10 Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs With No GRE Requirement

A master's degree in clinical mental health counseling can help you develop the knowledge and clinical skills needed to support individuals facing emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. As demand for counseling professionals continues to grow, there are now many grad schools that don’t require the GRE, offering flexible admissions and online learning options to students.

Today, you can find accredited online master's in mental health counseling programs with no GRE requirement at public and private universities across the country. Below, we'll explain what the GRE is, whether mental health counseling programs still require it and some of the best online options available for students interested in pursuing counseling careers.

What Is the GRE and Why Do Some Schools Require It? 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that has traditionally been used in graduate admissions. The exam measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills, providing universities with one way to evaluate applicants from a variety of educational backgrounds.

Historically, some counseling programs required GRE scores because graduate-level coursework involves research methods, human development, counseling theory and critical thinking. Admissions committees viewed the exam as one indicator of whether applicants were prepared for the academic demands of a graduate counseling program.

In recent years, however, many universities have moved away from standardized testing requirements. Instead, admissions committees increasingly focus on factors such as undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, personal statements, professional experience and a demonstrated commitment to helping others. As a result, many online mental health counseling programs now offer admissions pathways that do not require GRE scores.

Is the GRE Required for Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs?

A growing number of online master's in mental health counseling programs no longer require GRE scores for admission. This shift reflects a broader trend toward holistic admissions practices that evaluate applicants based on their academic background, interpersonal skills and potential for success in the counseling profession.

Many counseling programs attract students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including psychology, social work, education, healthcare and human services. Because counseling requires strong communication, empathy and relationship-building skills, admissions committees often place greater emphasis on personal statements, recommendation letters and relevant experiences than on standardized test scores.

While some counseling programs continue to require GRE scores, they are becoming less common than they once were. For prospective students, no-GRE admissions policies can reduce application costs, simplify the admissions process and make graduate education more accessible. Even at schools that do not require the GRE, applicants should carefully review GPA requirements and other admissions criteria before applying.

Top Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs That Don't Require the GRE 

Mental health counselors help individuals navigate emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges through assessment, counseling and treatment planning. The schools below offer online master's in mental health counseling programs that do not require GRE scores for admission, helping students prepare for counseling careers while maintaining the flexibility of online learning. Unless otherwise noted, the programs on this list are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the leading accreditor for counseling education. 

1. Butler University

Butler University is one of the best colleges in Indianapolis and is accredited by the HLC. Its online Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare students for professional counseling practice through coursework in counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, ethics and clinical interventions.

The program emphasizes evidence-based counseling practices, multicultural competence and supervised clinical experiences that help students build the skills needed for licensure and professional practice. Because the program is relatively new, it has not yet earned CACREP accreditation. However, Butler University plans to pursue CACREP accreditation once the program becomes eligible. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. GRE scores are not required for admission.

2. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is located in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling designed to prepare students for counseling careers in a variety of community and clinical settings. The program combines counseling theory, clinical skill development and supervised field experiences to help students meet licensure requirements. Students can choose from three concentration options:

• General concentration
• Counseling children and adolescents concentration
• Veteran clinical mental health concentration

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Coursework explores human development, counseling techniques, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning while helping students develop the interpersonal and clinical skills required for effective counseling practice. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts and other required admissions materials. Commonwealth University does not require GRE scores for admission.

3. Lamar University

Lamar University's Master of Education in Counseling and Development with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare students for counseling careers in community agencies, behavioral health organizations and other clinical settings. The program emphasizes counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, ethics and evidence-based treatment approaches while helping students develop the skills needed for professional practice.

Located in Beaumont, Texas, the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). While the program is not accredited by the CACREP, it is structured to meet Texas state licensure requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts and other required application materials. Lamar University does not require GRE scores for admission.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the SACSCOC. The program prepares students for counseling careers through coursework in counseling techniques, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and professional ethics.

The university is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is one of the largest Christian universities in the country. As a religious institution, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into its curriculum and counseling coursework. Students explore both counseling theory and faith-based perspectives while completing the academic and clinical requirements needed for licensure preparation. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. GRE scores are not required for admission.

5. New York University

New York University is one of the best colleges in New York City, and is accredited by the MSCHE. Its online Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) and is designed to prepare students for counseling careers in a variety of mental health settings.

The program combines counseling theory, human development, multicultural counseling and clinical skill development with supervised field experiences. Students learn to assess client needs, develop treatment plans and provide counseling services across diverse populations. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. New York University does not require GRE scores for admission.

6. Northwestern University

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois, and offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling designed to prepare students for licensure and professional counseling practice. The program emphasizes clinical skill development, multicultural counseling, human development and evidence-based counseling interventions while providing opportunities for supervised field experiences.

The university is accredited by the HLC. Students complete coursework in assessment, diagnosis, ethics, counseling theories and treatment planning while developing the competencies needed to work with diverse client populations. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. Northwestern University does not require GRE scores for admission. 

7. Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University's online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for counseling careers in community mental health agencies, healthcare organizations and other clinical settings. The program combines counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning with practicum and internship experiences designed to support licensure preparation.

Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, the university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The program is accredited by the CACREP, helping ensure that students complete coursework aligned with professional counseling standards. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts and other required application materials. GRE scores are not required for admission.

8. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma's online Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare students for counseling careers through coursework in counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and professional ethics while emphasizing evidence-based clinical practice.

The university is located in Norman, Oklahoma, and is accredited by the HLC. The program is accredited by the CACREP. Students complete supervised practicum and internship experiences while developing the clinical skills necessary to work with individuals, families and groups in a variety of mental health settings. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. The University of Oklahoma does not require GRE scores for admission.

9. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and is accredited by the SACSCOC. Its Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the CACREP and is designed to prepare students for licensure and professional counseling practice.

The program combines counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and supervised clinical experiences to help students develop the skills needed to work in community mental health agencies, private practice settings and other behavioral health environments. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts and other required application materials. The University of the Cumberlands does not require GRE scores for admission

10. Walsh University

Walsh University's online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for counseling careers through coursework in counseling techniques, ethics, assessment, diagnosis and evidence-based treatment approaches. The program includes practicum and internship experiences designed to help students build the clinical skills required for professional practice and licensure.

Located in North Canton, Ohio, the university is accredited by the HLC. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts and other required admissions materials. Students with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher are not required to submit GRE scores as part of the admissions process.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Because clinical mental health counseling is a licensure-focused profession, we prioritize programs that provide strong clinical preparation, recognized accreditation and pathways that support graduates pursuing counseling licensure. We also focus on:

• CACREP Accreditation: We give preference to programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This specialized accreditation is widely recognized by state licensing boards and counseling employers and helps ensure that students complete coursework aligned with professional counseling standards.
• Clinical Training and Licensure Preparation: We evaluate curriculum requirements, practicum experiences, internships and other supervised clinical opportunities. Programs that provide comprehensive preparation for state licensure receive additional consideration.
• Specializations and Student Populations: We review concentration options and specialized training opportunities that allow students to develop expertise in areas such as child and adolescent counseling, veteran mental health, trauma-informed care and community mental health.
• Admissions Accessibility: Schools that do not require GRE scores receive additional weight in our rankings. We also consider GPA requirements and other admissions criteria that may affect accessibility for prospective students.
• Online Flexibility and Student Support: We evaluate online course delivery, faculty accessibility, practicum placement support and student services that help learners balance graduate education with work, family and other responsibilities.

Typical Admissions Requirements for Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs

Admissions requirements for master's in mental health counseling programs vary by university, but most schools seek applicants who demonstrate academic readiness, strong communication skills and a commitment to helping others. Because counseling is a people-focused profession, admissions committees often evaluate both academic qualifications and personal characteristics that support success in clinical settings.

Most online mental health counseling programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Schools typically request official transcripts and may establish minimum GPA requirements, often ranging from 2.75 to 3.0. Many programs also require a personal statement, résumé and letters of recommendation that speak to an applicant's academic ability, interpersonal skills and professional goals.

Many counseling programs no longer require GRE scores and instead use a holistic admissions process. Applicants may come from backgrounds in psychology, education, social work, healthcare, human services and other fields. Some programs also conduct admissions interviews to assess an applicant's readiness for graduate-level counseling training and future clinical work.

How Much Do Online Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs Cost?

The cost of an online master's in mental health counseling program varies based on factors such as the university, program length and residency status. In many cases, total tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to $80,000, with private universities often falling toward the higher end of the spectrum.

Students should also budget for expenses beyond tuition, including technology fees, textbooks, background checks, liability insurance, practicum and internship requirements and licensure-related costs. Because counseling programs include supervised clinical experiences, some expenses may not be fully covered by tuition alone.

Most accredited universities accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), allowing eligible students to access federal loans and other forms of financial aid. Students may also qualify for scholarships, grants, military education benefits and employer tuition assistance programs. Comparing total costs alongside available financial aid can help you identify a counseling program that aligns with both your budget and your professional goals.

How To Choose the Right No-GRE Master's in Mental Health Counseling Program     

With more universities removing GRE requirements, prospective students have a wider range of counseling programs to consider. As you compare schools, it is important to look beyond admissions policies and evaluate factors that can influence your clinical training, licensure eligibility and long-term career opportunities.

Prioritize CACREP Accreditation

CACREP accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a counseling program. Many state licensing boards recognize CACREP-accredited degrees, and some states have streamlined licensure pathways for graduates of accredited programs. Attending a CACREP-accredited school can make it easier to meet educational requirements after graduation.

Verify State Licensure Alignment

Licensure requirements vary by state, so it is important to confirm that a program meets the requirements where you plan to practice. Review information about coursework, practicum hours and internship requirements before enrolling. Schools should be able to explain how their curriculum aligns with state licensing standards.

Consider Clinical Training Opportunities

Mental health counseling programs require supervised practicum and internship experiences. Look for programs that provide strong support for securing placements and developing clinical skills. Quality field experiences can help you build confidence and prepare for professional counseling practice.

Evaluate Specializations and Areas of Focus

Some counseling programs offer specialized training in areas such as child and adolescent counseling, trauma-informed care, addiction counseling or veteran mental health. If you have a particular population or practice area in mind, look for programs that provide relevant coursework and clinical experiences.

Compare Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate counseling programs represent a significant investment, so it is important to compare tuition, fees and other expenses. Review scholarship opportunities, federal financial aid options and employer tuition assistance programs. Most accredited universities accept FAFSA applications and participate in federal aid programs.

Career Outlook With a Master's in Mental Health Counseling

A master's degree in mental health counseling can prepare graduates for careers helping individuals, families and groups address emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns. After completing degree requirements and obtaining state licensure, counselors may work in community mental health centers, hospitals, private practices, schools, substance use treatment programs and nonprofit organizations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17%, much faster than the average for all occupations, over the next decade. Increased awareness of mental health needs, expanded access to behavioral health services and growing demand for counseling support are expected to contribute to continued job growth.

FAQs About No-GRE Master's in Mental Health Counseling Programs  

If you're considering a master's degree in mental health counseling, you may have questions about accreditation, licensure and career opportunities. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask when researching online counseling programs with no GRE requirement.

Can You Get Into a Mental Health Counseling Program Without the GRE?

Many universities no longer require GRE scores for admission to mental health counseling programs. Instead, schools often evaluate applicants based on undergraduate GPA, recommendation letters, personal statements and relevant professional or volunteer experience. This approach allows admissions committees to assess qualities that are important for success in the counseling profession.

Is CACREP Accreditation Important?

CACREP accreditation is one of the most widely recognized standards in counseling education. Many state licensing boards and employers prefer or recognize CACREP-accredited programs because they meet established standards for counselor preparation. While some non-CACREP programs also lead to licensure, students should carefully review their state's requirements before enrolling.

Can You Become a Licensed Counselor With an Online Degree?

Online counseling programs can prepare students for licensure if they meet state educational requirements and include the necessary practicum and internship experiences. After graduation, students must typically complete supervised clinical hours and pass a licensing examination before becoming licensed counselors.

Are Online Mental Health Counseling Degrees Respected by Employers?

Employers generally focus on accreditation, licensure eligibility and clinical preparation rather than whether a degree was earned online or on campus. Graduating from an accredited program and meeting state licensing requirements are often more important factors than the delivery format of the degree.

Is a Master's in Mental Health Counseling Worth It?

For students who want to help others improve their mental and emotional well-being, a master's degree in mental health counseling can provide the education and clinical training needed to pursue licensure and counseling careers. The degree may open opportunities in community mental health, private practice, healthcare and nonprofit settings. Career outcomes vary based on factors such as licensure status, experience and geographic location.

Find No-GRE Grad Schools 

Start your journey toward a career in mental health counseling by exploring the online master’s programs highlighted on Learn.org. To find out more about specific program and admissions requirements, reach out to specific schools individually.