Best Mental Health Counseling Schools in Alabama (2026)

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Alabama Mental Health Counseling At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Mental Health Counseling Salary$57,400
Salary OutlookAlabama offers competitive wages for mental health counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyAlabama Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online mental health counseling degree in Alabama offers a flexible path into mental health counseling careers. Alabama offers competitive wages for mental health counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Alabama students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Mental Health Counseling Schools in Alabama

The following schools offer accredited online mental health counseling programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Alabama.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
69.7 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 77%
Graduation rate 74%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,221
Avg net price $22,420/yr
Tuition
In‑state$12,180
Out‑of‑state$34,172
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 45

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
58.6 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 88%
Graduation rate 63%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $54,501
Avg net price $18,749/yr
Tuition
In‑state$9,098
Out‑of‑state$22,562
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 81%
  • Programs offered: 55

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
48.3 BOC Score
Graduation rate 50%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $49,379
Avg net price $17,648/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 76%
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Alabama

Mental Health Counseling professionals in Alabama experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Alabama.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Alabama)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$47,310
Marriage and Family Therapist$49,990
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist$90,800
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$41,500

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Mental Health Counseling Degree in Alabama?

Choosing a program in Alabama can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Alabama offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Alabama economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online mental health counseling programs in Alabama accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Mental Health Counseling pay in Alabama compare to other states?

Alabama offers competitive wages for mental health counseling professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Alabama a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for mental health counseling in Alabama?

The Alabama Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Alabama. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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