Though Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation, it offers strong opportunities for students pursuing a career in counseling. With universities and colleges providing both undergraduate and graduate-level training, students can gain the knowledge and supervised experience needed for professional practice. Whether you are interested in school counseling, mental health counseling, or substance use treatment, Rhode Island’s programs can prepare you for a meaningful career helping individuals and communities thrive.
Undergraduate Counseling Programs in Rhode Island
Students interested in counseling careers in Rhode Island often begin with undergraduate studies in psychology, human development, or human services. These programs provide a strong foundation in areas such as counseling theory, research, and communication skills. Many also offer opportunities for internships or fieldwork, giving students valuable early experience.
For those seeking flexibility, an online bachelor’s degree in counseling can be a convenient option to build the academic groundwork needed for graduate-level study and eventual licensure.
Here are a few schools in Rhode Island with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:
- Rhode Island College: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Salve Regina University: M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Click to jump to the full list of Rhode Island counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| 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 Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| 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
HLC and NASAC 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)
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
Designed to adhere to CACREP standards |
✔ 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
Graduate Counseling Programs in Rhode Island
Graduate programs in counseling prepare students for advanced practice and licensure in Rhode Island. At the master’s and doctoral levels, these programs combine classroom learning with supervised clinical training to equip graduates for careers in mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and other specialties.
Students can also consider flexible learning pathways such as CACREP-accredited online counseling programs, an online master’s degree in counseling, an online master’s in counseling without a GRE, or online counseling PhD programs.
| Institution | City | Specialty | Degree |
| Johnson & Wales University | Providence | Addiction Counseling | M.S. |
| Johnson & Wales University | Providence | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. |
| Rhode Island College | Providence | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. |
| Salve Regina University | Newport | Rehabilitation Counseling | M.A. |
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Top Rhode Island Schools with Counseling Programs
The “best” counseling program depends on your personal and professional goals. The following universities represent some of Rhode Island’s leading options for counseling education. Use this list as a helpful starting point in your search:
Salve Regina University
Featured Program: Master’s in Clinical Counseling
Salve Regina University offers a 60-credit Master’s in Clinical Counseling with specializations in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Designed to integrate counselor education with a systemic, justice-centered approach, the program prepares graduates for licensure in Rhode Island and many other states. Students complete core coursework remotely, with specialization courses delivered online (synchronous) for the clinical rehabilitation track or in-person/hybrid for the holistic clinical mental health track. The curriculum emphasizes cultural humility, anti-racist practice, and client advocacy, with opportunities for graduate certificates in clinical mental health or rehabilitation counseling.
About Salve Regina University
Salve Regina University is a private Catholic university located in Newport, Rhode Island. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the university is rooted in a mission of mercy, justice, and service. Salve offers a broad range of liberal arts and professional programs, with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and community engagement. Its scenic coastal campus provides a distinctive environment for academic and personal growth.
Rhode Island College
Featured Program: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Rhode Island College offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that prepares students for licensure in Rhode Island and provides extensive training in clinical practice. The program emphasizes supervised fieldwork, including practicum and internship experiences, where students develop skills in assessment, therapy, consultation, and prevention services. Faculty bring diverse clinical and research expertise and are dedicated to teaching evidence-based, culturally responsive practices. Graduates are equipped to work in a wide range of settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, family service agencies, residential programs, and private practice.
About Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College (RIC) is a public institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. As the state’s first public institution of higher education, RIC offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The college is known for its commitment to accessibility, community engagement, and workforce development, with particular strengths in education, health, and social services. Its urban campus provides students with opportunities to connect academic learning with diverse community-based experiences.
Johnson & Wales University
Featured Program: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Johnson & Wales University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at its Providence campus. This 60-credit program can be completed full time in as little as 18 months or part time in three years. Students gain hands-on training through a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour supervised internship, preparing them for professional roles in mental health and human services. Classes are scheduled in late afternoons and evenings to accommodate fieldwork placements. Taught primarily by full-time faculty with expertise in areas such as trauma, addictions, and rehabilitation counseling, the program emphasizes practical skill development, ethical practice, and multicultural counseling.
About Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a private institution with campuses in Providence, Rhode Island, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Known for its career-focused education, JWU offers programs across business, health, hospitality, technology, and the arts and sciences. The Providence campus, where the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is based, provides students with access to extensive professional networks in New England, along with a supportive academic community and experiential learning opportunities.
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 (NASAC Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)
University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)
How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, counseling licensure is overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Board of Mental Health Counselors & Marriage/Family Therapists. The state licenses professionals under the title Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC), with an associate status available for those completing supervised practice.
Clinical Mental Health Counselor Pathway — Rhode Island Requirements
- Earn the qualifying graduate degree (60 credits).
Applicants must complete a master’s (or higher) degree in mental health counseling or a closely related field. Programs must include at least 60 semester credits (90 quarter hours). CACREP accreditation is not required but is one way to ensure your program meets Rhode Island’s curriculum standards. - Meet practicum & internship minimums.
Students must complete supervised fieldwork that meets one of two pathways:
- A CACREP-accredited practicum and internship sequence, or
- At least 12 graduate credits of supervised practicum plus a one-year internship at 20 hours per week (minimum 600 hours).
- A CACREP-accredited practicum and internship sequence, or
- Register as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate.
After graduation, individuals must first apply for an associate license in order to begin accruing post-degree supervised hours. - Complete supervised post-degree experience.
Rhode Island requires at least 2,000 hours of direct client contact completed over a minimum of 2 years, plus 100 hours of supervision with a Board-approved supervisor. - Pass the required exam.
Candidates must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) or another exam approved by the Board. - Apply for full licensure and maintain CE.
Once all requirements are met, applicants can submit for full CMHC licensure. Licensed counselors must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. Associate licenses expire after three years, though a one-year extension may be granted in special circumstances.
Need more general information? See what an LPC does, steps on how to become an LPC, and broader ways to become a counselor.
Counseling Licensure Titles in Rhode Island
Rhode Island recognizes several counseling-related licenses, each regulated by the appropriate state body. The main credentials include:
Clinical Counseling (regulated by RIDOH – Board of Mental Health Counselors & Marriage/Family Therapists)
- Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC): The primary license for professional counseling in Rhode Island.
- Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate: A pre-licensure status for graduates completing supervised experience prior to full licensure.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): For professionals specializing in couple and family therapy.
- Marriage and Family Therapist Associate: A pre-licensure credential for LMFT candidates in supervised practice.
School Counseling (regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Education – RIDE)
- School Counselor Certificate: Required for those working in PK–12 public schools. Issued by RIDE, not RIDOH, and based on completion of a master’s degree in school counseling plus other education-specific requirements.
Substance Use Disorder Counseling (regulated by the Rhode Island Certification Board – RICB)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): A credential for substance use counseling professionals.
- Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC): An advanced license for those with additional education and supervised clinical training.
- Other RICB Credentials: RICB also offers specialty certifications such as Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS).
Transferring a Counseling License to Rhode Island
Counselors licensed in another state may be eligible to transfer their credentials to Rhode Island, but the process depends on the license type and the governing body.
- Clinical Mental Health Counselors (CMHC) and LMFTs: Out-of-state applicants apply for licensure by endorsement through the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Board of Mental Health Counselors & Marriage/Family Therapists. To qualify, applicants must show that their graduate education, supervised experience, and exams are substantially equivalent to Rhode Island’s requirements. If deficiencies are identified, additional coursework, experience, or testing may be required.
- School Counselors: Out-of-state school counselors must apply through the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). RIDE reviews transcripts, certification history, and prior work experience to determine eligibility for Rhode Island school counselor certification.
- Substance Use Counselors: Alcohol and drug counseling credentials are overseen by the Rhode Island Certification Board (RICB). Reciprocity depends on the applicant’s current credential and whether it aligns with Rhode Island standards. Additional documentation or training may be required.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the relevant licensing body for current requirements:
- RIDOH Board of Mental Health Counselors & Marriage/Family Therapists – RIDOH Licensing
- RIDE – Rhode Island Department of Education
- RICB – Rhode Island Certification Board
Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in Rhode Island
Students in Rhode Island pursuing counseling degrees have access to a variety of financial aid resources that can make their education more affordable. Funding support comes from state programs, colleges and universities, and professional organizations.
Some common options include:
- State-based financial aid: The Rhode Island Foundation and other state-based organizations provide scholarships for students pursuing careers in education, psychology, or counseling.
- University scholarships: Rhode Island colleges, such as Rhode Island College and Salve Regina University, offer scholarships and assistantships for students enrolled in counseling and education programs.
- Professional associations: State and national organizations, including the Rhode Island Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association (ACA), offer scholarships, research grants, and student awards.
- Federal financial aid: Completing the FAFSA allows students to access federal grants, loans, and work-study programs to help fund their education.
Students are encouraged to check with their school’s financial aid office and local professional associations for the most up-to-date scholarship opportunities.
Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island.
| Median Annual Wage in Rhode Island (May 2024) | Median Annual Wage Nationally (May 2024) | Projected Growth in Rhode Island (2022–2032) | Projected National Growth (2022–2032) | |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $49,770 | $59,190 | 19.6% | 18.4% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $54,080 | $46,110 | 5.9% | 1.9% |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors | $71,590 | $65,140 | 5.8% | 5.4% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | NA | $63,780 | NA | 14.9% |
| Counselors, Other | NA | $49,830 | 0.0% | 17.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a CACREP-accredited degree to become licensed in Rhode Island?
No. CACREP accreditation is not required, but your degree must include at least 60 graduate credits and meet Rhode Island’s specific practicum and internship requirements. A CACREP-accredited degree can simplify the process and may make it easier to transfer your license to other states.
How long does it take to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Rhode Island?
The process typically takes 6–8 years: four years for a bachelor’s degree, two to three years for a master’s program, and at least two years to complete the required 2,000 post-graduate supervised hours.
What exam is required for counselor licensure in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires applicants to pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) or another Board-approved national exam.
Can I transfer my counseling license to Rhode Island?
Yes. Out-of-state counselors can apply for licensure by endorsement through RIDOH, provided their training and supervised experience are substantially equivalent to Rhode Island’s requirements.
Who regulates school counselors in Rhode Island?
School counseling credentials are overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), not RIDOH.
Making a Counseling Career in Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be small in size, but it offers a wide range of opportunities for those pursuing counseling careers. Licensed professionals are in demand in schools, healthcare systems, community agencies, and private practice. The state also places a strong emphasis on expanding access to mental health services and substance use treatment, particularly in underserved communities.
By completing the education, supervised training, and licensure steps, counselors in Rhode Island can join a dedicated professional community making a difference across the state. Whether you aim to become a school counselor, a clinical mental health counselor, or a substance use treatment specialist, Rhode Island provides a supportive environment to build a rewarding and impactful career.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Rhode Island College
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/7/2015 to 10/31/2024
Salve Regina University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2025
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Rhode Island
View all programs in Rhode Island below, or jump to all Rhode Island CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Community College of Rhode Island Warwick
- Associates - Mental Health Counseling
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Johnson & Wales University-Providence Providence
- Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Rhode Island College Providence
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Salve Regina University Newport
- M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
University of Rhode Island Kingston
- Doctorate - Clinical Counseling
