Students in Delaware who want to pursue counseling licensure need to begin with a Delaware CACREP-accredited master’s program. These programs meet the educational standards required by the Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals, giving graduates a direct path toward becoming licensed professional counselors.
CACREP accreditation ensures your degree counts, not only in Delaware but also in many other states that require or prefer CACREP credentials. From flexible online options to traditional campus programs, Delaware offers a small but solid selection of accredited counseling degrees designed to prepare students for meaningful work in mental health and school settings.
Quick Facts: Delaware CACREP Counseling Degrees
- CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Delaware: 1
- Degree Level: Master’s (minimum 60 credits)
- Program Formats: On-campus and hybrid
- Average Program Length: 2 – 3 years full-time
- Tuition Range (per credit): $600 – $1,200
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Program in Delaware
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 3 years
- Online + In-Person + Hybrid
Program Name: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
Modality: Hybrid (online + in-person)
Length: 60 credits – typically 3 years (2 years coursework + 1 clinical training
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $1,611 per course (i.e. per 3-credit course)
Program Overview:
Wilmington’s CACREP-accredited CMHC program is currently the most established CACREP-accredited counseling program in Delaware. It is designed to prepare graduates to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and to meet state requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) in Delaware. The program includes fieldwork/clinical training for real-world experience.
Key Highlights:
- The program is the only full CACREP-accredited counseling degree in Delaware as per many current listings.
- Hybrid format offers flexibility: coursework delivered digitally (synchronous and asynchronous) plus some in-person sessions.
- Strong reputation for licensure exam pass rates and job placement post-graduation.
- The three-year structure includes two years of coursework followed by a one-year clinical (internship) training phase.
Additional Consideration:
- Because Wilmington is essentially the main CACREP option in Delaware, students out-of-state might look at neighboring states or out-of-state online CACREP programs as backups.
- Clinical placements must be arranged locally; students need to confirm approved sites in their own region to complete internship requirements.
Accreditation: CACREP
CACREP Options Near Delaware
Because Delaware currently has just one CACREP-accredited counseling program, many students also explore programs in neighboring states. Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey each offer multiple CACREP-accredited options, with formats ranging from traditional on-campus study to fully online delivery.
Exploring nearby states gives Delaware students a wider range of choices, including specialized tracks, flexible schedules, and varying tuition rates. If you’re open to crossing state lines or enrolling in an online program, comparing these options can help you find a program that best fits your career goals and lifestyle.
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters for Delaware Counselors
In Delaware, CACREP accreditation isn’t just a gold star on a program’s brochure; it’s the standard that helps students move confidently toward licensure. The Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals requires graduate-level counseling programs to cover specific competencies, and CACREP ensures those boxes are checked.
By choosing a CACREP-accredited program, students know their coursework, clinical training, and supervision hours are already aligned with the requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) in Delaware. That means fewer roadblocks when it’s time to apply for licensure.
Accreditation also brings benefits beyond Delaware. Many states now require CACREP degrees for counselor licensure, and employers increasingly prefer candidates with CACREP-accredited training. On top of that, graduates are automatically eligible to sit for national exams like the NCE or NCMHCE. For students in Delaware, picking a CACREP-accredited program is the surest way to build a career that’s both portable and professionally respected.
Career Outlook for Graduates of CACREP Programs in Delaware
The need for licensed counselors in Delaware is rising, reflecting both state and national trends. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for mental health, substance use, and behavioral disorder counselors will expand at a rate well above the national average through 2032.. For Delaware specifically, demand is being driven by growing attention to mental health in schools, healthcare systems, and community agencies.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LPCMHs) in Delaware earn average salaries in the $50,000–$65,000 range, though pay varies by setting, level of experience, and specialization. School counselors in the state typically earn around $60,000 annually, with salaries tied to district pay scales.
Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs are well positioned for this job market. Employers know CACREP accreditation signals strong preparation, which can give candidates an edge when applying for positions. Whether working in private practice, hospitals, schools, or nonprofit agencies, counselors in Delaware will find steady opportunities to grow their careers while meeting the mental health needs of their communities.
Counseling Licensure Requirements in Delaware
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH) in Delaware, candidates must complete a series of education, clinical training, and examination requirements. Here’s what the pathway typically looks like:
- 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 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship experience during the degree program.
- Post-Graduate Supervised Experience: Accumulate 3,200 hours of supervised clinical experience after graduation, including at least 1,600 direct client contact hours. Supervision must be conducted by a board-approved LPCMH or equivalent licensed professional.
- Examination: Pass a national counseling exam such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Application: Submit the state licensure application with transcripts, proof of supervised hours, exam results, and professional references.
Meeting these requirements ensures that counselors are fully prepared to provide independent clinical services across Delaware’s healthcare and community settings. While the process takes dedication, graduates of Delaware CACREP programs start with a strong advantage because their education already meets the state’s standards.
FAQs: Delaware CACREP Counseling Programs
Why must the program be CACREP-accredited for licensure in Delaware?
The Delaware Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals requires applicants to complete a program that meets national standards. CACREP-accredited degrees guarantee that your coursework and clinical training align with LPCMH licensure requirements.
How many CACREP-accredited counseling programs are in Delaware?
Currently, Wilmington University offers the only CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the state. Delaware students may also consider online or nearby out-of-state CACREP programs if they need additional options.
Are there online CACREP programs available to Delaware residents?
Yes. While Wilmington’s program is hybrid, fully online Delaware CACREP-accredited programs based in other states accept Delaware students and still meet state licensure requirements.
How many clinical hours are required in Delaware?
Graduate students must complete at least 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours during their program. After graduation, Delaware requires 3,200 supervised clinical hours, including 1,600 direct client contact hours, before independent licensure.
What is the average salary for licensed counselors in Delaware?
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors in Delaware typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 per year. School counselors average around $60,000 annually, depending on district pay scales.
Can I become licensed as both a school counselor and a clinical mental health counselor in Delaware?
Yes, but it requires completing separate tracks and meeting the specific requirements for each credential. Some students pursue additional coursework or dual licensure to expand career opportunities.
What’s the difference between an MA, MS, and PhD in counseling?
An MA or MS in counseling (usually 60 credits) is required for licensure as a counselor. A PhD or EdD focuses on advanced research, supervision, or teaching roles in counselor education and is not required for LPCMH licensure.
Steps on How to Choose & Apply to Your Chosen Program
Applying to a Delaware CACREP program is a straightforward process, but it helps to move step by step:
- Confirm Accreditation – Start by verifying the program’s status in the official CACREP directory. This ensures your degree will qualify for Delaware licensure.
- Review Program Format – Decide whether a hybrid model like Wilmington University’s works for your lifestyle, or whether you’d prefer to explore fully online CACREP options based in other states.
- Check Specializations – Consider whether you want to focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or another specialty. Be sure the program aligns with your career goals.
- Compare Tuition and Financial Aid – Look closely at per-credit tuition, fees, and available financial support. Even a small difference can add up over a 60-credit program.
- Gather Application Materials – Most programs will require transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and sometimes test scores (though many no longer require the GRE).
- Understand the Licensure Path – Keep Delaware’s licensure process in mind: after graduation, you’ll still need to complete 3,200 supervised hours and pass a national exam before full LPCMH licensure.
Following these steps helps you stay organized and increases your chances of being accepted into a program that’s the right fit for your goals.
Conclusion & Next Action
For students in Delaware, choosing a CACREP-accredited counseling program is the most reliable way to move toward licensure and a career in mental health. With accreditation, you know your education will meet state and national standards, prepare you for required exams, and set you up for long-term career mobility.
Wilmington University currently offers Delaware’s CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, and students can also explore online options from nearby states. No matter which path you choose, the key is ensuring your program is CACREP-accredited so your hard work pays off when it’s time to apply for licensure.
Next Step: Review the program above, explore admissions details, and reach out directly to request more information. Starting with the right program puts you on the clearest path to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware.
