Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)
Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)
Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition.)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (100% Online, No GRE Required)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) : Online Psychology Degrees (Bachelors and Masters. Flexible. Affordable. And achievable.)
The Chicago School : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)While these areas of expertise were derived from the same educational root of psychology, both provide their own unique structure that can be beneficial to different clients with varying emotional and behavioral needs.
What is the difference between a counselor and a therapist?
The difference is marginal, but Counselors use proven techniques to assess, diagnose, and treat the people that come to them for help, while Therapists typically have a different license to focus on a wider range of therapy areas. Read on as we show you the primary differences, the pro's and con's, educational requirements, and the career options for each.
As you read through this guide, consider your most basic desire as a psychological professional in the field.
If there are certain groups you would like to influence in your career, or particular goals you wish to achieve while in the field, let these factors guide you into a degree program that is most suitable to help you along the way.
What is a Counselor?
One of the most common career fields for psychology-influenced students is counseling. Professionals that have achieved the rank of counselor within their organization can be very important and influential aspects in their client's lives. The role of the counselor can vary according to the needs of their client, making this an incredibly versatile field for those trained to provide guidance in the clinical setting.
Counselors use proven techniques to assess, diagnose, and treat the people that come to them for help. Common patients in the counseling setting may be those that have experienced loss in their lives, families struggling to find common ground, or even individuals within all age groups that have been diagnosed with mental health illnesses or disorders.
In some counseling jobs, you could work with people that have a specific diagnosis, such as depression, anxiety, or even schizophrenia. More common mental health disorders seen within the counseling setting include Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Bi-Polar Disorder.
As a counselor, your duties can begin with a general clinical assessment that leads you to create an effective and relevant treatment plan that is implemented over the course of several one-on-one sessions with your client. Depending on the needs of your patient, you may use different types of therapies to help each person achieve goals on the treatment plan.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Mid-America Christian University (MACU)
Master of Science (MS) in Counseling
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
✔ Online
100% Online |
Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. Learn More |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Online Psychology Degrees
Bachelors and Masters NECHE Accredited |
✔ Online
No application fee or GRE/GMAT scores required |
With our unique programs - from child and adolescent development to forensic psychology - you'll be prepared for a wide variety of careers in case management, research, human resources, youth services and social services. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
What is a Therapist?
When times get tough or life is delivering more difficult circumstances that one person can handle, therapy is often a groundbreaking factor that can change one's outlook of their own situation. Therapists can provide support to clients with a diverse set of needs, making them extremely life-changing for those on the brink of losing control.
Therapists differ from counselors in that their credentials can include a wide range of degree majors. Graduates from schools of social work, psychology, and even specialized areas such as Marriage and Family Therapy can become licensed therapists after meeting the educational and practical guidelines within their state.
In some areas of therapy, professionals hold degrees in the field of psychology rather than counseling. This discipline allows you to explore some of the scientific principles of behavior, different modes of testing, and varied treatment options currently used by other therapists in the field.
Pros and Cons of Each
Some students may find it beneficial to become involved in fields that revolve around their abilities in communication, consistency, and experience. Benefits to becoming a counselor can be relative to your goals as a professional, but can also include some of the standard known facts about the field itself.
Counselors
Counselors are utilized in many different branches of social services, research, mental health, and even in the healthcare field. Choosing a career path in counseling can set you up for a wide range of potential work settings throughout your career that is unmatched by many other major disciplines.
As a counselor, you can have access to jobs within different sectors of your community, but you may also be limited in the amount of support you can provide to your clients. In more widespread fields like social work and therapy, professionals may be permitted to partner with other agencies in an effort to surround their patients with an abundance of needed services.
Therapists
Therapists can also enjoy the benefit of being used in many different organizations within their community. Therapists can be found in private practice, partnered with healthcare professionals, or even in specialized clinics for behavioral, emotional, or even sports-related assistance.
Providing therapy to people in a clinical setting can be a fulfilling experience for those who meet the educational and practical expectations within their state. The cons associated with pursuing a career in this field include the lack of a generalized practice, which can limit you in the types of clients you serve.
Online Programs to Consider
The most preferred elements of institutional programs begin with convenience and ease of accessibility. This encompasses what is known about online programs, making them a prime option for you to consider when browsing through your choices. Counseling programs setting you on track for licensure should hold accreditation from the CACREP, making your search more centered around high-quality options in your area.
In the short list below, you can see a couple of online and accredited options currently offered to students with a counseling career in their sights. Whether you choose to pursue your certification through online or on-campus programs, accreditation and quality should be your primary considerations before moving forward.
- North Carolina Central University: Online Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Career Counseling - CACREP Accredited
- Regent University: Online Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, and School Counseling - CACREP Accredited
The path to becoming a licensed therapist should consist of similar aspirations and considerations as the counseling track listed above. If you would like the most flexibility with your program, online options may be your best choice as you step into college programs within your field.
Since therapists can come from varying specializations and certification areas, you may have many more diverse degree programs to flip through in order to find your perfect fit. Some students find psychology-based master's degrees to be a great complement to their skills, while others may find social work or therapy-specific concentrations to be more reflective of their goals in the field. Take a look at a few accredited programs to review during your search beneath this section.
- California State University: Online Master of Clinical Social Work - CSWE Accredited
- Alliant International University: Online Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy - COAMFTE Accredited
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) - Online Psychology Degrees (NECHE Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Educational Requirements
An interesting perspective about the fields of counseling and therapy is that the degree requirements for both areas are centered around the master’s level. In order to obtain a career in the field of counseling, you are expected to engage in learning programs that result in your acquisition of a master’s degree in the field. Therapy candidates can also complete degree programs at the master’s level in order to be considered for a licensure in the future.
Finishing a master’s program at your school is not the only step to consider for entry into both of these fields. One of the most important experience requirements for counseling and therapy is your supervised clinical experience. This aspect usually occurs at points during your course work, as well as continuing after your graduation.
The field of counseling usually requires that you enroll in a Master of Counseling program or even alternative specialized options such as the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or even Career Counseling. Choosing a specialization can help you qualify for careers in the agencies that serve the purpose that is most closely related to your own personal mission.
People considering a career as a therapist can choose from the Master of Counseling program, Master of Social Work, or even the Master or Psychology as a large first step towards licensure in their field. Browsing the various forms of therapy and specialized practice available in the field can assist you with finding a program that gets you in touch with the population you would most like to serve.
Top Masters in Counseling Programs
- Masters in Counseling
- Online Masters in Counseling
- No GRE MA in Counseling
- Online Master of Arts in Counseling
- Schools with an Online Master of Counseling
- Accelerated MA in Counseling
- Hybrid MA in Counseling
- Dual Masters in Counseling Degrees
- By Online Counseling Program Specialization:
- Online Masters in Behavior Analysis
- Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Online Masters in Counseling Psychology
- Online Masters in Mental Health Counseling
- Online Master of Rehabilitation Counseling
- Online Masters in School Counseling
- By Accreditation:
- Online CACREP Accredited Masters Programs
- Online MPCAC Accredited Programs
Classes to Take
- Ethics and Legal Issues: Enrollment in this course may include a look into the history and development of the field of mental health. Current trends leading the field, as well as the cultural expectations of professional mental health workers may be explored, providing upcoming professionals with a strong foundation and understanding of their practice in the professional environment. Current laws, regulations, and expectations may also be reviewed as part of learning in this class.
- Diagnosis and Assessment: The process of diagnosis beginning with a clinical intake should follow a certain set of guidelines followed by all mental health professionals. This course outlines the process by which professionals make clinical decisions that can dictate treatment for their patients. Students in this course may study and practice from the DSM-5 in an effort to become more familiar with common mental health illnesses and disorders, as well as the assessment processes available for use in clinical settings.
- Individual and Group Counseling/Therapy: Different methods and skills in your field can assist you in obtaining careers in diverse fields and help you work with a wide range of clients during your career. The dynamics of individual and group counseling and therapy can be very different depending on your specialization, making this course extremely important for your professional development. Communication, technique, and activity-introduction are just a few of the topics you can focus on in this course.
Counseling Licensure
In fields responsible for providing mental health services to the public, you should expect to see strict licensing requirements. Regardless of whether you choose a career path in the field of counseling or therapy, you might be expected to complete an accredited degree option as well as work through a clinical experience requirement.
Searching for accredited programs can be done by exploring the websites of popular accreditation agencies such as the CACREP and CSWE. These agencies can provide you with a list of verified online college programs to browse – even by state and current accreditation status.
Types of Counseling Licensure
- Counseling Licensure Guide
- State Counseling Licensure
- What It Takes to Become a Counselor
- LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
- LMFT: Marriage and Family Therapist
- LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- CCMHC: Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- MAC: Master Addictions Counselor
- BCBA: Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- NCC: National Certified Counselor
- NCSC: National Certified School Counselor
- LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- LPCC: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Online counseling and therapy programs may also include practicum or internship components to assist you in getting started as a practitioner in your field. These experiences can contribute to your overall field requirements for licensure, which continues after you have received your degree.
Overall, most counseling and therapy field requirements generally consist of around 2 years of supervised experience in the field, which is completed under the direct supervision of a licensed professional. This allows you to gain your needed experience for licensure while helping clients work through pressing issues in their personal lives.
At the end of your clinical experience, you may be required to also pass a licensure examination and state law test that is specific to your state’s expectations of mental health professionals. Once you have progressed through these tests of your ability, you can be eligible for a license and ready to work in your community.
Careers Available to You
Counseling is a profession that can partner you with a wide range of clients with very different needs. Careers in this specialized area can be found in community mental health agencies, schools, and even businesses focused on providing the most support to their employees.
Specific career options in counseling can include Clinical Mental Health Counselors, School Counselors, Crisis and Trauma Counselors, and Career Counselors. Each specialized area may require a certain skill set, curriculum, and clinical experience in order to become involved, but offer its own benefits in terms of the affected population.
Therapists can also work in diverse agencies within their communities, including those focused on positive mental health and self-care. Therapists can also be contracted with state agencies in foster care and family services, which can be helpful for the improvement of relationships for children and their families.
Different specialized career choices can be made available depending on the type of degree program you completed during your educational experience. Students of social work and psychology can choose from a wide variety of concentrations in education, trauma, age-related specialties, and even therapy focused on particular populations.
Counseling Careers
List of Programs
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Bachelors
The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Lamar University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Rivier University 🗹 Online
University of New Haven 🗹 Online
East Central University 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors 🗗 Masters
