Online Counseling Degrees in Texas

Start a career providing counseling to individuals in the Lone Star State. From educational counseling to substance abuse and mental health counseling, there are many ways to apply your knowledge and passion to help individuals in your state. If you’re exploring how to become a counselor in the state of Texas, review highly rated options to earn an online counseling degree in Texas from an accredited program.

Consider an online counseling program: Learn more.
Online Counseling Programs At Walden

Online Counseling Degrees in Texas

Start a career providing counseling to individuals in the Lone Star State. From educational counseling to substance abuse and mental health counseling, there are many ways to apply your knowledge and passion to help individuals in your state. If you’re exploring how to become a counselor in the state of Texas, review highly rated options to earn an online counseling degree in Texas from an accredited program.

Online master’s in counseling programs could be a great choice for students looking for convenient options for their degree programs. Find out more about flexible virtual learning opportunities that will prepare you for becoming a licensed counselor in the Lone Star State.

Here are a few schools in Texas with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:
  • Sam Houston State University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
  • Seminary of the Southwest: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Southern Methodist University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.S. in School Counseling
  • St. Edward's University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Click to jump to the full list of Texas counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants.

Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program


Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

How to Become an LPC in Texas

One prospective career path in the field of counseling is licensed professional counselor (LPC). Licensed professional counselors are qualified to provide assistance and counseling support to individuals in a clinical setting. This career path can include substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling, and other specialized forms of counseling. Most licensed professional counselors earn a master’s degree before providing mental health counseling. Thankfully, there are many options to earn a counseling degree online in Texas.

Completing an online counseling degree in Texas can be a worthwhile experience for other reasons as well. Students who devote additional time to obtain an advanced degree can potentially reap the rewards of better paying jobs and promotion opportunities through their current employer.

Master’s in Counseling Education Requirements in Texas

Those wondering how to become an LPC in Texas should understand the full requirements for licensure. Students should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university in a subject related to counseling, such as social work, psychology, or psychiatry. An undergraduate degree alone doesn’t qualify a student to start practicing counseling, but it’s an important foundational step to preparing for a career as a counselor.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, students must apply and become accepted to a master’s in counseling degree program. Many programs offer an online, flexible learning environment to earn a degree. Full-time students can generally earn a master’s degree in two years, after which they can begin the process of becoming licensed counselors.

As the name suggests, these professionals need to obtain the necessary license to practice after completing a counseling degree online in Texas. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council handles applications for LPC associates and LPC supervisors in the state. Obtaining licensure in Texas also requires a graduate degree — such as a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling — and the completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work, spanning at least 18 months. Once students receive their license, they can begin work as a counselor in Texas.

CACREP Accredited Online Master’s in Counseling Degree Programs

Explore online master’s degree programs that have earned nationally recognized accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the top agency for accreditation in the nation. Since 1981, CACREP has provided a thorough peer review of graduate programs to promote quality in the education experience. Over 929 degree programs have earned this accreditation.

While you aren’t required to earn a degree from an accredited program, accreditation offers peace of mind knowing that the program you choose has been reviewed and found to meet today’s standards for quality in education. Thankfully, there are many programs to choose from to earn an online counseling degree in Texas that offers flexible coursework, various specializations, and full CACREP accreditation.

Options for Earning an Online Counseling Degree in Texas

Online counseling degrees in Texas can be great options for a variety of students. Online education can enable students to continue working in their current positions — and at their own pace — through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Most online master of counseling programs also require an internship or practicum, so students can apply classroom learning in a real-world setting.

Students should only consider counseling programs that are accredited. Accreditation ensures that the program passes the regulations to prepare its students for licensure.

Below are some featured CACREP-accredited counseling programs.

University of Houston-Victoria: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

The University of Houston-Victoria currently offers a clinical mental health counseling program for interested students. The degree is one of Texas’s CACREP-accredited counseling programs and satisfies course requirements for LPC certification in the state of Texas.

This degree program consists of a 60-credit-hour requirement and contains elements relevant to the accurate and helpful implementation of counseling techniques. The coursework is broken down into core courses, field placement courses, required specialty courses, and elective choices and includes a comprehensive examination.

Other Counseling Master’s Programs in Texas

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

  • Sam Houston State University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
  • Seminary of the Southwest: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Southern Methodist University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.S. in School Counseling
  • St. Edward’s University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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

Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs in Texas

Counselors can help patients cope with a wide range of issues, some of which may be related to underlying mental health disorders. Those who want to work exclusively with mental health patients, referring them to clinical services as needed, may wish to become clinical mental health counselors.

Many online clinical mental health counseling programs in Texas can prepare you for success in this field and for a more focused vocation assisting those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and related conditions.

What to Expect From a Counseling Program in Texas

Those seeking a career opportunity that provides a sense of satisfaction and purpose may find counseling to be an excellent fit. Review the following areas to see what you can expect from your program as you study to receive a counseling degree online in Texas.

Curriculum Expectations

While programs can vary, students enrolled in an online counseling degree in Texas can expect to take coursework in counseling, psychology, and other related topics. They may also have coursework in different formats.

Classroom and Clinicals

Learning takes place both in the classroom and in laboratory settings while in a counseling degree program. The experience gained in college will carry over to a professional setting, so the quality of the degree program is important.

Online Classes

Some Texas colleges offer both online and on-campus options. The online master’s in counseling is becoming more common because of the requirement of a graduate degree to gain licensure. This goes for nearly any specialty of counseling.

LPC Requirements in Texas

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors credentials counselors as both LPC Associates and LPCs. LPCs must first earn their LPC Associate license. They can then fulfill the requirements — including 3,000 supervised hours of work — and apply for their LPC license.

You should seek information from the board or its website if you have any questions about counseling licensure or LPC requirements in Texas.

Texas Counseling Careers

After graduation, undergraduate degree holders are qualified to work in a large variety of jobs in human services or human relations. Graduate students will likely apply for licensure through the state and take part in supervised training. No matter the route, there are numerous opportunities just waiting for qualified candidates.

 Counselor Salary in Texas       

According to PayScale, the average counselor salary in Texas can vary from city to city. The median annual salary for mental health counselors in Austin was about $57,500 in April 2023. In Houston, the median annual salary for an LPC was about $60,100 as of December 2021. In Dallas, the median annual salary for an LPC was approximately $60,300 in August 2023.

Counselor Job Outlook

The job outlook for various types of counselors from 2022 to 2032, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), indicates significant growth in certain counseling areas. Here’s an overview:

  • Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: These counselors, who work with clients seeking help for addictions, anxiety, stress, and other issues, are expected to see the fastest growth among mental health occupations. The employment in this sector is projected to grow by 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. This growth is significant, with about 42,000 job openings anticipated each year over the decade​​​​.
  • School and Career Counselors and Advisors: The employment of school and career counselors and advisors is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. This rate is faster than the average for all occupations, with about 26,600 job openings expected each year over the decade. These professionals play a critical role in guiding students and individuals in their educational and career paths​​.
  • Marriage and Family Therapists: This group of counselors is projected to see a 15% growth in employment from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. The role of marriage and family therapists is increasingly recognized as crucial for addressing relational and family-related issues​​.
  • Rehabilitation Counselors: The job outlook for rehabilitation counselors is projected to grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. These counselors specialize in helping people with disabilities achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals​​.

These projections reflect the growing need for mental health support and guidance across various sectors, highlighting the importance and demand for skilled counselors in the coming years.

Becoming a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

Texas counselors may also become licensed specialists in school psychology. According to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, this license requires a training program or graduate degree — either in school psychology or with specific coursework. Review the steps required to become a licensed specialist after earning an online counseling degree in Texas.

Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Online Programs       

Earning this credential requires you to have a doctorate in psychology. However, earning a master’s-level education in counseling can be a valuable first step. Many licensed specialists in school psychology online programs are available to provide this important educational foundation.

Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Salary          

According to PayScale, the median licensed specialist in school psychology salary was approximately $56,000 in August 2023.

Explore Psychology Programs in Texas

Explore Online Counseling Degrees in Texas

If you want to become a licensed counselor, you should explore some of the available options to earn an online counseling degree in Texas. Many resources include detailed program write-ups, course information, and admissions requirements. Start moving toward your career as a counselor in Texas today.

Texas Counseling Degrees FAQs

How long does it take to earn a counseling master’s degree in Texas?

Most master’s programs to earn an online counseling degree in Texas take about two years to complete as a full-time student. For part-time students, a program could take between three and four years.

What type of counselor can I be with a master’s degree in counseling?

Once you earn a master’s degree and complete the necessary steps to become a licensed counselor, there are many different types of counseling careers. The most common include mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, career counselors, grief counselors, and substance abuse counselors.

What is the highest-paying type of counselor in Texas?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying type of counselor in Texas is a marriage and family therapist. The annual mean wage for marriage and family therapists in Texas was $66,280, as of May 2022.

Sources:

Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Find a Program
PayScale, Average Licensed Professional Counselor Salary in Dallas, Texas
PayScale, Average Licensed Professional Counselor Salary in Houston, Texas
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, Applying for a License
Texas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code

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.

Texas Counseling Licensure: Texas Counseling Licensing Boards

Texas Counseling Licensure

State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
P.O. Box 149347, MC 1982
Austin, TX 78714
(512) 834-6658
https://www.bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-professional-counselors/index.html
Licensure:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC Associate)

School Counseling Licensure

Texas Education Agency Educator Certification, Standards, & Investigations
1701 North Congress Ave., WBT 5-100
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-9734
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification
Licensure:
School Counselor (EC-12)

If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Texas.

Counseling Career Guide

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.

Texas Counseling Licensure: Texas Counseling Licensing Boards

Texas Counseling Licensure

School Counseling Licensure

If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Texas.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

Texas A&M International University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

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Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Bachelors 🗗 Masters

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Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters


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

All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Texas

View all programs in Texas below, or jump to all Texas CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Angelina College Lufkin
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Austin Community College District Austin
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Central Texas College Killeen
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Del Mar College Corpus Christi
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Eastfield College Mesquite
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
El Paso Community College El Paso
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Grayson College Denison
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Hill College Hillsboro
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Lee College Baytown
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
McLennan Community College Waco
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Midland College Midland
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Odessa College Odessa
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Sam Houston State University Huntsville
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
San Antonio College San Antonio
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Seminary of the Southwest Austin
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Southern Methodist University Plano
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.S. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • M.S. in School Counseling
Southwestern Assemblies of God University Waxahachie
  • Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
St Marys University San Antonio
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
St. Edward's University Austin
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
St. Mary's University San Antonio
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling
Tarleton State University Stephenville
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Tarrant County College District Fort Worth
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Texarkana College Texarkana
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Texas A & M University - Commerce Commerce
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.S. in School Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi Corpus Christi
  • M.S. in Addiction Counseling
  • 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
Texas A & M University-College Station College Station
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Texas A & M University-Commerce Commerce
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
Texas Southern University Houston
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
Texas State Technical College-West Texas Sweetwater
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Texas State University San Marcos
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
Texas Tech University Lubbock
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
  • M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock
  • MRC in Rehabilitation Counseling
Texas Technical University Health Sciences Center Lubbock
  • MRC in Rehabilitation Counseling
Texas Woman's University Denton
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.S. in School Counseling
Texas Womans University Denton
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
  • Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy
The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg
  • M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
The University of Texas-Pan American Edinburg
  • Bachelors - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Tyler Junior College Tyler
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
University of Houston Houston
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
University of Houston Victoria Victoria
  • M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of North Texas Denton
  • Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
  • Doctorate - School Counseling
  • M.Ed./M.S. in School Counseling
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of North Texas at Dallas Dallas
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of North Texas Dallas Dallas
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Texas at El Paso El Paso
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • MRC in Rehabilitation Counseling
University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio
  • M.A. in School Counseling
  • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Texas at Tyler Tyler
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Brownsville
  • M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling
  • M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
  • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas
  • MCRC in Rehabilitation Counseling
Wayland Baptist University Plainview
  • Bachelors - Counseling Psychology
Weatherford College Weatherford
  • Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling

Counselor Salaries & Employment by Metro Area in Texas

City / Metro Area Average Salary Total Employed Salary Range
Lowest 25% to Highest 90%


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