Kansas is a state in the midwestern United States with a rich history of Indigenous culture and farmlands. It is also famously known as the home of Dorothy and Toto. Despite its history and cultural significance, Kansas is not immune to the negative impacts of the mental health crisis.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reported that 402,000 adults and 35,000 Kansans aged 12-17 still suffer from mental health disorders. 1,383,258 people in Kansas do not live in an area served with an adequate number of professionals. However, many improvements have been made in mental health care and access over the past few years.
According to Mental Health America, Kansas has made great strides in improving the mental health of its residents. Statistics have shown that Kansas jumped from 51st place to 22nd place in overall mental health which is quite significant. Utilizing federal grants and the state’s resources, Kansas has invested in mental health by opening community clinics in underserved areas.
With the advancements in mental health access in Kansas, O*Net Online estimates an increased need for mental health counselors in the state by 16% by 2030. While this growth is slower than the national growth of 19% by 2030, the number is still significant. This means there will be a growing need for graduate programs in mental health counseling to take the stage and educate future professionals in Kansas.
There are ample opportunities for future mental health counselors in cities like Topeka, Wichita, and many rural communities. Counselors can join the Kansas Counseling Association to network with other providers and fulfill continuing education requirements.
Master of Counseling Programs in Kansas
To become a mental health counselor in Kansas, one must obtain a graduate degree in mental health counseling with 60 credit hours including a supervised practicum. Although there are no accreditation requirements for counseling education in the state, many people choose an accredited program due to the ease of obtaining licensure after graduation.
Online Master of Counseling Programs in Kansas
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 programs in Kansas are fully online, some programs based in other states meet licensure requirements.
Walden University
- Online
Program: Master’s in Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Number of Credits: 90-96 Quarter Credits
Format: Online Program based out of Minneapolis, MN
Tuition Cost: $515 per quarter credit
Capella University
- Online
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Number of Credits: 90 Quarter Credits
Format: Online Program based out of Minneapolis, MN
Tuition Cost: $497 per credit hour
CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Kansas
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. There are four CACREP-accredited master of counseling programs in Kansas.
Emporia State University
- In-person
Program: Master of Science in Clinical Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Number of Credits: 60 Credit Hours
Format: In-person program located in Emporia, KS
Tuition Cost: $393.33 per credit hour or $23,600 for the program
Fort Hays State University
- Hybrid/In-person
Program: Master of Science in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Number of Credits: 60 Credit Hours
Format: Hybrid/In-person program located in Hays, KS
Tuition Cost: $349.80 per credit hour
MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Hybrid/In-person
Program: Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Number of Credits: 60-64 Credit Hours (33-month completion)
Format: Hybrid/In-person program located in Olathe, KS
Tuition Cost: $669 per credit hour
Wichita State University
- Hybrid/In-person
Program: Master of Education in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Number of Credits: 60 Credit Hours
Format: Hybrid/In-person program located in Wichita, KS
Tuition Cost: $338.87 per credit hour
No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Kansas
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.
Kansas has four master’s of counseling programs that do not require the GRE for admission: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, MidAmerica Nazarene University, and Wichita State University.
The two programs outside of Kansas that meet licensure requirements do not require the GRE for admission. These programs are at Walden University and Capella University.
Most Affordable Master of Counseling Program in Kansas
Some people consider choosing an affordable master of counseling program just as important as choosing one that meets the licensure criteria. Of the programs based in Kansas, the most affordable is at Wichita State University. This program costs $338.87 per credit hour for in-state students.
Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in Kansas
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 between two and three 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 Licensure in Kansas
Since master of counseling programs in Kansas are not required to be CACREP-accredited, there is a list of course topics that must be studied to obtain licensure. This list is created by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. The course topics that are required include:
- Counseling Theory and Practice
- The Helping Relationship
- Group Dynamics, Processes and Counseling Approaches and Techniques
- Human Growth and Development
- Career Development and Lifestyle Foundations
- Appraisal of Individuals
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Research and Evaluation
- Professional Orientation
- Supervised Practical Experience
Kansas Counseling Licensure Requirements
In Kansas, there are two levels of mental health counseling licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board sets the requirements for licensure.
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas one must graduate with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling consisting of 60 credit hours and pass the National Counseling Examination (NCE).
Becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) means meeting the requirements for the LPC license, obtaining 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience, and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).
Kansas Counseling FAQs
How many continuing education hours are required for license renewal?
30 hours for each two-year renewal period.
How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Kansas
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a mental health counselor in Kansas is $50,990. This is lower than the national average of $53,710.
How to Become a School Counselor in Kansas
There are two pathways to becoming a school counselor in Kansas. The first pathway is for those with a teaching license and the other is for those without. Both have the same requirements including graduating from a master’s degree in school counseling and passing the Praxis II Exam. The only difference is that those without a teaching degree must complete four credit hours of internship in school counseling.
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Kansas
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a school counselor in Kansas is $51,220. This is lower than the national average of $61,710.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Kansas
Three levels of substance abuse counselor licensure exist in Kansas: Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC), and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC).
To become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Kansas one must have a bachelor’s degree in addiction treatment or a human services field.
Becoming a Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC) requires one must have a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field.
Finally, to become a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC), one must have a master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field and have special education in supervision. Those with this license can provide supervision to LACs and LMACs.
How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Kansas
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a substance abuse counselor in Kansas is $50,990. This is lower 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.
