions. By focusing on relationship dynamics, family therapy sessions aim to reinforce bonds, resolve conflicts, and promote a healthier family structure. Marriage and family therapists work in private practice, community agencies, and family service centers.

School counselors play a crucial role in supporting students' academic, career, social, and emotional development. School counseling programs exist within educational environments to provide guidance on academic achievement, career exploration, and personal challenges, creating an encouraging atmosphere for students to thrive. School counselors are typically employed in elementary, middle, and high schools.

Dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals, clinical rehabilitation counseling is a rewarding field. Rehabilitation counselors assess clients' strengths and limitations, providing counseling and coordinating services to enhance their ability to work and live independently. They are often employed in state vocational rehabilitation agencies, private rehabilitation firms, and community rehabilitation centers.

Not every counseling degree program offers courses for every specialty, so be sure to do your research before committing to a counseling degree.

A big concern for many future counselors is whether they have the qualifications to get into the mental health counseling graduate program they're interested in. Generally, admissions requirements for counseling degrees are similar to many master's degree programs. Typically, you need:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• Transcripts from prior higher education academic institutions
• Letters of recommendation from former professors, bosses, or others who can speak to your personal strengths and aptitude for counseling
• A personal statement
• Many mental health counseling programs will also require prospective students to do an interview with a faculty member from the program in order to properly assess your readiness for this mentally and academically challenging discipline.

Some universities may require mental health counseling students to submit GRE or other exam scores. Make sure to closely review the admissions requirements of your top programs of interest to make sure you're ready to complete the application.

Today, many of the schools that offer on-campus programs also have online counseling programs that are taught by the same faculty and have the exact same curriculum. Online mental health counseling programs come with a number of benefits. Many master’s students are also working professionals, and online programs provide them with the flexibility they need to be successful.

Flexibility and convenience: When you're earning a counseling degree online, you're able to review coursework, and sometimes even watch (and pause!) lectures, on your own schedule. For working professionals, parents, or anyone who can't take time off from their daily responsibilities, online counseling programs present an ideal way to earn a degree.

No geographical limitations: Online counseling programs keep your commute short and prevent you from spending money on parking, food, and other miscellaneous on-campus expenses. They also make it possible for you to learn from any university and access experts in counseling who could be thousands of miles away. It's important to note, however, that each state's licensing board is different and may have specific requirements that aren't met in out-of-state programs. Check with your board of counseling to make sure your program will help you prepare to pursue licensure where you live.

Engagement and interaction: While some future counselors might be afraid they'll miss out on experiences with their peers by enrolling in an online counseling degree, you'll likely find just as much opportunity to engage with other future counselors online. Remote group projects, live online classes, and comprehensive learning management systems now connect online students more than ever before in counselor education.

Embarking on a journey toward a career in clinical mental health counseling involves careful planning and preparation, especially when selecting and applying to an online counseling degree that aligns with your professional aspirations. Here's how you can navigate the online degrees application process:

• Identify your priorities: Start by defining what matters most to you in a program, whether it's accreditation, specialization areas, faculty expertise, or the flexibility of online learning. Knowing your priorities will guide your research.
• Look for accreditation: Ensure the online counseling programs you're considering are accredited, as this validates the quality of education and can be crucial for licensure and certification post-graduation.
• Talk to alumni and current students: The insights from other counseling students can offer invaluable perspectives on the program's strengths, the support provided by the institution, and career pathways after graduation.
• Assess career services: Look for programs that offer robust career support, including internship placements, networking opportunities, and career counseling, which can be instrumental in your professional development.

• Transcripts: Request your academic transcripts early, as processing times can vary. Make sure to include transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who are familiar with your academic performance, professional work, or personal character. Give them plenty of notice and provide information about your career goals and the programs you're applying to.
• Personal statement: Your personal statement is your chance to articulate your passion for mental health counseling, career goals, and why you're a good fit for the program. Be authentic and reflect on experiences that have shaped your decision to pursue this field.

Timeline and deadlines for online counseling programs:

• 12-18 months before enrollment: Start researching programs and familiarize yourself with admission requirements. Begin preparing for any required standardized tests.
• 9-12 months before enrollment: Request transcripts and letters of recommendation. Start drafting your personal statement.
• 6-9 months before enrollment: Finalize and revise your personal statement. Ensure your recommendation letters are on track.
• 3-6 months before enrollment: Submit your applications before the deadlines. Some programs have rolling admissions, but it’s wise to apply early.

Remember, deadlines can vary significantly between programs, so maintain an organized schedule of each program's requirements and deadlines. Applying to graduate school is a significant commitment, but with careful preparation and thoughtful consideration, you can navigate the process successfully and pave the way for a rewarding career in clinical mental health counseling.

Now that you know more about your options, you need to figure out what type of counseling appeals to you. Your answers to the following questions can help you narrow your list of counseling programs and ultimately lead you to a program that is the best possible fit for your future career.

• Who do you want to counsel?
• What type of work settings appeal to you?
• What kind of hours are you looking to keep?
• Are you drawn toward a particular type of counseling? Why might this be?
• Who can you talk to about my counseling interests? Is there anyone you can connect with who currently works with the areas you are interested in to give real-world insights?

You do not have to have all the answers right now, but with proper research and self-reflection, you will be able to find the right counseling program to set you on your path to a successful and fulfilling career as a licensed counselor.

The online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University is your flexible and convenient path to a rewarding career as a supporter of individual clients and a positive presence in your community. Our online counseling degree offers the same course work as our on-campus CACREP-accredited master’s program.

Read more about our values driven curriculum and hands-on practicum courses, and learn more about how we support our students in their career pathways as clinical mental health counseling students at Marquette.