Peaceful Counseling

Why I Chose Liberty University For My Master's In Clinical Mental Health

When deciding where to pursue my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I had a lot of options to consider. Affordability, flexibility, accreditation, and program quality were all at the top of my list. After careful research, I chose Liberty University, and I couldn’t be more confident in my decision. Here’s why:

Affordability That’s Hard to Beat
As someone with a military affiliation, affordability played a huge role in my decision. Liberty University offers an unbeatable discount for military-affiliated students, reducing the cost to just $275 per credit hour. For context, this kind of rate has been nearly unheard of since 1992 😂. Higher education costs have skyrocketed, but Liberty’s commitment to accessible education allows me to pursue my goals without incurring significant debt.

Flexibility for My Busy Life
I work full-time, so flexibility in a degree program is non-negotiable. Liberty’s online format makes balancing work, life, and school not only possible but manageable. I also appreciate the ability to adjust my course load. I can slow down during particularly demanding seasons or accelerate my progress when life allows. My plan is to complete the program in four semesters—Spring, Summer, Fall, and Spring—by taking three classes per 8-week term, which amounts to six classes per traditional semester. It’s a lot, but with careful planning, it’s doable.

Of course, this means my schedule will be packed, leaving little time for other responsibilities. To stay focused, I’m already considering hiring help for cooking and cleaning 😂. I know this investment in my education will be worth it in the long run.

CACREP Accreditation: A Must-Have for Licensure
Liberty’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is CACREP-accredited, which is critical for licensure in many states. Since I plan to get licensed in more than one state, this accreditation ensures my degree will be recognized and respected across the country. Without CACREP accreditation, navigating the licensing process could be much more difficult, if not impossible, in some places.

A Supportive Online Environment
Although Liberty is known as a religious school, its spiritual affiliation doesn’t bother me. What truly stands out is how supportive the program is for online students. From the resources available to the encouragement from professors and peers, the environment is tailored to help distance learners succeed.

Future Goals at Liberty
Looking ahead, I’m strongly considering earning my Ph.D. in Counseling at Liberty University. The affordability, flexibility, and quality of education I’m experiencing now make it a natural choice for continuing my academic journey.

Final Thoughts
Liberty University has everything I need to succeed: affordability, flexibility, accreditation, and support. Yes, the workload will be intense—working full-time while pursuing six classes per semester is no small feat. But I’m ready to commit to this path because I know it’s leading me toward my dream of becoming a Licensed Counselor and helping others.

For anyone considering Liberty University, especially for online programs, I can confidently say it’s a solid choice for those looking to balance affordability, quality, and flexibility.

Best,

-Elyse Y. Robinson
A counseling student at Liberty University that hopes to graduate Spring 2026 and open her private practice in Ohio and help the sexual health, military, LGBT+, and those over the age of 60 populations.