California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is the largest state based on population and as a result, needs a large Mental Health Counselor workforce. According to O*Net Online, the need for Mental Health Counselors is going to increase 17% by 2030. This growing demand highlights several key aspects:
Demand for Mental Health Professionals in California
Due to California’s diverse population and the growing awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues, there is an increased demand for mental health services. Urban centers like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, as well as rural areas, require substantial mental health support. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened mental health issues, further increasing the need for qualified professionals.
Career Opportunities and Growth Prospects
The increasing demand for mental health services in California means many job opportunities exist for people with a Master’s in Counseling. Graduates can work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, private practices, community health centers, and government agencies. California’s commitment to mental health care, as shown by numerous state-funded programs and initiatives, ensures that job prospects will continue to grow. Additionally, California’s diverse population provides unique opportunities for counselors to specialize in multicultural and bilingual counseling services, further expanding career possibilities.
Professional Fulfillment
In California, pursuing a career in mental health counseling can be incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. Counselors make a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and communities, providing a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. This profession allows for continuous personal growth and learning as counselors handle a wide range of cases and stay up to date with the latest therapeutic practices. Moreover, California’s focus on work-life balance, along with the availability of professional networks and continuing education opportunities, helps counselors maintain a healthy and satisfying career.
Master of Counseling Programs in California
Additional Counseling Programs
There are many Master of Counseling programs in the State of California. These programs are approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The programs that are approved by the Board meet the criteria needed for licensure in California. The list offers a mix of CACREP-Accredited programs, online/hybrid programs, and programs that do not require the GRE.
Online Master of Counseling Programs in California
There are many benefits to attending a Master of Counseling program online. Some of those benefits include flexibility and easy access to course materials. Online programs may also benefit those who do not live close to a Counseling program or simply like to do classes from the comfort of their own home. Thankfully, with California being such a large state, there are many options for completely online programs as well as hybrid programs. There are currently 11 exclusively online Mental Health Counseling programs.
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 units
- Online
- Tuition: $695 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- Online or in-person located in Fresno, California campus
- Tuition: $762 per credit hour for both online and on-campus programs plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 94.5 Units
- Online and Hybrid In-Person located in Palo Alto, California
- Tuition: $580 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 Units
- Online and hybrid
- Tuition: $1,090 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 63 Units
- Online and Hybrid/On-campus program
- Tuition: $550 per unit for Online Program
- Tuition: $660 per unit for On-Campus Program
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 92 Credits
- Online and Hybrid
- $676 per credit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 99 Quarter Units
- Online
- Tuition: $442 per quarter credit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (LPCC in California)
- Accreditation: N/A
- 56 Units
- Online and In-person program located in Malibu, California
- Tuition: $1,875 per unit for the online program plus fees
- Tuition: $1,875 per unit for the daytime program plus fees
- Tuition: $1,510 per unit for the evening program plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 Units
- Online
- Tuition: $750 per course, total of 20 courses
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 90 Units
- Online and in-person located in Santa Clara, California
- Tuition: $701 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 90 Units
- Online
- Tuition: Estimated program tuition is $58,500
CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in California
In California, it is not required that you obtain your Master of Counseling from a CACREP-Accredited university, however, it does ensure that you are taking all required courses for licensure in California. Attending a program at an accredited University also means that you will have uniformity among most states and meet their requirements should you decide to move. In California, there are currently eight CACREP-accredited programs. Three programs are entirely online that are also CACREP-accredited listed above in the Online Programs category. These three programs are Concordia University Irvine, Alliant International, and Palo Alto University. Including Online Mental Health Counseling programs, there are nine CACREP-Accredited programs based in California.
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 63 units (21 courses)
- In-person program located in Fullerton, California
- Tuition: $625 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Units
- In-person program located in Fresno, California
- Tuition: For 6 units or less tuition is $2,082 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those residing outside of California
- Tuition: For 7 units or more tuition is $3,588 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those residing outside of California
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 70 Units
- In-person program located in Los Angeles, California
- Tuition: For 6 units or less tuition is $2,617.12 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those residing outside of California
- Tuition: For 6.1 units or more tuition is $4,123.12 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those residing outside of California
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Units
- In-person program located in San Francisco, California
- Tuition: For 6 units or less the tuition is $2,805 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those residing outside of California
- Tuition: For 6.1 units or more the tuition is $4,203
- Program: Master of Arts Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 credit hours
- Hybrid (mostly online with required in-person Residential Conferences)
- Tuition: $1,334 per credit hour plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Units
- In-person program located in San Diego, California
- Tuition: $1,602 per unit plus fees
- Program: Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 90 quarter units (equivalent to 60 semester units)
- Hybrid
- Tuition Per Unit:$600
- Tuition (In- state an out-of-state): $27,000/year
No GRE Required Masters in Counseling Programs in California
The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is used by some graduate schools. The test is broken up into subjects that help the graduate program determine a person’s level of mastery in a certain subject. Many people have trouble with standardized tests or just do not want to take one. If you are one of those people, you are in luck. California has many Master of Arts in Counseling programs that do not require the GRE to be admitted. With more information listed in the CACREP-Accredited programs list, five programs do not require the GRE to be considered for admission. Those five programs are at California State University Fullerton, California State University Los Angeles, San Francisco State University, Saybrook University, and the University of San Diego.
For added convenience, many programs listed above in the Online Programs category do not require the GRE. There are currently 10 programs in the Online Programs category that do not require the GRE including Concordia University Irvine, Alliant International, Palo Alto University, Golden Gate University, Jessup University, Meridian University, National University, Pepperdine University, Rhombus University, Sofia University.
Including Online Mental Health Counseling programs and CACREP-Accredited programs, there are a total of 33 programs in California that doe not require the GRE. Programs that do not require the GRE and are not listed in other categories are described in more detail below.
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 Semester Units
- In-person program located in Bakersfield, California
- Tuition: For 6 Units or less tuition is $2,082 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those not residing in California
- Tuition: For 6.1 Units or more tuition is $3,588 plus fees including a non-resident fee
(GRE temporarily waived)
- Program: Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 65 Units
- In-person program located in Long Beach, California
- Tuition: For 6 units or less tuition is $2,082 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those not residing in California
- Tuition: For 7 units or more tuition is $3,588 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those not residing in California
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling
- Accreditation: N/A
- 72 Units
- In-person program located in San Bernardino, California
- Tuition: For 6 units or less tuition is $2,082 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those not residing in California
- Tuition: For 6.1 units or more tuition is $3,588 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those not residing in California
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 Units
- In-person program located in Rohnert Park, California
- Tuition: For 6 units or less tuition is $2,082 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those not residing in California
- Tuition: For 7 units or more tuition is $3,588 plus fees including a non-resident fee for those not residing in California
- Program: Master of Arts in Education: Educational and Clinical Counseling
- Accreditation: N/A
- 62 Units
- In-person program located in Azusa and Murrieta, California
- Tuition: $813 per unit plus fees
- Program: MS in Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 63 Units
- In-person program
- Tuition: $625 per unit
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 62-86 units (depending on additional coursework)
- In-person program located in Riverside, California
- Tuition: $800 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Integral Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 69 Units
- In-person program located in San Francisco, California
- Tuition: $1,285 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling with an Emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling
- Accreditation: N/A
- 51 Units
- In-person program located in Orange, California
- Tuition: $1,130 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 Units
- In-person program located in San Rafael, California
- Tuition: $1,210 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling with MFT, LPCC Track
- Accreditation: N/A
- 96 Quarter Units
- In-person program located in Riverside, California
- Tuition: $730 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling
- Accreditation: N/A
- 90 Quarter Units
- In-person program located in Loma Linda, California
- Tuition: For year one the tuition is listed at $45,117 including fees
- Tuition: For year two the tuition is listed at $39,760 including fees
- Program: MA in Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- Units: 60
- Modality: Hybrid (mostly online with required in-person residential conferences)
- Tuition: $1,334 per credit hour
- Program: Masters in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 93 Units
- In-person program located in Carpenteria, California
- Tuition: Total tuition is $30,388 plus fees for the program
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
- Accreditation: N/A
- 63 Units
- In-person program located in San Diego, California
- Tuition: $790 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 68 Units
- In-person program located in Redding, California
- Tuition: $590 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 63 units (non-licensure), 72 units (licensure)
- In-person program with online options in El Cajon, California
- Tuition: $620 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 units
- In-person program in Redlands, California
- Tuition: $837 per unit plus fees
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 units
- In-person program with online options in Weimar, California
- Tuition: Estimated tuition of $59,000 for the program
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: N/A
- 60 Units
- In-person program located in Berkeley, California
- Tuition: $1,225 per unit or $73,500 for the program plus fees
- Tuition: $1,225 per unit or $73,500 for the program plus fees
- Tuition: $1,225 per unit or $73,500 for the program plus fees
Most Affordable Masters in Counseling Program in California
To ensure a good investment in your education, it is important to start a program that is not only within your price range but also meets the educational criteria needed to obtain licensure. There are many programs in California to choose from that meet both criteria. From the Online Programs category, the most affordable program is located at National University. The price per unit at National University is $442.
Looking at programs from the CACREP-Accredited Programs category, the most affordable program is at California State University Fresno. When the cost is broken up by units, the cost per unit is $347 for less than 6 hours and $512.57 for more than 7 units.
Finally, in the No GRE Required category, the most affordable program is tied with California State University Bakersfield, California State University Long Beach, California State University San Bernardino, and Sonoma State University with the cost breaking down to $347 per unit for less than 6 units and $512.57 per unit for more than 7 units.
Accelerated Masters in Counseling Programs in California
When considering pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in counseling in California, students have a variety of options to evaluate, each with its own unique pace and requirements.
For those looking for online programs, Concordia University Irvine offers an accelerated pace. On the other hand, Pepperdine University stands out for its efficiency, requiring just 56 units for program completion.
Students seeking CACREP-accredited programs, known for meeting rigorous quality standards, have several efficient pathways to choose from. California State University Fresno, San Francisco State University, Saybrook University, and The University of San Diego all require a minimum of 60 units, making them attractive options for those aiming to fulfill accreditation requirements with the least amount of coursework.
If you are in search of programs that waive the GRE requirement, Chapman University offers a streamlined curriculum, demanding only 51 units for graduation. This shorter completion time can be advantageous for students eager to promptly enter the counseling profession.
California Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs
| Specialty | University Name | City | State | Counseling Accreditation | Modality | GRE Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation Counseling | California State University Sacramento | Sacramento | CA | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required |
| Career Counseling | California State University Sacramento | Sacramento | CA | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required |
| Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | California State University Sacramento | Sacramento | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| School Counseling | California State University Sacramento | Sacramento | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Rehabilitation Counseling | California State University San Bernardino | San Bernardino | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | California State University, Fresno | Fresno | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | California State University, Fresno | Fresno | CA | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | California State University, Fullerton | Fullerton | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Rehabilitation Counseling | California State University, Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Concordia University Irvine | Irvine | CA | CACREP | Online | No GRE Required |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Palo Alto University | Palo Alto | CA | CACREP | Online & Campus | No GRE Required |
| Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | Palo Alto University | Palo Alto | CA | CACREP | Online & Campus | No GRE Required |
| Rehabilitation Counseling | San Diego State University | San Diego | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | San Diego State University | San Diego | CA | CACREP | Online & Campus | No GRE Required |
| Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | San Francisco State University | San Francisco | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Career Counseling | San Francisco State University | San Francisco | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| School Counseling | San Francisco State University | San Francisco | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | San Francisco State University | San Francisco | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Saybrook University | Pasadena | CA | CACREP | Hybrid | No GRE Required |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Online | Los Angeles | CA | CACREP | Online | No GRE Required |
| School Counseling | University of San Diego | San Diego | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | University of San Diego | San Diego | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
| Rehabilitation Counseling | Cal State L.A.- California State University | Los Angeles | CA | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required |
Required Courses for Licensure in California
In California, there are some course requirements to obtain licensure. The California Code dictates what courses are required. The required courses are as follows:
- Counseling Theories and Techniques
- Human Growth and Development
- Career Development
- Group Counseling Theories and Techniques
- Assessment, Appraisal, and Testing of Individuals
- Multicultural Counseling Theories and Techniques
- Principles of the Diagnostic Process
- Research and Evaluation
- Professional Orientation, Ethics, and Law in Counseling
- Psychopharmacology
- Addictions Counseling
- Crisis or Trauma Counseling
- Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Theories
- In addition to the course requirements:
- 15 Semester Units or 22.5 Quarter Credits of Advanced Coursework to develop knowledge of specific treatment issues or special populations
- Not less than 6 Semester Units or 9 Quarter Units of Supervised Practicum
Counseling Licensure Requirements in California
In California, there are two stages of licensure. According to The California Board of Behavioral Sciences, the two stages are Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Below is information regarding how to obtain each license.
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC):
The first step of licensure in California is the Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) licensure. The license is obtained after graduating from a state-approved Counseling Program. This license allows the clinical to obtain the required 3000 hours of supervised experience needed to move up to the next level of licensure, the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license. The application fee for the APCC license is $150 and is non-refundable. Applying for this license also requires a transcript to be sent to the Board.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC):
To obtain the LPCC license, a clinician must obtain 3000 hours of supervised experience over 104 weeks, passage of the California Law and Ethics Examination, passage of the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE), and 6 hours of coursework related to Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention.
Career Outlook for Counselors in California
According to O*Net Online, by 2030 there will be a 17% increase in the need for Mental Health Counselors. There are currently 37,100 Mental Health Counselors in California and by 2030 there will be an estimated 43,500.
California Counseling FAQs (Obtained via The California Board of Behavioral Sciences)
Can I practice independently or have my own office with my Associate License?
No. You must first complete the requirements to obtain the LPCC license before practicing independently.
How many hours of direct clinical experience are required to obtain the LPCC license?
You must obtain a minimum of 1,750 hours of direct clinical experience and a maximum of 1,250 hours of indirect experience (including note-taking, supervision, meetings, etc.).
What are the supervision requirements for Associate Counselors?
Each week of supervised experience must include 1 hour of individual or 2 hours of group supervision. 52 weeks of supervision must include 1 hour of individual supervision or triadic supervision (one supervisor and two supervisees).
How many hours of continuing education are required for renewal?
It is required that all clinicians renewing their license must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Of those 36 hours, 6 of them must come from courses related to ethics. However, only 18 hours of continuing education are required if you are renewing for the first time.
How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in California
In California, the average salary for Mental Health Counselors is $56,060 according to O*Net Online. This is more than the national average income for Mental Health Counselors which is $49,710.
How to Become a School Counselor in California
To become a School Counselor in California, one must possess a Bachelor’s Degree, 48 semester units of post-bachelor education, obtain the formal recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Pupil Personnel Services program specializing in school counseling, complete the Basic Skills Requirement, complete the live fingerprint requirement, and pay the application fee. This information was obtained via the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in California
According to O*Net Online, School Counselors in California make an average of $72,240. This is higher than the national average of $60,140.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in California
There are 6 levels of credentialing for Substance Abuse Counselors in California according to the California Consortium of Addictions Programs and Professionals. The following are the steps of licensure: Registered Alcohol Drug Technician (RADT), Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC-I), Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor II (CADC-II), Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor III (CADC-III), Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC), and Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor Supervisor (LAADC-S). There are also 3 specialty certifications including Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP), and California Certified Prevention Specialist (CCPS).
California also offers recovery-related credentials including Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Recovery Program Manager (CRPM), Sober Living Specialist (SLS), and Professional Recovery Coach (PRC). There are also 3 specialty certifications related to recovery including Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist (MATS), Intervention Specialist (IS), and Women’s Treatment Specialist (WTS).
How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor in California
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for Substance Abuse Counselors in California is $56,060. This is higher than the national average of $49,710.
