Florida Masters in Counseling Programs

Florida is a state in the Southeastern United States known for its sunny beaches and year-round warm weather. It is also one of the country’s fastest-growing states, drawing in retirees and young people from all over. According to O*Net Online, the need for counselors in Florida is expected to increase by 28% by 2030.

Master of Counseling Programs in Florida

Due to the large size of Florida in both area and population, there are many Mental Health Counseling programs to choose from. Many programs are Online, CACREP-Accredited, and do not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many programs fit into all three of these categories. According to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling starting in 2025 one must graduate from a program that is either CACREP-Accredited, the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), or an equivalent accrediting body which consists of at least 60 semester hours or 80 quarter hours to apply for licensure.

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs

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Online Master of Counseling Programs in Florida

There are many benefits to obtaining a Master in Counseling degree online. Some benefits include a flexible schedule, easy access to course materials, or the ability to enjoy all 1,350 miles of Florida coast while attending class. Five programs in Florida are offered online and meet the criteria for licensure in Florida and two are not accredited but meet the course requirements.

CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Florida

There are many benefits to attending a Master of Counseling program that is CACREP-Accredited. Some of those benefits include having a standardized program with others around the country, it is now becoming the standard for licensure in many states, and you know that you can obtain your license in Florida upon graduation. In Florida, there are currently 15 CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs. There are five programs listed under the Online Programs category that are CACREP-Accredited and are at Barry University, Hodges University, Lynn University, National Louis University – Tampa, and Nova Southeastern University.

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs

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No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Florida

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a test that is used for entry into many 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. There are 14 Master of Counseling programs in Florida that do not require the GRE with six listed under the Online Programs category and six listed under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category. 

Under the Online Programs category, the programs that do not require the GRE are at Barry University, Hodges University, Lynn University, National Louis University – Tampa, Nova Southeastern University, and Southeastern University. Under the CACREP-Accredited program the programs that do not require the GRE are Florida International University, Florida State University, Rollins College, Stetson University, University of Northern Florida, and the University of South Florida.

Most Affordable Masters in Counseling Program in Florida

The price range of a program is sometimes just as important as the content of the program. Luckily, there are many options available in Florida for an affordable Counseling education. The most affordable program under the Online Programs category is at Southern University costing only $525 per credit hour plus fees. Under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category, the most affordable program is at Florida Gulf Coast University at only $290.60 per credit hour plus fees. And finally, the most affordable Masters in Counseling Program under the No GRE Required Programs category is at Palm Beach Atlantic University costing only $560 per credit hour plus fees. 

This means that overall the most affordable Master in Counseling Program is located at Florida Gulf Coast University costing only $290.60 per credit hour plus fees. This program also is CACREP-Accredited and meets the requirements for licensure in Florida.

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs Accepting Florida Applicants

Accelerated Master in Counseling Programs Located in Florida

While there are not any programs in Florida that are explicitly listed as accelerated, there are 15 programs in Florida that tie for the shortest with 60 credit hours. 60 credit hours is the standard for all CACREP-Accredited programs. Those programs are located at:

• Barry University
• Hodges University
• National Louis University – Tampa
• Nova Southeastern University 
• Keiser University 
• Southeastern University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida International University
• Florida State University
• Jacksonville University
• Stetson University
• University of Northern Florida
• University of South Florida
• University of Miami
• Palm Beach Atlantic University

Required Courses for Licensure in Florida

According to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, if the counseling program that you choose is CACREP-Accredited you are eligible for licensure in Florida as long as you take two extra required courses. Those two extra required courses for licensure after completion of a CACREP-Accredited program are Human Sexuality and Substance Abuse. 

However, if your program is not CACREP accredited, you must ensure that you are taking all of the required courses. Courses that are required for licensure in Florida include the following:

• Counseling Theories and Practice
• Human Growth and Development
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychopathology
• Human Sexuality 
• Group Theories and Practice 
• Individual Evaluation and Assessment
• Career and Lifestyle Assessment
• Research and Program Evaluation
• Social and Cultural Foundations
• Substance Abuse
• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standard Issues

Counseling Licensure Requirements in Florida

There are two levels of Mental Health Counseling licensure in Florida including Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Those licensures are listed in the order that they are obtained. It is also possible for a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) to become a Qualified Supervisor. 

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern:

This is the first step of licensure in Florida. To obtain this licensure, one must first graduate from a CACREP-Accredited Mental Health Counseling program or have their courses evaluated by the Board. These transcripts are required to be sent to the Board. The next step of this licensure is to submit a letter to the Board from a Qualified Supervisor. After submitting that documentation, the next step is to apply on the Board website and submit the required non-refundable $150 fee. 

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC):

The second stage of licensure in Florida is the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) license. To obtain this license, one must submit their transcript showing they graduated from an approved Master of the Counseling program, obtain two years of supervised experience under a Qualified Supervisor, pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), complete an eight-hour Florida laws and rules course, complete a three hour HIV/AIDS course, and complete a two-hour domestic violence course. There is an application fee of $180 for this license. 

Qualified Supervisor:

To become a Qualified Supervisor in Florida one must have five years of post-master’s clinical experience (the two years of intern experience can be counted) and supervision training courses. Transcripts from the clinician applying to become a Qualified Supervisor must be submitted to the Board. There is no fee for this endorsement.

Career Outlook for Counselors in Florida

According to O*Net Online, there are currently 16,710 Mental Health Counselors in the State of Florida. However, this number is expected to grow at a rate of 28% to 21,300 by the year 2030 this is higher than the expected national growth. Nationally, there are 351,000 Mental Health Counselors. This is expected to increase by 22% to 428,500 by the year 2030.

Florida Counseling FAQs (Obtained via the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling)

How long will it take to receive a response to my application?

Within 30 days of receiving all required materials. 

Can a person obtain licensure with a felony or misdemeanor charge on their record?

This varies case by case. The board considered many factors for applicants who apply with a criminal record. 

How many hours of continuing education are required to renew my license?

A total of 30 hours of continuing education are required every two years. 25 of those hours are general education, two hours come from Medical Errors, three hours must come from Ethics and Boundaries or Telehealth, three hours must come from Laws and Rules, and two hours must come from Domestic Violence. If you are a Qualified Supervisor, you are required to complete an additional four hours of education every six years.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Florida

According to O*Net Online, Mental Health Counselors in Florida make an average of $48,040 per year. This is slightly below the national average of $49,710.

How to Become a School Counselor in Florida

The Florida Department of Education lists a few ways that one can become a school counselor. The first way to become a School Counselor is to have a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling or School Counseling that includes a minimum of 600 hours of supervised internship in a school setting. The second way to become a School Counselor in Florida is to obtain a master’s degree in a counseling field other than school counseling and complete a 600-hour supervised internship in a school setting, and nine credit hours in courses related to working with school children. These required courses are Student Appraisal and Evaluation, College and Career Planning, Principles and Philosophy of a School Program, and Consultation Skills and Techniques.

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Florida

O*Net Online lists the average salary for a School Counselor in Florida as $48,850. This is less than the national average which is $60,140.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Florida

There are three levels of Substance Abuse Counselors in Florida. According to The Florida Certification Board, requirements for each level of addiction licensure vary. The lowest level of licensure would be the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) license. To obtain this licensure, one must have a high school diploma or equivalency degree. The next level of licensure would be the Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) licensure. To obtain this license, one must have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The highest level of addiction professional in Florida would be the Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP). To obtain this licensure one must have a master’s degree or higher in a related field.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Florida

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a Substance Abuse Counselor in Florida is $48,040, less than the national average of $49,710.

What Other Careers Can You Have With a Master’s in Counseling

The field of counseling offers a wide range of career options for those with a Master’s in Counseling degree. While traditional counseling roles are still common, individuals with this degree can also pursue careers as case managers, coordinating services and support for those in need. These professionals may work in government agencies overseeing mental health programs, or in non-profit organizations advocating for and supporting various populations.

Furthermore, the flexibility of a counseling degree allows professionals to work in a variety of settings. They can provide counseling services in hospitals, helping patients and families cope with illness or trauma. Inpatient clinics offer opportunities to work with individuals undergoing intensive treatment for mental health issues or addiction. Some may choose to start their private practices, offering counseling services to clients seeking support for a range of concerns.

In addition, schools often employ counselors to provide academic and emotional support to students. They play a crucial role in fostering students’ well-being and academic success. Within the criminal justice system, counselors work with incarcerated individuals, offering rehabilitation programs and support for reintegration into society.