What About State Counseling Licensure?

One of the biggest concerns for upcoming counseling students may be whether or not their program meets the minimum standards of their state licensure agency. This can be a valid concern for new masters-level students, since there are numerous for-profit educational programs that promote counseling programs that do not current contain the right type of accreditation to support licensure.

What is the CACREP?

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is an accreditation agency that focuses on the need for improvement and innovation in counseling and related fields. This is the leading accreditation organization for educational programs in counseling, so it should be a familiar agency for you if you plan to pursue a degree within this field. Online degree programs that have been accredited by this agency should reflect the CACREP logo on their online program page and also be listed on the CACREP’s approved provider’s list.

Accreditation agencies such as the CACREP may be geared towards consistent reviews of educational programs all over the country. There may be certain qualifications for upcoming programs seeking accreditation, some of which can likely be easily achieved through the creation of a thorough curriculum, qualified instructors, and up-to-date ethical and legal recommendations for upcoming counseling professionals. Take a look at some of the standards that may be reviewed during the accreditation process below.

• Program Faculty and Staff Evaluation
• Core Curriculum Review
• Clinical Practice Requirements – Internship, Practicum, Supervisors
• Student and Program Assessment
• Specialty Areas

CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs

Finding a degree program that contains the right type of accreditation does not have to be a daunting task. Upcoming students that are seeking reliable degree programs can use different methods for achieving this goal. If you currently have a certain university in mind for your program, you can review the degree program’s page on your school’s website. Most degree programs that contain accreditation may list this information on the main page, or through a section pertaining to specific program accreditation. A quicker alternative for finding accredited programs in your area may be through the CACREP’s search tool on the agency’s website.

Visiting the CACREP’s website can lead you into more information concerning the actual process of accreditation, resources for upcoming professionals in the field, and lists of accredited institutions that may be offering online degree programs. In order to make you journey towards the perfect degree program a little easier, our team of educational experts has reviewed the list of accredited degree programs through this website and provided a few examples for you to review below. Check out some of the most popular programs currently available to choose from.

• Bellevue University: Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Bradley University: Online Masters in School Counseling
• The College of William and Mary: Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Messiah College: Online Masters in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• North Carolina Central University: Online Masters in Career Counseling
• North Carolina State University: Online Masters in Student Affairs and College Counseling
• Thomas University: Online Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

CACREP Accreditation and Counseling Licensure

The desire to obtain a career in counseling may say a lot about your personality and your drive to help others. In order to meet this goal, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to become licensed to work with clients in the field.

Master’s Degrees in Counseling Are Required

A Masters in Counseling may be the first step towards becoming a licensed counselor. Accreditation comes into play at this stage. Students that are seeking educational programs to take part in should review whether or not their program has received the right type of accreditation and whether or not that program could help you be eligible for licensure after graduation.

Many States Require CACREP-Accredited Degrees

Most states require that students obtain masters-level degrees that have been accredited by the CACREP. When you graduate from a counseling program and have completed your supervised work experience requirement, you may then be responsible for filing your application for licensure.

During this process, you may be required to submit proof of degree acquisition so that your state department can review your achievement in order to deem you eligible for testing. If you want to ensure that your program can help you at this step, you should review your programs page on the school’s website or contact your universities enrollment specialist for more information.

CACREP FAQs

Accreditation can be a complex task that requires effort from both the university seeking accreditation and the accreditation agency. As a student, your concerns with accreditation should be solely in whether or not your chosen degree program has received adequate accreditation and whether or not it can help you in obtaining your licensure. If you might be interested in learning more about what type of information a university must provide in order to become accredited, take a look at some of the frequently asked questions listed beneath this section.

• How is a program reviewed for accreditation?: The CACREP has a specialized method for determining whether or not a program in counseling should be deemed accredited. Universities that may be seeking accreditation can create a comprehensive report of their degree program, provide evidence as to why their program meets the minimum standard, and submit this information to the CACREP for review. The CACREP then reviews the application, assigns an on-site reviewing to visit the location, and awaits results. After an initial visit and review of curriculum and course work on-campus, a reflective report is then sent back to the CACREP for comparison. Review of these final documents can determine whether or not a program can receive accreditation.
• How long does accreditation last?: The CACREP currently accredits university’s degree programs for a period of 8 years. Programs that have applied for accreditation but still require additional information to meet the standards of the 8-year approval can receive a temporary accreditation status for 2 years. During that timeframe, universities are required to provide the additional information in order to remain accredited beyond the 2 year cycle.
• Is accreditation required for licensure?: In the U.S., all states require licensure before providing counseling services to the public. One main requirement for licensure of new counselors is proof of completion of a Masters degree in Counseling that currently holds accreditation with the CACREP. Degree programs that do not have proper accreditation at the time they were acquired may not be accepted during the licensure process.

List of Programs

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Programs That May Be Currently Accepting Applicants

Northwestern University

laptop https://counseling.northwestern.edu

Online MA in Counseling ([email protected])

CACREP Accredited

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NYU Steinhardt

laptop https://counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu

Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness

MPCAC Accredited

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Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College

laptop https://peabodyonline.vanderbilt.edu/counseling.html

Online Master’s with School Counseling Specialization

SACSCOC Accredited

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St. Joseph's University

laptop http://online.sju.edu

Online Behavior Analysis Degrees and Certificates

MSCHE Accredited

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NYU Steinhardt

laptop https://counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu

Online MA in Counseling and Guidance

MPCAC Accredited

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Maryville University

laptop https://online.maryville.edu

Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

HLC Accredited

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List of Online CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs

State	University	Degree Program	CACREP Start	CACREP Expires
AK	University of Alaska Fairbanks	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/12/2018	3/31/2020
AK	University of Alaska Fairbanks	M.Ed. in School Counseling	1/12/2018	3/31/2020
CA	Palo Alto University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/5/2017	3/31/2025
CA	Palo Alto University	M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling	1/5/2017	3/31/2025
CA	Saybrook University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/14/2018	10/31/2026
CO	Adams State University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/15/2011	3/31/2019
CO	Adams State University	M.A. in School Counseling	10/1/1995	3/31/2019
CO	Adams State University	Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	7/13/2017	3/31/2019
CO	Argosy University Denver	Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	7/12/2012	10/31/2020
CO	Colorado Christian University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/14/2011	10/31/2019
DC	Gallaudet University	M.A. in School Counseling	3/1/1993	3/31/2024
FL	Argosy University Tampa	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/9/2015	10/31/2021
FL	Argosy University Tampa	Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	7/9/2015	10/31/2021
FL	Hodges University	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/11/2014	3/31/2022
GA	Thomas University	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling	7/13/2017	10/31/2023
HI	University of Hawai'i Manoa	M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling	7/1/2017	10/31/2019
IL	Adler University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/7/2016	10/31/2022
IL	Bradley University	M.A. in School Counseling	3/1/1992	10/31/2022
IL	Bradley University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/9/2015	10/31/2022
IL	Northwestern University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/9/2015	3/31/2023
IL	The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Online	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/12/2018	3/31/2026
IN	Grace College	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/1/2004	10/31/2020
IN	Indiana Wesleyan University	M.A. in School Counseling	1/10/2007	10/31/2021
IN	Indiana Wesleyan University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/15/2013	10/31/2021
KY	Asbury Seminary	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/7/2016	10/31/2024
KY	Lindsey Wilson College	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	4/1/1996	3/31/2020
KY	University of Kentucky	M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling	7/1/2017	10/31/2021
KY	University of the Cumberlands	M.A. in Addiction Counseling	1/14/2016	3/31/2024
KY	University of the Cumberlands	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/14/2016	3/31/2024
KY	University of the Cumberlands	Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	1/14/2016	3/31/2024
LA	University of Louisiana at Monroe	M.Ed. in School Counseling	3/1/1989	3/31/2020
LA	University of Louisiana at Monroe	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/11/2014	3/31/2020
MN	Capella University	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	9/1/2003	3/31/2020
MN	Capella University	M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling	7/1/2005	3/31/2020
MN	Capella University	M.S. in School Counseling	7/16/2009	3/31/2020
MN	Capella University	Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	7/9/2015	3/31/2020
MN	Walden University	M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling	1/11/2014	3/31/2025
MN	Walden University	Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	1/11/2014	3/31/2025
MN	Walden University	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/5/2017	3/31/2025
MN	Walden University	M.S. in Addiction Counseling	1/5/2017	3/31/2025
MN	Walden University	M.S. in School Counseling	1/5/2017	3/31/2024
NC	North Carolina Central University	M.A. in Career Counseling	1/7/2006	3/31/2022
NC	North Carolina Central University	M.A. in School Counseling	1/7/2006	3/31/2022
NC	North Carolina Central University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/14/2014	3/31/2022
NC	North Carolina State University	M.Ed./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/12/2012	10/31/2020
NC	North Carolina State University	M.Ed./M.S. in School Counseling	4/1/1998	10/31/2020
NC	North Carolina State University	M.Ed./M.S. in Student Affairs and College Counseling	3/1/1990	10/31/2020
NC	University of North Carolina at Pembroke	M.A.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/14/2013	3/31/2021
NC	University of North Carolina at Pembroke	M.A.Ed. in School Counseling	1/14/2013	3/31/2021
NC	Wake Forest University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/15/2010	10/31/2026
NC	Wake Forest University	M.A. in School Counseling	4/1/1995	10/31/2026
NE	Bellevue University	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/13/2017	10/31/2019
NH	Antioch University New England	M.A. in Mental Health Counseling	7/16/2009	10/31/2019
NY	St. Bonaventure University	M.S. in School Counseling	7/16/2008	3/31/2019
NY	St. Bonaventure University	M.Ed./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/5/2017	3/31/2019
OH	Malone University	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/5/2012	3/31/2020
OH	Union Institute and University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/12/2018	3/31/2020
OH	Wright State University	MRC in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling	7/14/2018	10/31/2019
OR	Oregon State University	Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	3/1/1993	3/31/2024
OR	Oregon State University	M. Coun. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/14/2016	3/31/2024
PA	Lock Haven University	M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/7/2016	10/31/2024
PA	Messiah College	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/12/2012	10/31/2020
PA	Messiah College	M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling	7/12/2012	10/31/2020
PA	Messiah College	M.A. in School Counseling	7/12/2012	10/31/2020
TX	Lamar University	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/7/2016	10/31/2020
TX	University of Houston Victoria	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/7/2016	10/31/2020
TX	University of Houston Victoria	M.Ed. in School Counseling	7/17/2010	10/31/2020
VA	College of William and Mary	M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	7/9/2015	10/31/2022
VA	College of William and Mary	M.Ed. in School Counseling	10/1/1999	10/31/2022
VA	Liberty University	Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	1/12/2018	3/31/2023
VA	Liberty University	M.Ed. in School Counseling	7/9/2015	10/31/2023
VA	Regent University	M.A. in School Counseling	10/1/2000	3/31/2024
VA	Regent University	Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision	1/18/2008	3/31/2024
VA	Regent University	M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	1/14/2016	3/31/2024
VA	Regent University	M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling	1/14/2016	3/31/2024

Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

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

• Online Counseling Degrees
• Online Masters in Counseling
• Bachelors in Counseling
• Masters in Counseling
• Counseling Schools by State
• Counseling Career Guide
• Highest Paid Counseling Jobs