List of Counseling Degrees in California

What do you look for in an online degree program? A lot of people may see convenience and flexibility as their number 1 consideration for online programs, while others may look towards the reliability when making their decision. In California, students do not have to settle for one option over the other. There are currently 2 degree programs available in this state that offers both the convenience and flexibility sought by upcoming students and the accreditation required for licensure. CACREP-accreditation should be one of your most desired qualities of an online degree program, since it can set you on track for licensure as a counselor in your field.

The most prominent university for online and accredited counseling programs in California is Palo Alto University. Students can choose from either Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling through this school, which can set them in gear for careers working with a wide range of people within society. Located in the beautiful Palo Alto, California, this university could be a great choice for residents of this city or those located all over the state.
Counseling Programs That May Be Currently Accepting Applicants

Northwestern’s Top-12 ranked Online MA in Counseling Program prepares the next generation of clinical mental health counselors. [email protected] offers both full and part time options that allow you to earn a degree on your own schedule and a Bridge to Counseling track designed for students with limited previous experience or knowledge in psychology. GRE scores are not required for admission to the program.
Click for more admissions info.

NYU’s online master of arts program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to become professional mental health counselors who guide clients of all backgrounds toward healthy lifestyles.
Click for admissions information.

Become a professional school counselor in K-12 settings with an online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling from top-ranked USC Rossier School of Education. Complete in as few as 20 months.
Click for admissions information.

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College offers an online M.Ed. in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling.
Learn more at PeabodyOnline.Vanderbilt.edu

If you wish to pursue licensure as a counselor in the state of California, you should review the requirements set forth by the California Board of Behavioral Services. Requirements for licensure within this state may include the completion of an accredited counseling degree, 3,000 supervised hours within a clinical environment and the completion of ethics and law exams through the state board. These requirements were set forth in an effort to help future counselors become better qualified to provide effective counseling services to the general public.

Online Counseling Programs in California

  • Palo Alto University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling: If you are looking for a university with no GRE requirement, Palo Alto University may be a great option for you. Students choosing to pursue their online counseling degree in California can look at Palo Alto University as their university of choice. The online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at this university can be completed in around 2 years and 9 months, offering a fast solution to a student’s desire to progress. This program consists of online synchronous courses that can help increase an individual’s skills in clinical knowledge, practitioner standards and mental health awareness.
  • Palo Alto University – Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling: Palo Alto University’s online Master’s in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling is a great option for students interested in improving the quality of life of those around them. This degree program can also be completed through online synchronous courses, which may implement current theories and practices of mental health professionals. The estimated completion time of this program is 2 years and 9 months for students enrolled full-time.

We have 123 counseling degrees in California in our directory.

Family on a beachCalifornia is a land in which stars are born. In this state, residents work hard and around the clock. In an atmosphere that requires total dedication to work, stress is prominent. Counselors work with individuals to lower stress and to find ways of leading normal lives.

What Does a Counselor in California Do?

The ability to earn in the state of California is high. The average annual income for counselors in this state is $45,710. As a career choice, counseling pays off both in self-satisfaction and financial stability. The job description itself describes counselors as a resource for emotion health to society.

Those needing counseling rely heavily on the tests and techniques of specialists to provide relief throughout their busy lifestyles. Counseling professionals can be found in a variety of different settings. Counselors are found in hospitals, schools, and even businesses.

Licensure and Degree Requirements for Counselors in California

Since the service of counselors is in such high demand, the field continues to prosper in the state of California. Individuals seeking licensure in this state are required to follow California’s guidelines that include an accredited degree, passing a licensure exam, and supervised experience.

Licensure can be obtained at a master’s degree level, which is why this is the most popular degree program for counseling students.

List of California Counseling Programs

Counseling Programs That May Be Currently Accepting Applicants

Northwestern University

laptop https://counseling.northwestern.edu
Online MA in Counseling ([email protected])
CACREP Accredited
contact_mail Click for
Admissions Info

NYU Steinhardt

laptop https://counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
MPCAC Accredited
contact_mail Click for
Admissions Info

University of Southern California

laptop https://rossieronline.usc.edu
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Accredited
contact_mail Click for
Admissions Info

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College

laptop https://peabodyonline.vanderbilt.edu/counseling.html
Online Master’s with School Counseling Specialization
SACSCOC Accredited
contact_mail Click for
Admissions Info

NYU Steinhardt

laptop https://counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu
Online MA in Counseling and Guidance
MPCAC Accredited
contact_mail Click for
Admissions Info

St. Joseph's University

laptop http://online.sju.edu
Online Behavior Analysis Degrees and Certificates
MSCHE Accredited
contact_mail Click for
Admissions Info

Lamar University

laptop More Info
M.Ed. in School Counseling
CAEP Accredited
contact_mail Click for
Admissions Info

Maryville University

laptop https://online.maryville.edu
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
HLC Accredited
contact_mail Click for
Admissions Info

CACREP Accredited California Programs

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 California. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs to see non CACREP accredited counseling programs.

Counseling Programs That May Be Currently Accepting Applicants
California State University Fresno
Program: M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 4/1/1995
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
California State University Fullerton
Program: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 1/9/2015
  • CACREP Expire: 3/31/2023
California State University Los Angeles
Program: M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 3/1/1978
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2018
California State University Northridge
Program: M.S. in Career Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 11/1/1994
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2017
California State University Northridge
Program: M.S. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 11/1/1994
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2017
California State University Northridge
Program: M.S. in Student Affairs
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 11/1/1994
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2017
California State University Northridge
Program: M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 3/1/1979
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2017
Community Counseling
Program: Website in 8 Year
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 7/16/2009
  • CACREP Start: 10/31/2017
  • CACREP Expire: M.A.
Palo Alto University
Program: M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 1/5/2017
  • CACREP Expire: 3/31/2025
Palo Alto University
Program: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Masters
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 1/5/2017
  • CACREP Expire: 3/31/2025
Palo Alto University
Program: Online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Masters
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 1/5/2017
  • CACREP Expire: 3/31/2025
Palo Alto University
Program: Online M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 1/5/2017
  • CACREP Expire: 3/31/2025
San Francisco State University
Program: M.S. in Career Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 5/1/1995
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2018
San Francisco State University
Program: M.S. in College Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 3/1/1978
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2018
San Francisco State University
Program: M.S. in Gerontological Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 5/1/1995
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2018
San Francisco State University
Program: M.S. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 10/1/1991
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2018
San Francisco State University
Program: M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 3/1/1978
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2018
Sonoma State University
Program: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 7/10/2014
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2022
Sonoma State University
Program: M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 3/1/1984
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2022
University of San Diego
Program: M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 1/10/2009
  • CACREP Expire: 8/31/2017
University of San Diego
Program: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 1/9/2015
  • CACREP Expire: 8/31/2017

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in California

View all programs in California below, or jump to all California CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Counseling Programs That May Be Currently Accepting Applicants
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Alliant International University-San Diego
San Diego CA
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
American River College
Sacramento CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Argosy University-Inland Empire
Ontario CA
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Argosy University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles CA
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Argosy University-Orange County
Orange CA
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Argosy University-San Diego
San Diego CA
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Argosy University-San Francisco Bay Area
Alameda CA
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Butte College
Oroville CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
California State University Fresno
CA
CACREP
  • M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
California State University Fullerton
CA
CACREP
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
California State University Los Angeles
CA
CACREP
  • M.S. in School Counseling
California State University Northridge
CA
CACREP
  • M.S. in Career Counseling
  • M.S. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
  • M.S. in School Counseling
  • M.S. in Student Affairs
College of San Mateo
San Mateo CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
College of the Desert
Palm Desert CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Community Counseling
Universidad Ibero Americana, Ciudad de Mexico
CACREP
  • Website in 8 Year
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Fresno City College
Fresno CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Fuller Theological Seminary in California
Pasadena CA
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
Glendale Community College
Glendale CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Hartnell College
Salinas CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
ICDC College
Huntington Park CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Imperial Valley College
Imperial CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
InterCoast Colleges-Orange
Orange CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Lake Tahoe Community College
South Lake Tahoe CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Lassen Community College
Susanville CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda CA
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
Long Beach City College
Long Beach CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Mendocino College
Ukiah CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Merced College
Merced CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Merritt College
Oakland CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Modesto Junior College
Modesto CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Mt San Jacinto Community College District
San Jacinto CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
National University
La Jolla CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Oxnard College
Oxnard CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Palo Alto University
CA
CACREP
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Masters
  • M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • Online M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Masters
  • Online M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Palomar College
San Marcos CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Rio Hondo College
Whittier CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
San Diego City College
San Diego CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
San Francisco State University
CA
CACREP
  • M.S. in Career Counseling
  • M.S. in College Counseling
  • M.S. in Gerontological Counseling
  • M.S. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
  • M.S. in School Counseling
San Jose City College
San Jose CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Sonoma State University
CA
CACREP
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Irvine
Irvine CA
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Westwood
Los Angeles CA
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
University of San Diego
CA
CACREP
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
University of Southern California
Los Angeles CA
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
West Los Angeles College
Culver City CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
William Jessup University
Rocklin CA
  • Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Woodland Community College
Woodland CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Yuba College
Marysville CA
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction 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 writeup of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.