Northwestern University Mental Health Programs | Online

Graduate With Your Mental Health Counseling Degree From a Top 10 Ranked University

Gain evidence-based knowledge and hands-on clinical experience with a mental health counseling online degree. Become a practitioner who helps communities thrive.

Get Admission and Tuition Information

Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the online mental health master’s program.

GMAT/GRE not required.

Take the Next Step Today

Four Start Dates

January, April, June, September

18 or 24 Months

Full-time program duration

CACREP-Accredited

Master of Arts in Counseling

COAMFTE-Accredited

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Two Programs From a Leader in Mental Health

Northwestern’s mental health master’s programs uphold high academic and professional standards, and develop effective practitioners who can work with diverse populations and a wide range of client concerns.

Online

Master of Arts in Counseling

Study key counseling concepts and prepare to make a difference in the lives of children, adolescents, and adults as a self-reflective mental health counselor.

17% projected career growth by 2034

Optional specialization in child and adolescent mental health

CACREP-accredited

Psychological assessment

Intervention

Research methodology

Program length

As few as 18 months

Fieldwork

800 practicum hours

Online

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Prepare to strengthen and heal families from all walks of life as you learn to conduct therapy using the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) framework in your practice.

13% projected career growth by 2034

Six quarters of intensive clinical training

COAMFTE-accredited

Therapeutic models

Psychodynamics

Applied therapy

Program length

As few as 24 months

Fieldwork

400 clinical hours

A Leader in Mental Health for 50+ Years

The Family Institute is a leading relationship-based behavioral health organization that provides clinical services, conducts research, and educates the next generation of aspiring mental health professionals.

For over 50 years, The Family Institute has focused on providing behavioral health services to youth, adults, couples, and families as they seek strength and healing across their lifespan. Join Northwestern’s mental health counseling program today.

1–2

In-person immersive experiences

400–800

Hours of supervised clinical experience

No GMAT/GRE

GMAT/GRE scores not required

Prepare for What’s Next With a Mental Health Degree From Northwestern

Northwestern University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling and Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy programs are designed to offer a rigorous and rewarding experience that prepares you to help individuals, couples, and families thrive. Across both tracks, you’ll develop the skills to support different populations and address complex mental health needs. Through a combination of in-person clinical training, an immersion experience, and live online courses, these programs are structured to ensure your experience feels personal, meaningful, and actionable.

Attend live class sessions and office hours

Study with expert faculty

Complete coursework anywhere, anytime

Work with a placement specialist

Provide direct services to clients in need

What Our Alumni Have to Say

Counseling@Northwestern offers a highly collaborative mental health counseling program. You will connect with your peers, professors, and other counseling professionals during online classes, in-person immersions, and clinical training experiences near your community.

Amar D.

Class of 2021, Illinois

“The Counseling@Northwestern community truly cares. Everyone is invested in your professional and personal success, and they take the time to ensure your wellbeing. I have not experienced this type of support in any other academic program, and any challenges I faced were met with generous support.”

Parfait K.

Class of 2016, Illinois

“I really appreciate how I got to dive in immediately after starting the program. The early clinical experiences [as a full-time student] set the foundation of how and what I am trying to pursue after I complete the program. Being able to apply what I learned in class already makes a positive impact on my skills and being able to help my clients.”

Sara W.

Class of 2016, Ohio

“The reflective practitioner experience was a key component to choosing this program. It helped me see where I was and then take my clients there as well. The exploration of emotions really helped me understand emotions in a complex way and how they’ve affected my own life.”

Get Admission and Tuition Information

Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the online mental health master’s program.

GMAT/GRE not required.

Get Admission and Tuition Information

Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the online mental health master’s program.

GMAT/GRE not required.