NYU Steinhardt MA in Mental Health Counseling | OnlineNYU Steinhardt MA in Mental Health Counseling | OnlineNYU Steinhardt MA in Mental Health Counseling | Online

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness program prepares aspiring mental health counselors to pursue licensure in a variety of professional settings.NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness program prepares aspiring mental health counselors to pursue licensure in a variety of professional settings.NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness program prepares aspiring mental health counselors to pursue licensure in a variety of professional settings.

  • 21-Month Completion — Depending on your start date, you could earn your mental health counseling master’s online in as few as seven terms.
  • Real-World Training — Help a wide range of real clients during a practicum and internship at NYU-approved sites near your community.
  • No GRE Required — NYU Steinhardt values compassionate professionals ready to change lives through the lens of social justice and equity.

The online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from NYU Steinhardt prepares you to pursue licensure and employment as a mental health counselor in settings such as addiction treatment centers, community agencies, and private practice. Taught by NYU faculty, the curriculum empowers you to help clients of all ages and backgrounds craft lives of health, wellness, and meaning while advancing your career as a therapist.

Mental Health Counseling Program Highlights

Rigorous, Hands-On Preparation
Build your skills through 60 graduate-level credits, counseling lab, 100-hour practicum, and 600-hour internship.

Complete in as Few as Two Years
Depending on your start date, you could earn your mental health counseling master’s online in as few as five terms.

GRE Not Required
GRE scores are not required for admission into the online master’s in mental health counseling program.

Rolling Admissions
NYU Steinhardt accepts applications year-round, offering multiple start dates a year.

The final deadline for the January 2026 Cohort is October 7, 2025.

Take the Next Step

Earn an online mental health counseling degree from NYU Steinhardt.

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Online Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program Experience

Live Classes and Interactive Course Work

Log in to our interactive online campus to complete assignments and collaborate with peers and professors during and outside of class.

Skill Development in a Secure Virtual Setting

Develop key mental health counseling skills and prepare for your practicum and internship while acting out client-therapist scenarios with a partner.

Real-World Training at Sites Near Your Area

Help real clients during a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship at NYU-approved sites near your community.

In-Person Collaboration with Faculty and Classmates

Visit NYU’s New York City campus for three to four days of networking and intensive training.

What Can I Do with an Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling?

The online MA in mental health counseling prepares you to pursue licensure as a counselor who helps clients of all ages reach their potential as individuals and members of their community. As a graduate of the online program, you will be uniquely prepared to:

Assess individuals and groups with attention to gender, race and ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, and ability/disability.
Apply a variety of counseling skills, such as case conceptualization, practice, and advocacy.
Form helping counseling relationships and demonstrate a commitment to the growth and development of your clients.

Accreditation

New York University’s Counseling@NYU online program offers a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. New York University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Board (MPCAC) for the period of January 2015 to January 2025. Learn more about MPCAC accreditation.

Licensure and Careers

The Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program prepares students to work as mental health counselors, serving as leaders, facilitators, and advocates of social justice in diverse communities across the country.

Students may be eligible for licensure in states outside New York; however, requirements vary from state to state. We encourage each student to research and understand the specific requirements for licensure for their state of residence. Most state licensing boards require a master’s degree, testing, and completion of post-master’s clinical hours. Resources for each state’s licensing board can be found on NYU Steinhardt’s Professional Licensure page.

Graduates of NYU Steinhardt have developed fulfilling careers as mental health care providers in both public and private agencies, including mental health programs, university counseling centers, and substance abuse treatment centers.

People in your community need mental health counselors.People in your community need mental health counselors.People in your community need mental health counselors.

Become a counselor, and help them thrive.Become a counselor, and help them thrive.Become a counselor, and help them thrive.

FAQs About Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling

  • Yes, a master’s degree in mental health counseling is a prerequisite for becoming a therapist in most states. After earning your master’s, you will need to complete your state’s specific requirements, which typically include a set number of supervised clinical hours and passing a licensure exam.

  • Master’s in counseling programs are generally designed to be completed in roughly two years of full-time enrollment. Depending on your start date, you could earn your mental health counseling master’s online in as few as five terms.

  • No, in most cases, you cannot become a licensed mental health counselor without at least a master’s degree. While some states allow you to work as a substance use counselor with a bachelor’s degree or high school diploma, licensure requirements for mental health counseling almost always include a graduate degree.

  • A master’s in mental health counseling can lead to various counseling-related careers beyond traditional therapy. Some career paths to consider include school counselor, substance abuse counselor, career counselor, or rehabilitation counselor. The degree can also qualify you for related roles such as social worker or marriage and family therapist.

  • To become an online counselor, you must complete the same education and licensing requirements as an in-person counselor in your state. This involves earning a master’s degree, completing supervised clinical hours, and passing a licensure exam to receive a state license. Once licensed, you will need reliable internet, suitable technology, and strong communication skills to provide services remotely.

  • The job outlook for mental health counselors is strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting employment to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034,  much faster than the average for all occupations.

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor was $59,190 as of May 2024. Salary can vary significantly based on location, experience, and the specific counseling field.

  • For admission into the online master’s in mental health counseling program, GRE scores are not required. The program has rolling admissions, and NYU Steinhardt accepts applications year-round, offering multiple start dates a year.

  • The cost of an online master’s in mental health counseling is determined by tuition and fees, which can vary by program and academic year. Financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and federal student loans, are available for students to assist with program expenses. For the most up-to-date tuition and financial aid information, please visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.