Idaho, also known as the Gem State, is in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Known for its natural beauty, vast history, and, of course, potatoes, Idaho boasts a quickly growing population and business-friendly policies. Despite this, Idaho ranks 39th/50 for mental health by Mental Health America and is known as a “mental health desert.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 1,274,325 people in Idaho do not have adequate access to mental health resources. For reference, the population is only 2,020,000. So, what is the reason for this number and what has the state done to help improve the mental well-being of its residents?
The Idaho Press reports that Idaho has been working to improve mental health by opening four Community Behavioral Health Clinics. These clinics were created using state and federal funding to provide behavioral and substance abuse care regardless of economic status. However, a large concern with these facilities is that the workforce will not be large enough to meet demand.
According to O*Net Online, the expected growth of counselors in the state is 20%. While this number is similar to the national development, it does not account for the continued shortage of mental health counselors. This means that those seeking to attend a counseling graduate program in the state have a good chance of landing a job after graduation should they meet all licensure requirements.
Table of Contents
Master of Counseling Programs in Idaho
To become a mental health counselor in Idaho, one must obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling. Graduate counseling programs in Idaho must be CACREP-accredited or very similarly structured.
Online Master of Counseling Programs in Idaho
Attending an online master of counseling program has many benefits. Some include the flexibility of courses, continued access to course materials, and the ability to take classes at your own pace.
While no online programs are based out of Idaho, some in other states meet licensure requirements.
Walden University
- Online
Program:
Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
90-96 Quarter Credits
Online Program based out of Minneapolis, MN
Tuition: $515 per quarter credit
GRE: Not Required
Time to Complete: 33 Months
Program Description: This completely online program at Walden University is CACREP-accredited and does not require the GRE for admittance. The program offers diverse specializations, including addiction counseling, forensic counseling, play therapy, and more. Although the program is based online, there are opportunities to connect with professors and other students in a virtual environment.
Capella University
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
90 Quarter Credits
Online Program based out of Minneapolis, MN
Tuition: $497 per credit hour
GRE: Not Required
Time to Complete: Not Specified
Program Description: This online program is CACREP-accredited and does not require the GRE for admittance. The program offers specialization courses in assessment and “special topics for counselors.” While the program is based online, there are opportunities to connect with professors and other students throughout the program.
CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Idaho
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation is becoming an increasingly popular feature of many master of counseling programs nationwide. Attending a CACREP-accredited graduate program can help you meet the counseling licensure requirements in most states.
Two master of counseling programs in Idaho are CACREP-accredited. The two online programs listed above are also CACREP-accredited but are not based in Idaho.
Idaho State University
- In-person
Program:
Master of Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person program located in Pocatello and Meridian, Idaho
Tuition: $488.83 per credit hour
GRE: Not Required
Time to Complete: Not Specified
Program Description: Idaho State University offers a CACREP-accredited master of counseling program in Pocatello and Meridian, Idaho. This program ensures that students are educated to accreditation standards and prepares culturally competent counselors. It equips students with the necessary skills, prepares professionals to advocate for clients, encourages involvement with third-party systems, and educates trauma-informed counselors. This program requires that students complete at least four full semesters of graduate coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree.
Northwest Nazarene University
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person programs located in Nampa and Twin Falls, ID
Tuition: $598 per credit hour
GRE: Not Required
Time to Complete: Not Specified
Program Description: An education in a faith-based setting, Northwest Nazarene University offers programs in both Nampa and Twin Falls, Idaho. Both programs offer experience in theory, skill-building, research, and supervised field experience. This program provides the opportunity to emphasize areas such as play therapy, trauma and crisis, acceptance and mindfulness therapy, addictions, Logotherapy, or primary care behavioral health.
Idaho Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs
| Specialty | University Name | Degree | City | State | Accreditation | Modality | GRE Required? | Program Length | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Counseling | Boise State University | M.A. | Boise | ID | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 3 Years | School Counseling |
| Addiction Counseling | Boise State University | M.A. | Boise | ID | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 3 Years | Addiction Counseling |
| School Counseling | Idaho State University | M. Coun. | Pocatello | ID | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years | School Counseling |
| Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | Idaho State University | M. Coun. | Pocatello | ID | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years | Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Idaho State University | M. Coun. | Pocatello | ID | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years | Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Northwest Nazarene University | M.S. | Nampa | ID | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 3 Years | Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| School Counseling | Northwest Nazarene University | M.S. | Nampa | ID | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years | School Counseling |
| Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | Northwest Nazarene University | M.S. | Nampa | ID | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years, 9 months | Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling |
| Master of Counseling | Idaho State University | M.COUN. | Pocatello | ID | CACREP | Online & Campus | No GRE Required | 3 Years | Master of Counseling |
| Counseling and School Psychology | University of Idaho | M.Ed. | Moscow | ID | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 3 Years | Counseling and School Psychology |
No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Idaho
The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used to determine the aptitude of potential college admittance. However, many people get anxious about standardized tests or do not want their college admission based on test scores.
Recently, programs have started recognizing that low GRE scores do not necessarily mean someone will not do well in their program. That is why many programs waive the requirement to take the GRE for admittance.
For those who do not want to take the GRE for graduate school admittance, you are in luck. None of the master of counseling programs based in Idaho or the two out-of-state online programs require the GRE.
Most Affordable Master of Counseling Program in Idaho
Some people consider choosing an affordable master of counseling program just as important as choosing one that meets the licensure criteria. Idaho State University offers the most affordable master of counseling program, at $488.83 per credit hour.
Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in Idaho
Many people seek out a master of counseling program that is affordable and does not take a long time to finish. While no programs on this list are advertised as accelerated, they all contain 60 credit hours. A typical counseling program takes two to four years to complete but can vary based on how many courses a student can take if there are summer classes or the pace at which a student would like to learn.
Required Courses for Counseling Licensure in Idaho
Idaho Administrative Rules call for the creation of two counseling licenses. The first license is the Profesional Counselor and the other is the Clinical Professional Counselor.
Professional Counselor licensure in Idaho is for those who have recently graduated from a counseling graduate program and are gaining experience. Those with this license cannot practice independently and must be under supervision. To become a Professional Counselor, one must graduate from a CACREP-accredited master of counseling program, pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE), and have 1,000 hours of supervised experience with an hour of supervision every 20 hours of client contact.
The next level of counseling licensure in Idaho is the Professional Clinical Counselor license. Those with this license can practice independently without supervision. To obtain this license one must work 2,000 hours under supervision, complete one hour of supervision for every 30 client contact hours, and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).
Idaho Counseling Licensure Requirements
The following courses are required for licensure in Idaho due to CACREP requirements:
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Social and Cultural Identities and Experiences
- Lifespan Development
- Career Development
- Counseling Practice and Relationships
- Group Counseling and Group Work
- Assessment and Diagnostic Processes
- Research and Program Evaluation
Idaho Counseling FAQs
How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor in Idaho Make
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a mental health counselor is $58,360. This is higher than the national average of $53,710.
How to Become a School Counselor in Idaho
The Idaho Department of Education states that there are two ways to become a school counselor in Idaho: the basic route and the full school counselor route.
The basic route includes having a master’s degree and an active social work or counseling license.
To become a five-year certified school counselor, one must graduate from an Idaho-approved school counseling graduate program or an out-of-state CACREP-accredited program and 700 hours of school counseling practicum.
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Idaho
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a school counselor in Idaho is $51,410. This is lower than the national average of $61,710.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Idaho
There are two stages of substance abuse counselors in Idaho: the Alcohol and Drug Counselor and the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
To obtain a license as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor one must have a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health field, 4,000 hours of supervised client experience, and 270 hours of education in the IC&RC domains.
Becoming an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor requires a master’s degree in a behavioral health field, 2,000 hours of supervised client experience, 100 hours of supervision, and 180 hours of education in the IC&RC domains.
How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Idaho
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a substance abuse counselor is $58,360. This is higher than the national average of $53,710.
What Other Career Options Are Available to Those with a Degree in Mental Health Counseling
The skills learned in a Master’s of Counseling program open the door for many positions outside the counseling profession. Some important skills learned in a graduate program and the counseling field include communication, problem-solving, and crises. Positions one can hold with this degree include human resources, governmental social services, education, and non-profit leadership. Many mental health counselors also get into counseling consulting to provide business support and training to other counselors.
