Bachelor’s in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Guide
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Mental health is top of mind for many, and with increased mental health awareness comes a greater need for mental health counselors.
A mental health counseling degree can set you on a path to help others overcome mental health conditions, including depression. With 70% of Gen Zers in the U.S. claiming their mental health is the well-being area needing the most attention, demand for mental health counselors will likely continue to grow.
A bachelor’s in mental health counseling, however, is rarely offered.
It’s more likely you’ll find a master’s program in mental health counseling. Still, some bachelor’s programs for mental health counseling do exist, or you might explore another degree, such as psychology or human services.
What Is a Mental Health Counseling Degree?
A mental health counseling degree helps prepare students for jobs treating patients with various mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
However, at the undergraduate level, students get a more general overview of this career path. Earning a bachelor’s in mental health counseling can help prepare you for graduate school.
While pursuing your master’s degree, mental health counseling programs teach you how to identify mental health conditions and create a treatment plan to address them. Because of the vast array of situations you’ll face as a mental health counselor, programs touch on a variety of issues and potential solutions.
A bachelor’s degree in mental health counseling is quite rare, as this is predominantly a field that requires a master’s degree.
Still, there are alternatives at the baccalaureate level. Some institutions offer a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health while others offer broad counseling degrees.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling
Generally, a master’s degree is the minimum requirement to become a counselor in the U.S. One exception is substance-use counseling, which typically requires a bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor’s in mental health counseling program can provide an overview of the field and help prepare you for a master’s program.
To earn a bachelor’s in mental health counseling, you must first apply to the right program.
Mental health counseling programs may be fully online, in person, or a hybrid. Prioritize programs based on your lifestyle, obligations, and wants.
Eventually, you’ll receive acceptance letters to some of the institutions you applied to. Be sure to consider not only the quality of each program but also each financial aid offer. These offers could be the difference between graduating with excessive or minimal student loan debt.
Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be expected to complete all required coursework and maintain a minimum GPA. Other requirements, including internships, will vary by program.
How to Choose a Mental Health Counseling Program
There are a few things you should consider before choosing a mental health counseling bachelor’s program.
Accreditation
No matter what program you choose, you should always be sure that it is accredited. Accreditation standards ensure that employers and graduate schools will value your degree. A degree from an institution that isn’t accredited holds less value.Cost
Graduating with as little debt as possible is a worthwhile goal, so be sure to weigh the cost of the different programs you’re considering. Public universities tend to cost significantly less per year than private, nonprofit institutions. Private, for-profit schools fall in the middle, on average.Format
Spend time thinking about how you learn best and what your availability will be during your studies. This will help you determine what formats work for you. For example, if you’ll be working full time while in school, perhaps a hybrid or online program will be best. Otherwise, an on-campus format may be preferable.Post-Graduation Opportunities
Few schools offer a bachelor’s in mental health counseling. With that in mind, you may want to attend an institution for your bachelor’s that offers a master’s in mental health counseling. Even if you transfer schools for grad school, it could help you establish valuable connections.
How Much Does a Counseling Degree Cost?
The cost of a bachelor’s in mental health counseling will largely depend on the type of institution you attend.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public universities tend to be the cheapest option. Private, for-profit institutions were slightly more expensive during the 2021-22 academic year, followed by private, nonprofit universities.
Average Net Price, by Institution Type (2021-22)
Public
$15,200
Private, nonprofit
$29,700
Private, for-profit
$24,400
It’s worth noting that tuition is usually more expensive when attending an out-of-state university. On average, colleges charge more than double the tuition to out-of-state students.
Careers with a Bachelor’s in Mental Health Counseling
You’re likely interested in a career as a mental health counselor if you pursue a bachelor’s in mental health counseling. You must, however, go on to earn a master’s degree to break into the profession due to state licensing requirements.
Still, a bachelor’s in mental health counseling can lead to a career as a:
- Mental Health Technician: These technicians often work with counselors or psychologists to administer treatment plans to patients.
- Case Manager:Case managers often work alongside social workers to aid people in distress.
- Substance-Use Counselor: These counselors work with people dealing with substance use disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors reported a median annual salary of $53,710 in May 2023.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), that salary is slightly higher than the median annual wage for other social services occupations ($51,970). Counselors tend to earn more, on average, if they work at a hospital and less if they work within a residential mental health and substance-use facility.
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