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 counseling degree programs available in California that offer both the convenience and flexibility sought by upcoming students and the accreditation required for licensure. There are also a number of online counseling programs accepting California applicants.
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.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? | Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
check_circle Online | GRE Scores Not Required | 24 Courses (standard program for those with counseling experience) or 27 courses (bridge program, for those with no counseling experience) |
| New York University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
check_circle Online | GRE scores are not required for admission. | Weekly live classes taught by distinguished NYU Steinhardt faculty. |
| University of Denver
Online MA in School Counseling
Designed to adhere to CACREP standards |
check_circle Online | No GRE required. | Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. |
| Vanderbilt University
Online Master's with School Counseling Specialization
SACSCOC Accredited |
check_circle Online | Bachelor's Required | Live, online classes every week led by Vanderbilt faculty |
| University of Southern California
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Can be completed in less than 2 years. |
check_circle Online | No GRE requirement | Classes led by USC Rossier faculty who are experts in school counseling, educational leadership and family therapy. |
Online CACREP Master of Counseling Programs in California
The benefits to online Master of Counseling programs in California include a convenient alternative to traditional degree programs that may be unrealistic for people in today's society. Online Master of Counseling programs include communication, learning, and testing components that are available on course websites, providing students with an ease of access to the tools needed for their program success. There are currently 2 universities that provide online Master of Counseling programs suitable for upcoming applicants with the drive to become licensed in their future.
- Palo Alto University provides students with an online Master of Counseling in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling.
- The second option for interested learners in this state can be found at Saybrook University. Saybrook offers an online Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Multiple Program Options in California
Since both universities offer programs that hold current CACREP accreditation, students enrolling can rest assured that their program can lead to licensure in the future. The accreditation process involves a review of the university's curriculum and practical expectations - in an effort to compare these provisions with what may be required for clinical professionals in the state of California. In order to receive your license to practice counseling within the state of California, you will need to graduate from a CACREP-accredited master's program and complete a supervised clinical experience after graduation.
Specific Online CACREP Programs
Schools offering online counseling programs can often provide you with assistance when choosing a location for your supervised experience.
More schools throughout the state may be interested in providing CACREP-accredited online Master of Counseling programs, since schools such as Concordia University in Irvine are making their way through the accreditation process currently. Once approved, this school could also be a great option for students considering online programs for their degree.
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
California Counseling Degrees
- 123 different counseling degrees in California
- Most popular degree offering for California universities is the Master's in Counseling Degree
- According to the BLS, the average annual income for counselors in CA is $45,710
Perhaps 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.
More Online Counseling Programs in California
Online Counseling Programs at Palo Alto University
- Master’s in 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.
- Master’s in 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.
Counseling Licensure in California
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.
California 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.
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.
California State Counseling Licensing Boards
California Counseling Licensure
Board of Behavioral Sciences
1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite S-200
Sacramento, CA 95834
916-574-7830
[email protected]
www.bbs.ca.gov
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Professional Clinical Counselor Intern (PCCI)
School Counseling Licensure
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
1900 Capital Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 327-1461 (888) 921-2682
[email protected]
www.ctc.ca.gov
School Counselor [PreK-12]
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.
List of California Counseling Programs
Northwestern University
NYU Steinhardt
University of Denver
NYU Steinhardt
University of Southern California
Regis College
Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College
St. Joseph's University
CACREP Accredited California 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 California. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs to see non CACREP accredited counseling programs.
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/13/2017
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 4/1/1995
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 1/9/2015
- CACREP Expire: 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/1/2017
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/1/2017
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2024
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/1/2017
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 3/1/1978
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 1/5/2017
- CACREP Expire: 3/31/2025
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 1/5/2017
- CACREP Expire: 3/31/2025
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/13/2017
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/1/2017
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 5/1/1995
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 3/1/1978
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 5/1/1995
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 10/1/1991
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/1/2017
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 3/1/1978
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/14/2018
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2026
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 7/10/2014
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 3/1/1984
- CACREP Expire: 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 1/9/2015
- CACREP Expire: 3/31/2025
- CACREP Status: 8 Year
- CACREP Start: 1/10/2009
- CACREP Expire: 3/31/2025
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in California
View all programs in California below, or jump to all California CACREP accredited counseling programs.- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- book M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- book M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- book M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- book M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- book M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- book M.S. in School Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- book M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- book M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- book M.S. in Career Counseling
- book M.S. in College Counseling
- book M.S. in Gerontological Counseling
- book M.S. in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy
- book M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- book M.S. in School Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- book M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- book M.A. in School Counseling
- book Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- book Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- book M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- book M.A. in School Counseling
- book Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- book Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
