List of Counseling Degrees in Alabama

Alabama is packed with great options if you’re thinking about becoming a counselor. Whether you prefer the cozy vibe of a small private college or want to dive into everything a big state university has to offer, you’ll find solid programs to get you ready for the field. Plus, Alabama communities are actively looking for counselors in schools, mental health clinics, and addiction treatment centers—so you won’t just be studying theory, you’ll be preparing for a career where people genuinely need what you have to offer.

Undergraduate Counseling Programs in Alabama

Students in Alabama who want to explore counseling as a career often begin with undergraduate programs in psychology, human services, or related fields. These programs help build a strong foundation in mental health concepts, communication skills, and client support. While dedicated bachelor’s degrees in counseling are less common, these related majors can prepare students for graduate-level study, which is typically required for licensure.

If you’re interested in flexible options, you can also consider an online bachelor’s degree in counseling.

Click to jump to the full list of Alabama counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants. Change content here.

School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
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
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
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
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
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
National University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling WSCUC Accredited	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities. Learn More
University of Denver Master of Arts in School Counseling Designed to adhere to CACREP standards	✔ Online No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required	Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Complete in as few as 24 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

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Graduate Counseling Programs in Alabama

Students pursuing advanced counseling education in Alabama have several strong options to choose from. Graduate degrees are especially important since a master’s or higher is typically required for licensure. In addition to campus-based programs, students may also explore flexible online opportunities, such as a master’s degree in counseling, an online master’s in counseling without a GRE, or even online counseling PhD programs.

The following CACREP-accredited counseling programs represent excellent choices within Alabama:

Walden University

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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. Click for admissions info.

CACREP Accredited

✔ Online

Top Alabama Schools with Counseling Programs

Alabama is home to many institutions that prepare students for careers in counseling. The schools highlighted in the list below represent some of the best counseling programs in the state. It’s important to remember that “best” is highly subjective — the right school depends on your individual needs, interests, and career goals. Use this list as a starting point to explore your options and find the program that fits you best.

Auburn University

Featured Program: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Auburn University’s M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a practice-based program that prepares students to serve in inpatient, outpatient, community agency, nonprofit, private practice, government, and educational settings. Offered both on campus and online, the program follows a step-lock format and can be completed in two years of full-time study or four years part-time. Students engage in coursework across all eight CACREP common core areas, along with specialized classes in areas such as crisis counseling, counseling children and adolescents, and substance use disorders. The program also includes significant field experiences, with 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship.

About Auburn University
Auburn University is a public land-grant research institution located in Auburn, Alabama. As one of the state’s largest universities, Auburn combines a strong academic tradition with a commitment to outreach and service. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its vibrant campus life, research initiatives, and strong ties to the state and region.

University of Alabama

Featured Program: Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling
The University of Alabama offers a fully online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling, a 60-credit-hour program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Designed for both full-time and part-time students, the program combines live lectures, experiential coursework, and clinical training, including a practicum and a 600-hour internship. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings such as rehabilitation centers, vocational rehabilitation agencies, Veterans Affairs offices, schools, and addiction clinics. Funding opportunities, including support from Project STAR and the Rehabilitation Services Administration, are available for eligible students.

About the University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of Alabama System. Established in 1831, it offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Known for its strong academic offerings and vibrant campus life, UA combines traditional higher education with innovative online programs that extend access to students nationwide.

University of North Alabama

Featured Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of North Alabama offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for students preparing for professional counseling careers. Delivered in a traditional, on-campus format, the program is designed to accommodate working students and uses a variety of instructional methods, including lectures, experiential activities, discussions, projects, role-play, and internships. Graduates are prepared for employment as clinical mental health counselors in diverse settings.

About the University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama is a public university located in Florence, Alabama. As the state’s oldest public university, UNA combines a strong liberal arts foundation with professional and graduate programs. The university is known for its close-knit campus community, commitment to accessible education, and role as a cultural and educational hub in the Tennessee Valley region.

University of West Alabama

Featured Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of West Alabama offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling designed to prepare students for counseling licensure and professional practice in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, community agencies, and treatment centers. The 60-credit program is CACREP-accredited and emphasizes counseling theories, techniques, and principles while promoting client wellness across diverse populations. Courses are taught by licensed mental health professionals, and students can complete the degree in two to three years with flexible eight-week courses.

About the University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama is a public university located in Livingston, Alabama. Known for its strong focus on accessible education, the institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs both on campus and online. With an emphasis on personalized learning and affordability, UWA serves students from across the region and beyond, blending traditional academic values with modern online learning opportunities.

Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)

Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)

National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)

University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling ( Accredited)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)

How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Alabama

To practice as a professional counselor in Alabama, you’ll need to navigate a structured path regulated by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC). This includes meeting educational prerequisites, gaining supervised experience, passing exams, and maintaining your license.

1. Complete a Qualifying Graduate Degree

• Prior to January 1, 2024: Applicants needed a master’s degree in counseling of at least 48 graduate semester hours (or 72 quarter hours) from a regionally accredited institution.
  
• Effective January 1, 2024: The requirement increased to a CACREP-accredited master’s program with a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) covering core counseling areas.
  

2. Become an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC)

• Apply to ABEC with official graduate transcripts and a Proposed Plan of Supervision (PPoS) signed by an approved LPC Supervisor.
  
• Submit the required fee to obtain the ALC credential.
  

3. Accrue Supervised Experience

• Complete 3,000 hours of supervised professional counseling experience:
  
  • 2,250 hours must be direct client counseling.
    
  • 750 hours may be indirect counseling work (documentation, referrals, consultation, etc.).
    
• Reduction option: Graduate coursework beyond the master’s level may reduce the hour requirement, but never below 1,000 hours.
  

Supervision guidelines include:

• Supervisors must be ABEC-approved LPC Supervisors (LPC-S).
  
• Annual supervision must average 100 hours, with at least 25 hours of in-person, one-to-one supervision.
  
• Additional supervision may be conducted virtually if the supervisor has completed approved training.
  
• Supervisors must submit a Final Supervision Progress Report upon program completion.
  

4. Pass the Required Examination

• Candidates must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE), administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
  

5. Apply for the LPC License

• Submit the LPC Initial License Application to ABEC, including proof of supervised hours and exam completion.
  

6. Maintain Your License with Continuing Education

• ALC Renewal: Typically annual, requiring 10 continuing education hours, including 2 in ethics.
  
• LPC Renewal: Every two years, requiring 40 continuing education hours.
  
• LPC Supervisors (LPC-S): Must complete 5 hours of supervision-related continuing education every two years.
  

7. Optional: License by Endorsement or Provisional Licensure

• Licensed counselors from other states may apply via endorsement if their credentials align with Alabama standards.
  
• If gaps exist, ABEC may issue a Provisional ALC license until requirements are met.
  

For a deeper look at the process, explore resources on becoming an LPC, learning how to become an LPC, or the broader pathway to become a counselor.

Counseling Licensure Titles in Alabama

Alabama recognizes several counseling licensure titles, each with its own requirements and scope of practice. These designations help clarify where professionals are in their career journey and what services they are authorized to provide.

Common counseling licensure titles in Alabama include:

• Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC)
  
  • Entry-level license for graduates completing post-master’s supervised experience.
    
  • Requires ongoing supervision by an LPC-S until all supervised hours are completed.
    
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  
  • Full independent practice license once graduate education, supervised experience, and exam requirements are met.
    
  • LPCs may provide counseling services independently and can pursue additional training or specialization.
    
• Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S)
  
  • A credential for LPCs who complete additional training in supervision.
    
  • Authorizes counselors to oversee ALCs and help them complete supervised practice requirements.
    

Other counseling professionals in Alabama may hold credentials in specialized areas (e.g., school counseling or marriage and family therapy), but these are regulated through separate licensing bodies.

Transferring a Counseling License to Alabama

If you are already licensed as a professional counselor in another state, Alabama allows you to apply for licensure by endorsement. The Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) will review your credentials to determine whether your education, supervised experience, and examination history align with Alabama’s requirements.

Key points to know:

• Comparable standards: Your graduate degree, supervised hours, and exam results must meet or exceed Alabama’s current requirements.
  
• Documentation: You’ll need to provide transcripts, proof of supervised experience, verification of current licensure, and exam score reports.
  
• Provisional licensing: If your qualifications do not fully align with Alabama’s requirements, ABEC may issue a provisional license, allowing you to practice under supervision while completing additional requirements.
  
• Application process: Endorsement applicants must submit the official application, pay the required fees, and wait for ABEC’s review and approval.
  

For full details and application forms, visit the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling.

Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in Alabama

Pursuing a counseling degree is a meaningful investment, and students in Alabama have access to a variety of resources to help offset the cost of tuition and related expenses. Scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs can make training more affordable.

Options to explore include:

• University-based scholarships – Many Alabama colleges and universities with counseling programs offer scholarships or assistantships to graduate students.
  
• State financial aid programs – Through the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and related state agencies, students may qualify for grants or tuition assistance.
  
• National counseling scholarships – Organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation provide funding opportunities for aspiring counselors.
  
• Loan forgiveness programs – Counselors who work in underserved communities, schools, or public service settings may qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs.
  

Students are encouraged to check with their university’s financial aid office for program-specific opportunities, and to explore national databases of scholarships designed for counseling and mental health students.

Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in Alabama

Understanding the career landscape is an important step when considering a counseling degree. The data in the following table was gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2025 and provides insights into employment trends and average salaries for counseling professionals in Alabama.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a graduate degree to become a licensed counselor in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama requires at least a master’s degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure as an LPC.

What is the difference between an ALC and an LPC?
An Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) is a provisional license for graduates completing supervised experience. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is the full license that allows for independent practice.

How long does it take to become a counselor in Alabama?
The timeline varies, but most individuals spend about 6–8 years completing their education, supervised experience, and exams.

Can I transfer my counseling license from another state to Alabama?
Yes. Alabama offers licensure by endorsement for counselors with equivalent qualifications. If requirements are not fully met, a provisional license may be issued.

Are there online counseling degree options available?
Yes. Students can pursue online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral counseling programs, many of which are designed to meet Alabama licensure requirements.

Making a Counseling Career in Alabama

Building a counseling career in Alabama offers meaningful opportunities to support individuals, families, and communities across the state. With rising demand for mental health services, substance use treatment, and school-based counseling, counselors are finding rewarding work in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, community agencies, and private practice.

Graduates who pursue licensure in Alabama can shape their careers in many directions, from specializing in marriage and family counseling to focusing on trauma-informed care or substance abuse treatment. The state’s commitment to training and licensing professional counselors ensures that students who complete their degrees are well-prepared for the realities of practice.

For those ready to begin the journey, Alabama provides a strong foundation: accessible programs, clear licensure pathways, and an ongoing need for compassionate professionals. Whether you start with undergraduate study or pursue advanced graduate training, the state offers opportunities to build a career that makes a lasting impact on the people you serve.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

Walden University 🗹 Online Masters

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Walden University 🗹 Online Masters

MS in School Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Online MA in Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

COAMFTE Accredited

Learn More

Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

Master's Degree in Counseling

NASAC Accredited

Learn More

Liberty University 🗹 Online

MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

WSCUC Accredited

Learn More

University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Arts in School Counseling

Accredited

Learn More

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited

Learn More

Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Alabama Counseling Degrees

CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs.

Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Alabama. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Alabama

View all programs in Alabama below, or jump to all Alabama CACREP accredited counseling programs.