Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Positively Impact Clients’ Lives with a Graduate Degree
Online
Two Years
60 Credit Hours
$860 Per Credit
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Earn Your Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree from North Park
In North Park’s online master’s in clinical mental health counseling program, you’ll gain the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat clients. Through our flexible online coursework, you’ll build a solid foundation in counseling theory and learn to deliver mental health services that address clients’ developmental, multicultural, relational, and spiritual concerns. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
Program Details
- CACREP Accredited
- 100% licensure pass rate*
- 95% job placement rate*
- Build meaningful connections with faculty and students
Program Accreditation
The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP accreditation is an important, program distinction because it:
- Meets rigorous national standards for clinical training, ethics, and professional preparation.
- Supports a smoother path to licensure and can make transferring credentials between states easier.
- Enhances employer confidence, as CACREP is widely recognized as the gold standard in counselor education.
- Positions you for long-term career success with education aligned to industry expectations.
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
In-Depth, Flexible Online Counseling Curriculum
60 total credits
20 courses
In addition to fully online classes, you’ll take part in practicum and internship hours with the support of your instructors.
The blend of online coursework with hands-on opportunities will lay the groundwork for a meaningful career in counseling. Our faculty create opportunities for interaction and involvement, ensuring you make lasting connections. You’ll graduate prepared to sit for licensure , of which our students boast a 100% pass rate*.
Course Highlights
- Counseling Techniques
- Social & Cultural Foundations of Counseling
- Integrating Spiritual & Religious Issues in Counseling
- Trauma & Healing
Admissions Requirements
Apply to the Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Application Deadline 8/10/2026
Start Date 9/07/2026
Apply to the master’s in clinical mental health counseling program at North Park today. The application process is quick and easy, and you can save your progress as you work. Reach out to your enrollment counselor with any questions you encounter throughout the process.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA |
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| Transcripts | Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please send transcripts to: North Park University Admissions 3225 W. Foster Ave., Box 19 Chicago, IL 60625 Electronic transcripts can be submitted to: DataEntry@northpark.edu If ordering directly from Parchment or Clearinghouse, please select North Park University. |
| Transfer Credits | You may transfer up to six credits into the program from an accredited institution. They must be within the last 10 years and be a grade of B or higher. Any of those 6-credits accepted for transfer will need to be first determined by the CMHC director. |
| Additional Requirements |
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It’s Always a Good Time to Apply to North Park
With multiple start dates per year, we make it easy for you to apply to the program of your choice and begin your educational journey. Our admissions process is straightforward, and our team is always here to guide you through the process.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Paying for Your Counseling Degree from North Park
Calculate your cost for attending North Park
Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Our team is here to help you estimate costs and discover the best way to pay for your master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree. Explore the costs you’ll encounter below.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $860 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 60 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $51,600 |
| Additional Fees |
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| Other Costs to Budget For | Your only additional costs will be for books and materials not billed to you by North Park. These costs can vary depending on what courses you need to take, how you obtain textbooks, and a variety of other factors. |
Military Students at North Park
North Park University welcomes veterans of the US Armed Forces as students. Financial benefits are available for veterans attending the university as undergraduate or graduate students. Questions about benefits for veterans should be directed to the veterans coordinator in the Office of the Registrar at (773) 244-5560 or by email.
Paying for Your North Park Degree
There are multiple options for financing your degree at North Park. Be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and explore third-party scholarship opportunities. Investing in your education is a big decision, and we are here to help you finance your degree in a way that fits your needs. Programs are not eligible for NPU scholarships, or tuition discounts.
Tuition Details
Change Lives with a Master’s Degree in Counseling
You’ll graduate from North Park ready to help clients improve their mental health. Our graduates practice ethical decision-making and demonstrate advocacy in a variety of roles. We boast a 95% job placement rate for our graduates.*
Mental Health Counseling Jobs
Mental Health Counselor $53,710 per year1
Social and Community Service Manager $78,240 per year2
What You’ll Learn
Our CACREP-accredited, program will prepare you to make a lasting impact on clients’ lives. You’ll graduate with the skills you need to sit for licensure and begin practicing in a variety of settings. Through the supportive environment at North Park, you can become an ethical and empathetic mental health professional.
CMHC Program Mission Statement: North Park University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program provides comprehensive academic and clinical training in professional counseling, equipping students to be ethically skilled counselors serving culturally and spiritually diverse communities. The CMHC program prepares counselors for lives of significance and service throughout their professional careers.
Program Outcomes
- Differentiate the professional identity of Clinical Mental Health Counselors from other mental health practitioners.
- Analyze the principles of ethical decision making in the practice of professional counseling.
- Demonstrate multicultural theory, social justice principles, and advocacy in the practice of counseling.
- Compare and contrast relevant theories of counseling practice in appropriate counseling and consultation skills with diverse populations.
- Apply group work theories, methods, and skills to clinical practice.
- Describe appropriate assessment and appraisal tools within counseling practice.
- Implement research in clinical practice and program evaluation to inform their counseling practice.
- Deliver clinical mental health services which attend to the developmental, multicultural, relational, and spiritual concerns of clients.
Expert Faculty Who Are Committed to Your Success
Our instructors have professional experience in their respective fields and are ready to form meaningful relationships with you as they guide and mentor you toward success. Our faculty are committed to the achievement of every student.
Dr. Martha Mason
Dr. Martha Mason, Associate Professor of Counseling
Dr. Martha Mason brings more than two decades of experience in mental health, counseling, private practice, community-based care, and higher education to her role as Associate Professor of Counseling at North Park University. She enjoys helping students connect what they learn in the classroom with the realities of clinical practice, preparing them to serve individuals and communities with compassion, confidence, and professionalism.
Dr. Elizabeth Pierre
Dr. Elizabeth Pierre, Associate Professor of Counseling
Dr. Elizabeth Pierre is an Associate Professor of Counseling in North Park University’s School of Professional Studies. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Through her teaching and mentorship, she helps students build the confidence and skills they need to thrive as counseling professionals.
Dr. Ashley Roberts
Dr. Ashley Roberts, Associate Professor of Counseling and Director of Clinical Training
Dr. Ashley Roberts serves as Assistant Professor of Counseling and Director of Clinical Training for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at North Park University. Drawing on her experience as a licensed professional counselor, she enjoys mentoring students as they discover their strengths, clarify their career goals, and pursue field experiences that prepare them to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
Dr. Kara Wolff
Dr. Kara Wolff, Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and Professor
Dr. Kara Wolff serves as Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and Professor at North Park University, bringing extensive experience in counselor education and mental health practice. She is passionate about helping future counselors grow into thoughtful, compassionate professionals and encourages students to stay curious about people and the human experience as they build the skills needed to make a meaningful difference.
Online Learning Experience
At North Park University, we’re here for you — even when you aren’t here. Our online programs are delivered through Canvas and taught by responsive faculty. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
Benefits:
- Hands-on, supportive faculty who have experience in online learning environments
- Flexible coursework that can be completed when and where you are
- Connections with a diverse student body from many walks of life, helping you develop a global perspective
- North Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Sources and Disclaimer
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.” Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Social and Community Service Managers.” Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
*North Park University, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Annual Report, 2024-2025.