Online Mental Health Degrees

Q: What is the difference between mental health and psychology degrees?

Mental health and psychology degrees both study human behavior, but they have different focuses. Mental health degrees are practice-oriented, emphasizing skills for counseling and support, while psychology degrees concentrate on the scientific study of behavior, covering research methods and theories.

Q: Are mental health degrees worth it?

A mental health degree can be a valuable investment for students planning a career in counseling, healthcare or social services. It provides essential knowledge and practical skills to support emotional and psychological well-being while preparing graduates for meaningful roles in a variety of helping professions. The degree’s value depends on your career goals, as it can offer a path to a mental health career and opportunities for further study or specialization.

Q: Do mental health degree programs include clinical experience?

Some online mental health degrees, particularly at the graduate level, include clinical experience designed for counseling or advanced clinical practice. For example, the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires practicum and internship courses that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in supervised settings.These experiences can help students build counseling skills and may support preparation for state licensure, through licensure requirements vary by state. Not all mental health degrees include clinical experience, so students should review the requirements for their specific program.

Overview

What Are Mental Health Degrees?

Online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health degrees are academic programs that aim to prepare students to understand human behavior, support emotional and psychological well-being, and pursue roles in counseling, behavioral health, wellness, community support or psychiatric nursing.

GCU's mental health degree options include behavioral health science, clinical mental health counseling, mental health and wellness, addiction counseling and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs. The right degree depends on your career goals, desired level of direct client care and whether you plan to pursue licensure.

Areas of Study

Areas of Focus Within Mental Health Degrees

Our online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health degrees go beyond foundational courses, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest that align with their career goals. While some may aim to work directly in clinical settings with individuals or groups dealing with trauma, others may prefer roles in community wellness environments working with adolescents and families. Choosing a focus area helps build expertise, develop targeted skills and enhance competitiveness in the job market.

Addiction & Recovery

Study how substance use and addiction affect individuals and communities while exploring evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches. This emphasis covers assessment, counseling strategies, co-occurring disorders and recovery support and is paired with supervised field experience to build practical skills.

Child, Adolescent & Family Studies

Develop knowledge focused on the mental health needs of children, adolescents and families. This emphasis examines developmental stages, family dynamics and common emotional and behavioral challenges, along with counseling techniques used to support youth across different ages and life experiences.

Trauma, Grief & Crisis Support

Focus on understanding and treating the effects of trauma and loss across diverse populations. This emphasis explores how acute and long-term trauma can impact mental health, along with counseling approaches designed to support recovery, resilience and emotional well-being.

Christian & Faith-Based Counseling

Explore how faith and counseling practices intersect in a Christian counseling emphasis. This area of study integrates core clinical counseling skills with a Christ-centered perspective, examining ways to support individuals facing emotional, behavioral and social challenges within a faith-based framework.

Community & Integrated Wellness

Learn how mental health care is delivered through collaborative, team-based approaches, with an emphasis on community and integrated wellness. This area of study explores how professionals across disciplines work together to address a range of patient needs, improve outcomes and increase access to comprehensive, coordinated care.

Nursing & Psychiatric Care

Examine the intersection of nursing and mental healthcare within psychiatric settings. This emphasis focuses on supporting individuals with mental illness through a clinical lens, exploring approaches to assessment, treatment and ongoing care in healthcare environments.

Compare Online Mental Health Degree Paths

Choosing the right online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health degree depends on your career goals, preferred work setting and whether you plan to pursue licensure. The main difference between these paths is the career outcome they support: behavioral health science focuses on human behavior and support services, clinical mental health counseling is more counseling- and licensure-oriented, mental health and wellness focuses on prevention and community well-being, and psychiatric mental health nursing is designed for registered nurses pursuing advanced psychiatric care roles.

Use this comparison to understand how mental health-related degree pathways differ by focus area, degree level and professional direction.

Degree Path

Best For

Common Degree Level

Career Direction

Licensure Considerations

Behavioral Health Science

Students interested in human behavior, community support, case management or behavioral health services

Bachelor’s

Behavioral health support, community outreach, advocacy, case management or graduate study

Typically, does not lead directly to independent counseling licensure, but may support entry-level roles or preparation for graduate study

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Students who want to pursue counseling-focused roles and provide direct client support

Master’s

Professional counseling, clinical counseling, group counseling, assessment and treatment planning

Often aligned with counseling licensure pathways, but requirements vary by state and may include supervised hours and exams

Mental Health and Wellness

Students interested in prevention, resilience, wellness education, community programs or administrative support

Master’s or graduate certificate

Community mental health, wellness programming, prevention, advocacy, family support or integrated health settings

Generally broader than counseling licensure programs; students should review role requirements for their intended career path

Addiction Counseling and Substance Use

Students interested in supporting individuals and communities affected by substance use and recovery

Bachelor’s or master’s

Addiction counseling, recovery support, substance use prevention, rehabilitation settings or community programs

Licensure or certification requirements vary by state and role, especially for counseling positions

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Registered nurses who want to provide advanced mental health care across clinical settings

MSN or post-master’s certificate

Psychiatric mental health nursing, advanced practice nursing, patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning

Requires nursing credentials; advanced practice requirements vary by state and may include certification and licensure steps

Programs

Core Pathways in Mental Health Education

Behavioral Health Science

Behavioral health science focuses on understanding how biological, psychological and social factors influence human behavior and overall well-being. This pathway explores topics such as mental health, research methods, ethics and the connections between emotional, physical and behavioral health. Students may also have the opportunity to tailor their studies through emphases, preparing them to support individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings.

Behavioral Health Science Degrees

Explore Online Mental Health Programs

424 Matching Degrees

How To Choose

Which Mental Health Degree Is Right for You?

Selecting the right online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health degree depends largely on your long-term career goals, preferred work setting, education level and whether you plan to pursue licensure. Some programs are designed for students interested in behavioral health support, community wellness or addiction recovery, while others are intended for those pursuing counseling or advanced psychiatric nursing roles. Comparing each pathway by focus area, degree level and professional outcome can help you select the program that best fits your goals.

Start With Your Career Goal

Consider whether you want to provide direct counseling, support behavioral health services, work in addiction recovery, promote community wellness or deliver psychiatric nursing care. Your intended role can help determine whether a bachelor’s, master’s or certificate program is the right fit.

Explore Specializations That Match Your Interests

Choose the focus area that allows you to dive deeper into specific topics or populations. Exploring these options can help you tailor your education to your interests while building expertise in areas that align with your strengths and passions.

Understand Licensure Requirements

If your goal is to become a licensed counselor, you may need a counseling-focused graduate degree, supervised clinical experience and state-specific exams. Licensure requirements vary by state, so review the requirements where you plan to work before choosing a program.

Compare Degree Levels

Bachelor’s programs may help prepare students for entry-level support roles or graduate study, while master’s programs may align with advanced counseling, wellness or nursing career paths. Graduate certificates may be appropriate for professionals seeking focused study in a specific area.

Choose a Focus Area

Mental health programs may focus on behavioral health science, clinical mental health counseling, addiction counseling, trauma, family dynamics, wellness, integrated health or psychiatric nursing. Select a focus that aligns with the populations and settings you want to serve.

Consider Your Preferred Work Setting

Mental health graduates may pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, nonprofit organizations, recovery centers, government agencies or community wellness programs. Your preferred setting can help narrow which degree pathway best supports your goals.

Review Program Format and Field Experience

Online programs can offer flexibility for students balancing school with work or family responsibilities. Some programs, especially counseling or nursing pathways, may include practicum, internship, residency or field experience requirements.

"You really get a lot of hands-on experience in how to talk to people and have those hard conversations. I think another awesome thing about GCU is their global outreach ministry and the opportunity to go on mission trips. I got to take one freshman year, and now I’ll be a three-month intern there in the Dominican Republic doing social work. I never would have had the opportunity and connected with that organization if it weren’t for GCU and the opportunities they presented."

Isabella Miller

Behavioral Health Science Major, GCU

Hear From Our Students

"You really get a lot of hands-on experience in how to talk to people and have those hard conversations. I think another awesome thing about GCU is their global outreach ministry and the opportunity to go on mission trips. I got to take one freshman year, and now I’ll be a three-month intern there in the Dominican Republic doing social work. I never would have had the opportunity and connected with that organization if it weren’t for GCU and the opportunities they presented."

Isabella Miller

Behavioral Health Science Major, GCU

Hear From Our Students

"You really get a lot of hands-on experience in how to talk to people and have those hard conversations. I think another awesome thing about GCU is their global outreach ministry and the opportunity to go on mission trips. I got to take one freshman year, and now I’ll be a three-month intern there in the Dominican Republic doing social work. I never would have had the opportunity and connected with that organization if it weren’t for GCU and the opportunities they presented."

Isabella Miller

Behavioral Health Science Major, GCU

"You really get a lot of hands-on experience in how to talk to people and have those hard conversations. I think another awesome thing about GCU is their global outreach ministry and the opportunity to go on mission trips. I got to take one freshman year, and now I’ll be a three-month intern there in the Dominican Republic doing social work. I never would have had the opportunity and connected with that organization if it weren’t for GCU and the opportunities they presented."

Isabella Miller

Behavioral Health Science Major, GCU

Careers

What Can You Do With a Mental Health Degree?

A degree in mental health can lead to a variety of career paths supporting individuals, families and communities across diverse settings. Whether your interests lie in direct client care, research, education or leadership, the knowledge and skills acquired in a mental health program can prepare you to contribute to the well-being of others.

Depending on the specific degree program, graduates can pursue roles in counseling, advocacy, program development or behavioral research, as well as positions within healthcare systems, schools, nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The field is broad, offering opportunities to specialize or work with different populations and in various environments.

Mental health professionals may work in a variety of settings, including:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Hospitals and clinics

Mental health professionals in hospitals and clinics work as part of interdisciplinary care teams to assess patient needs, provide therapeutic support and contribute to treatment planning in clinical environments.

Private practice

In private practice, licensed clinical counselors offer direct services to clients, often specializing in specific populations, concerns or treatment approaches.

Government agencies

Professionals in government agencies may support public health initiatives, develop or evaluate programs and help address mental health needs at the community or population level.

Rehabilitation and recovery centers

In rehabilitation and recovery centers, specialists assist individuals managing substance use disorders, trauma or long-term mental health conditions through structured therapeutic and recovery-focused programs.

17%

Estimated growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors expected from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 2)}

$59,190

Median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Format

Online Mental Health Degrees Designed for Flexibility

Online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health degree programs are designed to provide structure while allowing for greater flexibility. Through a digital learning platform, students can access coursework, connect with instructors and engage with resources that support academic progress. This format can make it easier to balance school with work, family and other commitments while staying on track toward degree completion.

Online Learning

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Degrees

If you are interested in pursuing one of our online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health degrees, review our answers to these commonly asked questions to better understand your educational options.

What is the difference between mental health and psychology degrees?

Are mental health degrees worth it?

A mental health degree can be a valuable investment for students planning a career in counseling, healthcare or social services. It provides essential knowledge and practical skills to support emotional and psychological well-being while preparing graduates for meaningful roles in a variety of helping professions. The degree’s value depends on your career goals, as it can offer a path to a mental health career and opportunities for further study or specialization.

What skills do you develop in a mental health degree program?

A mental health degree program can provide students with essential communication, analytical and professional skills for careers in support and helping fields. Students can enhance their active listening abilities and develop critical thinking, problem-solving and ethical decision-making skills.

Programs also cover assessment, collaboration, advocacy and research literacy, enabling students to apply theory to practice and promote mental health and well-being in various settings.

Can a mental health degree lead to a counseling career?

A mental health degree can lead to a counseling career, depending on the specific program and your professional goals. Many mental health degree programs provide foundational knowledge in counseling theories, ethics and communication skills that are relevant to counseling-related roles.

However, it’s important to note that becoming a licensed counselor typically requires a counseling-focused graduate degree, state licensure requirements, supervised clinical experience and examinations.^{(See disclaimer 3)} For students interested in counseling, a mental health degree can serve as a strong starting point for those pursuing counseling licensing.

How do I become a mental health counselor?

Becoming a mental health counselor involves several educational and professional steps. Typically, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field, followed by a master’s degree in counseling or a similar discipline.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Graduate programs cover theories, ethics and assessment and include supervised clinical experiences.

After you earn your degree, you may need to complete postgraduate supervised hours and pass a licensure exam, as requirements vary by state.^{(See disclaimer 3)} It’s essential to research the specific licensure standards in the state where you plan to work.

Do mental health degree programs include clinical experience?

Some online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health degrees, particularly at the graduate level, include clinical experience designed for counseling or advanced clinical practice. For example, the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires practicum and internship courses that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in supervised settings.

These experiences can help students build counseling skills and may support preparation for state licensure, through licensure requirements vary by state. Not all mental health degrees include clinical experience, so students should review the requirements for their specific program.

What To Expect

What To Expect in Your Mental Health Degree Program

In an online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health degree program, students can expect to study topics such as human behavior, ethical practice, communication, research, assessment, and strategies for supporting emotional and psychological well-being. Depending on the program, coursework may also cover areas like counseling theories, addiction, trauma, family dynamics, community wellness, integrated health or psychiatric care. Some graduate-level programs may require practicum, internship, residency or field experience.

You can expect the following in online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health programs:

Coursework and Topics

Students may study topics such as human development, counseling principles, ethics, research methods, mental health disorders, trauma, addiction, family systems, wellness promotion and culturally responsive care. Specific courses vary by degree level and program focus.

Skills You Can Build

Mental health degree programs can help students strengthen communication, active listening, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, research literacy, collaboration and problem-solving skills for roles in behavioral health, counseling, wellness or healthcare settings.

Online Learning Format

Online courses are designed to provide flexibility while helping students stay connected to instructors, classmates and academic resources. Students should review each program’s expectations for coursework, deadlines, participation and any required in-person experiences.

Field or Clinical Experience

Some mental health degree programs, particularly graduate counseling or nursing pathways, may include practicum, internship, residency or field experience requirements. These experiences can help students apply classroom learning in supervised professional settings.

Student Support Resources

Students have access to academic support, university counselors, online learning resources and college-specific resources through the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences designed to help them stay engaged and progress through their program.

Accreditation and Program Quality

GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students should also review program-specific requirements, professional standards and state licensure expectations for their intended career path.

Cost & Savings

Investing in Your Online Mental Health Degree

There are several options to help manage the cost of your education. University counselors can guide you through your estimated expenses and available financial aid opportunities. Completing the FAFSA each year is an important step, as it helps determine eligibility for federal grants and loans, and early submission can increase access to funding.

Discover Your Financial Options

Explore financial aid options to maximize funding opportunities to make your education more accessible.

Explore Online Tuition

Ways To Save

Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.

Financial Aid

Transfer Your Credits

If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.

Transfer Center

Scholarships & Grants

You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.

Find Scholarships

Admission

What Are the Admission Requirements For Mental Health Programs?

The admission requirements for Grand Canyon University’s online^{(See disclaimer 1)} mental health programs differ depending on the degree level, ranging from undergraduate to master’s programs. Each program has specific GPA and prerequisite guidelines. However, applicants who do not meet these specific criteria may still be considered based on other qualifications, such as standardized test scores. Since the requirements vary by program, the best course of action is to visit the admissions requirements page or consult with a university counselor to understand what applies to your particular degree of interest.

Admission Requirements

How To Apply to GCU

You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.

It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.

Pick your program

Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.

Complete our online application

Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.

Submit supporting documents

Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.

Online Mental Health Degrees

What Are Mental Health Degrees?

Areas of Focus Within Mental Health Degrees

Compare Online Mental Health Degree Paths

Core Pathways in Mental Health Education

Behavioral Health Science

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Mental Health & Wellness

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Explore Online Mental Health Programs

Which Mental Health Degree Is Right for You?

Hear From Our Students

Hear From Our Students

Hear From Our Students

What Can You Do With a Mental Health Degree?

Online Mental Health Degrees Designed for Flexibility

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Degrees

What To Expect in Your Mental Health Degree Program

Investing in Your Online Mental Health Degree

Ways To Save

What Are the Admission Requirements For Mental Health Programs?

Read More on Mental Health Degrees

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