Counselor Licensure

Holding a license can make you a valuable resource for organizations seeking only the most reputable and reliable professionals for their positions, which can lead you into many diverse and interesting positions during your career.

The road to licensure can be unique depending on your field of practice and your intended treatment population. Our team of educational experts has put together this guide to help you differentiate the specific needs of professionals in varying fields so that you can make the best educational decisions for your future.

What is Counseling Licensure?

Upcoming professionals with an interest in the field of counseling may be intrigued by the licensing requirements that can set them on track for career success. There are a number of steps required in order for you to become qualified for licensure, beginning at the very onset of your educational experience. If you are like many others determined to become a part of the field of counseling, you should begin preparations for your license when choosing your initial degree program and university.

Counseling licensure includes choosing a degree program in counseling with the right type of accreditation. The most common accreditation agency for counseling degree programs is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The CACREP is responsible for accrediting master's and doctoral level degree programs in counseling, so that graduates of these programs can move forward in the licensure process. View our list of CACREP accredited programs.

Your state may dictate the accreditation requirements for licensure, so always review what type of accreditation may be required in your state for your degree program prior to enrolling.

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 Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available 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
Pepperdine University Master of Arts in Psychology Open to all undergrad majors	✔ Online No GRE Required	Earn a Master’s in Psychology Online in 18 Months 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
University of New Haven Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	✔ 100% Online	The online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of New Haven prepares graduates for professional counselor licensure and certification. Students in this 2.5-year program gain fieldwork experience through counseling practicum and internship opportunities while developing the skills to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students can choose to pursue a concentration in forensic mental health to specialize their studies. Learn More

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

Eligibility for Licensure

Each state varies. Be sure to check counseling programs in your state as well as licensure information for your state.
Before you are eligible to receive your license in counseling, you may also be required to complete an experience requirement in a real-world counseling environment. This aspect of counseling licensure can help you to connect the educational and practical components of your degree program, as well as observe counseling techniques being applied in the field.
Most states require that graduates engage in around 2 years of this type of experience prior to completing this component in the licensure process.
National Counselor Examination: One of the last steps in the counseling licensing process is completion of the National Counselor Examination. Completing your degree program and engaging in work experience can help prepare you for this exam, which may contain concepts and scenarios that can commonly occur in the field. Passing this examination can help you to qualify for licensure and being your career in the field.

Counseling Careers

Types of Counseling Licensure

Degree Programs Ideal for Counseling Licensure

If obtaining your license is one of your goals for your future, you might be intrigued to learn that there are a few different specialized paths for achieving your goal. In order to obtain your license, you should choose an online degree program that is relevant to your chosen field and accredited by the right agency.

For counseling programs, you should choose an online degree program that has been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). There are currently 3 popular specialized fields for upcoming counseling professionals to consider for their education. Read more about these programs below.

Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students that have a profound interest in working with individuals struggling with the general stresses of life, or managing symptoms of common mental health disorders or illnesses should consider the online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This accredited program can be found at many universities and can train students to be primary mental health providers for a wide range of clients in the field. This degree program can lead you into licensure after meeting the educational and practical requirements in your state.
Online Masters in School Counseling: If you have more of an interest in working with youth throughout your career, you could enroll in an online Masters in School Counseling to pursue your license in your state. In this field, you can learn more specifically about problems and issues that are specific to school-aged children, as well as prevention programs and group tactics for use in the field. This field has experience expectations that can put you in touch with school systems within your area. Licensure in this field can qualify you to become an employee of school systems or a reputable resource for widespread student wellness programs across the country.
Online Masters in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling: Counselors can play a positive role in the lives of individuals or groups. The online Masters in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling could be an excellent resource for upcoming counselors interested in salvaging relationships within the family unit. The CACREP currently accredits multiple online programs in the U.S. in this specialization, making it a great option for you to consider when seeking licensure in the field of counseling.

Counseling Certification Paths

The field of counseling can have an influence on many different societal groups in your area, as well as specific people with very unique needs. It can be beneficial to consider certification in specialized fields in addition to your degree program in order to qualify for specialist positions in your geographical region.

Since counseling can be such an important component in healing and self-improvement, certification programs can include a wide range of needs and new-age fields. Our team of educational experts has researched some of the common certification programs available today in order to provide you with a helpful list of some examples for you to consider for your career. Read through some of the common certifications beneath this section.

Neurocounseling
Child and Adolescent Counseling
Substance Abuse Counseling
Play Therapy
Trauma and Crisis Intervention
Family and Group Therapy
Health Counseling
Career Counseling

Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.