Is a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Worth It?

If you’re considering a career in counseling, but curious if it’s worth it, the answer is “absolutely.” Earning a master's in mental health counseling is not only a valuable academic achievement but also a critical step toward becoming a licensed clinical mental health professional. A mental health counseling degree—specifically at the master’s level—is a requirement to practice as a clinical mental health counselor. Beyond the degree, aspiring counselors or therapists must also pass a national certification exam and obtain state licensure to work professionally in the field.

What Is a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?

A Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a graduate-level program designed to prepare students for careers in the mental health field, therapy, and counseling. This advanced counseling degree equips students with the clinical expertise, ethical grounding, and interpersonal skills necessary to support clients dealing with emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges.

A Master's Degree Is Required to Practice Counseling

To become a licensed clinical mental health counselor, practitioner, or therapist, a master’s in mental health counseling is not just helpful—it’s essential. The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is the foundational requirement for entering the field. In addition to earning the master’s degree, you’ll also need to pass a national exam and meet state-specific licensure* requirements. Without this educational and professional foundation, you can’t legally practice in most states.

*Please review Bellevue University’s state-by-state offerings and licensure disclosures for more information on where this program is offered and whether it meets educational requirements for licensure in your state.

Key Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling opens the door to a wide range of professional and personal benefits. Whether you're transitioning careers or continuing your education in the behavioral and social sciences, here are some of the top advantages of earning this degree:

1. Licensure and Professional Credibility
One of the primary benefits of earning a mental health counseling degree is that it qualifies you to apply for an examination and licensure.* Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHCs) or Licensed Mental Health Practitioners (LMHPs) are recognized professionals equipped to diagnose and treat a range of mental health conditions. A master’s degree is a crucial step towards preparing for licensure, allowing you to build trust with clients and employers alike.

*Please review Bellevue University’s state-by-state offerings and licensure disclosures for more information on where this program is offered and whether it meets educational requirements for licensure in your state.

2. Diverse Career Opportunities
Graduates with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling can work in a variety of settings, and those with a license can work in private practice, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, community clinics, and corporate wellness programs. The skills gained are versatile, making it easier to pivot within the field or specialize in areas such as trauma, addictions, family therapy, or adolescent counseling.

3. High Job Demand and Stability
With mental health needs and awareness rising globally, qualified counselors are in high demand. The job market is strong and growing, especially for those with credentials. Choosing a master's in mental health counseling positions you for long-term career stability and competitive compensation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for mental health counselors, including roles in substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling, is expected to grow by 22% from 2021 to 2031. That’s much faster than the average for all other occupations. This growth is driven by a rising demand for mental health services, greater public awareness, and expanding insurance coverage for behavioral health services. However, employability for these occupations varies depending on factors such as level of education, location, experience, and specific job role and this data is not intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate employability.

4. Flexible Online Learning Options
Thanks to technology, you no longer need to relocate or quit your job to pursue this path. Accredited schools like Bellevue University, which offer a master's in clinical mental health counseling online, provide the same quality education as on-campus programs, but with the flexibility to study from anywhere. An online master's in mental health counseling is a practical option for students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. Bellevue's program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Specialized accrediting agencies, such as CACREP, may require you to complete a certain number of credits, hours, or residencies in person, so it’s important to check with your degree program providers for any special requirements.**

**Two introductory, noncredit Residency classes––MCC 698 & 699––must be completed in person, on campus, per rules set forth by CACREP, the program accrediting organization, as of June 2026. (See Bellevue’s MS-CMHC program page for details or contact an admissions counselor for more information.)
The MS CMHC is inclusive of 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship. Students are responsible for completing practicum and internship hours under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

5. Personal Fulfillment and Purpose
Beyond professional benefits, this degree offers immense personal satisfaction. Helping people through emotional struggles, trauma, and mental illness can be deeply rewarding. Counselors often describe their work as purposeful and meaningful—something that not only supports others but fosters personal growth as well.

I absolutely love counseling. It is such a gift to be able to sit with people and be a witness to their difficulty and pain as well as their successes. My passion is working with future mental health professionals and helping them to not only learn about counseling and develop counseling skills, but also helping them shift their professional identities and become counselors.

– Barb Daubenspeck, PhD, Program Director and Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bellevue University

Skills Gained in a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

Earning a master’s in mental health counseling doesn’t just prepare you for licensure*—it also equips you with a robust set of practical and interpersonal skills that are critical in real-world counseling settings. Whether you're learning in-person or pursuing an online master's in mental health counseling, these are some of the core competencies you can expect to develop:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis

Learn how to assess mental health conditions using evidence-based tools and diagnostic frameworks such as the DSM-5. You'll be trained to recognize a range of disorders and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

2. Therapeutic Techniques

From cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to solution-focused and trauma-informed approaches, students will practice multiple therapeutic models and how to apply them in various clinical settings.

3. Cultural Competence

Effective counseling requires sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds. Programs emphasize multicultural awareness, inclusion, and ethical practice when working with individuals from different communities.

4. Crisis Intervention

You’ll learn how to respond to clients in acute emotional or psychological crisis situations, providing stabilization and referral when necessary.

5. Communication and Empathy

Strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills, active listening, and empathy are foundational elements of effective counseling. These skills are continuously developed through role-playing, supervised clinical experiences, and peer feedback.

6. Ethical and Legal Understanding

Gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical principles and legal considerations in mental health care, including confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries.

Financial Considerations for a Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree

When considering whether an advanced degree like the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is worth it, you must factor in several things, such as time, cost, education requirements, and personal commitment.

Weigh these costs above with the benefits of the degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the current median annual salary of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) as $63,780 (as of 2024) and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors as $59,190 as of 2024 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
However, earning potential for these occupations varies depending on factors such as level of education, location, experience, and specific job role and this data is not intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate earnings.

Cost

Costs can vary greatly between schools and are usually measured by cost per credit. It’s important to do some research to guide your decision. Here are some of the facts:

• Cost per credit and other fees are found on the Bellevue University Tuition and Fees page.
• Graduate students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
• Military education funding and corporate tuition assistance are other popular ways to fund graduate courses.
• You may be able to transfer in up to 6 graduate credit hours from a previous accredited university. Contact us to learn more about how to have your credits evaluated.

Education and Examination Requirements

Beyond the financial costs, educational requirements take your time, effort, and personal commitment. Here’s what you can expect.

Time commitment
A master’s in mental health counseling degree, such as the one at Bellevue University, typically requires 60 graduate credit hours. Full-time students may be able to complete this type of master’s degree in 3-4 years. Part-time students will take longer.

The Bellevue University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is a 60-credit-hour, CACREP-accredited program. Students can complete this master’s degree in 3-4 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits they take per term. (Students should aim to complete the program in less than 5 years to avoid repeating any coursework that is older than 4 calendar years. See the program details for restrictions, or contact an admissions counselor or advisor if you have questions about eligible coursework.)

In Bellevue’s MS-CMHC program, if you successfully complete two classes per term (3 credits each), all four terms per year (fall, winter, spring and summer terms), you can finish this degree in 10 terms, or about 2 ½ years. Students will also need to take the National Board for Certified Counseling exam as part of their state’s licensure requirements.

Counselor education is less about learning how to perform counseling tasks and more about becoming a counselor. It’s vital for graduate students to fully engage with this process, exploring the depths of their counselor identity and finding their unique place within that framework.

– Barb Daubenspeck, PhD, Program Director and Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bellevue University

The Bottom Line: Is a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Right For You?

While a mental health counseling degree opens the door to a meaningful and growing profession, it’s important to reflect on whether it aligns with your interests, goals, and values. Here are a few questions to help you decide if pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling is the right path for you.

• Are you passionate about helping others?
  If you feel called to support individuals through emotional challenges, trauma, or mental illness, this field allows you to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

• Are you willing to commit to graduate-level education?
  This profession requires a significant educational investment, including coursework, clinical training, and exam preparation. Fortunately, flexible options like a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University make it easier to fit school into your life, with most of your courses available online, or in person, if you prefer.*

• Do you thrive in empathetic and trust-based relationships?
  Counselors build deep, trust-centered relationships with clients. If you’re a good listener, emotionally attuned, and patient, you’ll likely excel in this profession.

• Are you interested in a career with stability and growth?
  With a projected 19% growth rate for mental health counseling roles, the job outlook is excellent, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's a career that offers security, flexibility, and upward mobility. However, employability for these occupations varies depending on factors such as level of education, location, experience, and specific job role and this data is not intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate employability.

Growing up, and even in school, I never really felt heard. So, I’ve always wanted to make sure that others have someone there who will actively listen and give their full attention. I love the crisis field and working with first responders, because it’s something new every single day. You’re able to connect with people in their worst moments.

– Ashley Brugmann, BS, MS, MSCMHC- Bellevue University; Mental Health Co-Responder, OPD Behavioral Health and Wellness Unit

Start Your Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bellevue University Today

Whether you’re seeking a career change or deepening your expertise in the mental health field, a master’s in mental health counseling can be a powerful next step. With the right mix of compassion, dedication, and commitment, this degree could be your pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career.

Explore the Bellevue University Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Today!

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