1. University of North Dakota (USA)
The University of North Dakota offers an accredited online Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health emphasis. Tuition is affordable—about $572 per credit for residents and $857 for non-residents. UND provides excellent flexibility and support, with a strong focus on experiential learning through internships and practicums.
2. Adams State University (USA)
Adams State’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is fully online and CACREP-accredited. The $435 per credit tuition makes it one of the most affordable U.S.-based options. Its multicultural emphasis and accessible faculty make it ideal for students with diverse career goals.
3. Fort Hays State University (USA)
FHSU offers a Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) online for around $298 per credit hour, a very budget-friendly choice. The program provides both academic rigor and flexibility, with a focus on ethical and culturally responsive practice.
4. Liberty University (USA)
Liberty offers a CACREP-accredited online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling rooted in Christian values. Tuition is about $565 per credit, with generous scholarships available. Students benefit from 100% online coursework and eight-week classes.
5. Western Carolina University (USA)
Western Carolina’s M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a hybrid program emphasizing cultural competency and professional development. In-state tuition is approximately $4,435 per semester, with financial aid available. The program is ideal for students looking for hands-on clinical training in North Carolina and surrounding regions.
6. University of the Cumberlands (USA)
This university offers a fully online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for only $400 per credit hour, making it one of the cheapest CACREP-accredited programs. It emphasizes flexibility and access to a supportive faculty and internship opportunities.
7. University of the Highlands and Islands (UK)
Located in Scotland, this university offers an MSc in Psychology and Mental Health, with a strong focus on clinical application. Tuition is around £5,000–£6,000 per year for UK/EU and about £12,000–£14,000 for international students. Courses are taught in English and include practical placements.
8. University of Canterbury (New Zealand)
The Master of Counselling program is offered through the School of Health Sciences. It emphasizes clinical training, cultural responsiveness, and professional ethics. Tuition is approximately NZD $7,300 per year for domestic students and NZD $27,000–$30,000 for international. Part-time and distance learning options are available.
9. Murdoch University (Australia)
Murdoch’s Master of Counselling is a two-year program available in-person and partially online. It emphasizes integrative therapeutic approaches. Tuition for international students is about AUD $27,600 per year, competitive by Australian standards. Murdoch offers scholarships and flexible start dates.
10. Sigmund Freud University (Austria – EU)
Located in Vienna and offering instruction in English, SFU’s MSc in Psychotherapy Science offers a counseling-focused track. Tuition is about €7,000–€10,000 annually, significantly lower than similar private programs in Western Europe. The program emphasizes psychodynamic and integrative methods with hands-on therapy practice.