Gain experience and licensure for a counseling career
Clinical Mental Health Counseling students learn to help clients explore emotions and experiences, adjust to difficult life challenges, improve family and other relationships, diagnose and treat mental and behavioral disorders, develop strategies for coping and change, and refer to other resources or services in the community.
Graduates leave the program ready for work in diverse settings, from community agencies, treatment centers, and correctional facilities, to medical settings, private/group practice, and Veterans Affairs clinics.
How much does it cost to get a Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree at UNK?
In-State
Cost for this program varies by academic plan, student residency status, and course delivery.
On-Campus Courses: $303/cr
Online Courses: $369/cr
Credit Hours: 60
Cost estimates are based on 2026-27 tuition and fees. Additional Course Fees may apply. For a more detailed estimate, see the full graduate costs page.
Out of State
Cost for this program varies by academic plan, student residency status, and course delivery.
On-Campus Courses: $666 per credit hour
Online Courses: $591 per credit hour
Credit Hours: 60
Cost estimates are based on 2026-27 tuition and fees. Additional Course Fees may apply. For a more detailed estimate, see the full graduate costs page.
Program Information
Career Opportunities with a Master's in Mental Health Counseling
The average annual pay for a Clinical Mental Health Counselor is $59,350 per year in 2026, with much faster than average employment growth projected over the next 10 years (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).- Licensed Mental Health Practitioner
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Nationally Certified Counselor
"I feel like it's doable for sure. Everyone I know (in the program) usually has jobs and I think I can balance it pretty well. You just got to manage your time. I say go for it."
Graduation Plan
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers flexible course scheduling to accommodate students who are employed full-time. The program offers long distance accessibility with a combination of evening/campus courses, blended/online courses, and fieldwork to prepare graduates for immediate career application. This plan includes Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counseling (LADC) elective coursework for Dual Licensure as LMHP & LADC.
* Online or Blended
~ Online or On Campus
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and its international affiliate, the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP). These accreditations ensure that the program will qualify and prepare you for the National Counselor Exam (NCE), National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (CMHCE), Mental Health Practitioner License (LMHP), Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) or other credentials needed for your counseling career. Each year the UNK Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is required to provide access to the CACREP Vital Statistics Report for prospective students, current students, community partners, and stake holders. Weave is our Annual Review of the Clinical Mental Health program, view the most recent report. For information on the number of graduates, pass rates on the national exam, program completion and job placement rates, view program statistics.
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