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Mental Health Online Bachelor's Degree Concentration Within the BA in Psychology Program
You're viewing a Program Concentration
Total courses 4 (of 40)
Term length 8 weeks
Concentration Overview Why focus on mental health?
As part of your bachelor's in psychology program, a concentration allows you to focus your studies in a particular area. Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health is specifically designed to deepen your understanding of psychological well-being and the factors that influence it. It can help prepare you to pursue graduate degrees in clinical psychology and counseling while also providing the flexibility to explore careers in related fields.
Skills you'll learn:
- Adherence to ethical standards
- Implementation of scientific approaches
- Counseling techniques
- Psychological testing practices
- Personality theories
- Familiarity with psychometric techniques
Courses & Curriculum Career-focused mental health courses
SNHU's BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health focuses on applying the theory you'll learn in class to a community-based service organization as you prepare to graduate. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and principles involved with therapy and assessment.
Note: The BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health program at SNHU will not lead directly to licensure.
Your 4-course mental health concentration explained
Your entire BA in Psychology consists of 40 courses (120 credits) total. This includes general education courses (42 credits), major courses (27 credits), major elective courses (12 credits) and other elective courses (39 credits). If you choose this concentration, you'll take 4 specific courses all related to mental health to meet the 12-credit major electives requirement.
Courses may include:
Experiential Learning
Course ID:
PSY 291
This course is an entry-level, experience-based course that focuses on community psychology, career opportunities, and academic direction. Through a minimum of 60 volunteer hours to be completed during the term and 8-10 hours of coursework per week, students deepen their understanding of mental health and community-based human services. Application for placement must be completed before the end of the previous semester/term.
Psychopathology and the Community
Course ID:
PSY 304
In this course, students will examine person-environment interactions and the ways in which mental health and society impact individual and community functioning. Students will focus on the many levels of systems in society that aim to promote change, and examine socially significant problems and their solutions.
Counseling Process and Techniques
Course ID:
PSY 315
This course is designed to give students a broad overview of the process and techniques of counseling in the mental health professions. Students will examine theoretical perspectives, ethical considerations, and begin using theory to form their own identity as a mental health professional. Application includes practice of the skills and techniques learned in authentic situations.
Assessment and Testing
Course ID:
PSY 335
In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of psychological tests as measures of personality, intellectual functioning, cognitive functioning and attitudes. Students will gain knowledge about the types of tests and techniques available, the construction of tests, and ethical issues that may arise.
Psychology Internship
Course ID:
PSY 443
Students participate in a supervised, career-related work experience in an area of psychology, encompassing a minimum of 150 hours during the term/semester. Students also complete coursework that gives them the opportunity to apply psychological concepts learned throughout undergraduate study and reflect on their internship experience.
Mental Health and Society
Course ID:
PSY 451
This course will allow students to advance their knowledge within an applied area of mental health. Students will gain experience in critically evaluating appropriate research literature to frame and constructively critique a topic area in mental health. They will explore the interface of psychological science and society. Students will propose solutions that improve the overall quality of life.
This BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health degree doesn't lead to any type of licensure and certification. It does not directly qualify you for positions that require additional education and state licensure, like a role as a clinical mental health counselor or clinical psychologist. If you are interested in pursuing a licensed profession, you’ll need additional education in a graduate program. You’ll also need to fulfill your state’s specific requirements for licensure.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU’s gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
A psychology certificate within your degree program
Get the opportunity to earn an embedded Certificate of Data Literacy in Psychology.
The certificate — provided to all eligible students in this degree program — helps you develop the sought-after knowledge and skills needed to synthesize data and effectively communicate your findings. Embedded means that it's earned as you complete your core psychology courses and is awarded when the degree is completed.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: June 29, 2026 | August 31, 2026
Next term starts:
May 4, 2026
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our psychology faculty are dedicated to your success. Whether they're engaging with students on discussion boards, communicating concepts and ideas or helping you explore your passions, SNHU psychology instructors will strive to make your learning experience valuable and memorable.Featured Faculty
Tiffany Daniels
Tiffany Daniels' passion for teaching stemmed from her work as a graduate student at the University of Florida where she worked with college students coping with a variety of mental health concerns. For more than 16 years she's worked at a number of institutions and has researched issues around the LGBT community, women's mental health and early childhood education. She has also served as an undergraduate research mentor.
Position
Psychology instructor and team lead
Joined SNHU
2013
Education
- MS in Psychology from the University of Florida
- BS in Psychology from Ball State University
"Now, more than ever, we need mental health professionals to serve their communities. With a concentration in mental health, not only will students gain personal insights into their own experiences, but they will also develop valuable academic and occupational skills that will prepare them for what comes next."
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$342
$1,026
$41,040
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$30,000
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$10,260 $15,390 $20,520 $25,650 $30,780If 30 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $30,780
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $25,650
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $20,520
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,390
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $10,260
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of tuition discounts for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with my concentration in mental health?
A BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health can help you build skills related to supporting individuals and communities facing mental health challenges. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youths (ages 6-17) experience mental illness each year.1
Because of the growing need for mental health knowledge and support, many people who complete this program choose to continue their education by pursuing a master's degree in psychology.
Occupations
The BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health can offer several career directions. (Remember to check for any licensure requirements, which can vary by location and industry.) With your degree, some possible roles may include:
Human Resources Manager
Recruit, interview and place workers, manage employee relations and oversee compensation, benefits and training.
Probation Officer
Provide social services to assist the rehabilitation of law offenders in custody, on probation or on parole, and connect them with community services.
Social Services Assistant
Connect clients to services in a wide variety of fields, including psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
200K+
Annual job openings through 2032 for roles providing mental health services, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I chose the bachelor's in psychology with a concentration in mental health, because I plan to be a mental health therapist after obtaining my master’s degree, so this is the perfect bachelor’s for my future.
Anna Rose Zanin '22
Mental Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health?
A BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health could be your first step toward a rewarding career helping others. Some potential roles you may be qualified for after earning this degree include:2
- Social services assistant: Connect clients to services in a wide variety of fields, including psychology, rehabilitation and social work.
- Human resources: Recruit, interview and place workers, manage employee relations and oversee compensation, benefits and training.
- Probation officer: Provide social services to assist the rehabilitation of law offenders in custody, on probation or on parole, and connect them with community services.
It's important to check for any licensure requirements, which can vary by location and industry.
What's the difference between mental health and behavioral health?
While the terms mental health and behavioral health are often used interchangeably, there are some differences.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. Our mental health impacts how we think, feel and act and determines how we handle stress and make decisions.3
Behavioral health is a broader term that looks at how behaviors impact someone’s physical and mental health. The behavioral health discipline includes the mental health field as well as other health fields, like substance abuse treatment, marriage and family counseling and chronic disease management.
Can I be a mental health counselor with a bachelor's degree?
Working as a licensed mental health counselor requires at least a master’s degree.3 But a bachelor’s degree is an important first step toward a graduate degree and can help you get started working in the mental health field.
The BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health can give you a strong understanding of human thought and behavior and the factors that influence them. This knowledge can prepare you for admission into master’s degree programs in mental health counseling, psychology and related fields.
SNHU’s mental health concentration also focuses on applying your coursework to real-world learning experiences, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
This hands-on experience can help you put your bachelor’s degree to work right away. Depending on licensure requirements, a bachelor's in psychology with a concentration in mental health could help you land a job in social services, human resources, substance abuse, corrections, marketing and more.
Is a mental health counselor a therapist?
The terms mental health counselor and therapist are often used to describe the same roles. Sometimes, however, the terms may be used to highlight a practitioner’s level of education or credentialing.
For example, mental health professionals with a master’s degree in counseling or a related field can typically gain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).4
While the word therapist can be used to describe a licensed mental health counselor, it’s also often used to describe clinical psychologists. Psychologists need either a PhD in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree — and state licensure — before working in a clinical setting.4
How long does it take to get a psychology degree with a concentration in mental health?
It depends. A BA in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health typically takes about 4 years to complete, but your time until graduation could vary depending on your past educational experience.
SNHU has a generous transfer policy, allowing up to 90 credits to transfer to an undergraduate degree. If you transfer the maximum amount of credits, you could complete your degree in just 5 terms, or 10 courses.
"I transferred a year and a half’s worth of university credits into SNHU," said psychology graduate Anna Rose Zanin '22, "which made my time to completion much quicker."
Your total education could take longer, however, if your career plans include earning an advanced degree.
Is mental health a good career?
Demand for mental health services is growing, and so is the demand for mental health professionals.
If you are someone who has always felt inclined to help others or have felt that people naturally gravitate towards you for advice, this may be the perfect field to explore. According to the BLS, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.2
What is a concentration?
At colleges and universities, a concentration is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A concentration generally replaces elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of interest.
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Sources & Citations
1National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health by the Numbers, on the internet, at https://nami.org/mhstats (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/article/careers-in-mental-health-services.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
3MentalHealth.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, What Is Mental Health?, on the internet, at https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)
4American Counseling Association, Licensure Requirements, on the internet, at https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements (viewed Feb. 22, 2024)