New York Master’s in Counseling Programs

New York is a state in the northeastern United States, home to our country’s largest city. However, due to changing population trends throughout the state, there is an increase in the need for mental health counselors. According to O*Net Online, it is expected that the field of counseling in the state is expected to grow by 33%, which is faster than the national average. Luckily, there are many Master’s in Counseling programs in the state working to train future clinicians. 

Master of Counseling Programs in New York

Many counseling degree programs in New York are designed to meet the growing need for counselors in the state. To become licensed as a counselor in New York, one must attend a master’s program registered by the Department of Education as licensure-qualifying, accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Counseling Related Programs (CACREP), and determined by the Department to be the substantial equivalent of such a registered or accredited program. Programs in New York can fall under the categories of online, CACREP-accredited, and no GRE required. 

Featured Masters in Counseling Programs

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Online Master of Counseling Programs in New York

There are many benefits to attending an online Master of Counseling program. Some of these benefits include flexibility, continued access to course materials, and the ability to complete your courses while enjoying the Big Apple. Many programs in New York offer the flexibility of online courses and meet the requirements for licensure. Five programs in New York are completely online. 

• Alliance University
  • Program: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 63 Credit Hours
  • Fully online program with a required 7-day residency in person per year
  • Tuition: $910 per credit hour plus fees
• Medaille College
  • Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • Online, hybrid, and in-person located in Rochester and Buffalo, New York
  • Tuition: $925 per credit hour plus fees
• New York University Steinhardt 
  • Program: Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • Online and in-person programs located in New York, New York
  • Tuition: $126,061 tuition plus fees for the entire program
• New York Institute of Technology 
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • Online and in-person programs located in Old Westbury and New York, New York
  • Tuition: $1,155 per credit hour plus fees
• St. Bonaventure University
  • Program: Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • Online
  • Tuition: $820 per credit hour

CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in New York

The Commission on the Accreditation of Counseling Related Programs (CACREP) accredits many programs in New York. The benefits of attending a program that is accredited are that it is standardized among other programs around the country and that it meets the requirements for licensure. There is one program that is completely online, which is CACREP-accredited. That program is located at St. Bonaventure University. There are a total of 18 CACREP-accredited programs in New York. 

• Alfred University
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Alfred, New York
  • Tuition: $19,630 plus fees for Fall and Spring academic year
• Canisius University
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Buffalo, New York
  • Tuition: $885 per credit hour plus fees
• The College of Saint Rose
  • Program: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Albany, New York
  • Tuition: $863 per credit hour plus fees
• Hofstra University
  • Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Semester Hours
  • In-person program located in Hempstead, New York
  • Tuition: $1,630 per semester hour plus fees
• Long Island University Post
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Brookville, New York
  • Tuition: $1,352 per credit hour plus fees
• Molloy University
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Rockville Center, New York
  • Tuition: $1,385 per credit hour plus fees
• Niagara University
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person/hybrid program located in Niagara University, New York
  • Tuition: $900 per credit hour plus fees
• Pace University
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours 
  • In-person program located in Pleasantville, New York
  • Tuition: $1,390 per credit hour plus fees
• St. John Fisher University
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Rochester, New York
  • Tuition: $1,094 per credit hour plus fees
• St. John’s University
  • Program: Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Jamaica Queens, New York
  • Tuition: $1,470 per credit hour plus fees
• State University of New York Brockport
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Brockport, New York
  • Tuition: $5,655 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $471 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $6,785 per semester plus fees for full-time students and non-residents of New York
  • Tuition: $565 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students and non-residents of New York
• State University of New York New Paltz
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in New Paltz, New York
  • Tuition: $5,655 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $471 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $6,785 per semester plus fees for full-time students and non-residents of New York
  • Tuition: $565 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students and non-residents of New York
• State University of New York Oswego
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Oswego, New York
  • Tuition: $471 per credit hour
• State University of New York Plattsburgh
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Plattsburgh, New York
  • Tuition: $5,655 per semester plus fees for New York residents
  • Tuition: $8,490 per semester plus fees for non-residents
• Syracuse University
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Syracuse, New York
  • Tuition: $33,696 per year plus fees
• Touro University
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Brooklyn and New York, New York
  • Tuition: $650 per credit hour plus fees 
• University of Rochester
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: CACREP
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Rochester, New York
  • Tuition: $1,670 per credit hour plus fees

No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in New York

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used to test the aptitude of potential college students. If you struggle with taking standardized tests, finding a program that does not require this test is ideal. New York State recently made it so that most schools do not require the GRE. Including programs under the Online Programs and CACREP-Accredited Programs categories, there are a total of 42 that do not require the GRE. 

Under the Online Programs category, five programs do not require the GRE. These programs are at Alliance University, Medaille College, New York University Steinhardt, New York Institute of Technology, and St. Bonaventure University. 

15 programs under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category do not require the GRE. These programs are located at The College of Saint Rose, Hofstra University, Long Island University Post, Molloy University, Niagara University, Pace University, St. John Fisher University, St. John’s University, SUNY Brockport, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Plattsburgh, Syracuse University, Tuoro University, and the University of Rochester. 

• Adelphi University 
  • Program: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Garden City, New York
  • Tuition: $1,490 per credit hour plus fees
• Columbia University
  • Program: Master of Education in Counseling Psychology 
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in New York, New York
  • Tuition: 5 Credits is $9,850, 7 Credits is $13,790, and 9 Credits is $17,730 plus fees
• The City University of New York Baruch College
  • Program: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in New York, New York
  • Tuition: $5,545 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $855 per credit hour plus fees for out-of-state residents
• The City University of New York Brooklyn College
  • Program: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Brooklyn, New York
  • Tuition: $5,545 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $855 per credit hour plus fees for students residing out-of-state
• The City University of New York City College
  • Program: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in New York, New York
  • Tuition: $5,545 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $855 per credit hour plus fees for students residing out-of-state
• The City University of New York Staten Island
  • Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Staten Island, New York
  • Tuition: $5,545 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $855 per credit hour plus fees for students living out-of-state
• The City University of New York Hunter College
  • Program: Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in New York, New York
  • Tuition: $5,545 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $855 per credit hour plus fees for students residing out-of-state
• The City University of New York John Jay College of Criminal Justice
  • Program: Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in New York, New York
  • Tuition: $5,545 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $855 per credit hour plus fees for students residing out-of-state
• The City University of New York Lehman College
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Bronx, New York
  • Tuition: $5,545 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $855 per credit hour plus fees for students residing out-of-state
• The City University of New York Queens College
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Flushing, New York
  • Tuition: $5,545 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $470 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $855 per credit hour plus fees for students residing out-of-state
• Fordham University
  • Program: Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Bronx, New York
  • Tuition: $1,638 per credit hour plus fees
• Iona University
  • Program: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in New Rochelle, New York
  • Tuition: $1,313 per credit hour plus fees
• Le Moyne College
  • Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Syracuse, New York
  • Tuition: $865 per credit hour plus fees
• Long Island University Brooklyn
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Brooklyn, New York
  • Tuition: $1,352 per credit hour plus fees
• Long Island University Hudson
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Purchase, New York
  • Tuition: $1,352 per credit hour plus fees
• Manhattan College
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person/hybrid program located in Riverdale, New York
  • Tuition: $1,120 per credit hour plus fees
• Marist College (potential for accelerated full-time program 2 years)
  • Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Poughkeepsie, New York
  • Tuition: $920 per credit hour plus fees
• Mercy University
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Bronx and Dobbs Ferry, New York
  • Tuition: $1,005 per credit hour plus fees
• Russell Sage University
  • Program: Master of Arts in Counseling & Community Psychology 
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Albany, New York
  • Tuition: $780 per credit hour plus fees
• State University of New York Buffalo
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Buffalo, New York
  • Tuition: $5,655 per semester plus fees for full-time students who are New York residents
  • Tuition: $12,130 per semester plus fees for full-time students who are not New York residents
• State University of New York Old Westbury
  • Program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in Old Westbury, New York
  • Tuition: $5,655 per semester plus fees for full-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $471 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students residing in New York
  • Tuition: $6,785 per semester plus fees for full-time students and non-residents of New York
  • Tuition: $565 per credit hour plus fees for part-time students and non-residents of New York
• Yeshiva University
  • Program: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
  • Accreditation: N/A
  • 60 Credit Hours
  • In-person program located in New York, New York
  • Tuition: $1,589 per credit hour plus fees

Most Affordable Master in Counseling Program in New York

When it comes to choosing a Master in Counseling program, many people look toward the price of the program. While the quality of education is important, it is also important to be able to afford it. When looking at the price of a program it is important to take into consideration how much you are going to be paying out of pocket, student loans, and your ability to pay back the loans after graduation. The program on the lists above that offers the most affordable education is at the State University of New York Oswego which advertises its program as $471 per credit hour. 

Accelerated Master in Counseling Programs in New York

Most Master in Counseling programs vary on the time it takes to complete with most taking around two or three years. The program at Marist College advertises that it has the option to be accelerated, taking only two years to complete. 

Featured Accredited Counseling Programs

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Required Courses for Licensure in New York

According to the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions, there are some educational requirements for counseling programs in the state. If a program is CACREP-accredited, it meets the requirements for licensure due to the nature of standardized programs. To be substantially equivalent to programs that are accredited, Master in Counseling programs must have the following courses: 

• Human Growth and Development
• Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
• Counseling Theory and Practice
• Psychopathology
• Group Dynamics
• Lifestyle and Career Development
• Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals, Couples, Families and Groups
• Research and Program Evaluation
• Professional Orientation and Ethics
• Foundations of Mental Health Counseling and Consultation
• Clinical Instruction
• One year of supervised internship or practicum, where one year means 600 hours of practice

Counseling Licensure Requirements in New York

In New York, there is only one level of licensure, but before obtaining that licensure, one must apply for a Limited Permit. Below will highlight more information from the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions on how to obtain a Limited Permit and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) license. 

Limited Permit: 

The technical first step of licensure in New York is the Limited Permit. This permit allows a counselor who is a recent graduate to practice under the supervision of a New York licensed and registered provider. The Limited Permit holder must work under supervision for a minimum of 3000 hours within two years to move on to the LMHC license. An average of one hour of supervision must be provided by the Limited Permit holder’s supervisor. Limited Permit holders must also study for and take the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. 

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): 

After a Limited Permit holder has obtained 3000 hours of service with an average of one hour of supervision weekly and passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE), they can apply for licensure as an LMHC. This is the only stage of licensure in New York. 

New York Counseling FAQs (Obtained via the New York State Education Department Office of the Professionals)

How can I qualify for a Limited Permit to practice under supervision?

You must apply for the permit and pay the $371 fee, meet educational requirements as determined by the Department, be at least 21 years of age, and be of good moral character as determined by the Department. 

Does my supervisor have to be on-site when I am practicing? 

No. It is only required that your supervisor have access to your patient records. 

If my employer does not provide supervision, can I find my own? 

No. This can become problematic as the supervisor is then working for you as an independent contractor. 

How many continuing education hours are required?

36 hours of continuing education credits are required for each three-year renewal period. 

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in New York?

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a mental health counselor in New York is $54,290. This is higher than the national average, which is listed at $49,710. 

How to Become a School Counselor in New York

According to the New York State Education Department, to become a school counselor, one must complete 48 semester hours of graduate coursework to apply for the Initial Certificate and 60 semester hours of coursework for the Professional Certificate. Individuals must complete 100 hours of supervised practicum in a K-12 school setting as well as a 600-hour internship. To move from the Initial Certificate to the Professional Certificate, one must complete an additional 12 semester hours of coursework in any of the following eight competencies: 

• Foundations in Professional School Counseling
• Career Development and College Readiness
• Supportive School Climate and Collaborative Work with School, Family, and Community
• Equity, Advocacy, and Diversity in Programming and Support for Students
• Child Growth, Development, and Student Learning
• Group and Individual Counseling Theories and Techniques for Prevention, Intervention, and Responsive Services
• Best Practices for the Profession and in School Counseling Programming
• Research and Program Development to Advance the School Counseling Program, Its Component, and the Profession

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in New York?

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a school counselor in New York is $63,100. This is higher than the national average, which is listed at $60,140. 

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in New York

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports offers one license for those looking to work in the field of addiction. This license is from the Credential Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). To become a CASAC, one must complete the following: 

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have earned at least a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma
• Live or work in New York State at least 51 percent of the time during the active application period
• Have two individuals complete an Evaluation of Competency and Ethical Conduct based on the CASAC Canon of Ethical Principles
• Document a minimum of 6,000 hours (approximately three years) of supervised work experience in an approved setting
• Work experience must include a minimum of 300 hours of supervised practical training in the core competencies
• Document completion of education and training consisting of a minimum of 350 clock hours and mandatory one-time requirements
• Complete a criminal background check review
• Pass an examination approved by OASAS

Depending on your level of education, you may be able to reduce some of the required training/coursework for this licensure. 

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in New York?

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a substance abuse counselor in New York is $54,290. This is higher than the national average, which is listed at $49,710. 

What Other Careers Are There For a Masters in Counseling Degree?

Oftentimes, people go to school for years on a subject, but when they get into the field, they decide that it is not what interests them. Thankfully, for those with a Masters in Counseling degree, there are many other options. Some of these options include working for non-profits, outreach centers, city/local/federal governments, and human resources.