Online Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Online
Positively Impact Lives with a Degree in Mental Health Counseling
Dual-Licensure Preparation
100% Online Coursework
No. 1 Ranked University in the Midwest
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- Duration 2.5-3 Years
- Cost per Credit $700
- Credit Hours 60
Program Benefits
- No GRE required
- 700 hours of hands-on experience
- Addictions counseling focus area
Earn a Master of Science Degree that Makes a True Difference
The MS in Mental Health Counseling offers hands-on training and a pathway to dual licensure in mental health counseling and clinical addictions counseling. Experienced faculty present a rigorous curriculum aligned with national and state standards, while our support coordinators help you secure a field placement in your chosen area of counseling. Our coursework prepares you for licensure in Indiana. Requirements vary by state. The program focuses on evidence-based practices and features partnerships with large mental health agencies locally for practicum and internship. You’ll graduate ready to help others in just 2.5-3 years.
Prepare for In-Demand Mental Health Careers
Upon graduating with your MS degree, you’ll be on your way to dual-licensure in mental health counseling and clinical addictions counseling. Our graduates pursue careers in a variety of settings, including private practice, clinics, schools, addictions and recovery organizations, and inpatient and outpatient hospitals.
Career OutlookMaster’s-Level Mental Health Training for Present-Day Issues
20 total courses
60 total credits
Our theory-to-practice model ensures rigorous grounding in foundational knowledge, hands-on practice, and forward-thinking approaches. Each class offers opportunities for meaningful engagement with students and faculty. Synchronous components of this program include the practicum and internship, along with select virtual course times that will require your attendance.
Course Highlights:
- ED 577 Group Procedures
- ED 630 Diversity and Similarity
- ED 571 Career and Life Planning
- ED 568 Neurocounseling and Psychopharmacology
Start Your Application Today
No GRE required
No prerequisite coursework
To apply to Butler’s online master’s in Mental Health Counseling, you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts for all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- An interview
Based on the state you live in, the state requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor (or equivalent) may vary. You can find more information on our state restrictions page.
View Application ProcessAffordable Tuition for a High-Quality Degree
$42,000 Total Tuition
$700 Per Credit
Butler University is committed to offering affordable, competitive tuition. Speak to an enrollment counselor to discover the multiple ways to finance your degree.
Learn MoreMission
The mission of our Counseling Program is to equip compassionate, skilled professionals with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to provide effective, ethical, client-centered counseling services regardless of context. We are committed to preparing graduates who are dedicated to promoting wellbeing, advocating for social justice, and fostering positive change in individuals, families, and communities.
What You’ll Learn
Our graduates are prepared to pursue dual-licensure in Indiana. Check requirements in your state as they may vary. Our forward-thinking curriculum meets state and national standards and ensures you’re ready to meet modern challenges with individuals and communities.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate effective skills in clinical mental health counseling and addictions counseling with clients of varying ages and backgrounds
- Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders in an evidence-based manner
- Collect, analyze, and use data and research to inform practice and respond to community needs
- Practice in a culturally responsive manner and continually reassess the impact of personal biases
- Apply the ethical and legal requirements of the profession
Expert Butler University Faculty
Our online classes are taught by experienced Mental Health and School Counselors who understand what it takes to succeed in the field. They are all experts in the subject matter, well-known nationally for their work in the field, and ready to help you on your educational journey.
Faculty Spotlight
Chloe Moushey, MS, LMHC, Program Director
Courses taught:
- ED 565: Psychopathology
- ED 677: Foundations of Mental Health Counseling
- ED 678: Knowledge & Skills in Practice of MHC
- and more
Chloe Moushey, MS in Clinical Psychology and a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), gladly serves as the program director for Butler’s online Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling since its inaugural semester in Fall 2023.
Touchstone principles for her role centers on providing collaborative support and integrating theory with practical application. Her aim is to provide an approachable yet high-achieving learning environment while fostering open dialogue and a culture of curiosity. Chloe’s approachability and expert knowledge make her an invaluable resource to her students.
“My hope for all learners in our program is to not only instill a high level of competence but also to nurture confidence and a deep commitment to inclusive, effective, and evidence-based client care.”
Quality Online Education from a Top-Ranked University
Our online programs are designed to provide the flexibility you need along with the in-depth instruction that prepares you to positively impact communities and individuals. You’ll study with expert-level faculty with years of experience in their fields who bring their real-world understanding into the virtual classroom.
Discover OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Butler University’s online programs. For information not covered here, our expert admission team is available to provide additional details and guidance.
The program is designed to meet all CACREP standards and will seek accreditation at the earliest opportunity, which is the year following our first graduating class from the online program, per CACREP guidelines.
The requirements for the MS in School Counseling include:
- A completed application (no fee to apply)
- A 3.0 GPA
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- An interview
You can learn more about our admission requirements here.
Those who hold a master’s in Mental Health Counseling often pursue career titles such as licensed mental health counselor, licensed clinical addictions counselor, or licensed professional counselor and can work in a variety of settings such as private practice, hospitals, or in-patient and outpatient facilities. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.
Dual licensure as a mental health counselor can be achieved with careful planning, the right electives, and two additional courses. This would increase the total credits to 66 credits, and you would be eligible to become dual-licensed in school counseling and mental health counseling in Indiana. While this may also be possible in other states, requirements vary and additional fieldwork may be necessary. Learn more about your state’s licensure requirements by checking the school counseling state restrictions and mental health counseling state restrictions. Reach out to an admissions counselor for more information.
You can complete the program in just 2.5-3 years. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.
Tuition is $700 per credit hour. You’ll need to complete 60 credits for a total tuition of $42,000, not including fees or other costs. You can review all tuition costs on our tuition page.