Do you find yourself interested in psychology and human behavior but struggle with the idea of going back to in-person school? Consider a Master’s in Counseling degree online.
With employment for mental health counselors projected to grow 3.6 % over the next decade, the US faces a critical shortage of counseling professionals in areas such as substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counseling. This growing need, accelerated by increased mental health awareness and post-pandemic challenges, makes now an ideal time to pursue an online Counseling degree and enter this essential field.
So if you’re considering a Mental Health Counseling degree online, you may have wondered: Are online counseling degrees respected?
The short answer is yes, usually. If the online counseling degree you’re considering meets the accreditation requirements and necessary hours of post-graduate experience in the field, you’re probably looking at a solid program.
Overall, when choosing your Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling online, look for the profession’s highest standards for quality and curriculum. Luckily, your days of googling, “How to get a Counseling degree online,” or “Are online Counseling degrees respected,” are over. Read on to unpack everything you need to know to get started.
How to find a CACREP-accredited online Counseling degree
Many prospective students worry that a Mental Health Counseling degree online may not carry the same credibility as on-campus or full-time in-person programs. But these days, employers view a Mental Health Counseling degree online, when paired with hands-on experience, just as they would a fully in-person program.
However, that doesn’t mean every online Counseling degree program is a good one. As with any degree, begin narrowing your search by only considering accredited programs. Online Counseling degrees that are CACREP-accredited prepare students for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), meaning they’ll teach you what you need to know to succeed in the field.
At UB, our comprehensive master’s in Counseling graduate program is designed to prepare you for success on the NCE Exam!
Addressing misconceptions about online degrees
In the past, online education carried a stigma of being less rigorous, but modern programs have changed that perception entirely. Today, an online Counseling degree mirrors the academic standards of on-campus study.
Modern master’s in Counseling degree online programs are designed to help you meet licensure requirements and pass the exams that show employers you’re prepared for professional practice. Online Counseling degrees do so through a rigorous, trauma-informed curriculum that assists you in your development as a professional counselor.
High-quality programs, like University of Bridgeport’s, have the same faculty expertise, curriculum, and licensure preparation as an in-person program. The online format comes with the added benefit of flexible delivery. Interactive platforms are engaging, and you will be able to interact with professors and peers. Supervised clinical experiences ensure hands-on skill development alongside online coursework. The asynchronous format especially benefits adult learners juggling multiple responsibilities, such as family or another job.
Flexibility without compromise
When choosing an online Counseling degree, pick a Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that is designed with today’s busy professionals in mind. Most online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees can be completed in as little as two years for full-time students, with part-time options available to accommodate working professionals.
Whether you decide to complete a program that is 100% online or a hybrid program, earning a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling online has never been easier with today’s technological advancements.
Virtual education improvements
When choosing an online counseling program, look for one with either live classes for interaction or asynchronous options for flexibility. These options allow you to balance work, family, and education without sacrificing quality. No matter which format you select, you’ll receive the same rigorous curriculum on a virtual platform alongside expert faculty instruction through telehealth simulation platforms, interactive case studies, and video conferencing for live supervision on different ethical practices and client confidentiality tools.
With full-time and part-time options, you can finish your degree in as little as two years or pace your studies over three or more years, giving you the freedom to earn a respected, accredited degree on your schedule.
Preparing for Counseling licensure
In addition to coursework, look for a Master’s in Counseling online degree that includes support when securing in-person clinical experiences, such as practicums and internships, so you graduate with both the knowledge and hands-on training required to enter the field as competent professionals.
Mental Health Counseling internships
If you’re worried about securing a job after receiving your online Counseling degree, internships for those in the Master’s in Mental Health Counseling online program can give you the valuable experience you need while also receiving credit for your degree, and the necessary hours for licensure after graduation. Supervised fieldwork is a cornerstone for any Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, ensuring students graduate with the hands-on skills employers and licensing boards expect.
Over the course of two semester-long internships, you’ll gain experience in hospitals, outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs, and residential treatment facilities. Weekly reflective practice and didactic training with faculty can provide additional support as you develop into a competent and compassionate counselor.
Your future as a Counselor starts here
At University of Bridgeport, we’re committed to high-quality, accessible mental health education. Our Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling program offers a unique opportunity for eligible Counseling students to receive training in evidence-based therapies such as Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, and Circle of Security Parenting.
You’ll also learn strategies for your own health and resilience. Eligible students can also earn a $10,000 field placement stipend during their practicum and internship, making it financially feasible to gain valuable clinical experience.
Beyond individual training, this initiative strengthens communities by preparing counselors to address the post-pandemic mental health crisis and by equipping community clinical supervisors with cutting-edge therapeutic tools.