Montana students pursuing careers in professional mental health counseling can choose from strong CACREP-accredited master’s programs. These programs meet the state’s licensure requirements for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) and prepare graduates to work in schools, community agencies, and private practice, among other career opportunities.
This page highlights only CACREP-accredited programs in Montana so you can quickly find options that meet national standards and state licensing requirements.
Quick Facts: CACREP Counseling Programs in Montana
- CACREP-Accredited Counseling Master’s Programs in Montana: 3
- Common Specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling, School Counseling, Psychological Science
- Program Formats: On-campus and online
- Average Program Length: 1.5-2 years full-time; 2.5+ years part-time
- Most Affordable Program (annual tuition): $8,348 (University of Montana, in-state)
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters for Montana Counselors
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets national quality standards for counselor education. When you choose a CACREP-accredited program, you receive training that meets rigorous academic and clinical requirements in coursework, supervised practice, and ethics.
In Montana, completing a CACREP-accredited master’s program streamlines the LCPC licensure process. The curriculum already aligns with the state’s educational requirements, and many employers prefer candidates from accredited programs. This alignment makes it easier to secure jobs and meet national credentialing standards if you practice in other states.
Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program ensures your coursework, practicum, and internship already match Montana’s licensure standards. You can transition smoothly from graduation to licensure without having to fill educational gaps.
Overview of CACREP-Accredited Programs in Montana
Public Institutions
- Montana State University (Bozeman): Offers CACREP-accredited degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling, and School Counseling. Programs run on-campus with some blended courses.
- Montana State University Billings: Offers a Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling master’s program through a hybrid format – primarily online with limited on-campus sessions.
- University of Montana (Missoula): Offers CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling degrees.
Private Institutions
- University of Providence (Great Falls): A private Catholic university offering a CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree. Students can choose hybrid delivery and optional concentrations in Addictions Counseling or Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
All programs meet Montana’s LCPC educational standards and offer on-campus, hybrid, or online formats to match different learning needs.
Montana CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs at a Glance
| School Name | Program Title | Format | Specializations / Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University (Bozeman) | M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling; M.Ed. School Counseling; M.S. Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling | On-campus with blended electives | 60 cr (CMH & MCF), 48 cr (School); practicum + internship; WICHE eligible | Montana State University |
| Montana State University Billings | M.S. Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling | Hybrid(mostlyonline +l limited campus sessions) | Rehab and clinical mental health tracks; CACREP accreditation for rehab track, CMH in process | MSU Billings |
| University of Montana (Missoula) | M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling; M.A. School Counseling | On-campus | CACREP-accredited; practicum + internship included | University of Montana |
| University of Providence (Great Falls) | M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Hybrid | Optional concentrations in Addictions or Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | University of Providence |
Online & Hybrid CACREP Programs in Montana
- Montana State University Billings delivers its hybrid master’s program mostly online with two three-day on-campus sessions each semester. Students can complete practicum and internship requirements locally.
- University of Providence (Great Falls) offers its CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling primarily online, with in-person sessions as needed.
- University of Montana provides hybrid learning options for its counseling programs, allowing flexibility for remote learners while maintaining CACREP standards.
Out-of-State CACREP Online Programs & Montana Licensure
Montana does not grant automatic reciprocity for licenses from other states. If you complete a CACREP-accredited online program outside Montana, verify that:
- The curriculum meets Montana’s LCPC requirements.
- The supervised practicum and internship meet Montana’s standards.
- The credit hours align with state regulations.
Career Outlook for Counseling Graduates in Montana
- Job Growth: The U.S. projects a 16% growth rate for marriage and family therapists from 2023–2033, driven by increased demand for mental health services.
- Employment Settings: Graduates often work in outpatient centers, family services, private practice, residential facilities, schools, community agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
- Salaries: National median wages are approximately $63,780 for marriage and family therapists, $53,490 for mental health counselors, and $63,870 for mental health social workers.
Counseling Licensure Requirements in Montana
To become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Montana, you must:
- Earn a qualifying degree – Complete a master’s in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program with at least 60 semester credits.
- Pass a national exam – Take and pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination) or NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination).
- Complete supervised experience – Accumulate 3,000 total hours, including 1,500 direct client contact hours, under an approved supervisor.
- Submit your application – Include transcripts, proof of supervised hours, exam scores, and the application fee to the Montana Board of Behavioral Health.
- Maintain licensure – Renew every year and complete at least 20 continuing education hours annually.
Required Courses for Licensure in Montana
Montana’s LCPC requirements include graduate-level coursework in:
- Counseling theory and techniques
- Human growth and development
- Group counseling
- Assessment and appraisal
- Career counseling
- Ethics and professional standards
- Research and program evaluation
- Multicultural counseling
- Psychopathology and diagnosis
- Practicum and internship experiences
Completing a CACREP-accredited program ensures all these courses are built into your degree plan.
FAQs: Montana CACREP Counseling Programs
Do I have to attend a CACREP program to be licensed in Montana?
No. Montana accepts degrees from non-CACREP programs if they meet the same credit and coursework requirements. However, CACREP programs simplify the process by meeting these standards automatically.
Can I complete my practicum and internship locally?
Yes. CACREP-accredited programs in Montana allow you to arrange these experiences in your community under approved supervision.
Are there fully online CACREP programs in Montana?
Montana does not currently offer a fully online counseling program that is CACREP-accredited. However, hybrid options combine online coursework with limited campus visits.
Can I use an out-of-state CACREP online program to get licensed in Montana?
Yes, as long as the program meets Montana’s coursework, credit hour, and supervision requirements. Always confirm with the Montana Board before enrolling.
Steps to Choose & Apply to a CACREP Program
- Confirm accreditation – Verify the program is CACREP-accredited in the CACREP directory.
- Check the delivery format – Decide between on-campus, hybrid, or primarily online learning.
- Compare tuition and aid – Review tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid options.
- Review specializations – Look for concentrations that match your career goals, such as school counseling or marriage and family counseling.
- Gather application materials – Most programs require transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and sometimes GRE scores.
- Understand licensure steps – Learn Montana’s LCPC requirements so you choose a program that meets them fully.
Conclusion & Next Action
Choosing a CACREP-accredited counseling program is the most direct and reliable path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Montana. These programs ensure you meet all educational and practicum requirements, setting you up for licensure success. Compare the programs listed above to find the best fit for your goals, then contact the admissions office or request more information today to take the next step in your counseling career.
