Located on the West Coast of the United States, Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is the second-most populous city in the country. With bright, sunny weather all year long and access to the beach, it is hard to imagine that the city has a significant mental health crisis.
A study by Huntington Psychological Services noted that there are 1.2 million people, or 12% of the total population, in Los Angeles County who experience anxiety. In addition, 30% of youth in the county experience depression. Many causes of an increase in mental health disorders in the Los Angeles area are attributed to a high population of people experiencing poverty.
The city of Los Angeles has been working to improve mental health by installing initiatives to reduce poverty and increase access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. Due to the increased need for services and initiatives to ensure access to these services, there is a higher need for mental health counselors in Los Angeles.
Master’s in Counseling Programs in Los Angeles
Mental health counseling graduate programs in Los Angeles aim to introduce students to the complex and diverse field of counseling. Because a significant portion of Los Angeles County’s population resides in the suburbs, only two master’s programs in counseling are located within the city, and the rest are in the surrounding area.
Online Master of Counseling Programs in Los Angeles
There are many benefits to attending an online Master of Counseling program. Some benefits include flexibility, continued access to course materials, and completing your courses while enjoying the Los Angeles sun. There are five online master’s in counseling graduate programs in Los Angeles and Southern California.
Alliant International University
- 60 Hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
Online Program
GRE not required
Tuition: $820 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Alliant International University, with campuses across California, offers an online Master of Counseling program, preparing students for credentialing, cultural competence, and gaining hands-on experience. Starting in your first year of this program, you will be exposed to real-world experience through observation, leading to an internship and counseling on your own. Graduates can work in community mental health, couples therapy, substance abuse treatment, and healthcare agencies.
Meridian University
- Santa Monica, CA
- 92 Quarter
- Online + Hybrid + In-person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Accreditation: Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
92 Quarter Credits
Online and Hybrid/In-person program located in Santa Monica, CA
GRE not required
Tuition: $676 per quarter credit
Program Overview:
Located right outside Los Angeles in Santa Monica, Meridian University offers a program that empowers students to realize their professional goals and excel in counseling practice. With the ability to complete the program in two to three years, students will graduate prepared to sit for their licensure exam and work as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) in California. This Master of Arts program is designed to enable future counselors to make a lasting impact on those they serve.
Pepperdine University
- 60 Hours
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
Online/Hybrid Program
GRE not required
Tuition: $1,400 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Saybrook University draws from hands-on experience and diverse counseling theories to cultivate the skills needed to be an effective mental health counselor. The program at Saybrook meets CACREP accreditation standards and is ideal for those seeking licensure in California or who hope to obtain it in other states. Throughout this program, students will be expected to learn and follow a set of professional and personal qualities linked to Saybrook’s core values.
Saybrook University
- 60 Hours
- Online + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
Online/Hybrid Program
GRE not required
Tuition: $1,400 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Saybrook University draws from hands-on experience and diverse counseling theories to cultivate the skills needed to be an effective mental health counselor. The program at Saybrook meets CACREP accreditation standards and is ideal for those seeking licensure in California or who hope to obtain it in other states. Throughout this program, students will be expected to learn and follow a set of professional and personal qualities linked to Saybrook’s core values.
Azusa Pacific University
- 60 Units
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Specialization in Children and Adolescents
Accreditation: Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
60 Units
Online Program
GRE not required
Tuition: $790 per unit
Program Overview:
Perfect for those seeking to work with Children and Adolescents, the Master of Counseling program at Azusa Pacific is online and convenient. Those who graduate from this program will be prepared to sit for their licensure exam and become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) in California. Although this program is offered online, students can participate in in-person trainings and events throughout the year and at the program’s play therapy camp, Camp Morning.
CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Los Angeles
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation is becoming an increasingly popular feature of many master of counseling programs nationwide. Attending a CACREP-accredited graduate program can help you meet the counseling licensure requirements in most states. There are four CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling programs in Los Angeles and Southern California. Two CACREP-accredited programs are offered online at Alliant International University and Saybrook University.
California State University – Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 70 Semester Units
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
70 Semester Units
In-person program located in Los Angeles, California
GRE not required
Tuition: $368 per unit
Program Overview:
California State University—Los Angeles is located in the heart of the city and is known for its diversity and wide-ranging academic offerings. The mission of this program is to achieve a 100% pass rate on state licensure examinations and ensure job placement. Students in this program are also encouraged to participate in state and national counseling coalitions to connect with other professionals and deepen their understanding of the field.
California State University – Fullerton
- Fullerton, CA
- 63 Units
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
63 Units
In-person program located in Fullerton, California
GRE not required
Tuition: $675 per unit
Program Overview:
Located outside of Los Angeles near Anaheim, Cal State – Fullerton offers a Master of Science program that meets requirements for California counseling licensure. Those enrolled can be expected to take courses in advanced human development, legal issues, and assessment techniques. This program also offers a practicum and internship that allow students to “get their feet wet” by working in the field.
No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Los Angeles
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test designed to assess the aptitude of potential college students. If you find standardized tests challenging, seeking a program that does not require them is ideal.
There are 13 master’s in counseling programs in Los Angeles and Southern California that do not require the GRE. That means none of the programs on this list require standardized testing for admission.
California State University – Long Beach
- Long Beach, CA
- 65 Units
- In-person
Program:
Master’s of Counseling
Accreditation: Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
65 Units
In-person program located in Long Beach, California
Tuition: $368 per unit
Program Overview:
Cal State—Long Beach’s 65-unit Counseling Psychology program offers a well-rounded graduate degree that prepares students for future licensure. This program trains students in courses such as trauma, family systems, human sexuality, and alcohol and drug counseling. Those enrolled can expect to complete this program in 2-2.5 years, and it offers live supervision and an on-site counseling clinic.
California State University – San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 60-69 Units
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
Accreditation: Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
60-69 Units
In-person program located in San Bernardino, California
Tuition: $368 per unit
Program Overview:
Located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, Cal State—San Bernardino offers a professional program that prepares students for a career in professional counseling. This program is committed to social justice and sets the tone for response to tough situations. Students who graduate from this program meet requirements to sit for California’s licensure exam and are offered three program concentrations, including clinical mental health, school, or a dual program.
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 62 Units
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Accreditation: N/A
62 Units
In-person program located in Riverside, California
Tuition: $839 per unit
Program Overview:
The Master of Counseling program at California Baptist University is led by seasoned faculty who teach from a biblically rooted perspective. This program is located in Southern California’s Inland Empire and prepares students to sit for their licensure exam upon graduation. Sample coursework includes clinical assessment, treatment planning, and legal/ethical issues in counseling. Graduates will be prepared to work in positions such as Marriage and Family Therapists, Private Practice Therapists, and Professional Clinical Counselors.
La Sierra University
- Riverside, CA
- 90 Units
- In-person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
90 Units
In-person program located in Riverside, California
Tuition: $1,052 per unit
Program Overview:
The Professional Clinical Counseling Specialization at La Sierra University prepares students to become licensed counselors who can diagnose and treat many mental health issues. The program uses a combination of theoretical knowledge and practice counseling techniques. Students can expect to learn about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and mental health assessments.
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 90 Quarter Units
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
Accreditation: Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
90 Quarter Units
In-person program located in Loma Linda, California
Tuition: $1,042.59 per unit
Program Overview:
The Master of Counseling program at Loma Linda University can be completed in two years and prepares students for future careers as counselors. This program offers two certificates in Drug and Alcohol Counseling or Play Therapy. Qualified graduates of this program are given priority for interviews for behavioral health positions at Loma Linda University Health.
University of the Redlands
- Redlands, CA
- 60 Units
- In-person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: N/A
60 Units
In-person program located in Redlands, California
Tuition: $905 per unit
Program Overview:
The Master of Counseling program at the University of the Redlands teaches students the skills and expertise needed to provide mental health services to those in need through the lens of social justice. The coursework of this program prepares students to pursue careers in the mental health field with a broad curriculum. Upon graduation, students can sit for the California licensure examination.
Most Affordable Master of Counseling Program in Los Angeles
When choosing a Master’s in Counseling program, many people look toward the price of the program. While the quality of education is essential, it is also important to be able to afford it. When looking at the price of a program, you should consider how much you will be paying out of pocket, student loans, and your ability to pay back the loans after graduation.
The most affordable master’s in counseling program in the Southern California area is a tie between all three branches of California State University on this list – Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Long Beach. The price per unit of these programs is $368.
Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in Los Angeles
After four years of undergraduate education, many people are often looking forward to completing their master’s as quickly as possible to get into the workforce. Due to accreditation standards at some programs and state licensure requirements, most master’s of counseling programs take around two to four years to complete.
While none of the programs on this list are advertised as accelerated, the programs at Loma Linda University and California State University – Long Beach can be completed in two years.
Los Angeles Counseling FAQs
What Are the Largest Employers of Counseling Degree Graduates in Los Angeles
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21,690 mental health and substance abuse counselors work in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Two of the top employers of counselors in this area are Kaiser Permanente and Los Angeles County. Kaiser Permanente is a large healthcare company across the United States, with a prominence in Southern California. This company provides community mental health services to individuals, groups, and couples. Los Angeles County hires many counselors and social workers to work with individuals in the community who are at the highest risk, including those who are unhoused or experience severe mental illness and substance abuse.
What is the Average Salary for a Counseling Degree Graduate in Los Angeles
According to Glassdoor, the average salary range for counselors in Los Angeles is $66,000-110,000 per year, with the median being $84,000.
