Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs in Missouri

Alexander BuCher

Written by Alexander BuCher

Licensed Professional Counselor | Youngstown State University

Updated & Fact Checked: 10.01.2024

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.

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.

Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

Online Program

Tuition: $390 per credit hour

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Evangel University

  • Springfield, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • Online + In-person

Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

Online and in-person programs located in Springfield, Missouri

Tuition: $420 per credit hour

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Missouri Baptist University

  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • Online + In-person

Program:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 60 Hours (Three-year completion)

Online and in-person programs located in St. Louis, Missouri

Tuition: $724 per credit hour

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Webster University – St. Louis

  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • Online + In-person

Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 60 Hours (2 to 4-year completion)

Online and in-person programs located in St. Louis, Missouri

Tuition: $752 per credit hour

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Truman State University

  • 60 Hours
  • Online + In-person

Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling

Accreditation: N/A

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

Online program

Tuition: $562 per credit hour

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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.

Covenant Theological Seminary

  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • 75 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 75 Hours

In-person program located in St. Louis, Missouri

Tuition: $610 per credit hour

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Missouri State University

  • Springfield, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

In-person program located in Springfield, Missouri

Tuition:

  • $3,738 per 9-credit-hour semester for Missouri residents ($415 per credit hour)
  • $6,852 per 9-credit-hour semester for non-residents of Missouri ($761 per credit hour)
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Southeast Missouri State University

  • Cape Girardeau, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

In-person program located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Tuition: $382.94 per credit hour

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University of Central Missouri

  • Warrensburg or Lee’s Summit, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Science in Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

In-person programs located in Warrensburg or Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Tuition:

  • $366.50 per credit hour for Missouri residents
  • $733 per credit hour for non-residents of Missouri
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University of Missouri – St. Louis

  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Accreditation: CACREP

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

In-person program located in St. Louis, Missouri

Tuition:

  • $694 per credit hour for residents of Missouri
  • $1,582 per credit hour for non-residents of Missouri
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Missouri Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs

SpecialtyUniversity NameDegreeCityStateAccreditationModalityGRE Required?Program LengthURL
Clinical Mental Health CounselingCentral Methodist UniversityM.S.FayetteMOCACREPClinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health CounselingCovenant Theological SeminaryM.A.St. LouisMOCACREPCampusNo GRE Required3 YearsClinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health CounselingEvangel UniversityM.S.SpringfieldMOCACREPClinical Mental Health Counseling
School CounselingEvangel UniversityM.S.SpringfieldMOCACREPSchool Counseling
Rehabilitation CounselingMaryville University of St. LouisM.A.St. LouisMOCACREPRehabilitation Counseling
Clinical Mental Health CounselingMissouri Baptist UniversityM.A.St. LouisMOCACREPClinical Mental Health Counseling
School CounselingMissouri Baptist UniversityM.A.St. LouisMOCACREPSchool Counseling
School CounselingMissouri State UniversityM.S.SpringfieldMOCACREPCampusNo GRE Required2 YearsSchool Counseling
Clinical Mental Health CounselingMissouri State UniversityM.S.SpringfieldMOCACREPCampusNo GRE Required2 YearsClinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health CounselingUniversity of Central MissouriM.S.WarrensburgMOCACREPHybridNo GRE Required2 YearsClinical Mental Health Counseling
School CounselingUniversity of Central MissouriM.S.WarrensburgMOCACREPHybridGRE Required2 YearsSchool Counseling
School CounselingUniversity of Missouri - St. LouisM.Ed.St. LouisMOCACREPCampusNo GRE Required1½ YearsSchool Counseling
Clinical Mental Health CounselingUniversity of Missouri - St. LouisM.Ed.St. LouisMOCACREPClinical Mental Health Counseling
Clinical Mental Health CounselingWebster University, St. LouisM.A.St. LouisMOCACREPCampusNo GRE Required1½ YearsClinical Mental Health Counseling
Counseling PsychologyAvila UniversityM.SKansas CityMOCACREPCampusNo GRE Required2 YearsCounseling Psychology
School CounselingTruman State UniversityM.A.KirksvilleMOCACREPOnlineGRE Required3 YearsSchool Counseling
CounselingMissouri Baptist UniversityM.A.CMHCSaint LouisMO CACREPCampusNo GRE RequiredCounseling
Mental Health CounselingSoutheast Missouri State UniversityMA. Cape GirardeauMO CACREPCampusNo GRE Required2 YearsMental Health Counseling
CounselingLindenwood UniversityM.ASaint CharlesMO CACREPCampusNo GRE Required60 credit hoursCounseling
Counseling PsychologyAvila UniversityM.S.Kansas CityMO CACREPCampusNo GRE Required60 credit hoursCounseling Psychology
School CounselingNorthwest Missouri State UniversityM.S.EdMaryvilleMO CACREPCampusNo GRE Required2 YearsSchool Counseling
Counseling (with specializations in School Counseling, Community/Agency Counseling, and Addiction Counseling)Lincoln University MissouriM.EdJefferson CityMO CACREPCampusCounseling (with specializations in School Counseling, Community/Agency Counseling, and Addiction Counseling)
Master of Science in School CounselingEvangel UniversityM.S SpringfieldMO CACREPOnlineNo GRE Required2 YearsMaster of Science in School Counseling

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.

University of Missouri – Kansas City

  • Kansas City, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling

Accreditation: N/A

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

In-person program located in Kansas City, Missouri

Tuition:

  • $512.40 per credit hour for residents of Missouri
  • $1,286.25 per credit hour for non-residents of Missouri
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Lincoln University

  • Jefferson City, Missouri
  • 70 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Education in Counseling

Accreditation: N/A

Credit Hours: 70 Hours

In-person program located in Jefferson City, Missouri

Tuition:

  • $354 per credit hour for residents of Missouri
  • $657 per credit hour for non-residents of Missouri
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Lindenwood University

  • St. Charles and St. Louis, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling

Accreditation: N/A

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

In-person programs located in St. Charles and St. Louis, Missouri

Tuition: $551 per credit hour

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Stephens College

  • Columbia, Missouri
  • 60 Hours
  • In-person

Program:
Master of Education in Counseling

Accreditation: N/A

Credit Hours: 60 Hours

In-person program located in Columbia, Missouri

Tuition: $4,860 per 9-credit-hour semester ($540 per credit hour)

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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.