It takes a strong person to dedicate their life to assisting others with emotional problems, and for these strong people, Kentucky is a land that is rich with availability.
Through counseling degree programs, students are given the knowledge and skills needed to be reliable professionals in counseling. Kentucky has over 4 million residents. This number continues to grow each year, with more and more people being drawn to the state due to its convenient location and moderate climate.
With this growth in population, the demand for qualified professionals in this social service field will also likely be on the rise.
Here are a few schools in Kentucky with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Asbury Seminary: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Asbury Theological Seminary: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Eastern Kentucky University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A.Ed. in School Counseling
- Lindsey Wilson College: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Murray State University: Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
- Northern Kentucky University: M.A. in School Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
---|---|---|
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor's Degree in Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition |
Programs include BS in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse; BS in Psychology; and BS in Behavioral Health Science. 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 |
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 |
University of Southern California
Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling
Prepares you for school counseling credential |
✔ Live, online classes
No GRE requirement |
Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
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✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD). Learn More |
Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
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✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
LPC/MFT emphases available. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required. |
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More |
NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
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✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
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 |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Master of Counseling Programs in Kentucky
Earning your Master of Counseling degree in the online setting can provide you with an advantage over other learners in your field. Online degree programs can allow you to expand your knowledge of your field without the need for unnecessary travel to classes each day, housing plans, or even lost time from work. If you live in the state of Kentucky and are interested in pursuing your degree at a university near you, there are now 4 universities within your state that are offering online and accredited options for you to choose from.
Asbury Seminary provides an online Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that requires 60 credit hours for completion. This university also provides an advanced standing option for students that hold certain undergraduate degrees in religion or counseling after a review from the admissions department. Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky also has a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program current accredited and ready for enrollment. Students interested in this program are required to complete 60 credit hours for graduation.
The CACREP currently accredits both Asbury Seminary and Lindsey Wilson College counseling programs for students with the desire to achieve licensure within their future. Kentucky residents can also choose from the University of Kentucky's online Master of Counseling in Rehabilitation Counseling or the University of the Cumberlands online Master of Counseling in Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Counseling Education and Supervision.
All programs reviewed in this guide have been reviewed and approved as reliable and accredited online degree programs that can help you obtain your license in the field of counseling after your degree program and supervised clinical experience requirements. If you are interested in reviewing the accreditation standards or possibly a list of accredited online schools within your area, our team of educational experts encourages you to visit the CACREP website for more information.
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Counseling Programs in Kentucky
Throughout a lifetime, most people feel the urge to help someone in need numerous times. Some people feel obligated while others feel accomplished. For those that feel a sense of satisfaction while helping people, counseling is likely a career field that is fitting for their personality.
- Undergraduates get their feet wet in fields dealing with the public in indirect ways such as assisting licensed professionals or working in customer service related fields.
- Graduate students can apply to become licensed, which gives professionals even more opportunity in the field.
Overview of Master of Counseling Degrees in Kentucky
The State of Kentucky has an abundancy of options for students who wish to seek out a Master's degree in Counseling from an accredited university. Graduating from an accredited university ensures that students will be eligible to obtain licensure in that state upon completion of their graduate program.
Options for a Master of Counseling in Kentucky
Five of the universities offer the Master's in Counseling degree on campus in a traditional classroom setting.
Western Kentucky University: Multiple Specialties
Located in Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University, offers a Master's with specialties in School, Marriage and Family, or Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Eastern Kentucky University MA in Clinical Mental Health
On the opposite end of the state, Eastern Kentucky University, located in Richmond, offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health or School Counseling.
Murray State University: Multiple Concentrations
Murray State located in Murray, Kentucky, boasts a Master's degree program with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling.
Northern Kentucky University; Multiple Specializations
If you live in or close to Ohio, Northern Kentucky University is located 7 miles south of popular Cincinnati, Ohio, in Highland Heights, Kentucky offering concentrations in Clinical Mental Health or School Counseling.
University of Louisville: Options within a City
The University of Louisville has three campuses conveniently located in three areas of Louisville for easy access to traditional courses. Students have the option of concentrating in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.






Online Counseling Programs in Kentucky
While traditional campus programs are a great way to earn a Master’s in Counseling, the state of Kentucky also offers programs online at four accredited universities. Online programs offer opportunities to students who might not be able to meet during traditional classes on campus.
Asbury Seminary: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Asbury Seminary is a Theological college located in Wilmore, Kentucky. Asbury is an accredited university that offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through an online method. Another online program is available through Lindsey Wilson College located in Columbia, Kentucky. This online Master’s program specializes in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Both of these colleges also provide the same program on campus, but online programs offer the ease of learning from home with a flexible schedule to work around employment and family time.
University of Kentucky: Rehabilitation Counseling Degree
The University of Kentucky is the only university in the state to offer an accredited online concentration in Rehabilitation Counseling. For individuals interested in working with clients with disabilities, you have the option to earn an MS online at the University of Kentucky, or on their campus located in Lexington, Kentucky.
University of the Cumberlands: Addiction or Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of the Cumberlands has two campuses in Kentucky for convenient access. Students can concentrate on Addiction Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling at either location in Williamsburg or the north campus which is in Florence, Kentucky. However, students have the option of completing an MA in Counseling with these two specialties solely online through the University of the Cumberlands. With all these options, students seeking a degree in Counseling are sure to find a good fit in Kentucky. Students interested in applying for a licensure should contact the Kentucky Board of Licensing Professional Counselors.
Kentucky Counseling Degrees
- 20 different counseling degrees in Kentucky
- According to the BLS, average salary for Kentucky counselors is around $44,590 annually
Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?
Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.Kentucky Counseling Licensure: Kentucky Counseling Licensing Boards
Kentucky Counseling Licensure
Board of Licensed Professional Counselors
P.O. Box 1360
Frankfort, KY 40602
502/564-3296, x239
http://lpc.ky.gov
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)
School Counseling Licensure
Education Professional Standards Board
Division of Certification
100 Airport Road, 3rd Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-4606(888) 598-7667
[email protected]
www.kyepsb.net
Guidance Counselor [PreK-12]
Working as a Counselor in Kentucky
Counseling is a diverse field. Offering degrees ranging from school counseling to general mental health counseling, Kentucky provides a great foundation for those interested in providing direct care to the public.
Since the state of Kentucky requires counselors to be licensed before providing direct care, graduate degrees are the most popular type of degree program for this area.
The median income for counselors in Kentucky settles at around $44,590 per year. Counselors dedicated their professional lives to the betterment of humanity, making this a highly sought out field for individuals and businesses that are in need of emotional guidance.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Kentucky.Popular Online Counseling Programs
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Kentucky 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 Kentucky. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Asbury Seminary
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/7/2016 to 10/31/2024
Asbury Theological Seminary
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2024
Eastern Kentucky University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/2001 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/2001 to 10/31/2020
Lindsey Wilson College
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1994 to 8/20/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/12/2016 to 8/20/2020
Murray State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2013 to 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2013 to 10/31/2022
Northern Kentucky University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2021
University of Kentucky
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2021
University of Louisville
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2012 to 10/31/2021
University of the Cumberlands
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/31/2014 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
Western Kentucky University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2003 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2003 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/11/2012 to 3/31/2021
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Kentucky
View all programs in Kentucky below, or jump to all Kentucky CACREP accredited counseling programs.Asbury Seminary Wilmore
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Asbury Theological Seminary Wilmore
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Brescia University Owensboro
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- Bachelors - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Eastern Kentucky University Richmond
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A.Ed. in School Counseling
Kentucky Christian University Grayson
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Lindsey Wilson College Columbia
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Murray State University Murray
- Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Kentucky Lexington
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Louisville Louisville
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg
- Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.A. in Addiction Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Western Kentucky University Bowling Green
- M.A.E. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A.E. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A.E. in School Counseling