Mental Health Counseling Master’s Programs Online
journey today.
If you are inspired to help others through compassionate guidance and support, Grand Canyon University’s mental health counseling master’s programs online1 can help you reach your goals. These programs can equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills to support individuals facing emotional and mental obstacles. Offered through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, these degrees can prepare you for licensure and various mental health roles.
The programs focus on practical learning, and you can gain the confidence to support clients in improving their mental health. GCU could be the first step toward a career in service and advocacy. Our programs can help you guide others to develop emotional resilience to overcome adversities.
Our master's in mental health counseling online programs focus on clinical exposure to ethics, theories and skills to support individuals, couples and families across diverse populations. Rooted in evidence-based practices, these programs introduce students to core concepts such as clinical mental health foundations, trauma-informed counseling techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in practice.
Our degree offerings provide specialized emphases so you can tailor your education to your interests. Graduate-level coursework is designed to equip you with the tools and theoretical knowledge to pursue licensure upon graduation, in accordance with your state requirements.
CMCH Programs
Mental Health and Wellness Programs
GCU’s mental health and wellness programs are for those committed to helping others achieve emotional, psychological and spiritual balance. With a holistic approach, these master’s programs integrate psychology, health science and faith-based leadership, providing a comprehensive educational experience. Emphasis programs allow for specialization in community leadership, ministry-focused care, integrated healthcare, family support or grief response, enabling students to tailor their education to their desired impact in supportive non-clinical environments.
Addiction Counseling Programs
Our master’s programs in addiction counseling can prepare students to support individuals facing substance use and addictive disorders through a blend of psychological theory, clinical practice and Chrisitan principles. The curriculum integrates faith-inspired values with evidence-based strategies, exploring addiction and recovery’s biological, social and spiritual aspects. Students will be taught skills in trauma-informed counseling, ethics, co-occurring disorders, crisis intervention and suicide prevention, all aimed at fostering healing and transformation in the lives of others.
Social Work Programs
GCU’s Master of Social Work programs aim to prepare students to make an impact by serving individuals, families and communities in need. The programs employ an advanced generalist model, giving students skills to support diverse populations across various settings. Students are taught how to address complex social issues with a commitment to justice, service and ethical care. Graduates can complete these programs prepared to enter the field as compassionate social workers who foster resilience and thriving communities.
Earning your degree through GCU’s online mental health counseling programs can prepare you to assist individuals and communities through trauma-informed counseling techniques, group therapy strategies and crisis intervention.
After completing your master’s degree, you must fulfill post-graduate requirements, such as passing licensing exams and completing supervised clinical hours, to become eligible for licensure in your state. Obtaining licensure creates a path to working directly with clients in counseling roles that address issues like substance use, trauma and mood disorders. Additionally, you may use your degree to pursue positions in mental health administration, community outreach and advocacy.
Some potential career paths include:
Mental health counselor
Substance use counselor
Community health outreach worker
Medical and health services manager
Median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors as of May 20242
Openings projected for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselor each year, on average, from 2023-20333
Frequently Asked Questions
Deciding to pursue a degree in mental health counseling requires careful consideration. Here are answers to common questions that may help guide your next steps.
The most important factors when it comes to the degree you earn are the quality of the curriculum and the institution’s reputation. GCU is institutionally accredited and structured to align with industry standards. Additionally, our programs are taught by knowledgeable faculty with experience in the field.
A master’s in mental health counseling program can be worthwhile for those who feel called to help others navigate mental, emotional and behavioral challenges. These programs provide advanced concepts that can prepare graduates for roles in both clinical and non-clinical settings. GCU offers courses online to accommodate those who seek flexibility in their education.
Graduates of master’s programs in mental health counseling have various career paths available, depending on their licensure, interests and areas of emphasis. Career options may include becoming a licensed mental health counselor, substance use counselor, crisis intervention specialist or behavioral health program coordinator. Other paths may include administrative leadership or advocacy roles promoting community mental wellness.
GCU’s online master’s programs in mental health counseling prioritize service, compassion and integrity within a Christian worldview. Students explore ethical decision-making and servant leadership while focusing on mental wellness for individuals and communities. Designed for working professionals, our programs offer the flexibility to study remotely, guided by experienced faculty. GCU provides comprehensive support for online learners, including 24/7 access to the university library, collaborative classrooms, interactive course materials and faculty guidance, helping you to stay academically engaged.
To enroll in one of our master’s programs in mental health counseling, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.8. Some specific programs may have additional prerequisites, such as a higher GPA or relevant undergraduate coursework. Before applying, please take the time to explore our graduate admission requirements.
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. This accreditation demonstrates GCU’s commitment to academic integrity and ongoing improvement.
GCU provides comprehensive support for online learners, including 24/7 access to the university library, collaborative classrooms, interactive course materials and faculty guidance, helping you to stay engaged and connected.
GCU’s online master’s programs in mental health counseling are supported by resources to help students achieve academic and professional growth. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, students in mental health counseling programs have access to experienced faculty who bring insights into the virtual classroom. We also offer a range of services including technical support, academic advising and resources that help students stay connected. Additionally, financial aid opportunities and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Discover how GCU can help you prepare to serve individuals and communities through compassionate and informed care.
- While all courses are completed online, you will need to attend in-person clinical, practicum and immersion hours in person locally.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors as of May 2024, retrieved May 9, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2024 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country, or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved May 9, 2025.