Capella University : Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) (Online with required intensives)
Walsh University : Online Master's in School Counseling (100% Online. Field Experience Support Services. Faith-based.) Walsh University : Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (100% Online. Field Experience Support Services. Faith-based.)
Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum (100% online, or hybrid format. ) Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy (100% online, or hybrid format. ) Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Substance Use Disorders (100% online, or hybrid format. )Why Is CACREP Accreditation Important?
Competency in counseling is demonstrated through knowledge, skills, and professional values. Furthermore, counselors must take an online counseling program that is regionally accredited to be eligible for ranking.
In most states, earning a Master's in Counseling is the first step toward becoming a licensed counselor. On top of that, these states require that students obtain master's-level degrees that CACREP accredits. This standard and preference for CACREP-accredited programs solidifies CACREP as the premier accreditation board for counseling degrees.
Even though CACREP is not the sole accrediting body for counseling degrees, CACREP accreditation ensures the professional standard that applies to all counselor programs. CACREP-accredited counseling degrees have similar program substance, classes, research, techniques, and processes. Employers know what can be expected from graduates who finished a CACREP-accredited program.
Cheapest CACREP Accredited Online Programs
As you may already know, graduate degrees — even those under mental health and counseling programs — do not come cheap. Nevertheless, it is important to find a CACREP-accredited online graduate program that is worthwhile and fits your budget.
Some students may want to pursue graduate education the traditional way. That is, attending on-campus programs with lectures and discussions face-to-face. But with the COVID-19 pandemic not entirely over, opting for an online program will be more low-cost. Taking a graduate counseling program online will cut back expenses on meals and transportation and give you the flexibility to manage your time wherever you are.
With our wide range of CACREP-accredited counseling programs to choose from, we are confident you will find one that is both affordable and valuable for your career goals.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University
Master's and PhD in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Behavior. Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties 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 Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
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 |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP)
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 |
| Walsh University
Online Master's in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited, HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required |
Whether you’re a teacher wanting to expand into counseling to further support your students, or a professional wanting a fulfilling career helping young people thrive academically, emotionally, and mentally, Walsh University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development–School Counseling degree can give you the skills and knowledge you need to make a positive impact. Become a licensed school counselor to make a difference in the lives of children, adolescents, and teens. Learn More |
| Walsh University
Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited, HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required |
Walsh University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development–Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be the change you want to see in the world. Become a licensed clinical mental health counselor prepared to address psychological challenges among diverse populations and communities. Gain clinical mental health theory, process, and treatment knowledge to be successful in the field. Learn More |
| Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Optional program emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Disorders. Learn More |
| Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Taught by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), preparing you for licensure as a LMFT in a clinical environment. Required to attend a five-day on-campus residency held each summer of the program. Learn More |
| Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Substance Use Disorders
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
CCU's substance use counseling program trains you to provide leadership in developing, evaluating, and implementing holistic models for addiction treatment. Required to attend a five-day on-campus residency held each summer of the program. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Tips for Funding a CACREP Accredited Degree
Now that you understand the importance of choosing a CACREP-accredited program and have browsed the cheapest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs, the next step is funding.
Considering funding options while looking at the cheapest CACREP-accredited online programs will help you decide which is best for you. Finding the money for a counseling degree is hard, but it doesn't have to be impossible.
You can fund your way to a CACREP-accredited degree in two ways:
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial aids that are usually based on merit, such as exemplary academic, athletic, or creative achievement. It usually covers partial or full funding to students, typically sponsored by corporations, universities or colleges, non-government organizations, private foundations, philanthropists, and other organizations with certain backgrounds or passions.
The National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF) recognizes that supporting counselors in training is integral to their organization's mission. The Foundation offers the following scholarships to "increase the number of counselors committed to helping priority underserved communities":
- Rural Scholarship
- Military Scholarship
- Dr. Nicholas Vacc Scholarship (Doctoral)
Grants
Like scholarships, grants are also awarded by individuals or groups that support certain causes and interests. However, grants are awarded based on the student's financial need and are usually sponsored by the federal government, state colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations.
Changing the face of counseling, the NBCC has helped increase diversity in the counseling profession since 2012 with the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP).
Capella University - Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) (CACREP Accredited)
Walsh University - Online Master's in School Counseling (HLC Accredited)
Colorado Christian University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online CurriculumWhat are the Benefits of Graduating from a CACREP Accredited Program?
You can look at the benefits of graduating from a CACREP-accredited program from two points of view: as a student and as a program administrator.
As a student, a CACREP accreditation certifies that your program’s content and quality have been assessed and satisfy industry standards. You can be sure that the program is reliable on a professional and financial level and that the necessary knowledge and skill areas are covered.
Accreditation in the United States is a unique peer review system of quality assurance. So when a counseling program conducts self-assessment, it shows that the program’s administrators have clearly defined the program’s objectives and thought about the strategies they are employing to achieve them. Prospective students, employers, and other educators can access the mission statement, goals, and objectives. With this information accessible to the general public, the program shows that it wants to be held responsible for its educational activities and helps prospective students choose the best counselor education program.
How Do Schools Become CACREP Accredited?
Institutional and specialized accreditation are both available in the United States. Institutional accreditation considers the entire organization. Inside such institutions, professional preparation programs are examined by specialized accreditors like CACREP.
To become accredited, CACREP requires a counselor education program to “fulfill certain requirements or standards regarding institutional settings, program mission, and objectives, program content, practicum experiences, student selection, advising, faculty qualifications and workload, program governance, instructional support, and self-evaluation.”
It is also important to remember that CACREP accredits the degree-specific program and not the department or college it is housed.
