All CACREP-Accredited Programs in California for 2026-2027

Last Updated: June 11, 2026

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the gold standard for counseling education, ensuring that programs meet high-quality training and curriculum standards. For students pursuing a career in counseling, choosing a CACREP-accredited program is crucial for meeting licensure requirements and gaining the best possible education.

California offers several CACREP-accredited programs at the master’s and doctoral levels, covering specializations such as clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and marriage, couple, and family counseling. This article provides a comprehensive list of CACREP-accredited counseling programs in California for the 2026-2027 academic year, along with key details to help prospective students make informed decisions.

Do You Need a CACREP Degree to Get Licensed in California?

No — California does not require CACREP accreditation to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) reviews your degree’s content rather than its accreditation body, so a non-CACREP program can qualify as long as the BBS has evaluated and approved it. CACREP programs are simply built to meet those content standards, which makes the BBS review faster and removes the guesswork.

If you’re considering a program that isn’t CACREP-accredited, confirm it appears on the BBS list of qualifying California programs — or, for an out-of-state or online program, that it’s been certified to meet California’s requirements — before you enroll.

California LPCC Licensure at a Glance

Requirement	California Standard
License title	LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) — not “LPC”
Degree	Master’s or doctoral, 60 semester / 90 quarter units, covering 13 core counseling content areas + 15 units of advanced specialized coursework
Practicum	Minimum 6 semester units of supervised field experience, including ≥280 hours of face-to-face client contact
Pre-license registration	Register as an APCC (Associate Professional Clinical Counselor) before logging hours
Supervised hours	3,000 total — including 1,750 direct client hours, the highest direct-hour requirement in the U.S.
Exams	California Law & Ethics Exam + the NCMHCE (the NCE is not accepted)
Couples/family scope	Requires additional coursework to treat couples and families
Interstate portability	California is not a Counseling Compact member and has no LPCC reciprocity

Requirements verified against the California BBS. Always confirm current rules at bbs.ca.gov before enrolling.

Understanding CACREP Accreditation

CACREP, or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, is an accrediting body that ensures counseling programs meet national standards for education and training. Accreditation is granted to programs that demonstrate excellence in curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services, and clinical training opportunities.

Benefits of Attending a CACREP-Accredited Program

Enrolling in a CACREP-accredited program provides several advantages for prospective counselors:

• Ensures that coursework and training meet nationally recognized standards.
• Streamlines the path to licensure, as many states require applicants to graduate from CACREP-accredited programs.
• Increases job opportunities, as many employers prefer candidates with a CACREP-accredited education.
• Enhances eligibility for professional certifications, such as the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential.

How Programs Achieve and Maintain CACREP Accreditation

Programs seeking CACREP accreditation must undergo a rigorous evaluation process, which includes:

1. A self-study report demonstrating how the program meets CACREP standards.
2. A site visit from CACREP representatives to assess faculty, curriculum, student services, and clinical training.
3. Ongoing compliance with CACREP standards, requiring periodic reviews and re-accreditation every eight years.

Choosing a CACREP-accredited program ensures that students receive high-quality education and are well-prepared for professional counseling roles.

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs

CACREP-Accredited Programs in California for 2026-2027

The following is a comprehensive list of CACREP-accredited counseling programs in California for the 2025-2026 academic year. If you want to become a counselor in California, this list can help you find an entry point to your educational journey.

Alliant International University (Fresno, CA)

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

California State University, Fresno (Fresno, CA)

• M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
• M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

California State University, Fullerton (Fullerton, CA)

• M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

California State University, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

• M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling

California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento, CA)

• M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
• M.S. in Career Counseling
• M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
• M.S. in School Counseling

California State University, San Bernardino (San Bernardino, CA)

• M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling

Concordia University Irvine (Irvine, CA)

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Palo Alto University (Palo Alto, CA)

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

San Francisco State University (San Francisco, CA)

• M.S. in Career Counseling
• M.S. in School Counseling
• M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.S. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
• M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

Saybrook University (Pasadena, CA)

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

The Chicago School – Online (Los Angeles, CA)

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision

University of San Diego (San Diego, CA)

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

M.A. in School Counseling

Choosing the Right Program in California

In California, the most important question isn’t only which program is strongest — it’s which California credential the program actually leads to. The state’s counseling paths are governed by different boards, so match the program to your goal before comparing anything else.

Match the Program to Your California Credential

• LPCC (clinical mental health counseling) — regulated by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). Most CACREP clinical mental health counseling programs lead here.
• LMFT (marriage and family therapy) — also BBS-regulated, but a separate license with its own degree content and exam. See our guide to COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs.
• School counseling (PPS Credential) — this is a credential, not a license, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), a different agency entirely. It’s required to work as a K-12 school counselor in California public schools.

Some California programs offer dual concentrations (for example, school counseling plus LPCC preparation), which keep both clinical and school-based careers open. Note that even a licensed LPCC working in a school setting typically still needs the PPS Credential to serve as a general school counselor.

Confirm the Program Meets BBS (or CTC) Requirements

• For LPCC or LMFT: the degree must satisfy BBS content rules. CACREP programs are built to meet them; non-CACREP, out-of-state, and online programs should be BBS-verified before you enroll.
• For school counseling: confirm the program is CTC-approved and includes the required supervised field experience.

Practicum & Internship Placement

Supervised clinical experience is required for every path. Ask each program directly: does it place you at a California site, or are you expected to find your own? For online and out-of-state programs, confirm those hours will count toward California’s requirements.

Cost: California Public vs. Private

California State University (CSU) programs are typically the most affordable option for residents, while private and out-of-state online programs run higher — and out-of-state online programs may require additional California coursework that adds to the total. Even the most affordable CACREP-accredited programs are a significant investment, so weigh cost alongside fit and licensure outcomes. Compare options on our California counseling programs page.

Making an Informed Decision

Prospective students should:

• Attend information sessions to learn about program structure and faculty.
• Speak with current students or alumni to get firsthand insights into coursework, internships, and career outcomes.
• Verify that the program meets state licensing requirements for professional counselors in California.

By carefully evaluating these factors, students can choose a CACREP-accredited program that best supports their career aspirations and educational needs.

LPCC vs. LMFT: Two Counseling Paths in California

California licenses two distinct clinical counselors, and some programs on this page prepare you for one rather than the other:

• LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) — the path most CACREP counseling master’s degrees lead to, focused on individual mental health counseling across the lifespan.
• LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) — a separate license centered on relationships, couples, and family systems, with its own degree content and its own board exam. Several California programs (and some on this list) are built specifically for the LMFT route.

Not sure which fits your goals? Compare the two in our guide to COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs and how to become a counselor in California.

Earning Your Degree Online or Out of State? Read This First

California holds residents who complete online or out-of-state degrees to the exact same BBS coursework standards as in-person students. A program designed for another state won’t automatically qualify.

Before enrolling in any online program, confirm one of the following:

• The program is CACREP-accredited (built to meet BBS content requirements), or
• The program has been evaluated and approved by the BBS, or
• The school will complete the BBS Out-of-State Degree Program Certification verifying your coursework meets California’s requirements.

Plan on additional California-specific coursework outside your degree — for example, required training in suicide risk assessment and intervention — which you’ll document when you apply for licensure.

Applying to California Counseling Programs

Application logistics in California have a few state-specific wrinkles worth planning around.

Verify Licensure Fit Before You Apply

The single most important California-specific step: confirm the program leads to your intended credential (BBS for LPCC/LMFT, CTC for school counseling) before you submit an application — especially for online or out-of-state programs, which don’t automatically meet California’s requirements.

Use the Right Application Portal

• Most California State University (CSU) counseling programs apply through Cal State Apply.
• UC campuses and private universities use their own admissions systems.
• Many online programs accept applications on a rolling basis with multiple start dates per year.

Prepare Your Materials

Most programs ask for official transcripts, a statement of purpose, two to three letters of recommendation, and a resume. A minimum GPA around 3.0 is common, and the GRE is increasingly not required.

Track California Deadlines

CSU and UC programs often have fall priority deadlines (late fall to early winter for the following year), while online programs tend toward rolling admissions. Confirm dates on each program’s site, and apply early to leave room for any required licensure-fit verification.

Joining a professional organization such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) signals commitment and provides useful application-stage resources.

Final Application Tips

• Follow all instructions carefully to avoid missing required materials.
• Proofread personal statements and resumes to ensure clarity and professionalism.
• Submit applications early to allow time for processing and potential interviews.

A well-prepared application increases the chances of being accepted into a CACREP-accredited program that aligns with your career goals.

Paying for a Counseling Degree in California

California offers some of the most generous behavioral-health loan repayment in the country — funding that can erase a large share of your degree cost in exchange for a service commitment. Start with federal aid, then layer in California-specific programs.

Step 1: Federal Aid (FAFSA)

File the FAFSA to access Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans, the foundation of most graduate funding.

Step 2: California Loan Repayment Programs (the high-value option)

California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) runs loan-repayment programs that counselors are frequently eligible for:

• Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program (MBH-SLRP) — part of the state’s BH-CONNECT workforce initiative. Non-prescribing licensed counselors and associate-level (pre-licensure) practitioners can qualify for up to $180,000 in loan repayment in exchange for a multi-year commitment serving Medi-Cal members and underserved communities. This is one of the few programs that helps you before full licensure.
• California State Loan Repayment Program (CA-SLRP) — for behavioral-health providers practicing in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
• Licensed Mental Health Services Provider Education Program (LMH) — additional HCAI loan repayment for licensed mental health professionals.

Program cycles, amounts, and eligibility change annually — always confirm current details at hcai.ca.gov.

Step 3: Federal Forgiveness

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — for counselors in government or nonprofit roles.
• NHSC Loan Repayment — for those in designated mental-health shortage areas.

Step 4: Scholarships

• NBCC Foundation Scholarships — for students committed to serving underserved populations.
• ACA Foundation Scholarships — merit-based awards for students in accredited programs.
• Institution-specific aid — most California universities offer department scholarships and graduate assistantships; ask the financial aid office directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about California CACREP Accredited Programs

Does California require a CACREP-accredited degree to become a counselor?

No. California does not require CACREP accreditation for LPCC licensure. The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) evaluates whether your degree meets its specific content requirements instead. CACREP programs are built to meet those standards, which makes the BBS review faster and more predictable.

How do I know if a counseling program is CACREP-accredited?

Check the official CACREP directory at cacrep.org, which lists every accredited program. You can also confirm accreditation on the program’s website or by contacting its counseling department. For a non-CACREP program, verify the BBS has evaluated and approved the degree before you enroll.

Can I earn a California LPCC license with an online or out-of-state degree?

Yes, but the degree must still meet California’s BBS content requirements. California residents completing online programs are held to the same standards as in-person students. Programs not designed for California typically need a BBS Out-of-State Degree Program Certification before licensure.

What exams are required to become an LPCC in California?

Two. You take the California Law and Ethics Exam during your associate (APCC) period, and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) afterward. California does not accept the NCE (National Counselor Examination).

How many supervised hours does California require for LPCC licensure?

California requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience after your degree, including 1,750 direct client contact hours — the highest direct-hour requirement in the nation. You log these as a registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). Our California LPCC licensure guide has the full breakdown.

What’s the difference between an LPCC and a school counselor in California?

An LPCC is a clinical license from the BBS for mental health counseling. A school counselor holds a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential — not a license — issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to work in K-12 public schools. They are separate paths.

Can I transfer a California LPCC license to another state?

It’s possible but not automatic. California is not a member of the Counseling Compact and has no formal LPCC reciprocity, so each state reviews your education and experience individually. Expect to meet the destination state’s requirements and possibly retake an exam.

Next Steps

Choosing a CACREP-accredited counseling program in California is an important step toward becoming a licensed professional counselor. Prospective students should carefully research programs, consider factors like specialization, format, cost, and location, and ensure they meet state licensure requirements.

To move forward:

• Explore program websites and attend information sessions.
• Contact admissions offices to clarify requirements and application deadlines.
• Seek financial aid and scholarships to support your education.
• Plan for supervised clinical experience to meet licensure standards.

A CACREP-accredited education provides a strong foundation for a successful career in mental health counseling, ensuring high-quality training and greater professional opportunities.

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Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited 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 for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.

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