List of Counseling Degrees in District of Columbia

Washington, D.C. is home to a number of nationally recognized universities that offer counseling programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. From large research institutions to smaller private colleges, students can find programs that combine academic excellence with access to diverse practicum and internship opportunities across the metropolitan area. With options ranging from school counseling to clinical mental health, D.C.’s higher education landscape provides a strong foundation for those preparing to enter the counseling profession.

Undergraduate Counseling Programs in DC

Students in Washington, D.C. can begin preparing for a counseling career through undergraduate degrees in psychology, human development, or human services. These programs introduce theories of behavior, communication skills, and social science foundations that prepare graduates for advanced study in counseling at the master’s level, which is required for licensure.

Common majors that provide a strong starting point include:

• Psychology – Broad study of behavior, cognition, and mental health.
  
• Human Services – Training in case management, social support, and community services.
  
• Family Studies or Child Development – Insights into growth, family systems, and developmental stages.
  
• Social Work (BSW) – Focus on advocacy and helping professions, with opportunities to continue into advanced practice.
  

For those who need flexibility, students may also want to explore an online bachelor’s degree in counseling, which provides foundational coursework while allowing for greater schedule flexibility.

Graduate Counseling Programs in DC

Graduate-level study is essential for students who plan to become licensed counselors in Washington, D.C. Master’s and doctoral programs in counseling provide advanced coursework in counseling theory, supervised practicum and internship experiences, and preparation for national exams required for licensure.

For students seeking flexibility, there are also CACREP-accredited online counseling programs. Options include an online master’s degree in counseling, an online master’s in counseling without a GRE, and online counseling PhD programs.

The following CACREP-accredited programs represent some of the top graduate counseling options in Washington, D.C.

Click to jump to the full list of District of Columbia counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants.

School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
Walden University MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More
Walden University MS in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. 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 Full-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available Learn More
Northwestern University Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited	✔ Online GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required	The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More
Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online	Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling 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
National University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling WSCUC Accredited	✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required	The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities. Learn More
University of Denver Master of Arts in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required	Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Complete in as few as 24 months. Learn More
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Higher Learning Commission (HLC)	✔ Online 100% Online	Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. Learn More

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs

Walden University

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Click for admissions info.

CACREP Accredited

✔ Online

Top DC Schools with Counseling Programs

Washington, D.C. is home to several universities offering strong graduate programs in counseling. While the definition of “best” varies by individual needs and career goals, the schools below represent excellent options within the District. Use this list as a starting point in your exploration.

George Washington University

Featured Program: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The George Washington University’s Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program designed to prepare ethical, compassionate, and effective counselors. Students gain counseling foundations through coursework in theory, assessment, and multicultural competence, and develop practical skills through supervised practicum and a two-semester internship at GW’s Community Counseling Services Center and partner agencies. Graduates are prepared for board certification as National Certified Counselors (NCC) and licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC).

About The George Washington University
Founded in 1821 and located in the heart of Washington, D.C., GW is a private research university with a strong tradition of public service and global engagement. The Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) provides students with access to nationally recognized faculty, professional associations, and diverse urban and suburban clinical sites, equipping graduates for impactful careers in counseling across human services, healthcare, education, and government sectors.

Trinity Washington University

Featured Program: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Trinity Washington University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program that prepares graduates for licensure as professional counselors in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and other states. Students engage in coursework and clinical training, including a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, to develop competencies in areas such as diagnosis, crisis intervention, trauma, addictions, expressive therapies, and treatment planning. The program’s location in Washington, D.C. provides unique opportunities to work with diverse client populations, engage in policy and advocacy efforts, and pursue career pathways in federal agencies, schools, hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice.

About Trinity Washington University
Founded in 1897, Trinity Washington University is a private, Catholic institution located in Washington, D.C. Known for its commitment to social justice, leadership development, and accessible education, Trinity offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its five schools. The university’s urban setting provides students with access to a broad range of professional opportunities, particularly in government, advocacy, and community-based organizations throughout the nation’s capital.

University of the District of Columbia

Featured Program: M.S. in Counseling – School Counseling
The University of the District of Columbia offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration that prepares graduates to enhance students’ academic, career, and social-emotional development. The program emphasizes small class sizes, personalized advising, and practical training, including a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship with close faculty supervision. UDC’s program provides a dual licensure pathway, allowing students to pursue certification as a school counselor through OSSE and licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the District of Columbia. Graduates are well-prepared to support P–12 students while also qualifying for broader career opportunities in hospitals, mental health clinics, social service agencies, and government programs.

About the University of the District of Columbia
Founded in 1851, UDC is the only public university in Washington, D.C., and a historically Black university (HBCU). As a land-grant institution, UDC emphasizes accessibility, community engagement, and workforce preparation. The School of Education, Health, and Social Work provides accredited professional programs that prepare graduates to meet the educational and mental health needs of diverse populations in the capital region and beyond.

Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)

University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)

How to Become a Licensed Counselor in DC

To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the District of Columbia, candidates must satisfy education, supervised experience, examination, and licensing requirements set by the Board of Professional Counseling under DC Health.

Education and Graduate Training

• Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field, from an accredited institution.
  
• The program must consist of at least 60 graduate credit hours, covering counseling core areas and including supervised practicum/internship.
  
• Coursework, internship, and practicum must be documented in forms required by the Board.
  

Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)

• After or near completion of the degree, individuals may apply for the LGPC credential.
  
• This credential allows for supervised practice while accruing post-graduate experience toward full LPC licensure.
  
• Applicants must meet the 48-credit threshold and any examination requirements adopted by the Board.
  

Supervised Postgraduate Experience

• Accumulate 3,500 hours of professional counseling under supervision, within a period not less than 2 years and not more than 5 years.
  
• 200 hours of the 3,500 must be immediate supervision:
  
  • At least 100 hours must be individual (one-on-one) immediate supervision.
    
  • For every 35 hours of counseling work, at least 1 hour of immediate supervision is required.
    
• Supervisors must be licensed professionals (e.g. LPC, psychologist, independent clinical social worker), and must submit signed statements verifying hours.
  
• The performance during the supervised period must be rated satisfactory by supervisors.
  
• The Board may extend the 5-year limit for good cause.
  

Examination

• Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE), or an equivalent examination as accepted by DC, with scores submitted directly from the testing agency.
  
• In some cases, prior examination passage in another jurisdiction may be accepted in lieu of retaking the NCE.
  

Application for LPC Licensure

• Submit the LPC application to DC Health’s Board of Professional Counseling. Requirements include:
  
  • Official transcripts
    
  • Form documenting internship/practicum (if non-CACREP)
    
  • Supervised experience forms and supervision calculation forms
    
  • Verification of exam passage
    
  • Criminal background check and other screening documents
    
  • National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report
    
  • Any additional affidavits or forms required by the Board
    

License Maintenance and Continuing Education

• LPC licenses expire on December 31 of even-numbered years under current rules.
  
• To renew, licensees must complete 40 hours of approved continuing education every two-year cycle.
  
  • At least 6 hours must cover ethics
    
  • At least 4 hours must cover trauma counseling
    
  • At least 2 hours must cover cultural competence / LGBTQ topics (these are separate from public health priority requirements)
    
  • A portion of CE must address public health priorities, as determined by DC Health
    
• LPCs in their first renewal are exempt from the CE requirement.
  

For a broader perspective, see what it means to become a counselor, explore the steps for how to become an LPC, and review details about the LPC role.

Counseling Licensure Titles in DC

The D.C. Board of Professional Counseling regulates several counseling credentials in the District. Each license reflects a different stage of development or specialization, depending on one’s education, supervised experience, and practice focus.

Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)

• A provisional credential for recent counseling graduates
  
• Allows supervised practice while completing required post-graduate experience toward full licensure (LPC)
  

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

• The main license for independent counseling practice in D.C.
  
• Enables work in clinical, community, private practice, and other settings
  

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

• A separate license for clinicians focusing on couples, marriages, and family systems
  
• Has its own educational, supervisory, and exam requirements distinct from LPC
  

School Counselor (PreK–12)

• Certified by OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education), rather than by the Board of Professional Counseling
  
• Works in schools providing academic, career, social-emotional, and sometimes mental wellness support
  
• Requires a master’s degree in counseling (or equivalent) and supervised school counseling experience under OSSE rules
  

These credential titles reflect the pathways available to counseling professionals in DC, whether their focus is general mental health, relational therapy, or working within school settings.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

Walden University 🗹 Online Masters

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Walden University 🗹 Online Masters

MS in School Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Online MA in Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

COAMFTE Accredited

Learn More

Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

Master's Degree in Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Liberty University 🗹 Online

MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

WSCUC Accredited

Learn More

University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Arts in School Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online

Master of Science (MS) in Counseling

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited

Learn More

The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CACREP Accredited

Learn More

Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in District of Columbia

View all programs in District of Columbia below, or jump to all District of Columbia CACREP accredited counseling programs.

Transferring a Counseling License to DC

Counselors licensed in another jurisdiction may pursue DC licensure via endorsement. The District’s Board of Professional Counseling examines each application to determine whether the applicant’s credentials meet or substantially approximate DC’s standards.

Key Considerations

• Education
  Applicants must hold a graduate degree (master’s or higher) in counseling or a closely related field, with a minimum of 60 semester credit hours of approved coursework.
  
• Supervised Experience
  Applicants must document 3,500 hours of post-degree clinical counseling under supervision, conforming to DC’s required breakdowns of general supervision, immediate supervision, and individual supervision as per Board rules.
  
• Examinations
  Proof of passing a Board-approved national counseling exam (or equivalent exam accepted by DC) must be submitted, with verification sent directly from the testing body.
  
• Proof of Licensure
  Applicants must provide official verification(s) of their current or prior professional counseling license(s), in good standing, from each jurisdiction in which they have been licensed.
  
• Application & Supporting Materials
  Applicants must submit:
  
  • Official transcripts
    
  • Supervision verification forms and supervision calculation forms
    
  • Internship/practicum documentation (especially if non-CACREP)
    
  • Criminal background check and screening responses
    
  • National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query
    
  • Application fee and demographic data
    
• Special Pathways / Attestations
  
  • Applicants with five or more years of independent post-licensure clinical counseling experience may submit a written attestation statement of their practice in lieu of certain supervision forms.
    
  • Applicants who have held an independent professional counseling license for at least three years may submit the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential in lieu of other examination requirements.
    
• Board Review & Discretion
  The Board reviews each endorsement application individually. It may request additional documentation or require remedial steps if the applicant’s credentials fall short of DC’s standards.
  

For details and application materials, visit the D.C. Board of Professional Counseling.

Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in DC

Students in Washington, D.C. pursuing counseling degrees have access to a variety of financial aid opportunities to help manage tuition costs. These options include:

• District-based aid – Programs such as the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) help qualifying residents offset the cost of attending eligible colleges and universities.
  
• University scholarships – Local institutions like George Washington University, Trinity Washington University, and the University of the District of Columbia offer scholarships and assistantships for counseling and psychology students.
  
• National awards – Organizations such as the NBCC Foundation and the American Counseling Association provide information about scholarships, fellowships, and grants that are open to D.C. students.
  
• Federal student aid – Through the FAFSA, students may qualify for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
  

By combining local programs, institutional aid, and national resources, counseling students in D.C. can find multiple ways to make their education more affordable.

Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in DC

Understanding the career landscape is an important step when considering a counseling degree. The data in the following table was gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2025 and provides insights into employment trends and average salaries for counseling professionals in Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a master’s degree to become a counselor in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. To qualify for licensure as an LPC, you must complete at least 60 graduate semester hours in counseling or a related field.

What is the difference between an LGPC and an LPC?
An LGPC (Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor) is a provisional license that allows counseling graduates to practice under supervision. An LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the full license for independent practice.

How many supervised hours are required for LPC licensure in D.C.?
The Board requires 3,500 hours of counseling experience over 2–5 years, including at least 200 hours of direct supervision (100 of which must be individual, face-to-face).

Which exams are accepted for LPC licensure in D.C.?
The District accepts the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

Are school counselors licensed through the same board as LPCs?
No. School counselors in D.C. are licensed through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), while LPCs are licensed by the Board of Professional Counseling.

Making a Counseling Career in DC

Washington, D.C. offers unique opportunities for aspiring counselors. With nationally recognized universities, diverse practicum settings across schools, hospitals, and community organizations, and a clear licensure pathway through the Board of Professional Counseling, the District provides a strong foundation for building a career in the field.

The demand for qualified counselors remains high, particularly in areas such as mental health, school counseling, and trauma-informed care. Combined with local financial aid programs, national scholarships, and flexible online learning options, Washington, D.C. is an excellent place for students and professionals to pursue and advance their counseling careers.