CACREP Accredited Programs Ultimate Guide 2025

The counseling field has grown exponentially in recent years in terms of the amount of services offered, growth in caseloads, and additions to counseling specialties. With this growth, there is an urgent need for the education and training of new counseling professionals.

For those looking to break into the counseling field, there may be many questions. Some common questions you may have may include what specialization to join, what program best fits your schedule, and what is CACREP accreditation? Included in this article is information about various counseling specializations, a list of some programs throughout the country, and more on CACREP and what it means to counseling education.

CACREP Quick Facts

• CACREP was founded in 1981 
• CACREP accredits 983 master’s and doctoral counseling programs across the United States 
• CACREP serves as one of four major entities of the counseling profession alongside the American Counseling Association, the National Board of Certified Counselors, and the American Mental Health Counselors Association 
• CACREP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• 27 states specifically cite CACREP in their rules and regulations as meeting their requirements for counseling licensure 

What is CACREP?

According to the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP), there are two forms of accreditation: institutional and specialized. While institutional accreditations evaluate the entire institution, specialized accreditations, such as CACREP, look at individual programs within an institution. 

Choosing a CACREP-accredited program is important to future counselors because it provides a universal quality assurance of counseling programs across the country. Accreditation requirements are also becoming increasingly common for state counseling licensure requirements. 

Why Choose a CACREP-Accredited Program? 

Choosing a CACREP-accredited master of counseling program has many benefits like ensuring the quality and content of a counseling program meet standards set by the profession. 

Additionally, CACREP-accredited programs streamline the licensure process due to meeting program requirements in almost all states. Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida require counseling professionals graduate from a CACREP-accredited program. While many states do not require applicants to graduate from a CACREP-accredited program, this allows for easy license portability. 

CACREP-Accredited-Program Specializations

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling
• Career Counseling 
• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling 
• Addiction Counseling
• Marriage and Family Therapy 

CACREP-Accredited Programs in the U.S.

CACREP-Accredited Mental Health Counseling Programs

Mental Health Counseling is one of the most popular and in-demand types of counseling professionals. These professionals can work with individuals, families, and groups to touch on a range of issues, from mental health concerns, relational trouble, or behavioral problems. Mental Health Counselors often work in community clinics, private practices, or hospital settings. Within this category, there are 20 CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate programs. The amount of these programs is much larger so this is an abbreviated list to help you get an idea of some what to expect with CACREP-accredited institutions.

School	Program	Delivery Format	State	Link to Program
Alfred University	Master of Science in Education in Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus	Alfred, New York	https://www.alfred.edu/academics/graduate-programs/mental-health-counseling.cfm
Capital University	Master’s in Counselor Education	Hybrid (On-Campus and Online)	Columbus, Ohio	https://www.capital.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/master-in-counselor-education/
Eastern Washington University	Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Specialization	On-Campus	Cheney, Washington	https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/psychology/counselor-education-mental-health-counseling-ms/
Fairfield University	Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus	Fairfield, Connecticut	https://www.fairfield.edu/academics/graduate-education/masters-and-doctoral-degrees/clinical-mental-health-counseling/index.html
Johns Hopkins University	Master of Science in Counseling	On-Campus	Baltimore, Maryland	https://education.jhu.edu/masters-programs/ms-in-counseling/
Lewis & Clark College	Master of Arts/Master of Science in Professional Counseling	On-Campus	Portland, Oregon	https://graduate.lclark.edu/departments/counseling_psychology/mental_health/
Marquette University	Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus or Online	Milwaukee, Wisconsin	https://www.marquette.edu/grad/programs-clinical-mental-health-counseling.php
Missouri State University	Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus	Springfield, Missouri	https://www.missouristate.edu/SMHBS/Counseling/GradCounseling/clinical.htm
North Carolina State University	Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus or Online	Raleigh, North Carolina	https://ced.ncsu.edu/graduate/programs/masters/clinical-mental-health-counseling/
Plymouth State University	Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Hybrid (On-Campus and Online)	Plymouth, New Hampshire	https://www.plymouth.edu/counselor-education-school-psychology/program/ms/clinical-mental-health-counseling
Purdue University – Fort Wayne	Master of Science in Education in Counselor Education: Mental Health Counseling Track	On-Campus	Fort Wayne, Indiana	https://www.pfw.edu/academics-research/majors-minors/counselor-education-msed
Rider University	Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus	Lawrenceville, New Jersey	https://www.rider.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-education-human-services/graduate/clinical-mental-health-counseling
Sam Houston University	Master of Arts in Counseling	On-Campus	Huntsville, Texas	https://www.shsu.edu/programs/graduate/counseling/
Saybrook University	Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization	Hybrid Online	Pasadena, California	https://www.saybrook.edu/programs/counseling/ma-counseling/
Syracuse University	Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus	Syracuse, New York	https://soe.syr.edu/academics/masters/clinical-mental-health-counseling/
University of Alabama	Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus	Tuscaloosa, Alabama	https://catalog.ua.edu/graduate/education/educational-studies-psychology-research-methodology-counseling/counselor-education-clinical-mental-health-counseling-option-ma/
University of Central Florida	Master of Arts in Counselor Education: Clinical Mental Health Counseling	On-Campus	Orlando, Florida	https://www.ucf.edu/degree/counselor-education-ma/clinical-mental-health-counseling/
University of Colorado – Denver	Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health	On-Campus	Denver, Colorado	https://education.ucdenver.edu/academics/graduate/counseling/detail/ma-counseling-clinical-mental-health
University of Wyoming	Master of Science in Counseling	On-Campus, Online, or Hybrid (On-Campus, Online)	Laramie and Casper, Wyoming	https://www.uwyo.edu/uw/degree-programs/counseling-masters.html
Walden University	Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Online	Minneapolis, Minnesota	https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/ms-in-clinical-mental-health-counseling

CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs

School Counselors support students’ academic, career, and emotional development. These counselors may provide individual and group counseling in schools. A lot of times, schools will contract out licensed counselors from local agencies to help ease the caseload of school counselors, who often take on large numbers of students. Within this category, there are 20 CACREP-accredited School Counseling graduate programs. This is an abbreviated list of programs to help explore institutional offerings in various settings around the country. 

School	Program	Delivery Format	State	Link to Program
Adams State University	Master of Arts in School Counseling	On-Campus	Alamosa, Colorado	https://www.adams.edu/academics/graduate/counselor-education/masters/school/
Bowling Green State University	Master of Education in School Counseling	On-Campus	Bowling Green, Ohio	https://www.bgsu.edu/academics/graduate/mental-health-school-counseling.html
Capella University	Master of Science in School Counseling	Online	Minneapolis, Minnesota	https://www.capella.edu/online-counseling-degrees/ms-school-counseling-program/
Columbus State University	Master of Education in School Counseling	Hybrid (On-Campus and Online)	Columbus, Georgia	https://www.columbusstate.edu/academics/degrees-and-programs/med-school-counseling.php
DePaul University	Master of Education in Counseling: School Counseling Specialty	On-Campus	Chicago, Illinois	https://education.depaul.edu/academics/counseling-and-special-education/graduate/counseling-mamed/concentration-requirements/Pages/school-counseling-ma.aspx
Eastern Kentucky University	Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling	On-Campus	Richmond, Kentucky	https://www.eku.edu/ceahs/clinical-therapeutic-programs/maed-school-counseling/
Florida Gulf Coast University	Master of Arts in School Counseling	On-Campus	Fort Myers, Florida	https://www.fgcu.edu/coe/programs/graduateprograms/schoolcounseling-ma
Geneva College	Master of Arts in Counseling: School Counseling	Online, On-Campus, or Hybrid	Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania	https://www.geneva.edu/graduate/counseling/
George Washington University	Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of School Counseling	On-Campus	Alexandria, Virginia	https://gsehd.gwu.edu/masters-school-counseling
Hunter College	Master of Science in Education in School Counseling	On-Campus	New York City, New York	https://education.hunter.cuny.edu/academics/graduate-programs/school-counseling-msed/
Jackson State University	Master of Science in Education: Concentration in School Counseling	On-Campus	Jackson, Mississippi	https://www.jsums.edu/new-jsuonline/education-concentration-in-school-counseling-ed-s/
Louisiana State University	Master of Education in Counseling: School Counseling	On-Campus	Baton Rouge, Louisiana	https://www.lsu.edu/chse/education/academics/graduate/counselor-ed/index.php#school
North Carolina Central University	Master of Arts in School Counseling	On-Campus or Online	Durham, North Carolina	https://www.nccu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/school-counseling-ma
North Dakota State University	Master of Education in School Counseling	On-Campus	Fargo, North Dakota	https://www.ndsu.edu/ceduc/degree_programs/school_counseling_masters
Oklahoma State University	Master of Science in Counseling: School Counseling	On-Campus	Tulsa and Stillwater, Oklahoma	https://go.okstate.edu/graduate-academics/programs/masters/counseling-ms.html
Portland State University	Master of Arts/Master of Science in Counseling: School Counseling	On-Campus	Portland, Oregon	https://www.pdx.edu/academics/programs/graduate/counseling-school-counseling
Southern Methodist University	Master of Science in Counseling: School Counseling Speciality	On-Campus	Dallas, Texas	https://www.smu.edu/simmons/academics/counseling/ms-counseling/curriculum/school-counseling-specialty
California State University – Sacramento	Master of Science in Counseling: School Counseling with Embedded PPS Credential	On-Campus	Sacramento, California	https://catalog.csus.edu/colleges/education/graduate-professional-studies-education/ms-in-counseling-school-counseling-with-embedded-pps-credential/
Seattle University	Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling	On-Campus or Online	Seattle, Washington	https://www.seattleu.edu/academics/all-programs/school-counseling-maed/
University of Nevada – Las Vegas	Master of Education in School Counseling	On-Campus	Las Vegas, Nevada	https://www.unlv.edu/degree/med-school-counseling#:~:text=The%20Master%20of%20Education%20(M,diverse%20K%2D12%20student%20populations.

CACREP-Accredited Career Counseling Programs

Career Counselors are individuals in the counseling profession who focus on career and educational development. These counselors use various biopsychosocial factors and assessments to determine appropriate careers for their clients. While these counselors often work in high schools and universities, they may also be employed in governmental agencies and private practices. This list includes 5 Career Counseling programs. 

School	Program	Delivery Format	State	Link to Program
University of California – Sacramento	Master of Science in Counseling: Career Counseling	On-Campus	Sacramento, California	https://catalog.csus.edu/colleges/education/graduate-professional-studies-education/ms-in-counseling-career-counseling/
Colorado State University	Master of Arts in Counseling and Career Development	On-Campus	Fort Collins, Colorado	https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/soe/programs-and-degrees/m-a-in-counseling-and-career-development/
Florida State University	Master of Science/Educational Specialist (EdS) in Career Counseling	On-Campus	Tallahassee, Florida	https://annescollege.fsu.edu/career-counseling
North Carolina Central University	Master of Arts in Career Counseling	Online	Durham, North Carolina	https://nccuonline.nccu.edu/programs/career-counseling/
Pennsylvania State University	Master of Education in Counseling Education: Career Counseling Emphasis	On-Campus	State College, Pennsylvania	https://ed.psu.edu/academics/departments/department-educational-psychology-counseling-and-special-education/counselor-education/counselor-education-med-degree/career-counseling-emphasis

CACREP-Accredited Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Programs

Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors are counseling professionals who work primarily with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve independence and functioning. These professionals may work in settings such as the Veterans Affairs (VA) or in agencies focused on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. This list includes 10 Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Programs. 

School	Program	Delivery Format	State	Link to Program
Albany State University	Master of Education in Counselor Education: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling	Online	Albany, Georgia	https://www.asurams.edu/academic-affairs/college-of-business-education-professional-studies/school-of-education/counselor-education.php
Drake University	Master of Science in Counseling: Rehabilitation Counseling Specialization	On-Campus	Des Moines, Iowa	https://www.drake.edu/counseling/rehab/
Florida International University	Master of Science in Counselor Education: Rehabilitation Counseling Major	On-Campus	Miami, Florida	https://case.fiu.edu/crsp/ms-rehabilitation-counseling/
Michigan State University	Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling	On-Campus	East Lansing, Michigan	https://education.msu.edu/cepse/rehab
New Mexico Highlands University	Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling	On-Campus	Rio Rancho, New Mexico	https://www.nmhu.edu/counseling-concentrations/
Troy University	Master of Science in Counseling: Rehabilitation Counseling	On-Campus	Troy, Alabama	https://www.troy.edu/academics/academic-programs/graduate/counseling.html
State University of New York at Buffalo	Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling	On-Campus or Online	Buffalo, New York	https://ed.buffalo.edu/academics/masters/rehab-counseling.html
University of Arizona	Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling	On-Campus	Tucson, Arizona	https://education.arizona.edu/rehabilitation-mental-health-and-counseling
University of Massachusetts – Boston	Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling	On-Campus	Boston, Massachusetts	https://www.umb.edu/academics/program-finder/rehabilitation-counseling-ms/
Utah State University	Master of Rehabilitation Counseling	On-Campus	Logan, Utah and other satellite campuses	https://www.usu.edu/degrees-majors/rehabilitation-counseling_mrc

CACREP-Accredited Addiction Counseling Programs

Addiction Counseling is a specialty of the counseling profession that focuses on treating those with drug, alcohol, or other addictions. These programs touch on mental health concerns, but mainly focus on managing addiction, learning triggers, and relapse prevention. Counselors who are trained in addiction counseling often work in either outpatient, residential, or community-based settings. This list includes 10 Addiction Counseling programs. The list is abbreviated to help understand some programs available and their offerings. 

School	Program	Delivery Format	State	Link to Program
Adler Graduate School	Master of Arts in Counseling, Co-Occurring Disorders and Addiction Counseling	On-Campus	Minnetonka, Minnesota	https://www.alfredadler.edu/program/master-of-arts-in-counseling-co-occurring-disorders-and-addiction-counseling/
Carlow University	Master of Science in Counseling: Addictions Counseling	On-Campus	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	https://www.carlow.edu/academic-programs/psychology-degrees/masters-addiction-counseling/
Central Michigan University	Master of Science in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Concentration	On-Campus and Online	Mount Pleasant, Michigan	https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/college-education-human-services/departments/counseling-educational-leadership-higher-education/counseling/counseling-concentrations/addiction-counseling-concentration
Johnson & Wales University	Master of Science in Addiction Counseling	Hybrid (On-Campus and Online)	Providence, Rhode Island	https://www.jwu.edu/academics/programs-by-campus/providence-programs/addiction-counseling-ms.html
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi	Master of Science in Professional Counseling: Addiction Counseling Emphasis	On-Campus	Corpus Christi, Texas	https://www.tamucc.edu/programs/graduate-programs/professional-counseling-ms.php
University of North Georgia	Master of Science in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Track	On-Campus	Cumming, Georgia	https://ung.edu/degrees/graduate/counseling-ms.php
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	Master of Arts: Addiction Counseling Concentration	On-Campus	Charlotte, North Carolina	https://counseling.charlotte.edu/master-of-arts-addiction-counseling-concentration/
Youngstown State University	Master of Science in Education in Counseling: Addiction Counseling	On-Campus	Youngstown, OH	https://ysu.edu/academics/beeghly-college-liberal-arts-social-sciences-education/counseling-msed
Boise State University	Master of Arts in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Cognate	On-Campus	Boise, Idaho	https://www.boisestate.edu/healthsciences-counselored/ma-counseling-addiction/
Emporia State University	Master of Science in Clinical Counseling: Addiction Counseling Concentration	Hybrid (On-Campus and Online)	Emporia, Kansas	https://www.emporia.edu/applied-health-sciences/counselor-education-home/graduate-programs/clinical-counseling-home/clinical-counseling-addictions-counseling/

CACREP-Accredited Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Programs

While Marriage and Family Therapists are equipped to work with individuals, their primary focus is the counseling of couples and families. These counseling professionals use their skills to help relieve conflict, improve communication, and develop coping skills in couples and families. Some issues these therapists may come across include infidelity, grief, or life transitions. There are 10 MFT programs included on this list. This is an abbreviated list to help understand the programs that are offered by various institutions. 

School	Program	Delivery Format	State	Link to Program
Belmont University	Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy Track	On-Campus	Nashville, Tennessee	https://www.belmont.edu/academics/majors-programs/ma-counseling/
Duquesne University	Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy	On-Campus	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/education/programs-and-degrees/graduate-programs/counseling-mcf/index.php
Harding University	Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling	On-Campus	Searcy, Arkansas	https://www.harding.edu/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness/hu-marriage-and-family-counseling.html#:~:text=A%20Master%20of%20Science%20in,issues%20within%20families%20and%20couples.
Loyola University – New Orleans	Master of Science in Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling	On-Campus	New Orleans, Louisiana	http://cnh.loyno.edu/counseling/marriage-couple-and-family-counseling
Regent University	Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy	On-Campus and Online (with residency)	Virginia Beach, Virginia	https://www.regent.edu/program/ma-in-marriage-couple-family-counseling/
Stetson University	Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy	On-Campus	DeLand, Florida	https://www.stetson.edu/other/academics/graduate/marriage-couple-and-family-counseling.php
Texas State University	Master of Arts in Professional Counseling: Marriage and Family Counseling Concentration	On-Campus	San Marcos, Texas	https://mycatalog.txstate.edu/graduate/education/counseling-leadership-adult-school-psychology/professional-counseling-marriageandfamily-nonthesis-ma/
University of Illinois – Springfield	Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Concentration	On-Campus	Springfield, Illinois	https://www.uis.edu/hdc/academic-programs/human-development-counseling-ma-marriage-couple-and-family-counseling-concentration
University of Nevada – Reno	Master of Arts in Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling	On-Campus	Reno, Nevada	https://www.unr.edu/education/degrees/master-degrees/counseling/master-of-arts-in-counseling
Western Michigan University	Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling	Hybrid (On-Campus and Online)	Kalamazoo, Michigan	https://wmich.edu/cecp/academics/marriage-couple-family-counseling

Online CACREP-Accredited Programs

Some benefits to choosing to attend an online CACREP-accredited master of counseling program include the ability to take courses at your own pace, accessibility of course materials, and being able to study at a program that may be out of town or state. 

While there are many online programs that are not CACREP-accredited that may be classified as “degree mills,” choosing a program that is accredited eliminates that concern. Degree mills are programs that are designed to simply “give students a degree” without ensuring that the content of the program is sufficient for licensure or clinical practice. 

Requirements to Enroll in a CACREP-Accredited Master’s Degree

While the requirements for enrolling in a CACREP-accredited counseling program may differ slightly between universities, the same general requirements generally persist. So, if you want to prepare to apply, here is what to expect.

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution in the field of psychology or another related field, with a GPA of 3.0 (cumulative)
• Some universities require at least one course in Statistics and one course in Research Methods.
• Application Fee (varies)
• Personal Statement (prompt given by schools)
• Professional Resume
• Three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references
• Official transcripts

Career and Licensure Options After a CACREP-Accredited Master’s Degree

The requirements to becoming a counselor of any type varies by state. While practicing independently in any capacity requires a license, in some states, a license is not required for dependent counseling. 

Licensure requirements also vary by state. In most states, however, becoming a licensed counselor requires graduation from a master’s degree in counseling and passage of either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). In Ohio, for example, to become a dependently licensed counselor, you must pass the NCE and then going on to work indepednently requires passage of the NCMHCE. 

In the mental health profession, common license titles include Licensed Professional Cousnelor (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Other specialities may have other licensure types such as Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). 

CACREP-Accredited Counseling Program Scholarships and Grants

When considering how to finance your education, grants and scholarships are an excellent option to explore, as they don’t require you to pay them back. There are many websites online that gather scholarships for counseling students, as well as college students in general. One of the first options is any financial assistance opportunities that may be offered by your university of choice. To find these options, you can explore the university website or contact your school’s financial aid team. 

Another source of financial aid is filling out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, as this can provide you with grants based on your income, family size, financial resources, and more. The FAFSA is one of the most important tools you can use for working towards affording your counseling program.

Some other grants and scholarship websites available for counseling students include:

• Unigo.com
• Scholarships.com
• Teach.com

CACREP vs. Non-CACREP Programs

According to CACREP, 27 states cite CACREP-accreditation standards without explicitly requiring students to graduate from a CACREP-accredited program. While CACREP-accreditation is only required in four states, it is almost guaranteed that an accredited program will meet your state’s licensure requirements. 

If you graduate from a non-CACREP accredited master of counseling program, you will not face any consequences in any of the 46 states that do not require it for licensure. However, you must ensure that the program you graduate from meets the standards of your state. This information can often be found on your state’s counseling board website. 

How to Choose the Right CACREP Program

When choosing a CACREP-accredited master of counseling program, it is important to consider a few things. Some things to consider are the delivery format of the program (on-campus versus online), program specialization, the cost of the program and financial aid, program location, and internship support. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CACREP required for licensure?

Only in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida

Can I get licensed with a non-CACREP degree?

Yes, except in the four above mentioned states. However, it is important to note that every state has its own requirements for licensure and it is important to ensure a program that you plan on attending meets your state’s licensure requirements. This information can often be found on your state counseling board’s website. 

Are online CACREP-accredited programs legitimate?

Yes. To become CACREP, counseling programs must follow rigorous standards such as keeping track of student assignments and student passage of a comprehensive examination. If you question if a program is accredited, you can verify this information on the CACREP directory. 

Does CACREP-accreditation affect tuition cost?

It depends. CACREP-accreditation costs institutions money, but is often worth the investment based on state licensure requirements and marketability. However, cost often is based more on location of the program, delivery, and if the program is at a private or public institution. 

How do I check if a program is CACREP-accredited?

Often, programs will post the CACREP seal on their website, however, you can also verify a program on the CACREP directory. If you have further questions about a programs CACREP status, it is best to reach out to that program to learn more. 

Helpful Resources

• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) 
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• American Counseling Association (ACA) 
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) 

Next Steps

After deciding your desired counseling speciality, delivery format, location, and price range, the next step would be to start visiting counseling programs. Many programs have opportunities to visit campus and talk with cousneling instructors and program leaders to learn more. If you are interested in an online program or a program that is away from home, you may do a virtual tour of campus and video conference with program representatives. 

Once you have visited and chosen a counseling program, it is important to follow that program’s application process to ensure that you meet all admission requirements. It is important to have a back up program should you not receive admission from your first choice or for other unforeseen reasons.