Georgia Master’s in Counseling Programs

Georgia is a state in the Southeast United States that is both large in population and area. Therefore, mental health counselors are in great need in urban and rural areas. According to O*Net Online, the need for mental health counselors is expected to increase by 32% by 2030, faster than the national average. There are many Master’s in Counseling programs in Georgia that are ready to fulfill the growing need for counselors in the state.

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Master of Counseling Programs in Georgia

According to the Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia, counseling programs must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Many programs in the state are designed to meet the growing need for counselors in Georgia. These programs fall under Online, CACREP-Accredited, and No GRE Required.

Online Master of Counseling Programs in Georgia

There are many benefits to attending a counseling program online. Some benefits include flexibility in scheduling, access to quality education from the comfort of your home, and consistent access to course materials. There are four programs based in Georgia that are offered online.

CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Georgia

Attending a CACREP-accredited counseling program is beneficial for many reasons. These reasons include being standardized among other programs in the country and meeting the requirements for licensure in most states. 14 programs are CACREP-accredited and based in Georgia. 

Three of the 14 CACREP-accredited programs are based online. Those three programs are at Albany State University, LaGrange College, and Richmont Graduate University.

No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Georgia

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used by some graduate schools to determine the aptitude of potential students. However, many people get anxious about standardized tests or do not want their college admission based on test scores. Luckily, 12 programs in Georgia do not require the GRE. 

Out of the 12 programs that do not require the GRE, two of those programs are based online. Those programs are at LaGrange College and Piedmont University. The other 10 programs that do not require the GRE are listed under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category. Those ten programs are located at Augusta University, Clark Atlanta University, Columbus State University, Fort Valley State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, South University – Savannah, University of North Georgia, University of West Georgia, and Thomas University.

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Most Affordable Master in Counseling Program

When picking a Master in Counseling Program, the cost is just as important as the quality of the education. Of the programs listed above, the most affordable Online Program is at Albany State University for the cost of $300 per credit hour plus fees. The most affordable program listed under the CACREP-Accredited is at Fort Valley State University for $181 per credit hour plus fees.

Accelerated Master in Counseling Programs in Georgia

Most programs in Georgia are CACREP-accredited and therefore must meet the requirement of 60 credit hours. However, the program at Clark Atlanta University is listed as “able to be accelerated.” The program is 60 credit hours but gives students the option to take more credits per semester to finish the program sooner. The amount of credits taken is up to the student and their advisor. Clark Atlanta University states that the program can be completed in as little as two years using the accelerated option.

Required Courses for Licensure in Georgia

The Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia say that to obtain licensure in the state, one must attend a counseling program that is CACREP-accredited or meets certain course requirements. If the program is not accredited, the program must contain the following courses:

• Counseling/Psychotherapy Theory
• A Counseling or Applied Psychology Practicum or Internship
• Human Growth and Development
• Multicultural Counseling or Diversity Training
• Counseling Techniques or Skills
• Group Dynamics and Group Counseling/Psychotherapy 
• Lifestyle and Career Development
• Appraisal/Assessment of Individuals
• Research Methods and Evaluation 
• Professional Orientation and Ethics
• Psychopathology

Counseling Licensure Requirements in Georgia

In Georgia, there are two levels of licensure. According to the Georgia Secretary of State, the two levels of licensure are Associate Professional Counselors (APC) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC).

Associate Professional Counselor (APC):

To become an APC in Georgia, one must complete the application and pay the fee, submit a contract affidavit, submit college transcripts, practicum internship verification, two professional references, secure & verifiable documents, and an affidavit of citizenship. One must also submit a request to sit and take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) and pass.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):

To become an LPC in Georgia, one must be an APC for three years with a minimum of two years under supervision. While it is not required to retake the exam, someone applying for the LPC license in Georgia must have passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).

Georgia Counseling FAQs (Obtained via the Georgia Secretary of State)

What are the continuing education requirements? 

35 hours of continuing education are required every two-year renewal period. Five hours of these are required to be related to Professional Ethics. 

What is the Counseling Compact? 

The Counseling Compact is an interstate compact, or a contract among states, allowing professional counselors licensed and residing in a compact member state to practice in other compact member states without the need for multiple licenses.

Is Georgia a member of the Counseling Compact? 

Yes, legislation has been enacted. However, the Compact is not in effect yet and is expected to open applications in 2024. 

Do I have to complete special education related to tele-counseling? 

Yes. To take part in tele-counseling, a provider must obtain special continuing education.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Georgia?

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for Mental Health Counselors in Georgia is $44,990. This is less than the national average which is listed at $49,710.

How to Become a School Counselor in Georgia

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission, the qualifications for a Standard Professional certification include one of the following: 

• Completion of a School Counseling program at the master’s level or higher or submission of a professional School Counseling certificate issued by another state at the master’s level
• Submission of a valid National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential issued by the National Board of Counselors
• Submission of a valid State of Georgia Professional Counselor License (LPC or LAPC) issued by the Professional Licensing Board Division of the Secretary of State

It is also required that those seeking licensure as a school counselor in Georgia complete the following: 

• Pass the GACE content assessment or copy of the official score of the content exam required to obtain the out-of-state professional certificate or verification of 5 years of acceptable experience in the field earned while holding the professional out-of-state certificate
• Completion of a course in identifying and educating exceptional children with a grade of B or better

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Georgia

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a School Counselor in Georgia is $59,450. This is less than the national average of $60,140.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Georgia

According to the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA). There are five levels of Substance Abuse counselors in Georgia. Those five steps include:

• Counselor in Training Certification (CCIT): a temporary, transitional certification for trainees that must be completed within three years
• Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 1 (CACI): a certification for addiction counselors who meet the minimum requirements in Georgia
• Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (CACII): a certification for addiction counselors who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet the level 2 requirements
• Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS): a credential for clinicians who supervise addiction counselors and meet the requirements of GACA
• Certified Master Addiction Counselor (CMAC): a new certification for addiction counselors who hold a Masters Degree or Higher

Those who seek licensure as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Georgia must possess a variety of knowledge and skills. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in each of the eight counselor skill groups.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Georgia

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for Substance Abuse Counselors in Georgia is $44,990. This is less than the national average of $49,710.

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

The skills learned in a Master of Counseling program open the door for many positions outside of the counseling profession. Some of the positions opened up with this degree include human resources, governmental social services, education, and non-profit leadership.