Colorado Master’s in Counseling Programs

Colorado is a state in the southwestern United States known for its diverse terrain of mountain and desert landscapes. Due to rapid growth since the state’s founding, there is an ever-increasing need for mental health counselors. According to O*Net Online, there is expected to be a 36% increase in the need for mental health counselors in the state by 2030.

Master of Counseling Programs in Colorado

To meet the growing demand for mental health counselors, there are counseling programs throughout the state that are offered in-person and online, are CACREP-accredited, and do not require the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). To become a counselor in Colorado, one must graduate from a CACREP-accredited program or equivalent, according to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

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Online Master of Counseling Programs in Colorado

There are many benefits to attending an online Master of Counseling program. Some benefits include flexibility in courses, continuous access to course materials, and enjoying the beautiful Rocky Mountains while attending class. There are two programs based in Colorado that allow students to attend online and meet the requirements for licensure.

CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Colorado

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits Master of Counseling programs throughout the United States. There are many benefits to obtaining a degree from an accredited university, including uniformity with other programs and meeting the requirement for licensure in most states. In Colorado, it is required that counseling programs be CACREP-accredited to obtain licensure in the state. Luckily, there are many accredited programs, ranging from in-person to online, that do not require the GRE but also meet this requirement.

No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Colorado

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is used to measure aptitude for college applicants. Many universities do not require this, as they have found that it puts an undue burden on college applicants. Six counseling programs in Colorado do not require the GRE, and two require the GRE based on undergraduate GPA. 

Under the “online programs” category, there is one program that does not require the GRE at all. That program is located at Colorado Christian University. Adams State University is online, but states that the GRE “may be required for undergraduate GPAs below 3.0.”

Under the CACREP-accredited programs list, five programs do not require the GRE at all. Those programs are at Colorado State University, Denver Seminary, Regis University, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and the University of Colorado at Denver. There is one program that does not require the GRE if the applicant has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. This program is located at the University of Northern Colorado.

Most Affordable Master in Counseling Program in Colorado

For most people, choosing a program that is both affordable and academically sound is very important. On the list above, the most affordable program is at Adams State University, which costs $444 per credit hour plus fees. The program at Adams State University is strictly online. If you are looking for an in-person program that is affordable, look toward the University of Colorado at Denver, where the cost is $497 per credit hour plus fees for Colorado residents.

Accelerated Master in Counseling Programs in Colorado

Due to the requirement that programs in Colorado be CACREP-accredited, there are not any programs that are deemed “accelerated.” To be CACREP-accredited, a program must have a total of 60 credit hours based on the courses required for accreditation. Programs listed above that have 60 credit hours include Adams State University, Colorado Christian University, Colorado State University, Regis University, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and the University of Northern Colorado.

Colorado Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs

Specialty	University Name	City	State	Counseling Accreditation	Modality	GRE Required?
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Adams State University	Alamosa	CO	CACREP	Online & Campus	No GRE Required
School Counseling	Adams State University	Alamosa	CO	CACREP	Online & Campus
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Colorado Christian University	Lakewood	CO	CACREP	Online & Campus	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Colorado State University	Fort Collins	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Career Counseling	Colorado State University	Fort Collins	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
School Counseling	Colorado State University	Fort Collins	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Regis University	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Colorado at Colorado Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
School Counseling	University of Colorado at Colorado Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	CACREP	Campus
School Counseling	University of Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP	Online	No GRE Required
Counseling, Clinical Mental Health	University of Colorado Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Northern Colorado	GREELEY	CO	CACREP	Campus	GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling	Adams State University	Alamosa	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Counseling	Colorado Christian University	Lakewood	CO	CACREP	Online	No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Colorado Colorado Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	CACREP		No GRE Required
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Regis University	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Counseling	University of Colorado Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required
Counseling Psychology	University of Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP	Campus
Clinical Behavioral Health with an Emphasis in Addictions Counseling	Metropolitan State University of Denver	Denver	CO	CACREP
Counseling (Counseling Psychology)	Denver Seminary	Littleton	CO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required

Required Courses for Licensure in Colorado

Colorado does not require specific coursework; however, in the state, it is required that programs be accredited by CACREP. When programs are CACREP-accredited, certain courses must be taken to graduate from the program to meet the eight CACREP core competencies. The eight core competencies required by CACREP are in the following subjects:

• Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
• Social and Cultural Diversity
• Human Growth and Development
• Career Development
• Counseling and Helping Relationships
• Group Counseling and Group Work
• Assessment and Testing
• Research and Program Evaluation

Counseling Licensure Requirements in Colorado

According to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations, there are three levels of licensure in Colorado. The levels are listed in the following order: LPP (Provisional Licensure), LPCC (Temporary Permit), and LPC (Original License by Examination). 

LPP: This license is for those who are working solely for Residential Child Care Facilities (RCF). To obtain this licensure, one must complete the educational requirements for both the LPCC and LPC licenses, including a graduate degree in mental health counseling from a CACREP-accredited university. 

LPCC: This license is for those who have graduated from a CACREP-accredited university and are working toward full licensure. Those with the LPCC license can provide psychotherapy services but must be supervised. 

LPC:  This license is considered “full licensure” in Colorado. To obtain this license, one must have graduated from a CACREP-accredited counseling program, obtain 2,000 hours of supervised experience as an LPCC, and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

Colorado Counseling FAQs (Obtained via the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies)

How many continuing education hours do I need for license renewal?

All professionals in Colorado must maintain and demonstrate Continuing Professional Competency (CPC). This includes 40 hours of continuing education. 

What is the Colorado Jurisprudence Examination?

This is an examination used by the state to determine the licensee’s knowledge of laws and regulations. The test results are good for one year. This examination has 45 questions, is administered online, and is open-book.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Colorado?

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for mental health counselors in Colorado is $50,860. This is higher than the national average, which is $49,710.

How to Become a School Counselor in Colorado

According to the Colorado Department of Education, to become a school counselor, one must earn a master’s degree or higher in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, complete an approved program for the preparation of school counselors, including a 100 clock-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, and receive a passing score on the Praxis examination.

How Much Do School Counselors Make in Colorado?

O*Net Online lists the average salary for school counselors in Colorado at $59,740. This is lower than the national average, which is listed at $60,140.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Colorado

There are three levels of substance abuse counselor licenses in Colorado. These are the Certified Addiction Technician, Certified Addiction Specialist, and Licensed Addiction Counselor licenses. 

To become a Certified Addiction Technician one must provide information regarding their highest level of education, upload a passing Jurisprudence Examination report, provide past experience as an addictions counselor if applicable, and complete the Healthcare Professions Profile. To obtain this licensure, it is required that the applicant be a high school graduate. 

To become a Certified Addiction Specialist, one must have a bachelor’s degree, pass the Jurisprudence Examination, and provide past experience as an addictions counselor if applicable. Finally, to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor, one must have a Master’s degree, pass the Jurisprudence Examination, and provide past experience as an addiction counselor if applicable. This licensure also requires experience to be built over a period of 18 months.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Colorado?

O*Net Online lists the average salary for a substance abuse counselor in Colorado as $50,860. This is higher than the national average, which is listed at $49,710.

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What Other Careers Are There for a Masters in Counseling Degree?

Sometimes, one will receive a degree and later decide that they are not passionate about what they once attended school for. With a Masters in Counseling degree, it is possible to obtain employment in areas such as human resources, local/state/national government, non-profit leadership, and writing.