Top 50 Affordable Mental Health Counseling Schools

Choosing an Affordable Counseling College

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Today, exceptional education is available at both expensive and affordable higher education institutions. It’s important to note that the cost of a mental health degree is not necessarily reflective of the quality of education one will receive. Many less expensive colleges and universities offer quality education equal to, or better than, more expensive schools. However, other affordable programs may have lower standards. As such, it’s essential to consider a number of additional factors.

The accreditation of a college or university with mental health counseling degrees should be one of the most critical components in the decision-making process. Be sure to select an affordable mental health program from a regionally accredited college or university whenever possible. This type of accreditation is held in the highest regard by employers throughout the country. A regional accreditation demonstrates to others that the level of education requirements those colleges or universities are held to a higher standard than those with national accreditation or no accreditation.

If someone is truly interested in saving money on tuition, be sure to consider in-state, public schools over out-of-state or private school alternatives. Out-of-state and private colleges and universities can cost more than $40,000 a year. The general differences in educational offerings are typically not seen as enough to make up for the inflated price tags. For the best savings, choose a community college to complete prerequisite courses and then transfer to a four-year school if you’re looking for a degree from a well-known institution.

When choosing a four-year higher learning institution, don’t forget to consider affordable online mental health degrees. Many colleges and universities are eager to expand their student body base. As a result, they offer highly competitive online degree rates. Keep in mind, however, that other schools are charging more for online degrees. These colleges and universities might even charge out-of-state tuition to students choosing online degree programs who are not considered to be local residents. Be careful of these more expensive online degree tactics.

Online Options

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With the help of advancements in telehealth and telehealth legislation, online mental health degrees are rapidly growing in popularity. It’s possible to find affordable online mental health associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even PhDs or doctorates. And, because most careers in this type of medical field do not require hands-on medical practice, many students are choosing to complete relevant mental health work experience while completing degrees online.

At the associate degree level, students learn the core fundamentals relating to all future mental health careers. Students can choose to gain work experience while completing an online degree. One might consider working as a counselor’s assistant, looking for basic internships in mental health fields or just start working with people in any area possible.

An affordable online bachelor’s degree or master’s degree is often the minimum requirement for full careers and licensure in mental health. These higher degree levels prepare students for dealing with more serious crises in any number of areas such as marriage, sobriety, addiction, grief, and many others. While online doctorates and PhDs are also available, these degrees may require at least some work experience hours to be completed in-person with actual patients.

Online mental health programs are becoming more important with the ever-expanding area of telehealth. As the general population has a greater interest in completing mental health treatment in the comfort and privacy of their own home, the more essential it will be for mental health professionals to be able to effectively perform through a digital platform.

For those who are resistant to online learning, or for those who are simply more comfortable with in-person classes, many online mental health degrees also offer the option of hybrid learning or in-person courses to meet the needs of everyone. These offerings change regularly, so be sure to check each semester.

Counseling Graduates Earn More After College

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Salary expectations for mental health professionals will be different for everyone and be influenced by a number of varying factors. For individuals who seek out counseling careers in mental health, behavioral disorders and substance abuse, the median pay was just over $47,500 in 2020. Professionals could expect to earn closer to $30,500 for those with less experience, lower degrees, and in more rural or less affluent areas of the country. Individuals with higher degrees, more experience, and those working for top employers can expect to earn closer to $80,000 a year.

Employer type will have a tremendous influence on salary, as well. Substance abuse and residential mental health facilities typically pay a bit less than other employers, with a median salary of over $40,500 in 2020. Outpatient mental health providers, substance abuse centers, and individual and family services pay a bit more at a rate between $46,00 and $47,500. For those looking to make the most in this field, consider working for any type of hospital, the government, corporations, or private practice. These employers pay around $50,500 and well beyond.