List of Counseling Degrees in Maine

Maine presents wonderful counseling degree opportunities for students passionate about helping individuals, families, and communities flourish. Whether you choose from programs at respected public universities, intimate private colleges, or flexible online options, you’ll be well-prepared for rewarding careers in school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and community services. From the bustling coastal city of Portland to charming rural towns nestled among pine forests and rolling hills, Maine’s counseling programs offer rich, diverse learning experiences that truly reflect the distinctive character and needs of the state’s close-knit communities.

Undergraduate Counseling Programs in Maine

Undergraduate counseling-related programs in Maine give students a strong academic foundation in psychology, human development, and the social sciences. While a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify graduates for counseling licensure, it is an important step toward graduate-level study.

Students can find programs at public universities, private colleges, and online institutions. Coursework typically covers topics such as counseling theories, lifespan development, research methods, and abnormal psychology. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions in human services or continue on to a master’s program in counseling to meet licensure requirements.

For students who prefer more flexible options, an online bachelor’s degree in counseling can provide an accessible way to begin preparing for a counseling career while balancing work and personal commitments.

Graduate Counseling Programs in Maine

For students who want to become licensed counselors in Maine, graduate-level training is required. The state is home to universities offering master’s and doctoral programs in counseling, including CACREP-accredited counseling programs that meet national standards for education and licensure preparation. These programs prepare students for careers in school counseling, clinical practice, and community mental health.

In addition to in-state programs, many students explore online master’s degree in counseling options for added flexibility. For applicants who prefer to avoid standardized testing, there are online master’s in counseling with no GRE. Students interested in advanced research, leadership, or teaching may also consider online counseling PhD programs.

Click to jump to the full list of Maine 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 Maine Schools with Counseling Programs

When selecting a counseling program, it’s important to remember that the “best” choice will depend on your goals, interests, and learning style. The following institutions are among the respected options in Maine and can serve as a starting point in your search.

Husson University

Featured Program: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Husson University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that requires 63 credit hours, including a 900-hour internship and a practicum. The curriculum covers counseling theory and skills, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, human development, career counseling, and research application. Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure in Maine as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and to sit for national certifications such as the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC).

About Husson University
Located in Bangor, Maine, Husson University is a private institution committed to career-focused education in health, business, and professional studies. The university emphasizes hands-on training and strong student support, preparing graduates to succeed in professional counseling roles across clinical, community, and private practice settings.

University of Southern Maine

Featured Program: M.S. in Counseling, School Counseling Concentration
The University of Southern Maine offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, preparing graduates to serve as developmental specialists and leaders in K–12 schools. The program emphasizes academic, social-emotional, and career support while training students to design and implement comprehensive, data-driven counseling programs. Coursework integrates individual and group counseling theories, consultation, ethical practice, and culturally responsive approaches with diverse populations.

About the University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine, part of the University of Maine System, is a public institution with campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston. USM combines strong academics with community engagement, preparing graduates to contribute to the educational, social, and professional well-being of their communities throughout Maine 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 Maine

Counselors in Maine are regulated by the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure. The primary credential is the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), which allows for independent practice.

Here are the general steps to becoming licensed:

1. Earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling
   
   • The degree must be from a counseling or closely related field and include coursework in counseling theories, ethics, diagnosis, and practicum/internship experience.
     
2. Apply for Conditional Licensure (LCPC-C)
   
   • Graduates first apply for a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor – Conditional (LCPC-C) credential, which allows them to begin practicing under supervision.
     
3. Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
   
   • Maine requires 3,000 hours of supervised post-master’s counseling experience, including direct client contact hours.
     
4. Pass the National Examination
   
   • Candidates must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
     
5. Apply for Full LCPC Licensure
   
   • Once supervised hours and exam requirements are met, candidates can apply for full independent licensure.
     
6. Maintain Licensure
   
   • Continuing education is required for renewal, including ethics coursework.
     

Helpful resources to explore:

General information on how to become a counselor

Learn more about the LPC credential and its equivalents

Step-by-step guidance on how to become an LPC

Counseling Licensure Titles in Maine

Maine recognizes a few counseling-related licenses, each representing different stages of professional development:

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor – Conditional (LCPC-C)
  
  • A provisional license for graduates who have completed a qualifying master’s degree. The LCPC-C allows counselors to practice under supervision while completing required post-master’s experience.
    
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
  
  • The full independent counseling license in Maine. LCPCs can provide mental health services, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, across clinical, community, and private practice settings.
    
• School Counselor Certification
  
  • Managed by the Maine Department of Education, this credential is required for professionals working in K–12 schools. It requires a master’s degree in school counseling and supervised fieldwork.
    

These licensure options allow counseling professionals in Maine to pursue careers in educational, clinical, and community environments.

Transferring a Counseling License to Maine

Counselors licensed in another state may be eligible to practice in Maine through licensure by endorsement, overseen by the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure.

Applicants must:

• Hold a current counseling license in good standing from another state
  
• Provide verification of licensure and exam results (such as the NCE or NCMHCE)
  
• Submit official transcripts from a qualifying graduate counseling program
  
• Document supervised post-master’s clinical experience equivalent to Maine’s 3,000-hour requirement
  

Maine does not offer automatic reciprocity, but the Board will review applications to determine if the applicant’s education and experience are substantially equivalent to Maine’s standards.

For the most up-to-date details, visit the Maine Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure.

Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in Maine

Students in Maine pursuing counseling degrees can access several financial aid resources to help make their education more affordable. Options include state-funded programs, university-based awards, and professional organization support.

Some opportunities to explore include:

• Maine State Grant Program
  
  • Provides need-based aid to eligible Maine residents attending in-state institutions.
    
• University and College Scholarships
  
  • Institutions such as Husson University and the University of Southern Maine offer merit- and need-based scholarships, as well as graduate assistantships for counseling students.
    
• Maine Community Foundation Scholarships
  
  • Offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to Maine students, including those in graduate programs.
    
• Professional Association Awards
  
  • Organizations like the Maine Counseling Association (MeCA) and national groups such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) offer information and scholarships.
    
• Loan Forgiveness Programs
  
  • Counselors working in underserved communities or schools may qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs.
    

Students should also explore their institution’s financial aid office for additional opportunities and deadlines.

Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in Maine

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 Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a master’s degree to become a counselor in Maine?
Yes. Maine requires at least a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field to qualify for licensure as an LCPC.

What is the difference between an LCPC-C and an LCPC in Maine?
An LCPC-C is a conditional license that allows graduates to practice under supervision while completing clinical experience hours. An LCPC is the full independent license that permits counselors to assess, diagnose, and treat clients.

Are online counseling degrees accepted in Maine?
Yes. Online programs are accepted if they are properly accredited and meet Maine’s coursework and practicum requirements for licensure.

How long does it take to become licensed in Maine?
Most students spend about 6–7 years from starting a bachelor’s degree to earning full LCPC licensure, including graduate study and 3,000 hours of supervised experience.

Can I transfer my counseling license from another state to Maine?
Yes. Maine allows licensure by endorsement if your education, supervised hours, and exam results are substantially equivalent to state standards.

What are the continuing education requirements for LCPCs in Maine?
Licensed counselors must complete continuing education credits for each renewal cycle, including coursework in ethics.

Making a Counseling Career in Maine

Maine offers a supportive environment for counseling professionals who want to make a difference in their communities. With both urban centers like Portland and Bangor and many rural areas across the state, counselors are needed in schools, hospitals, community agencies, and private practice.

Some highlights of pursuing a counseling career in Maine include:

• Strong demand in rural regions — where access to mental health professionals is often limited.
  
• Variety of career pathways — including clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and substance use treatment.
  
• Supportive professional community — organizations such as the Maine Counseling Association (MeCA) provide advocacy, continuing education, and networking opportunities.
  

For those dedicated to helping others, Maine offers both the educational pathways and professional opportunities to build a meaningful and impactful counseling career.

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 Maine 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 Maine. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Maine

View all programs in Maine below, or jump to all Maine CACREP accredited counseling programs.