If you’re planning to become a licensed counselor in West Virginia, the first step is choosing the right graduate program. This page highlights only CACREP-accredited counseling programs in West Virginia, which represent the clearest path to licensure in the state.
Why does CACREP matter? The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets national standards for counselor training. Completing a CACREP-accredited degree means your coursework and clinical experiences line up with the requirements of the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. It also ensures you’re eligible to sit for national exams like the NCE or NCMHCE, both of which are required for professional licensure.
And here’s the best part: CACREP accreditation doesn’t just open doors in West Virginia. It also gives you flexibility if you ever want to practice in another state, since many licensing boards across the U.S. either require or strongly prefer a CACREP degree.
Quick Facts: CACREP Counseling Programs in West Virginia
- CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in West Virginia: 4
- Degree Level: Master’s (minimum 60 credits)
- Program Formats: On-campus, hybrid, and online options
- Average Program Length: 2 – 3 years full-time
- Tuition Range (per credit): $596 – $744 (resident) $1,668 (non-resident)
West Virginia CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs
West Virginia University (WVU)
- Location
- 2–3 years
- Campus + Online + Hybrid
Program Name: M.S. in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling; School Counseling)
Modality: On-campus with some online/hybrid coursework
Length: 60 credits; 2 – 3 years full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $596 per credit (resident); $1,668 per credit (non-resident) $744 per credit for the online program.
Program Overview:
WVU’s counseling program offers two CACREP-accredited tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Students benefit from small class sizes, faculty research opportunities, and access to practicum and internship placements across West Virginia. The program emphasizes culturally responsive counseling and prepares graduates for LPC or school counselor certification in the state.
Key Highlights:
- Dual CACREP-accredited tracks for both mental health and school counseling
- Extensive partnerships with schools and community mental health centers
- Graduate assistantships and funding opportunities available for qualified students
- Faculty actively engaged in research, giving students opportunities to collaborate on projects and publish
- Strong alumni network across West Virginia, helping graduates connect with employers and professional organizations
- Fully online option in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, making the program accessible to out-of-state students and working professionals
Additional Consideration:
- WVU is the flagship public university in the state, so competition for admission can be strong. Early applications are encouraged.
Accreditation: CACREP
Marshall University
- Location
- 2–3 years
- Campus + Online
Program Name: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & M.A. in School Counseling
Modality: On-campus (Huntington, WV) and fully online
Length: 60 credits; typically 2 – 3 years full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $534.75 per credit
Program Overview:
Marshall University offers both an on-campus and online Master of Arts in Counseling, and the fully online program provides two specialites in either clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. An optional graduate certificate is also offered to students enrolled in the program in Violence, Loss, and Trauma Counseling.
Key Highlights:
- The program is part of the US National Counseling Compact, allowing for reciprocity practive privileges in many states outside West Virginia
- Options graduate certificate can be added to the coursework
- The program does have conditional admissions, allowing students to be admitted for one term as they complete any outstanding materials
Accreditation: CACREP-accredited
West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Location
- 2–3 years
- Campus + Hybrid
Program Name: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Modality: On-campus (Buckhannon, WV) with some hybrid course offerings
Length: 60 credits; typically 2 – 3 years full-time
GRE Required: No
Tuition: $596 per credit
Program Overview:
West Virginia Wesleyan College offers a CACREP-aligned master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program is designed to prepare students for licensure as professional counselors, with a strong emphasis on applied clinical training and ethical practice. Students complete both practicum and internship requirements with supervision tailored to individual career goals.
Key Highlights:
- Intimate learning environment with small cohort sizes
- Strong emphasis on practical clinical training and mentorship
- Opportunities to work with diverse client populations in rural Appalachia
- Faith-affiliated institution that integrates values-based education with professional training
- Faculty with extensive clinical backgrounds who provide personalized guidance and career support
Additional Consideration:
- As a smaller, private college, West Virginia Wesleyan offers a close-knit community and individualized academic support. Students looking for a more personal campus experience may find this environment especially appealing compared to larger state universities.
Accreditation: CACREP-aligned, submitting a self-study for the 2025 year
CACREP Options Beyond West Virginia
West Virginia students who want more options can also explore CACREP-accredited programs in nearby states or through fully online universities. Neighboring states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia each have multiple accredited programs, many of which accept West Virginia residents.
For those living in rural areas or juggling full-time work, fully online CACREP programs provide additional flexibility. These programs allow students to complete coursework remotely while arranging their practicum and internship experiences in their own communities.
Why CACREP Accreditation Matters for West Virginia Counselors
For students in West Virginia, choosing a CACREP-accredited counseling program isn’t just a recommendation; it’s the most reliable way to meet state licensure requirements. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) sets the benchmark for counselor training nationwide, covering everything from coursework and practicum to internship standards.
Graduating from a CACREP program ensures your degree lines up with the expectations of the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. This means less guesswork when applying for your Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential, since the program already meets the educational and training requirements.
CACREP accreditation also creates opportunities beyond state borders. Many states now require or strongly prefer CACREP degrees for licensure, and employers often view it as proof of high-quality preparation. In short, earning your degree from a CACREP-accredited program in West Virginia clears the path to becoming an LPC here and gives you career flexibility if you ever decide to practice elsewhere.
Career Outlook for Graduates of CACREP Programs in West Virginia
The need for licensed counselors in West Virginia reflects a nationwide trend: mental health services are expanding, and demand for qualified professionals is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for mental health, substance use, and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2032.
In West Virginia, this growth is especially pronounced in rural and Appalachian communities, where access to care can be limited. Licensed Professional Counselors play a vital role in meeting these needs, working in schools, hospitals, community agencies, and private practice.
Counselors in West Virginia typically earn between $48,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on specialization, setting, and experience level. School counselors may fall within district pay scales, while clinical mental health counselors can see higher earnings with experience or in private practice.
Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs benefit from strong job security and flexibility. Their training not only meets state requirements but also positions them to pursue licensure in other states if they choose to expand their career beyond West Virginia.
Counseling Licensure Requirements in West Virginia
To practice as a LPC in West Virginia, graduates must meet standards set by the West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling. The process typically includes:
- Education: Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program with at least 60 graduate credits.
- Practicum and Internship: Complete at least 100 hours of supervised practicum and 600 hours of supervised internship as part of the degree program.
- Post-Graduate Supervised Experience: Accumulate a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised counseling practice after graduation. At least 1,500 of those hours must involve direct client contact.
- Examination: Pass a national counseling exam such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), both administered by the NBCC.
- Application: Submit transcripts, exam scores, documentation of supervised hours, professional references, and application fees to the state licensing board.
Once these requirements are met, applicants may receive full licensure, allowing them to practice independently as LPCs in West Virginia.
FAQs: West Virginia CACREP Counseling Programs
Why must the program be CACREP-accredited for licensure in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling requires education and clinical training that meet national standards. CACREP-accredited programs guarantee that your degree fulfills those requirements, making the licensure process smoother.
How many CACREP-accredited counseling programs are in West Virginia?
Currently, West Virginia has two: West Virginia University (Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling) and West Virginia Wesleyan College (Clinical Mental Health Counseling).
Are there online CACREP programs available to West Virginia residents?
Yes. While WVU and WV Wesleyan offer on-campus and hybrid options, fully online CACREP-accredited programs in other states also accept West Virginia students. These allow you to complete coursework online while arranging local field placements.
How many supervised hours are required for licensure in West Virginia?
Graduate students complete 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours during their program. After graduation, 3,000 supervised hours are required for licensure, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
Can I work in schools and as a clinical counselor with one degree?
It depends on your program. WVU offers both School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling tracks. Some students pursue dual licensure by completing additional coursework and internship requirements.
What’s the difference between an MA, MS, and M.Ed. in counseling?
The degree title often reflects the school’s department (Education vs. Arts & Sciences). In West Virginia, all CACREP-accredited programs cover the same required content and qualify you for LPC licensure.
Do CACREP-accredited programs in West Virginia accept transfer credits?
It depends on the school. Some programs, like WVU, may accept a limited number of graduate transfer credits if they are recent and meet CACREP standards. Others, like Wesleyan, may require most or all coursework to be completed in-house. Always check with the admissions office before applying.
Steps on How to Choose & Apply to Your Program
Applying to a CACREP-accredited counseling program in West Virginia doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple roadmap to guide you:
- Confirm Accreditation – Start by checking the official CACREP directory to make sure the program is accredited.
- Decide on a Track – WVU offers both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, while Wesleyan focuses on Clinical Mental Health. Pick the path that best aligns with your career goals.
- Review Program Format – Consider whether you prefer an on-campus program, a hybrid format, or exploring an online CACREP program outside the state.
- Compare Tuition and Aid – Tuition varies between public and private institutions. Check per-credit costs, financial aid, and assistantship opportunities.
- Prepare Application Materials – Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Some programs may also require an interview.
- Plan for Licensure – Keep West Virginia’s post-graduate requirements in mind: 3,000 supervised hours and passing a national exam before full LPC licensure.
Taking these steps early helps you stay organized and increases your chances of acceptance into the program that fits your goals.
Conclusion & Next Action
For future counselors in West Virginia, completing a CACREP-accredited program is the most direct path to licensure and a rewarding career. These programs are built around national standards, giving you the confidence that your education will count when it’s time to apply for your LPC credential.
With strong options at West Virginia University and West Virginia Wesleyan College, plus the flexibility of online CACREP programs from outside the state, students here have multiple pathways to reach their goals.
Next Step: Compare the programs above, check tuition and admission requirements, and reach out to admissions offices to request more information. Starting with a CACREP-accredited program ensures you’ll be prepared not only for licensure in West Virginia but also for career opportunities across the country.
