Counseling Degrees in Florida
As you plan to enroll in a counseling degree program in Florida or elsewhere, you will consider a few things aside from which school you will choose. The reliability of your program is increasingly important since it may be required for you to become a licensed professional counselor after graduate school.
In Florida, students should look to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling for information about licensure in counseling.
Through this agency, students can stay up to date with what types of degrees are accepted, the amount of experience needed, and any necessary exams required before a license is issued.
Here are a few schools in Florida with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Barry University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.S. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Florida Atlantic University: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Florida Gulf Coast University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) | ✔ Online No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required | Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| Capella University Master's and PhD in Counseling  CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online GRE Not Required | Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Behavior. Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling HLC and NASAC Accredited | ✔ 100% Online Over 14 Specializations Available | Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
| National Louis University M.S. in Counseling CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online No GRE Required. Bachelor’s Degree Required. Minimum GPA 3.0. | CACREP accredited program prepares you to work as a counselor in schools, private practices and mental health clinics. Concentration in Addictions, School or Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Learn More |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online Bachelor's Degree Required. | This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| Lamar University Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling SACSCOC Accredited | ✔ Online No GRE Required Minimum 3.25 Undergrad GPA | This online degree program prepares you with knowledge, training and practical experience to guide persons coping with substance abuse, marriage, family, career and other emotional issues through difficulties by giving them tools and techniques to manage their lives and decisions. Learn More |
| Sacred Heart University Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | ✔ Online Ask representative | Social justice focus, Developed with CACREP standards as a foundation. Learn More |
| Liberty University MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) 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 |
| Grand Canyon University Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Certificate NASAC Accredited | ✔ Online | Refine your communication skills and leadership style as you study matters of professional ethics in the counseling field. A total of 15 credits are required for completion for a substance abuse certificate online. The courses are eight weeks in length and can be completed online or in the evenings. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Master of Counseling Programs in Florida
The demand for online Master of Counseling programs in the state of Florida may be rising with each passing year. Universities within this state are looking for ways to accommodate the growing need for reliable online degree programs so that more residents can complete programs and fill empty positions in the field.
One university has already taken the steps needed to prove its reliability in the field of professional counseling.
Online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Hodges University
Hodges University is an online and accredited Master of Counseling program in Florida. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization that has received the accreditation could be a great option if you plan to pursue careers involved with the diagnosis and treatment of clients managing mental illness, or roles in a fast-paced clinical environment responsible for acute mental health care.
The online Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Hodges University can be completed in seven semesters (two-plus years) for many students. This program includes a thorough curriculum requiring students to attend in-person during required practicum or internship experiences. This program has received accreditation from the CACREP, which is the leading agency for counseling accreditation.
Hodges University is an excellent option for students seeking master's programs that consist of only online coursework. This university currently offers an online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which can be completed through completely online coursework.
A supervised practicum or internship may also be required before students can become licensed within their field. Students enrolling in this program may not be required to take the GRE before applying.
A different college is currently working through the steps required for program accreditation — Nova Southeastern University. Even more universities may make it through the accreditation process so that more students can have access to this program in the online setting.
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
What On-Campus Colleges Are There in Florida for Counseling?
Located in Sarasota and Ft. Myers, there are counseling programs that could be a great addition to your repertoire. Hodges University can provide students with an online program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which could help launch a career as a mental health counselor in various domains.
Regardless of which part of the population you choose to work with in the field, the skills learned throughout this program could help you be more knowledgeable about the field of counseling and more independent in your research and application of relevant practices.
Consider a Featured Online Florida Counseling Program
Professional counselors work with diverse populations of individuals who have a unique set of needs. This means that students who complete a graduate program can become substance abuse counselors, family therapists focusing on family counseling, or group counseling specialists.
Whether preparing you for private practice or jobs in public institutions, universities offer full-time clinical mental health counseling programs in Florida to help you achieve your educational goals and advance your counseling careers.
Pepperdine University - Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) Capella University - Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
National Louis University - M.S. in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lamar University - Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Sacred Heart University - Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (NECHE Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) (CACREP Accredited)Why Mental Health Counseling in Florida?
There is no better place to find a stable lifestyle and a rewarding career than in the state of Florida. With the median income coming in at around $55,660 per year according to the U.S. Census Bureau, counselors will find that this career provides an excellent quality of life. With respectable wages and overall job satisfaction levels, counselors are eager to work in the state of Florida.
The population of Florida, according to the Census Bureau, has grown to over 21 million in recent years. With a population of this size, Florida is in constant need of service providers in mental health. Those interested in enrolling in a mental health counseling program in Florida should choose from the wide variety of accredited universities in the state.
Counseling Degree Options in Florida
Prospective students can choose from many counseling degrees in Florida, including all levels and specialties.
Larger cities such as Gainesville and Miami draw in the most counseling students, offering counseling psychology, clinical counseling, and school counseling programs. These programs cater to different aspects of counseling, ranging from children to the elderly.
Regardless of which program seems the most attractive, there are vast employment opportunities for each of them. Those with undergraduate degrees can pursue employment in mental health, customer service, and even business. Graduate degrees provide for more specific career opportunities at varying levels.
Florida Counseling Degrees FAQs
How do I become a counselor in Florida?
Professional counselors must complete all prerequisites, graduate-level courses, and complete the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam to be licensed.
What is the best counseling career?
There are many types of counseling careers for you to choose from, and each one offers different salaries and benefits.
Can I be a counselor without a degree?
Most states allow addiction counseling without a graduate degree based on your field of experience and other factors.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Marriage and Family Therapists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
U.S. Census Bureau, Florida QuickFacts
Florida Counseling Licensure: Florida Counseling Licensing Boards
Florida Counseling Licensure
Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN C-08
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850/245-4474
[email protected]
http://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov/
Licensure:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Provisional Mental Health Counselor
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
School Counseling Licensure
Department of Education
Bureau of Educator Certification
325 West Gaines Street
Turlington Bldg., Room 201
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850)245-9796 (800)445-6739
[email protected]
www.fldoe.org/edcert
School Counselor [PK-12]
Florida Counseling Licensure: Florida Counseling Licensing Boards
The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling ensures that every therapist who practices in the state meets requirements for safe practice. Each practitioner must complete an approved education program before they can legally work as a social worker or counselor.
Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling is in charge of licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors. The board needs to ensure that these professionals provide competent work, a responsibility it takes seriously by disciplining them when necessary or providing resources if need be.
The Florida Board prevents abuse from occurring on the part of practitioners licensed with it since its job includes monitoring all registered members. Disciplinary actions are taken against any unprofessional behaviors such as theft or sexual assault discovered during an investigation into behavioral allegations made by clients.
Counseling Careers
Counseling jobs provide not just an opportunity to pursue interesting work that helps others, but the field offers good salaries and a strong career outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes data on several distinct counseling roles, including substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors; school and career counselors; and marriage and family therapists.
According to the BLS:
● Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors can expect a median annual salary of $47,660 and job growth from 2019-2029 of 25%.
● School and career counselors can expect a median annual salary of $58,120 and job growth from 2019-2029 of 8%.
● Marriage and family therapists can expect a median annual salary of $51,340 and job growth from 2019-2029 of 22%.
The strong across-the-board job growth is powered by several factors, including increased reliance on intervention rather than incarceration for substance abusers, growing student populations, and a focus on integrated health.
Start Your Florida Counseling Career Today
With most of the state surrounded by the ocean, Florida is a metaphorical stopping point for the United States. It is famous for its tourist retreats and beautiful beach landscape, providing an excellent place to live or take a break.
As a mental health counselor in Florida, professionals will work with residents with difficulties with stress, relationships, or just life in general. Using strategic tests and applications, counselors will provide clients with the help that they deserve.
With the focus of this state being relaxation, counselors provide an effective service.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Florida.Popular Online Counseling Programs
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
National Louis University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Lamar University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Sacred Heart University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online 🗗 Post Masters
National Louis University 🗹 Online 🗗 Doctorate
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Florida 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 Florida. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Barry University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1994 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1999 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1994 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year (Interim Report Required)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/16/2008 to 3/31/2022
Florida Atlantic University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/5/2004 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/5/2004 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2008 to 10/31/2023
Florida Gulf Coast University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2004 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2004 to 10/31/2021
Florida International University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2003 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2003 to 10/31/2020
Florida State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1994 to 3/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/12/1994 to 3/31/2020
Hodges University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/11/2012 to 3/31/2022
Jacksonville University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 12/1/2017 to 10/31/2027
Lynn University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2018 to 10/31/2027
Rollins College
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1992 to 10/31/2024
South University, West Palm Beach
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2023
Stetson University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/2000 to 10/31/2026
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/2000 to 10/31/2026
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 3/1/2002 to 5/31/2019
University of Central Florida
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1996 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/8/2008 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1996 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/2000 to 3/31/2021
University of Florida
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1979 to 8/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 3/1/1995 to 8/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 3/1/1995 to 8/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1979 to 8/31/2020
University of North Florida
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1997 to 3/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1997 to 3/31/2022
University of South Florida
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2023
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Florida
View all programs in Florida below, or jump to all Florida CACREP accredited counseling programs.Barry University Miami
- Doctorate - Clinical Counseling
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
City College-Gainesville Gainesville
- Associates - Mental Health Counseling
Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Florida Gulf Coast University Ft. Myers
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Florida International University Miami
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Florida State University Tallahassee
- Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.S./Ed.S. in Career Counseling
- M.S./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Hobe Sound Bible College Hobe Sound
- Associates - Counseling Psychology
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Hodges University Ft. Myers
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Jacksonville University Jacksonville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lynn University Boca Raton
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale
- Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
Rollins College Winter Park
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary Deerfield Beach
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
South University, West Palm Beach Royal Palm Beach
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Stetson University DeLand
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Trinity Baptist College Jacksonville
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
University of Central Florida Orlando
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A./M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Florida Gainesville
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
- Doctorate - Mental Health Counseling
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.S./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S./Ed.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.S./Ed.S. in School Counseling
University of Miami Coral Gables
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
University of North Florida Jacksonville
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of South Florida Tampa
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
