Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science
Online Mental Health Degrees
Online Mental Health Degrees
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
Behavioral Health Science
Best For
Students interested in human behavior, community support, case management or behavioral health services
Common Degree Level
Bachelor’s
Career Direction
Behavioral health support, community outreach, advocacy, case management or graduate study
Licensure Considerations
Typically, does not lead directly to independent counseling licensure, but may support entry-level roles or preparation for graduate study
Degree Path
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Best For
Students who want to pursue counseling-focused roles and provide direct client support
Common Degree Level
Master’s
Career Direction
Professional counseling, clinical counseling, group counseling, assessment and treatment planning
Licensure Considerations
Often aligned with counseling licensure pathways, but requirements vary by state and may include supervised hours and exams
Degree Path
Mental Health and Wellness
Best For
Students interested in prevention, resilience, wellness education, community programs or administrative support
Common Degree Level
Master’s or graduate certificate
Career Direction
Community mental health, wellness programming, prevention, advocacy, family support or integrated health settings
Licensure Considerations
Generally broader than counseling licensure programs; students should review role requirements for their intended career path
Degree Path
Addiction Counseling and Substance Use
Best For
Students interested in supporting individuals and communities affected by substance use and recovery
Common Degree Level
Bachelor’s or master’s
Career Direction
Addiction counseling, recovery support, substance use prevention, rehabilitation settings or community programs
Licensure Considerations
Licensure or certification requirements vary by state and role, especially for counseling positions
Degree Path
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Best For
Registered nurses who want to provide advanced mental health care across clinical settings
Common Degree Level
MSN or post-master’s certificate
Career Direction
Psychiatric mental health nursing, advanced practice nursing, patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning
Licensure Considerations
Requires nursing credentials; advanced practice requirements vary by state and may include certification and licensure steps
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.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical mental health counseling helps prepare students to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health concerns. This pathway emphasizes evidence-based counseling theories, ethical practice and culturally responsive care. Students also explore topics such as substance use, group dynamics and assessment techniques, while gaining supervised clinical experience through practicum and internship placements.
Mental Health & Wellness
Mental health and wellness programs take a broad, holistic approach to well-being, examining the emotional, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence overall health. This pathway highlights prevention, resilience and community-based support, while exploring evidence-based practices, ethical considerations and strategies designed to promote long-term mental and emotional wellness.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Psychiatric mental health nursing teaches registered nurses the skills to provide specialized care for individuals with mental health disorders across the lifespan. This pathway focuses on assessment, diagnosis and treatment within a clinical framework, while also exploring leadership, population health and long-term care management in diverse healthcare settings.
Explore Online Mental Health Programs
20 Matching Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science
with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science
with an Emphasis in Family Dynamics
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science
with an Emphasis in Infancy and Early Childhood Studies
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science
with an Emphasis in Substance Use Disorders
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science
with an Emphasis in Trauma
Bachelor of Science in Counseling
with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Master of Science in Christian Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
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.
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?
What skills do you develop in a mental health degree program?
Can a mental health degree lead to a counseling career?
How do I become a mental health counselor?
Do mental health degree programs include clinical experience?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read More on Mental Health Degrees
Learn more about mental health degrees with these informative blogs.
Find the Online Mental Health Degree That Fits Your Goals
Explore GCU’s online(See disclaimer 1) mental health degree programs and take the next step toward supporting individuals, families and communities.
Excluding residencies, practicums, internships and field experience.
- 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 August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, retrieved May 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors. U.S. Department of Labor, Retrieved May 2026.
- 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 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 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 the 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 is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. 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.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Psychologists. U.S. Department of Labor, retrieved May 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Director of the CMHC Program of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on July 30, 2026.