Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs in Missouri

Missouri is a diverse state in the Midwestern United States known for farmland, vibrant cities, and the Ozark mountains. Although the state boasts great diversity and beauty, it also is listed among the top ten states with the worst mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), there are 993,000 adults diagnosed with a mental health condition. In addition to the number of adults diagnosed with a mental health condition, there are 68,000 Missouri youth diagnosed with depression.

With the number of people suffering from mental health conditions in Missouri along with the 1.8 million people who live in an area that lacks mental health resources, the need for counselors in the state is increasing. According to O*Net Online, the need for mental health counselors in the state is set to grow 14% by 2030. While this growth is lower than the national average, it is still significant.

To help combat the mental health crisis in Missouri, state leaders are working with communities and schools to help ensure access to care and resources. The state is aware that they are falling behind other states in the number of mental health professionals and is working toward increasing that number.

Future counselors in Missouri can expect ample employment opportunities and the ability to network with other professionals in the Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association.

Master of Counseling Programs in Missouri

In Missouri, there is no requirement for counseling programs to be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), but programs are required to follow state licensure standards. One of the state requirements for graduate programs is to be at least 48 credit hours. Many programs meet state requirements and fall under Online Programs, CACREP-Accreditation, and programs that do not require the GRE.

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Online Master of Counseling Programs in Missouri

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. Five programs in Missouri are based online.

CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Missouri

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. Nine programs in Missouri are CACREP-Accredited. Of the nine CACREP-Accredited programs four are located under the Online Programs category.

Missouri Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs

Specialty	University Name	Degree	City	State	Accreditation	Modality	GRE Required?	Program Length	URL
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Central Methodist University	M.S.	Fayette	MO	CACREP				Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Covenant Theological Seminary	M.A.	St. Louis	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	3 Years	Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Evangel University	M.S.	Springfield	MO	CACREP				Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling	Evangel University	M.S.	Springfield	MO	CACREP				School Counseling
Rehabilitation Counseling	Maryville University of St. Louis	M.A.	St. Louis	MO	CACREP				Rehabilitation Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Missouri Baptist University	M.A.	St. Louis	MO	CACREP				Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling	Missouri Baptist University	M.A.	St. Louis	MO	CACREP				School Counseling
School Counseling	Missouri State University	M.S.	Springfield	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years	School Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Missouri State University	M.S.	Springfield	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years	Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Central Missouri	M.S.	Warrensburg	MO	CACREP	Hybrid	No GRE Required	2 Years	Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling	University of Central Missouri	M.S.	Warrensburg	MO	CACREP	Hybrid	GRE Required	2 Years	School Counseling
School Counseling	University of Missouri - St. Louis	M.Ed.	St. Louis	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	1½ Years	School Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	University of Missouri - St. Louis	M.Ed.	St. Louis	MO	CACREP				Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Webster University, St. Louis	M.A.	St. Louis	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	1½ Years	Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Counseling Psychology	Avila University	M.S	Kansas City	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years	Counseling Psychology
School Counseling	Truman State University	M.A.	Kirksville	MO	CACREP	Online	GRE Required	3 Years	School Counseling
Counseling	Missouri Baptist University	M.A.CMHC	Saint Louis	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required		Counseling
Mental Health Counseling	Southeast Missouri State University	MA.	Cape Girardeau	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years	Mental Health Counseling
Counseling	Lindenwood University	M.A	Saint Charles	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	60 credit hours	Counseling
Counseling Psychology	Avila University	M.S.	Kansas City	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	60 credit hours	Counseling Psychology
School Counseling	Northwest Missouri State University	M.S.Ed	Maryville	MO	CACREP	Campus	No GRE Required	2 Years	School Counseling
Counseling (with specializations in School Counseling, Community/Agency Counseling, and Addiction Counseling)	Lincoln University Missouri	M.Ed	Jefferson City	MO	CACREP	Campus			Counseling (with specializations in School Counseling, Community/Agency Counseling, and Addiction Counseling)
Master of Science in School Counseling	Evangel University	M.S	Springfield	MO	CACREP	Online	No GRE Required	2 Years	Master of Science in School Counseling

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No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in Missouri

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. 12 programs in Missouri do not require the GRE for admission. Four programs are under the Online Programs category and four are under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category.

Most Affordable Master of Counseling Program in Missouri

When choosing a master of counseling program the program’s educational quality and one that won’t break the bank is important. Thankfully, there are many affordable options in all three categories listed above. 

Under the Online Programs category, the most affordable program is at Central Methodist University with a price tag of $390 per credit hour. 

The CACREP-Accredited Programs category has many programs that are budget-friendly. However, the most affordable under this category is at the University of Central Missouri with a price tag of $366.50 per credit hour for Missouri residents. 

Finally, the most affordable program under the No GRE Required Programs category is located at Lincoln University with a price of $354 per credit hour for Missouri residents. Therefore this is the most affordable program in Missouri.

Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in Missouri

Missouri is unique because only 48 credit hours are required to graduate with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Most states require CACREP-Accreditation which mandates that all programs contain at least 60 credit hours.

None of the programs on this list stated they were “accelerated,” however, Webster University – St. Louis advertises a two-year completion. Many programs take three or more years to complete due to the nature of coursework, practicum, and internship requirements.

Required Courses for Licensure in Missouri

According to the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors, there are a few course requirements to obtain licensure in the state. The following course subject areas are required:

• Counseling Theory
• Human Growth & Development
• Helping Relationship
• Social & Cultural Foundations
• Career Development
• Appraisal of Individuals
• Group Dynamics
• Research Methods
• Professional Orientation
• Diagnosis
• Six Hours of Practicum

Counseling Licensure Requirements in Missouri

The Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors states that there are two levels of counseling licensure. Those two stages are the Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) license and the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license.

The PLPC license is obtained upon graduation from an approved graduate program in clinical mental health counseling completing all requirements for graduation. Upon graduation, you must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). You must also pass the Missouri jurisprudence examination.

To obtain the LPC license, you must accumulate 3,000 supervised hours as a PLPC. These hours must take two years but can take up to five years if needed. At least 1,200 hours must be direct client contact.

Missouri Counseling FAQs

How many continuing education hours are required to renew my license?
It is required that each LPC completes 40 hours of continuing education hours each renewal period. Those with a PLPC license do not require continuing education.

What is a jurisprudence examination?
An open-book examination regarding Missouri laws and regulations related to counseling.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in Missouri

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a mental health counselor in Missouri is $48,130. This is lower than the national average of $53,710.

How to Become a School Counselor in Missouri

The American School Counselor Association states that to become a school counselor in Missouri one must graduate from a master’s degree program in school counseling. The graduate program must follow all state requirements for practicum and internship. Upon graduation, the applicant must pass the Missouri School Counselor Content Assessment and the School Counselor Candidate Assessment. Applicants must also have the recommendation of their graduate program.

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in Missouri

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for school counselors in Missouri is $49,460. This is significantly less than the national average of $61,710.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Missouri

The Missouri Credentialing Board lists three possible ways to become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC).

For those with a master’s degree:
To obtain this credential with a master’s degree an applicant must have 1,000 hours of applicable work experience in the past 10 years, 300 hours of supervised practicum, a signed competency rating form, 180 hours of education, and passage of the IC&RC International ADC Examination. 

For those with a bachelor’s degree:
To obtain this credential with a bachelor’s degree an applicant must have 2,000 hours of work experience within the past 10 years, 300 hours of supervised practicum, a signed competency rating form, 180 hours of education, and passage of the IC&RC International ADC Examination. 

For those with an associate’s degree:
People with an associate’s degree seeking this credential must have 3,000 hours of work experience within the past 10 years, 300 hours of supervised practicum, a signed competency rating form, 180 hours of education, and passage of the IC&RC International ADC Examination. 

For those with a high school diploma/GED:
People holding a high school diploma or GED must have 4,000 hours of work experience within the past 10 years, 300 hours of supervised practicum, a signed competency rating form, 180 hours of education, and passage of the IC&RC competency rating form.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in Missouri

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a substance abuse counselor in Missouri is the same as that of a mental health counselor at $48,130 per year. 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 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.