Minnesota, also known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, is a state in the Upper Midwest Region of the United States. Minnesota is the 23rd most populous state in the country and is often ranked highly on lists of the “best states” for life quality. Although the state is ranked highly based on quality of life, it is not in the clear from the mental health issues plaguing the Nation.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Minnesota has 819,000 people with a mental health condition. This number includes 57,000 children between the ages of 12 and 17 who have a mental health condition. These numbers are significant, especially considering that 1,784,012 people did not live in an area with accessible mental health care.
To help the rising inaccessibility to mental health care and the growing need for care in the state, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has released a list of goals and achievements in improving care. One way Minnesota seeks to improve care is by hiring more mental health counselors and reducing disparities in care. According to O*Net Online, there is expected to be an increase in the need for counselors in Minnesota by 23% by 2030. Luckily, there are many masters in counseling programs in Minnesota working to close the gap in care providers.
Those seeking to become mental health counselors in Minnesota have ample opportunities for education and employment. While the most opportunity lies in the Twin Cities, counselors can succeed in many other places around the state.
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Master of Counseling Programs in Minnesota
In Minnesota, it is required that all mental health counselors graduate from a CACREP or CHEA-accredited master of counseling program. Many programs in Minnesota meet these criteria and are approved for licensure standards.
Online Master of Counseling Programs in Minnesota
There are many benefits to attending an online master of counseling program. Some benefits include the flexibility of courses, continued access to course materials, and the ability to take classes at your own pace. Four programs in Minnesota are online.
Capella University
- 90 Quarter
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Credit: 90 Quarter
Online Program
Tuition: $497 per credit
Walden University
- 90-96 Quarter
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Credit: 90-96 Quarter
Online Program
Tuition: $533.08 per credit
Crown College
- 60 Hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: N/A
Credit Hours: 60 Hours (accelerated program available)
Online Program
Tuition: $635 per credit hour
St. Mary’s University
- 60 Hours
- Online + In-person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services
Accreditation: N/A
Credit Hours: 60 Hours (2.5-year completion)
Online and In-person programs located in Minneapolis, MN
Tuition: $630 per credit hour
CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Minnesota
Accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is becoming an increasingly popular feature of many masters of counseling programs nationwide. Some of the benefits of attending a CACREP-accredited program include meeting the requirements for most states and becoming familiar with other programs that are accredited. Eight programs in Minnesota are CACREP-Accredited. Two CACREP-Accredited programs are under the Online Programs category at Capella University and Walden University.
Adler Graduate School
- 60 Hours
- In-person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Credit Hours: 60 Hours
In-person program located in Minnetonka, Minnesota
Tuition: $710 per credit hour
Bethel University
- 60 Hours
- In-person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Credit Hours: 60 Hours (Complete in 33-months)
In-person program located in St. Paul, Minnesota
Tuition: $618 per credit hour
Minnesota State University – Mankato
- 60 Hours
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Credit Hours: 60 Hours
In-person program located in Mankato, Minnesota
Tuition:
- $530 per credit hour for Minnesota residents
- $795 per credit hour for non-residents of Minnesota
Minnesota State University – Moorhead
- 60 Hours
- Hybrid + In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Credit Hours: 60 Hours
Hybrid/In-person program located in Moorhead, Minnesota
Tuition: $594.88 per credit hour
St. Cloud State University
- 61 Hours
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Credit Hours: 61 Hours
In-person program located in St. Cloud, Minnesota
Tuition:
- $536.82 per credit hour for Minnesota residents
- $815.55 per credit hour for non-residents of Minnesota
Winona State University
- 60 Hours
- In-person
Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Accreditation: CACREP
Credit Hours: 60 Hours
In-person program located in Winona, Minnesota
Tuition:
- $480.59 per credit hour for Minnesota residents
- $725.35 per credit hour for non-residents of Minnesota
Minnesota Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs
No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Minnesota
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. Fortunately, 10 programs do not require the GRE for admittance. That means all programs on this list do not need the GRE. Many graduate schools are removing this requirement to be more accessible.
Most Affordable Master of Counseling Programs in Minnesota
When choosing a master of counseling program it is just as important to consider your budget as is academic quality. Thankfully, there are many affordable options in Minnesota to consider.
Under the Online Programs category, the most affordable program is at St. Mary’s University for $630 per credit hour. While the program at Capella University appears to be the most affordable, when adjusted for the number of credit hours versus quarter credits, St. Mary’s Univeristy comes out on top.
The CACREP-Accredited Programs category boasts many affordable options. However, the most inexpensive program under that category is at Winona State University for $480.59 per credit hour.
Overall the most affordable program in Minnesota is at Winona State University.
Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in Minnesota
Many people get to graduate school after completing a four-year degree or after a few years off from school. This means some people want to get their education and start working as soon as possible.
Crown College is the only program on this list that advertises an accelerated program. This program is online and offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree to be completed in six years.
Required Courses for Licensure in Minnesota
To be eligible for licensure as a mental health counselor in Minnesota 10 content areas must be covered in graduate school. If one graduates from a CACREP-Accredited program, rest assured these programs meet all state licensure requirements. However, for programs that are not CACREP-Accredited, the following content areas must be completed:
- The helping relationship including counseling theory and practice
- Human growth and development
- Lifestyle and career development
- Group dynamics, processes, counseling, and consulting
- Assessment and appraisal
- Social and cultural foundations including multicultural issues
- Principles of etiology, treatment planning, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders
- Family counseling and therapy
- Research and evaluation
- Professional counseling orientation and ethics
Counseling Licensure Requirements in Minnesota
There are two types of mental health counseling licensure in Minnesota. The first type is the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license and the second is the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license.
According to the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, to become an LPC in Minnesota one must have graduated from an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in mental health counseling that meets the course requirements listed above. Upon successful graduation from an approved program, one must obtain 2,000 hours of supervised experience and two hours of supervision for each 40 hours worked (100 hours total). Finally, the applicant must have passed either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).
The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy states that becoming an LPCC is similar to obtaining an LPC. However, while the education requirement is the same one applying for an LPCC license must obtain 4,000 hours of supervised experience and two hours of supervision for every 40 hours worked (200 hours total). The LPCC applicant must also pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).
Both licensures allow clinicians to practice independently, however, having an LPCC is the highest level of licensure in Minnesota. Having an LPCC license affords the clinician to focus more on clinical mental health.
Minnesota Counseling FAQs
How many continuing education requirements are there per renewal cycle?
According to the Minnesota Legislature, 40 continuing education hours are required in the first four years of licensure.
How do I become a counselor supervisor?
The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy states that people with an LPC or an LPCC may become approved supervisors.
To become a supervisor as an LPC one must have four years of professional counseling experience and complete 45 hours of supervision training.
As an LPCC, one becomes a supervisor by having four years of counseling experience with at least two years of post-licensure experience and 45 hours of supervision training.
How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Minnesota
O*Net Online lists the average salary for a mental health counselor in Minnesota as $51,130. This is lower than the national average of $53,710.
How to Become a School Counselor in Minnesota
There are four tiers of school counseling licensure in Minnesota. Each tier is based on the highest level of education and years of experience.
Tier One:
This tier requires a bachelor’s degree.
Tier Two:
This tier requires a bachelor’s degree and either enrollment in a teacher preparation program, master’s degree or completed a teacher preparation program and does not meet the requirements for a tier three or four license.
Tier Three:
This tier requires a bachelor’s degree, passage of applicable licensure exams, and completing a teacher education program or three years of professional teaching experience.
Tier Four:
Finally, this tier requires a bachelor’s degree, passage of applicable licensure exams, three years of teaching experience, and completion of a teacher education program and National Board Certification.
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Minnesota
O*Net Online lists the average salary for a school counselor in Minnesota as $60,660. This is slightly lower than the national average of $61,720.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Minnesota
According to the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, there are two methods to obtaining licensure as a substance abuse counselor.
Method D – Standard Method:
This method states that one must have a bachelor’s degree, 18-semester hours of specific alcohol and drug coursework, 880-hour alcohol and drug practicum, and a passing score on a written comprehensive exam or a passing score on a written and oral exam.
Method I – Supervision Alternative:
This method states that one must have a bachelor’s degree, 18-semester credits of specific alcohol and drug counseling coursework, 880 hours of alcohol and drug counseling practicum, a passing score on a written exam, and 2,000 hours of supervised professional practice acceptable to the board.
How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Minnesota
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a substance abuse counselor in Minnesota is $51,130. This is less 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 of the important skills learned in school and the counseling field include communication, problem-solving, and crises. Some positions with this degree include human resources, governmental social services, education, and non-profit leadership. Many people in the field also get into counseling consulting where they work alongside other counselors without working with clients.
