Is a master’s in mental health counseling worth it in 2025?

If you're considering a future in helping people overcome mental health challenges, there's no better time than now to pursue your master's in mental health counseling. Amid a changing job market, the rising cost of education, and the process of obtaining a license, you may be asking yourself, "Is a master's in mental health counseling worth it? Is it difficult to earn a master's in mental health counseling?"

Whether you're a prospective student or changing careers, a master's in counseling provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the field. Understanding job market trends, the return on investment, and the pros and cons of a master's in mental health counseling will help you make an informed decision as to whether pursuing the degree is worth it for your future career.

Job market snapshot (2025–2033)

The field of mental health counseling is rapidly growing and will only continue to expand in the future. Over the next eight years, there's a 19% employment growth projected for mental-health counselors, with an estimated annual 48,900 job openings.¹ This demand, increasing at a higher rate than many other occupations, is driven by factors such as telehealth expansion, substance-use treatment mandates, and insurance parity laws.

Cost of the degree

Cost is a key factor when you are considering pursuing any master’s program. For master’s in mental health counseling programs, the average annual graduate tuition is $10,988 a year for in-state programs, compared to $19,552 a year for out-of-state programs.²

Additional expenses can include practicum fees, supervision hours, and licensing exam costs for exams such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), which each have a $275 registration fee.³ While some of these numbers may seem daunting upfront, understanding all the associated costs and fees can help you plan ahead and budget.

Licensure and time-to-practice

Most master's in mental health counseling programs can take anywhere from two to four years to complete, depending on whether you choose full- or part-time enrollment.

In addition to the degree, a typical path to becoming a licensed counselor includes completion of a 60-credit CACREP-aligned program, followed by the accumulation of 2,000 to 3,000 supervised hours, and culminating in passing a state license exam.⁴ Counseling regulations are different in each state, so if you plan on moving states after obtaining your license, research reciprocity rules and requirements set out by the state board where you plan to work.

Return on investment (ROI) factors

When thinking about your ROI, there are many factors to consider:

• Break-even timeline: Compare the average debt you may take on with your expected salary to estimate how quickly you can recoup your investment
• Employer tuition assistance: Some organizations provide funding for graduate education, which can make your program far more affordable
• Loan forgiveness opportunities: Programs like HRSA or Public Service Loan Forgiveness can reduce long-term debt for professionals serving in high-need communities⁵
• Job outlook and demand: Mental health counseling is a rapidly growing field, with strong job stability and opportunities across settings
• Earning potential over time: Salaries can increase with years of experience, specializations, and the option to open a private practice
• Personal return: Beyond financial gains, many counselors highlight the fulfillment that comes from helping individuals and communities thrive

Emerging career avenues

In the evolving field of mental health counseling, new initiatives offer a wide variety of opportunities for counselors. With the rise of virtual counseling and digital mental-health platforms, you have the flexibility to work from home while still making a positive impact on your clients. Primary-care settings are now starting to integrate behavioral health support, leading to holistic patient care.

If you have an interest in working with certain demographics, your role as a counselor can include niche specializations such as perinatal, LGBTQ+, veterans, and substance-use recovery, allowing you to tailor your career to your specialized training.

Pros and cons summary

Here are some of the pros and cons of pursuing a master's in mental health counseling:

• Pros:
  
  • High demand for counselors: The growing awareness of mental health needs and shortages of professionals means strong job security and steady opportunities across the country
  • Varied work settings: Counselors can work in schools, hospitals, community agencies, private practices, or through telehealth, giving you flexibility to find the environment that best fits your interests
  • Meaningful impact: The work is deeply rewarding, offering the chance to help individuals and families navigate challenges and improve quality of life
  • Private-practice potential: Once licensed, counselors have the option to run their own practice, which can provide greater autonomy and earning potential
• Cons: 
  
  • Emotional labor: Supporting clients through trauma, grief, or crisis can be emotionally demanding and requires strong boundaries and self-care
  • Unpaid or low-paid supervised hours: Completing the required clinical hours for licensure can be financially challenging, as many internships or practicums offer little or no pay
  • State-specific regulations: Licensure requirements vary by state, so mobility can be limited unless you pursue additional credentials or meet differing standards

Decision checklist

As you prepare to enroll in a master's in mental health counseling, consider the following:

• Aligning your career goals with your setting (i.e., a community clinic versus a telehealth startup)
• Assessing program accreditation, practicum network, and board-exam pass rates
• Planning your financing strategy through scholarships, part-time study, employer sponsorship, or other avenues

Jumpstart your career with OCU’s online mental health counseling program

Is a master's in mental health counseling worth it? If the program is aligned with your goals, offers accredited training, and is supported by a smart financing plan, then you'll find that it's worth it. Backed by increasing job growth, rising demand, and new specializations, a degree in mental health counseling offers exciting opportunities for career growth and personal fulfillment.

Oklahoma City University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is designed with your growth in mind. With curriculum aligned with CACREP standards, courses taught by expert faculty with clinical and research experience, and opportunities to network with working professionals in the field, you'll be set up for success. Our online program's benefits allow you to maintain a healthy work-life balance as you're taking online courses, completing your practicum hours, and gaining hands-on experience as you prepare to receive your license.

Ready to take the next step? Connect with one of our admissions outreach advisors today and start building your path toward becoming a licensed mental health counselor.