List of Counseling Degrees in Massachusetts

Massachusetts trains aspiring counselors through its powerhouse network of universities and colleges. The Bay State offers strong programs in school counseling, clinical practice, and community services—each designed to get you working directly with real clients and communities. From Boston’s diverse neighborhoods to smaller New England towns, students gain hands-on experience across different populations and settings, building the practical skills that define effective counselors.

Undergraduate Counseling Programs in Massachusetts

Undergraduate programs in Massachusetts provide students with a strong academic foundation in psychology, human development, and counseling-related studies. While a bachelor’s degree does not qualify graduates for counseling licensure, it is an important first step toward graduate training and professional practice.

Students can choose from programs at major public universities, private colleges, and online institutions. Coursework often covers counseling theories, abnormal psychology, lifespan development, and research methods. Many graduates move into master’s programs to meet licensure requirements.For students seeking more flexibility, an online bachelor’s degree in counseling can provide a convenient way to prepare for graduate study while balancing work or family responsibilities.

Graduate Counseling Programs in Massachusetts

Graduate education is essential for students pursuing counseling licensure in Massachusetts. The state is home to numerous universities that offer master’s and doctoral counseling programs, including CACREP-accredited online counseling degree programs that meet national standards for professional preparation. These programs prepare students for careers in school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and related specialties.

For added flexibility, many students consider online master’s degree in counseling programs. Some institutions also offer online master’s in counseling without a GRE, which can simplify the admissions process. Students who want to pursue advanced research, teaching, or leadership roles may also explore online counseling PhD programs.

Institution	City	Specialty	Degree	Online Options Available?
Assumption University	Worcester	Rehabilitation Counseling	M.A.
Boston University	Boston	Clinical Mental Health Counseling	M.A.
Bridgewater State University	Bridgewater	School Counseling	M.Ed.
Bridgewater State University	Bridgewater	Clinical Mental Health Counseling	M.Ed.
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton	South Hamilton	Clinical Mental Health Counseling	M.A.
Springfield College	Springfield	Rehabilitation Counseling	M.Ed./M.S.	Y
Springfield College	Springfield	Clinical Mental Health Counseling	M.Ed./M.S.
University of Massachusetts Boston	Boston	Rehabilitation Counseling	M.S.	Y
University of Massachusetts Boston	Boston	Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling	M.S.	Y

Top Massachusetts Schools with Counseling Programs

When considering counseling programs in Massachusetts, it’s important to remember that the “best” school depends on your career goals, interests, and preferred learning style. The following institutions represent some of the respected options in the state and can serve as a strong starting point in your search.

Boston University

Featured Program: M.A. in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine
Boston University’s M.A. in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine stands out as the only CACREP-accredited counseling program housed within a medical school. This two-year, 60-credit, in-person program combines counseling training with coursework in behavioral medicine, neuroscience, and psychopharmacology, providing a distinctive foundation for future mental health professionals.

Students complete both a semester-long practicum and a year-long internship, gaining extensive experience at sites such as the VA, Boston Medical Center, college counseling centers, refugee and trauma clinics, integrated primary care, forensic settings, prisons, and treatment centers for substance use and eating disorders. With faculty who are practicing clinicians and researchers, the program emphasizes evidence-based approaches while offering exposure to a wide array of client populations and career paths.

About Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Founded in 1873 and located in Boston’s South End, the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine is an internationally recognized institution for medical education and research. The Graduate Medical Sciences division offers over 30 advanced degree programs, fostering interdisciplinary learning within a major academic medical center.

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Assumption University

Featured Program: M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Assumption University’s M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling prepares students for rewarding careers as Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) and related counseling professionals. Accredited by CACREP, this 60-credit program combines a strong academic foundation with extensive experiential training, including a practicum and internship in rehabilitation and human services settings. Students may complete the degree online or in a blended online/on-campus format, offering flexibility for working professionals.

The curriculum emphasizes individual and group counseling, medical and psychiatric rehabilitation, cultural diversity, case and disability management, vocational assessment, and advocacy. With small classes, personalized advising, and over 50 years of experience training rehabilitation counselors, the program equips graduates to serve in diverse environments such as vocational rehabilitation, psychiatric rehabilitation, addiction treatment, youth transition services, and veteran support programs.

About Assumption University
Founded in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University is a Catholic institution rooted in the Augustinian tradition. The university is recognized nationally for its Rehabilitation Counseling program and its commitment to preparing graduates for compassionate service, leadership, and professional excellence.

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Springfield College

Featured Program: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Springfield College offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a 60-credit program designed to prepare students for licensure as mental health counselors. The program blends counseling theory with extensive clinical training, including a practicum and internship, with particular emphasis on trauma-informed care. Students may begin in the fall or spring semester and study full- or part-time, completing the degree in approximately two to three years.

The curriculum covers psychopathology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and multicultural counseling. Distinctive features include Spanish language coursework and supervision to prepare bilingual counselors, as well as a focus on culturally competent practice and social justice advocacy. Courses are delivered on campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, with online options available for students in the Boston/New England region.

About Springfield College
Founded in 1885 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Springfield College is known for its Humanics philosophy, which emphasizes educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. The college maintains a strong reputation for training professionals in health, education, and human services and is committed to equity and access in mental health care.

Here are a few schools in Massachusetts with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:

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

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs

How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Massachusetts

Counselors in Massachusetts are regulated by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions. The state’s primary counseling credential is the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

Here are the general steps to becoming licensed:

1. Earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling
   
   • The program must be in counseling or a closely related field and include coursework in counseling theory, ethics, assessment, and practicum/internship experience. CACREP-accredited programs are recommended.
     
2. Apply for Licensure as an LMHC
   
   • Graduates apply for the LMHC license, which requires review of transcripts and supervised fieldwork.
     
3. Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
   
   • Massachusetts requires 3,360 hours of supervised post-master’s clinical experience, including 960 hours of direct client contact.
     
4. Pass the Required Examination
   
   • Candidates must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
     
5. Maintain Licensure
   
   • LMHCs must complete continuing education credits each renewal cycle, including coursework in ethics.
     

Helpful resources to explore:

• Learn more about the LPC equivalent role
  
• Step-by-step guide on how to become an LPC
  
• General information on how to become a counselor

Counseling Licensure Titles in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions oversees most counseling licensure. The state primarily recognizes the following titles:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  
  • The primary counseling license in Massachusetts. LMHCs are qualified to assess, diagnose, and provide therapy independently across clinical and community settings.
    
• Other Related Licenses
  
  • In addition to LMHCs, this Board licenses professions such as Marriage and Family Therapy, Rehabilitation Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEP). LEPs focus on psychoeducational assessment and school psychology, which is different from K–12 school counselor certification, the latter being regulated separately by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

School Counselor License
Issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, this credential is required for individuals working in K–12 school settings. It requires a graduate degree in school counseling, along with practicum and internship experience.

These titles provide flexibility for Massachusetts counseling professionals to pursue careers in education, clinical mental health, and specialized practice.

Transferring a Counseling License to Massachusetts

Counselors licensed in another state may be able to practice in Massachusetts through licensure by reciprocity or endorsement, managed by the Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions.

Applicants must:

• Hold a current, active counseling license in good standing from another state
  
• Provide verification of licensure and exam results (such as the NCMHCE)
  
• Submit official transcripts showing completion of a qualifying master’s or doctoral counseling program
  
• Document supervised clinical experience equivalent to Massachusetts’ requirements (3,360 hours, including 960 direct client hours)
  

Massachusetts does not have blanket reciprocity agreements. Each application is reviewed individually to ensure education, exams, and supervised experience are substantially equivalent to state standards.

For the most up-to-date details, visit the Massachusetts Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions.

Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in Massachusetts

Students pursuing counseling degrees in Massachusetts have access to a wide range of scholarships, grants, and loan assistance programs. These opportunities come from the state, universities, and professional organizations.

Some options to consider include:

• MASSGrant
  
  • A need-based state grant program available to Massachusetts residents enrolled in eligible institutions.
    
• University-Based Scholarships and Assistantships
  
  • Schools such as Boston University, Assumption University, and Springfield College offer scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships to counseling students.
    
• Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)
  
  • Provides financial planning tools and resources to help students manage college costs.
    
• Professional Association Awards
  
  • Organizations such as the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MaMHCA) and national groups like the American Counseling Association (ACA) may offer scholarships and research awards.
    
• Loan Forgiveness Programs
  
  • Counselors working in underserved areas may qualify for federal programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or state-specific repayment assistance programs.
    

Students should also contact their school’s financial aid office to learn about current opportunities and deadlines.

Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts.

	Median Annual Wage in Massachusetts (May 2024)	Median Annual Wage Nationally (May 2024)	Projected Growth in Massachusetts (2022–2032)	Projected National Growth (2022–2032)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	$59,030	$59,190	19.4%	18.4%
Rehabilitation Counselors	$45,730	$46,110	3.7%	1.9%
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors	$78,840	$65,140	13.0%	5.4%
Marriage and Family Therapists	$62,290	$63,780	13.0%	14.9%
Counselors, Other	$58,120	$49,830	16.7%	17.3%

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

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Massachusetts

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a master’s degree to become a counselor in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts requires at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field to qualify for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

What is the main counseling license in Massachusetts?
The LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) is the primary counseling credential in the state, allowing independent practice in clinical and community settings.

Are online counseling degrees accepted in Massachusetts?
Yes. Online counseling degrees are accepted if they are properly accredited and meet Massachusetts’ coursework and supervised practicum requirements.

How long does it take to become licensed in Massachusetts?
Most students spend about 6–7 years from starting a bachelor’s program to achieving LMHC licensure, including graduate study and supervised experience.

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

What are the continuing education requirements for counselors in Massachusetts?
LMHCs must complete continuing education each renewal cycle, including coursework in ethics and professional practice.

Making a Counseling Career in Massachusetts

Massachusetts provides a strong professional environment for those pursuing counseling careers. With its combination of world-class universities, urban centers like Boston, and smaller communities across the state, counselors have diverse opportunities to serve individuals, families, and communities.

Some highlights of pursuing a counseling career in Massachusetts include:

• High demand for mental health services — particularly in urban and underserved rural areas.
  
• Diverse career pathways — from clinical practice and school counseling to substance use treatment and community mental health.
  
• Active professional community — organizations such as the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MaMHCA) and other state and national groups provide advocacy, continuing education, and networking opportunities.
  

For students and professionals dedicated to helping others, Massachusetts offers both strong training opportunities and meaningful career pathways in counseling.