Chicago is the country’s third-most populous city and is located in the Midwestern United States, in a region known as the Rust Belt. For years, the area has been the largest economic center in the Midwest. However, despite being an economic powerhouse, Chicago and the surrounding areas have experienced an increase in mental health and substance use issues in recent years.
In 2023, the Mayor of Chicago and the City Council voted to establish the Mental Health System Expansion (MHSE) Working Group. This group was created to expand mental health services, improve and expand non-police responses to crises, and increase community awareness. Some improvements in access to care include reopening the shuttered Roseland Mental Health Clinic, doubling the number of CARE Alternative Response teams, and locating mental health services in local libraries.
With the positive changes in mental health and an increase in access to care, there is an ever-growing need for mental health counselors in the Chicagoland area. Luckily, there are many master’s in counseling programs located in and around the city.
Master of Counseling Programs in Chicago
Chicago and the surrounding areas are a very diverse part of the country and therefore require well-rounded counseling professionals to meet all needs. While a significant portion of the programs are located in the City of Chicago, many are in the Chicagoland area, meeting licensure requirements and fitting the bill for students of all backgrounds.
Online Master of Counseling Programs in Chicago
There are many benefits to attending an online Master of Counseling program. Some benefits include flexibility, continued access to course materials, and completing your courses while enjoying beautiful Lake Michigan and a deep-dish pizza.
Adler University
- Chicago, Illinois
- 62 Hours
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
62 Credit Hours
Online or In-person program located in Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $1,617 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Adler University offers a flexible master’s in counseling program that can be taken online or on campus in Chicago. This program can be completed in two years for full-time students or three to four years for part-time students. Adler trains clinicians who work to build and maintain connections across all socioeconomic, racial, and political systems to ensure a well-rounded approach to counseling.
Northeastern Illinois University
- Chicago, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- Online + Hybrid + In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
Online, Hybrid, and In-person programs located in Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $477.40 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Providing counseling education for more than 40 years, the Northeastern Illinois University program offers theoretical and applied learning experiences. Instructors utilize their real-world experience alongside counseling theories to educate well-rounded counselors. This program is flexible, offering classes on campus, in a hybrid format, and online to accommodate the schedules of busy students.
Northwestern University
- 60 Hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours (18-month completion)
Online Program
Tuition: $5,576 per unit
Program Overview:
Northwestern University offers a counseling program designed for future practitioners looking to become compassionate mental health professionals. The program teaches students evidence-based practices and theories to prepare them for counseling careers with diverse populations. The program offers an optional specialization for students in child and adolescent counseling, especially those seeking to work mostly with young people and families in their careers.
The Chicago School
- Chicago, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
Online and in-person program located in Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $1,409 per credit hour
Program Overview:
The Master’s in Counseling program at The Chicago School is designed to educate practitioners on mental health, prevention methods, and build resilience in individuals and communities. The program, located in the heart of Chicago, offers a combination of academics and hands-on experience. Those enrolled can finish the program in two years full-time or three years part-time.
CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Chicago
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.
Chicago State University
- Chicago, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Semester Hours
In-person program located in Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $349 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Those seeking to enroll at Chicago State Universtiy can expect to learn multicultural approaches to counseling to help counselors provide care to those in diverse settings. Chicago State boasts small class sizes to allow students to not only learn about others, but to learn about themselves. Students can take an additional 18 credit hours to earn their endorsement in school counseling.
Concordia University Chicago
- River Forest, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
Hybrid program located in River Forest, Illinois
Tuition: $535 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Concordia University’s mental health counseling program teaches students the professional knowledge and skills to treat diverse populations. This program seeks to promote personal and professional growth through encouragement, self-reflection, and the development of techniques. Students have many options when it comes to internship sites in the Greater Chicago area.
DePaul University
- Chicago, Illinois
- 90 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
90 Quarter Hours
In-person program located in Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $788 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Those seeking a graduate degree in counseling from DePaul University can choose between three specialty areas: clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and college counseling and student affairs. Classes are offered in the evenings or on Saturdays for those seeking a flexible schedule. Students can complete this program in three years if they take courses full-time.
Governors State University
- University Park, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours (three-year completion)
In-person program located in University Park, Illinois
Tuition: $383 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Through a hands-on approach, Governor’s State University prepares students to diagnose, consult, and evaluate clients. This program takes around three years to complete and is taught primarily on campus, with some courses offered hybrid/remote format. A limited number of students can apply for graduate assistantships where they work on campus for a stipend and a waiver on some tuition.
Judson University
- Elgin & Rockford, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person program in Elgin and Rockford, Illinois
Tuition: $750
Program Overview:
Pursuing a master’s in counseling at Judson University affords students the ability to develop the experience and expertise needed to counsel and diagnose mental health patients. By the end of the program, students will be prepared to sit for the licensure exam and will have had not only academic, but hands-on experience. This program can be completed in three years.
Lewis University
- Romeoville, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person program located in Romeoville, Illinois
Tuition: $670 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Throughout this program, students will acquire knowledge of relevant areas of clinical mental health counseling, interviewing skills, awareness of clients’ individuality, and proper ethical behavior. Students can take courses from two concentrations: adult clinical mental health counseling and child/adolescent mental health counseling. Students can also take additional courses in addiction counseling.
National Leuis University – Chicago
- Chicago, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person program located in Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $790 per credit hour
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Counseling degree program at National Louis prepares students to work as counselors in different settings, including schools, private practices, and mental health clinics. This program prepares students to sit for the licensure exam and become Nationally Certified Counselors. Students can choose between three concentrations: clinical mental health counseling, addictions counseling, and school counseling.
Northern Illinois University
- DeKalb, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person program located in DeKalb, Illinois
Tuition: $369.24 per credit hour
Program Overview:
The Master of Science in Education program at Northern Illinois University channels empathy to prepare students to help counsel diverse people accomplish their goals. The program equips students with skills and strategies to help future counselors make a difference in the communities they serve. Those enrolled learn from the program’s Community Counseling Training Center.
Roosevelt University
- Chicago, Illinois
- 61 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
61 Credit Hours (three-year completion)
In-person program located in Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $958 per credit hour
Program Overview:
This counseling program offers full-time and part-time courses in Chicago and prepares students to help children and adults cope with life’s difficulties. It also helps students learn about diagnosis and managing serious mental illnesses. Counseling students complete intensive internships at local counseling centers and community agencies. Students can network with one another in the Roosevelt Counseling Association.
Trinity Christian College
- Palos Heights, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person program located in Palos Heights, Illinois
Tuition: $754 per credit hour
Program Overview:
The Master’s in Counseling program at Trinity offers rigorous academic and professional training in counseling. With a combination of theory, research, and practical experience, students learn what it is to be human and empathize with those experiencing mental health concerns and life struggles.
Wheaton College
- Whaton, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person program located in Whaton, Illinois
Tuition: $875 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Wheaton College offers a counseling program that teaches clinical skills to serve underserved people locally and beyond. This program can be completed in two years and offers three semesters of clinical training. Wheaton’s program boasts a “cohort model” that allows students to get to know each other intimately while working together to complete their degree and serving the community.
Illinois Institute of Technology
- Chicago, Illinois
- 60 Hours
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
60 Credit Hours
In-person program located in Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: $1,851 per credit hour
Program Overview:
With the ability to choose between clinical mental health counseling and rehabilitation counseling, Illinois Institute of Technology provides a comprehensive education encompassing multicultural factors. In addition to multicultural counseling, students will develop a “strength-based” approach to clinical counseling and how to empower clients to reach their desired outcomes. For those unable to commit to full-time courses, this program offers a part-time option scheduled for busy individuals.
No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Chicago
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test designed to assess the aptitude of potential college students. If you find standardized tests challenging, seeking a program that does not require them is ideal.
Those with standardized test anxiety are in luck when applying to counseling programs in Illinois. 15 programs do not require the GRE at all, and one that requires it for applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0/4.0. The program that requires the GRE for admission, dependent on GPA, is at Governors State University.
Most Affordable Master of Counseling Programs in Chicago
When choosing a Master’s in Counseling program, many people look toward the price of the program. While the quality of education is essential, it is also important to be able to afford it. When looking at the price of a program, you should consider how much you will be paying out of pocket, student loans, and your ability to pay back the loans after graduation.
The program at Chicago State University is the most affordable on this list, with a price tag of $349 per credit hour. This program is offered on campus in Chicago, Illinois, and is CACREP-accredited.
Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in Chicago
After four years of undergraduate education, many people are often looking forward to completing their master’s as quickly as possible to get into the workforce. Due to accreditation standards at some programs and state licensure requirements, most master’s of counseling programs take around two to four years to complete.
While no programs on this list are advertised as “accelerated,” the program at Northwestern University can be completed in only 18 months. This is less than the average low end for programs of 24 months.
Chicago Counseling FAQs
Who Are the Largest Employers of Counseling Degree Graduates in Chicago
According to Cook County Health, there are 30,800 behavioral health professionals in Cook County, Illinois (the county home to Chicago and most populous in the state). 8,354 of these professionals identify as counselors and therapists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the largest employers of counselors in the Chicago area are outpatient care centers, individual and family services, offices of other health professionals, and residential facilities for those with developmental disabilities. One of the largest mental health companies in the Chicago area is Thresholds. Thresholds employs over 1,000 people in 30 programs and 97 sites across Chicago.
What is the Average Salary for a Counseling Degree Graduate in Chicago
According to Indeed, the average salary for a mental health counselor in the Chicago area is $61,368 per year.
