Students who want to become licensed counselors in New Hampshire often begin by searching for New Hampshire CACREP programs that meet state requirements. This page highlights CACREP-accredited counseling programs in New Hampshire, which represent the most direct route toward professional licensure.
CACREP (the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accreditation matters because it ensures the program meets national standards in counselor education. For students in New Hampshire, it also means the curriculum is aligned with state licensure requirements. This helps graduates save time, reduce barriers, and boost confidence that their degree will count when it’s time to apply for the LPC.
Quick Facts: CACREP Counseling Programs in New Hampshire
- CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in New Hampshire: 4
- Degree Level: Master’s (minimum 60 credits)
- Program Formats: On-campus, hybrid, and fully online
- Average Program Length: 2 – 3 years full-time
- Tuition Range (per credit): $600 – $1,000
New Hampshire CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs
Plymouth State University
- Plymouth, NH
- 2 – 3 years
- Campus + Hybrid
Program Name:
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; M.S. in School Counseling; Combined Clinical Mental Health & School Counseling
Modality: On-campus / Hybrid options available
Length: 60 credits; typically 2 – 3 years full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: Around $643 per credit hour in-state
Program Overview:
Plymouth State University offers several CACREP-accredited counseling tracks, making it one of the most comprehensive counseling schools in New Hampshire. Students can choose Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or a combined program that prepares graduates for dual licensure. Each track includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, giving students extensive field experience.
Key Highlights:
- Only CACREP-accredited School Counseling program in New Hampshire
- Combined track provides flexibility for students pursuing both school and mental health counseling
- Strong partnerships with schools and mental health agencies across the region
Additional Consideration:
Students should plan for travel to practicum and internship sites, as placements may vary.
Accreditation: CACREP
Antioch University – New England
- Keene, NH
- 2 – 3 years
- Residency + Hybrid
Program Name: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: Low-residency / Hybrid format
Length: 60 credits; 2 – 3 years full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition:
- On-campus: $944 per credit
- Online/low-residency: $840 per credit
Program Overview:
Antioch University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is well known for its flexible, low-residency design. Students complete most coursework online, with short on-campus residencies each term. The program emphasizes social justice, multicultural competence, and evidence-based clinical training. Graduates are prepared for licensure in New Hampshire and many other states.
Key Highlights:
- Flexible hybrid design for working adults
- Strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in counseling practice
- Multiple electives in areas such as trauma counseling and substance use
Additional Consideration:
Students must attend on-campus residencies several times per year in Keene, NH.
Accreditation: CACREP
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Manchester, NH
- 3 years
- Online
Program Name: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: Fully Online
Length: 60 credits; can be completed in about 3 years
GRE Required: No
Tuition: About $659 per credit hour
Program Overview:
SNHU offers one of the few fully online CACREP-accredited counseling programs in the country, making it accessible to students across New Hampshire and beyond. The program prepares graduates for professional licensure as mental health counselors and includes both practicum and internship placements arranged locally to the student.
Key Highlights:
- 100% online format with local clinical placements
- Nationally recognized for accessibility and student support
- Accredited through October 2028, ensuring alignment with current standards
Additional Consideration:
Students are responsible for securing approved clinical placements in their local community.
Accreditation: CACREP
Rivier University
- Nashua, NH
- 3 years
- Campus + Hybrid
Program Name: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: On-campus/Some hybrid flexibility
Length: 60 credits; 3 years full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: Around $712 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Rivier University’s program is specifically designed to meet the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice requirements. Graduates are prepared to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) and qualify for licensure in New Hampshire. The curriculum emphasizes both theory and applied clinical training.
Key Highlights:
- Tailored to New Hampshire licensure requirements
- Strong clinical partnerships with local agencies and health systems
- Small class sizes for personalized instruction
Additional Consideration:
Students planning to practice outside New Hampshire should confirm reciprocity agreements for licensure.
Accreditation: CACREP
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters for New Hampshire Counselors
Choosing a CACREP-accredited program is the foundation for becoming a licensed counselor in New Hampshire. CACREP is the national standard-setting body that ensures counseling programs meet rigorous academic and clinical training requirements.
For students in New Hampshire, this accreditation isn’t optional. The state’s Board of Mental Health Practice aligns its licensing standards with New Hampshire CACREP program requirements. That means graduates of CACREP-accredited programs are on the clearest, most reliable path to earning the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) credential.
CACREP accreditation also carries benefits beyond state borders. It makes it easier to apply for licensure in other states, qualifies graduates to sit for national exams like the NCE or NCMHCE, and gives employers confidence that new counselors are well prepared for the realities of clinical practice. In short, attending a CACREP-accredited program in New Hampshire ensures your education will count today and years from now.
Career Outlook for Graduates of CACREP Programs in New Hampshire
Graduates of New Hampshire CACREP programs are entering a strong job market with rising demand for licensed counselors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for mental health counselors is projected to grow much faster than average, with opportunities expanding in schools, hospitals, community agencies, and private practice.
In New Hampshire, licensed clinical mental health counselors (LCMHCs) earn an average salary of around $55,000 to $65,000 per year, though experienced counselors and those in private practice can make significantly more. School counselors in the state average about $60,000 annually, with salaries often tied to district pay scales and years of service.
Job growth is fueled by increased awareness of mental health needs, rising demand for substance use treatment, and a growing emphasis on integrating mental health into primary health care. For graduates of CACREP-accredited programs, this outlook translates into strong job security, career flexibility, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in communities across New Hampshire.
Required Courses for Licensure in New Hampshire
New Hampshire follows national standards for counselor education, which means certain courses are required in every CACREP-accredited program. These classes ensure that graduates have the knowledge and skills to serve diverse populations and meet the expectations of the state’s licensing board.
Typical required courses include:
- Counseling Theories and Techniques – an overview of major counseling approaches and evidence-based practices.
- Human Growth and Development – how people change across the lifespan, with attention to psychological, social, and cultural factors.
- Ethics and Professional Issues – standards of practice, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making.
- Career Development – theories and tools for career assessment and counseling.
- Group Counseling – dynamics of group work, leadership styles, and facilitation skills.
- Assessment and Appraisal – training in administering and interpreting psychological and educational assessments.
- Multicultural Counseling – understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in counseling practice.
- Research and Program Evaluation – basic research methods and evaluation strategies relevant to counseling.
- Practicum and Internship – at least 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of supervised internship experience.
Every CACREP-accredited program in New Hampshire integrates these core areas into its curriculum. By completing this coursework, students satisfy both CACREP requirements and the educational foundation needed for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor in the state.
Counseling Licensure Requirements in New Hampshire
Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs are well-positioned to meet New Hampshire’s requirements for becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). The state’s Board of Mental Health Practice sets the following standards:
- Education: Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program with at least 60 graduate semester credits.
- Practicum and Internship: Complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours as part of the degree program.
- Post-Graduate Supervised Experience: Accumulate at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice after graduation, including a minimum of 1,500 direct client contact hours. Supervision must be provided by a licensed mental health professional approved by the Board.
- Examination: Pass a national counseling exam, typically the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Application: Submit transcripts, proof of supervised hours, exam scores, professional references, and the Board’s application form with required fees.
Meeting these requirements ensures that counselors are prepared for the responsibilities of independent clinical practice. While the process may take several years after graduation, CACREP-accredited training provides a solid foundation and helps reduce barriers to licensure in New Hampshire.
FAQs: New Hampshire CACREP Counseling Programs
Why must the program be CACREP-accredited for licensure in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice aligns its standards with CACREP requirements. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program ensures your coursework and training meet the criteria for LCMHC licensure.
Are there fully online CACREP counseling programs available to students in New Hampshire?
Yes. Southern New Hampshire University offers a fully online CACREP-accredited program, and other universities may provide hybrid formats with limited campus visits.
How many clinical hours do I need to complete?
Students must complete at least 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship during their master’s program. After graduation, the state also requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before licensure.
Can I earn licensure as both a school counselor and a mental health counselor in New Hampshire?
Yes, but it requires additional coursework and clinical hours. Plymouth State University offers a combined track that prepares graduates for dual licensure.
What’s the difference between an MA, MS, and PhD in counseling?
An MA or MS is typically a 60-credit master’s program that qualifies you for licensure as a counselor. A PhD is a doctoral-level degree that focuses on advanced research, leadership, or teaching roles in counselor education.
Steps on How to Choose & Apply to Your Chosen CACREP Program
Finding the right counseling program in New Hampshire takes a little research, but the process is straightforward once you know what to look for. Here are the main steps to guide you:
- Confirm Accreditation – Double-check that the program is listed in the CACREP directory. This ensures your degree will qualify for licensure in New Hampshire.
- Review Delivery Format – Decide whether you prefer on-campus, hybrid, or fully online coursework. Consider how each format fits your schedule and lifestyle.
- Check Specializations – Look for programs that offer the track you need, such as Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or a dual option.
- Compare Tuition and Financial Aid – Costs vary widely. Review per-credit rates, scholarships, and assistantships to understand your financial commitment.
- Prepare Application Materials – Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, personal essays, and test scores if required. Most New Hampshire programs no longer require the GRE, but always confirm.
- Understand the Licensure Path – Learn what’s required after graduation, including 3,000 supervised hours and passing a national exam, so you know what to expect beyond the degree.
By following these steps, you can narrow your choices and feel confident applying to programs that match your goals and meet New Hampshire’s licensure requirements.
Conclusion & Next Action
For anyone pursuing a counseling career in New Hampshire, enrolling in a CACREP-accredited program is the clearest path forward. These programs meet the state’s licensure requirements, prepare you for national exams, and give you the practical skills to succeed in clinical or school settings.
Whether you’re interested in mental health counseling, school counseling, or a combination of both, New Hampshire has strong options to choose from. Each program offers unique strengths, but all share the same goal: preparing graduates for meaningful work helping individuals, families, and communities.
Next Step: Compare the programs above to find the one that best fits your goals, then reach out to the admissions office or request more information today.
By comparing New Hampshire CACREP programs, you’ll find the path that best fits your career goals in counseling.
