North Carolina is a state in the southern United States. A diverse state that spreads from the shores of the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state is also rapidly growing, with a population increase of 9.5% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses. As a result of high population growth, O*Net Online suggests that North Carolina will see an increase in the need for mental health counselors by 24%. Thankfully, many programs in the state are equipped to fill this need by educating the future counselors of North Carolina.
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University
Programs & Highlights
Program Overview
Northwestern University – Online
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
CACREP Accredited | 18-Month Program
Advocate for mental health in your community with Northwestern’s MA in Counseling.
Liberty University – Online
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP)
CACREP Accredited |100% Online Program | No GRE Required
Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree online is designed to equip you with the specialized training you need to gain state licensure and become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
NYU Steinhardt – Online
Online Counseling Master’s Programs
MPCAC Accredited | Multiple Offerings
NYU Steinhardt offers two online master’s programs in counseling to prepare you for a fulfilling career helping others, whether you’re working with pre-K–12 students or people across the life span.
Pepperdine University – Online
Online Masters in Clinical Psychology
LPC & LMFT Tracks | Top-Ranked Program
Our online psychology programs at Pepperdine University GSEP focus on preparing students to inspire change and enrich lives in their organizations and communities.
Grand Canyon University
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
HLC Accredited | No Out of State Tuition | Flexible Schedule
Expand upon your knowledge and step into a specialized psychology or counseling master’s degree.
Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina
To become licensed as a mental health counselor in North Carolina, the state statute requires that applicants graduate from a master’s program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) with 60 credit hours or 90 semester hours of coursework. This article will list three categories of programs: online programs, CACREP-accredited programs, and programs that don’t require the GRE for entry.
Online Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina
There are many benefits to attending an online master of counseling program. Some of those benefits include the flexibility of courses, continued access to course materials, and the ability to take courses at your own pace. Many programs in North Carolina are based online and meet the state’s licensure requirements.
- Program: Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- Online Program
- Tuition: $599 per credit hour
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- Online Program
- Tuition: $595 per credit hour
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- Online and in-person program located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Tuition: $1,650 per credit hour
CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina
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. It is a requirement in North Carolina that an applicant attend a program that is CACREP-accredited to obtain licensure.
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Boone, North Carolina
- Tuition: $5,740 per academic year (based on 18 credit hours per year) for North Carolina residents
- Tuition: $16,247 per academic year (based on 18 credit hours per year) for non-residents of North Carolina
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- A combination of Online, In-person, and Hybrid courses located in Buies Creek, North Carolina
- Tuition: $560 per credit hour
- Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 62 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Greenville, North Carolina
- Tuition: $7,658 per academic year (based on 18 credit hours per year) for North Carolina residents
- Tuition: $20,807 per academic year (based on 18 credit hours per year) for non-residents of North Carolina
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, and at the Charlotte Learning Center
- Tuition: $567 per credit hour
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 66 Credit Hours
- In-person and hybrid programs are located in Charlotte, NC
- Tuition: $800 per credit hour
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 61 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Hickory or Asheville, North Carolina
- Tuition: $690 per credit hour, $42,090 for the program
- Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Greensboro, North Carolina
- Tuition: $4,896 per academic year (based on 18 credit hours per year) for North Carolina residents
- Tuition: $17,696 per academic year (based on 18 credit hours per year) for non-residents of North Carolina
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Durham, North Carolina
- Tuition: $298.73 per credit hour for residents of North Carolina
- Tuition: $1,039.07 per credit hour for non-residents of North Carolina
- Program: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- Online and in-person program located in Raleigh, North Carolina
- Tuition: $668.95 per credit hour for residents of North Carolina
- Tuition: $1,778.62 per credit hour for non-residents of North Carolina
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Tuition: $1,054.07 per credit hour for residents of North Carolina
- Tuition: $1,863.46 per credit hour for non-residents of North Carolina
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Greensboro, North Carolina
- Tuition: $8,546 per academic year (based on 18 credit hours per year)
- Tuition: $22,676 per academic year (based on 18 credit hours per year)
- Program: Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- Hybrid/In-person program located in Pembroke and Wilmington, North Carolina
- Tuition: $380.59 per credit hour for residents of North Carolina
- Tuition: $1,106.09 per credit hour for non-residents of North Carolina
- Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP
- 60 Credit Hours
- In-person program located in Asheville, North Carolina
- Tuition: $3,889 per semester (based on a 9 credit hour semester) for residents of North Carolina
- Tuition: $9,248.50 per semester (based on a 9 credit hour semester) for non-residents of North Carolina
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University
Programs & Highlights
Program Overview
Northwestern University – Online
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
CACREP Accredited | 18-Month Program
Advocate for mental health in your community with Northwestern’s MA in Counseling.
Liberty University – Online
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP)
CACREP Accredited |100% Online Program | No GRE Required
Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree online is designed to equip you with the specialized training you need to gain state licensure and become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
NYU Steinhardt – Online
Online Counseling Master’s Programs
MPCAC Accredited | Multiple Offerings
NYU Steinhardt offers two online master’s programs in counseling to prepare you for a fulfilling career helping others, whether you’re working with pre-K–12 students or people across the life span.
Pepperdine University – Online
Online Masters in Clinical Psychology
LPC & LMFT Tracks | Top-Ranked Program
Our online psychology programs at Pepperdine University GSEP focus on preparing students to inspire change and enrich lives in their organizations and communities.
Grand Canyon University
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
HLC Accredited | No Out of State Tuition | Flexible Schedule
Expand upon your knowledge and step into a specialized psychology or counseling master’s degree.
No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina
The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used to determine the aptitude of potential college admitants. However, many people get anxious about standardized tests or do not want their college admission based on test scores. Nine programs in North Carolina do not require the GRE for admittance into the counseling program. Some may require the GRE depending on the undergraduate GPA; however, all programs listed below do not require the GRE for admittance, no matter the undergraduate GPA.
Three programs under the Online Programs category do not require the GRE. Those programs are located at Catawba College, Montreat College, and Wake Forest University.
Six programs under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category do not require the GRE. Those programs are at Cambell University, East Carolina University, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Lenoir-Rhyne University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Most Affordable Master of Counseling Program in North Carolina
Choosing an affordable Master in Counseling program is sometimes just as important as finding one that is academically sound. The program under the online programs category that is the most affordable is located at Montreat College. This program costs $595 per credit hour.
The most affordable program located under the CACREP-Accredited Programs category is at North Carolina A&T State University. The most affordable program in the state is therefore located at North Carolina A&T University.
Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in North Carolina
Due to the nature of counseling licensure requirements in North Carolina, all programs must be CACREP accredited. With accreditation comes the requirement that the program contain 60 credit hours. To complete 60 credit hours, a program typically has to last between two and three years. However, some programs on this list require more than the required 60 credit hours. All programs on the list above require 60 credit hours to complete, except for those at East Carolina University (62 credit hours), Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (66 credit hours), and Lenoir-Rhyne University (61 credit hours)
North Carolina Online, No GRE & CAREP Accredited Counseling Masters Programs
Specialty | University Name | Degree | City | State | Accreditation | Modality | GRE Required? | Program Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
School Counseling | Appalachian State University | M.A. | Boone | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Appalachian State University | M.A. | Boone | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Campbell University | M.A. | Buies Creek | NC | CACREP | Online & Campus | No GRE Required | 3 Years |
School Counseling | Campbell University | M.Ed. | Buies Creek | NC | CACREP | |||
Rehabilitation Counseling | East Carolina University, College of Allied Health Sciences | M.S. | Greenville | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | East Carolina University, College of Allied Health Sciences | M.S. | Greenville | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years |
School Counseling | East Carolina University, College of Education | M.S. | Greenville | NC | CACREP | |||
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | East Carolina University, College of Education | M.S. | Greenville | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Gardner-Webb University | M.A. | Boiling Springs | NC | CACREP | |||
School Counseling | Gardner-Webb University | M.A. | Boiling Springs | NC | CACREP | |||
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte | M.A. | Charlotte | NC | CACREP | |||
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Lenoir-Rhyne University | M.A. | Hickory | NC | CACREP | |||
School Counseling | Lenoir-Rhyne University | M.A. | Hickory | NC | CACREP | |||
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Montreat College | M.A. | Asheville | NC | CACREP | |||
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | North Carolina A&T State University | M.S. | Greensboro | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | North Carolina A&T State University | M.S. | Greensboro | NC | CACREP | |||
School Counseling | North Carolina A&T State University | M.S. | Greensboro | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
Career Counseling | North Carolina Central University | M.A. | Durham | NC | CACREP | |||
School Counseling | North Carolina Central University | M.A. | Durham | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 1 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | North Carolina Central University | M.A. | Durham | NC | CACREP | |||
School Counseling | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Education | M.Ed. | Chapel Hill | NC | CACREP | |||
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine | M.S. | Chapel Hill | NC | CACREP | |||
Addiction Counseling | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | M.A. | Charlotte | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | M.A. | Charlotte | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
School Counseling | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | M.A. | Charlotte | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | M.S./Ed.S. | Greensboro | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | M.S./Ed.S. | Greensboro | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
School Counseling | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | M.S./Ed.S. | Greensboro | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | M.A.Ed. | Pembroke | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 1 Years |
School Counseling | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | M.A.Ed. | Pembroke | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Wake Forest University | M.A. | Winston-Salem | NC | CACREP | Online | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
School Counseling | Wake Forest University | M.A. | Winston-Salem | NC | CACREP | Online | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
School Counseling | Western Carolina University | M.A.Ed. | Cullowhee | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Western Carolina University | M.S. | Cullowhee | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 2 Years |
Rehabilitation Counseling | Winston-Salem State University | M.S. | Winston-Salem | NC | CACREP | Online | GRE Required | 2½ Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Addictions Counseling | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | M.A | Charlotte | NC | CACREP | not mentioned | No GRE Required | 60 credits |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling,School Counseling | North Carolina A&T University | M.S | Greensboro | NC | CACREP | Campus | No GRE Required | 60 credits |
Counseling | Western Carolina University | M.A.Ed. | Asheville | NC | CACREP | Campus | GRE Required | 4 Years |
Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Carolina University | M.A | Winston-Salem | NC | CACREP | Online & Campus | No GRE Required | 2 Years |
Counseling Program | Western Carolina University | M.A.Ed. | Asheville | NC | CACREP | Online & Campus | GRE Required | 4 Years |
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling | Winston-Salem State University | MSRC | Winston-Salem | NC | CACREP | Campus |
Required Courses for Licensure in North Carolina
In North Carolina, it is required that all graduate courses be CACREP accredited to obtain state counseling licensure. To meet CACREP standards, a program must contain courses in all eight core curricular areas. Those eight core curricular areas are as follows:
- Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
- Social and Cultural Diversity
- Human Growth and Development
- Career Development
- Counseling and Helping Relationships
- Group Counseling and Group Work
- Assessment and Testing
- Research and Program Evaluation
Counseling Licensure Requirements in North Carolina
There are three levels of licensure for mental health counselors in North Carolina. The first stage of licensure is the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) license; the second is the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) license; and the third is the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) license. The North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors sets the state’s licensure requirements.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA):
According to the Board, anyone applying for an LCMHCA license must graduate from a CACREP-accredited program with 60 credit hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate work. The coursework must also submit documentation of the completed practicum and internship (done in all CACREP-accredited programs). An applicant must also pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) as well as a jurisprudence examination. This license requires supervision from a licensed supervisor to practice.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC):
To obtain this licensure, applicants for an LCMHC license must meet all criteria for the LCMHCA license as well as complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience under a licensed supervisor approved by the state and 100 hours of supervision. This licensure is independent and does not require a supervisor.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS):
To obtain this licensure, applicants for an LCMHCS license must meet all criteria for the LCMHC license, have five to eight years of counseling experience, and complete the required supervision training courses. This license gives an applicant the ability to supervise interns as well as those with an LCMHC license.
North Carolina Counseling FAQs (Obtained via Licensed Clinical Counselors of North Carolina)
How many hours of continuing education are required to renew my license?
40 contact hours are required. Three hours must be completed in the area of ethics.
Can anyone be a clinical supervisor?
To be a supervisor, one must meet the requirements of supervision licensure as defined by the State Board.
How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in North Carolina?
According to O*Net Online, a mental health counselor is expected to make an average of $49,050 per year. This is almost similar to the national average salary, which is listed at $49,710.
How to Become a School Counselor in North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, to become a school counselor, one must graduate from an accredited master’s program with a degree in school counseling. After graduating from an accredited program, one must pass the Professional School Counselor Praxis Exam.
How Much Does a School Counselor Make in North Carolina
According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a school counselor in North Carolina is $50,820. This is significantly less than the national average which is listed at $60,140.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board, there are three substance abuse counselor licenses. Those three licenses are Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS).
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC):
According to the Board, this license is for those with a high school diploma/GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree who do not meet the requirements for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) license. Those with this license require constant supervision. Those with this license must first pass the IC&RC examination and complete 300 hours of supervised work with 1 hour of supervision for every 10 hours of work. Upon completion of the internship, those who hope to obtain this licensure must complete 6,000 hours of supervised work, 270 clock hours of education with 190 of those hours specific to substance abuse counseling, and passage of the IC&RC ADC examination.
Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS):
There are four criteria to obtain this licensure.
Criteria A requires 4,000 hours (2 years post-Master’s, supervised at a rate of 1:40 hours), 180 hours of SUD-specific education with six hours of special topics in addictions, and passage of the IC&RC AADC Examination.
Those who fall under Criteria B meet all requirements of the CADC licensure and work experience with that licensure.
Criteria C includes 2,000 hours of experience (1 year post-Master’s, supervised at a rate of 1:40), completion of all education as part of their degree, and passage of the IC&RC AADC Examination.
Those who fall under Criteria D meet the requirements for this licensure due to national certification.
Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS):
To obtain this licensure, one must meet the “Three E’s” of certification. This includes 4,000 hours (2 years) of supervised clinical supervisory experience verified by a CCS, 15 hours of clinical supervisor-specific education, and a passing score on the IC&RC AADC examination.
How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in North Carolina?
According to O*Net Online, the average salary of a substance abuse counselor in North Carolina is $49,050. This is similar to the national average salary for a substance abuse counselor, which is $49,710.
What Other Career Options Are Available to Those with a Degree in Mental Health Counseling?
The skills learned in a Master of Counseling program open the door for many positions outside of the counseling profession. Some of the positions opened up with this degree include human resources, governmental social services, education, and non-profit leadership.