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 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.
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.

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.

Counseling Programs That May Be Currently Accepting Applicants

Counseling @ Northwestern is a CACREP-accredited online Master of Arts in Counseling Program with accelerated, traditional, and part-time track options. GRE scores are not required, nor is prior counseling experience. You will complete six quarters of supervised clinical field placements, which will prepare you to pursue licensure as a clinical mental health counselor in as few as 18 months.
Click for more admissions info.

Prepare to become a mental health counselor – earn your master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness online from NYU Steinhardt. The program is MPCAC-accredited and prepares students to pursue state licensure. Complete in as few as 21 months. GRE not required.
Click for admissions information.

Earn your Master of Education with a specialization in school counseling online from Vanderbilt University’s top-ranked Peabody College. Prepare for licensure and develop the critical-thinking and social-emotional skills to effectively manage K–12 school counseling programs.
Learn more at PeabodyOnline.Vanderbilt.edu

The online Master of Education in School Counseling program from the USC Rossier School of Education prepares candidates to pursue school counseling licensure and become school counselors for children in grades K–12. GRE scores are not required to apply.
Click for admissions information.

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.

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.

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.

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

Counseling 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
forward

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College

laptop https://peabodyonline.vanderbilt.edu/counseling.html
Online Master’s with School Counseling Specialization
SACSCOC Accredited
forward

University of Southern California

laptop https://rossieronline.usc.edu
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Accredited
forward

St. Joseph's University

laptop http://online.sju.edu
Online Behavior Analysis Degrees and Certificates
MSCHE Accredited
forward

NYU Steinhardt

laptop https://counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu
Online MA in Counseling and Guidance
MPCAC Accredited
forward

Maryville University

laptop https://online.maryville.edu
Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
HLC Accredited
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 3/1/1979
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2017
University of San Diego
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
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 1/9/2015
  • CACREP Expire: 8/31/2017
Palo Alto University
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
M.S. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 3/1/1978
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2018
Sonoma State University
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
M.A. in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited
  • CACREP Status: 8 Year
  • CACREP Start: 3/1/1984
  • CACREP Expire: 10/31/2022

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
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.