- Central Washington University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- City University of Seattle: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- Eastern Washington University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in School Counseling
- Gonzaga University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.A. in School Counseling
- Seattle Pacific University: M.Ed. in School Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
---|---|---|
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering master’s degree programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Doctoral degree program available in counselor education & supervision. No GRE required. Learn More |
Capella University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
|
✔ Online
|
Choose from General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis or Pre-Counseling specializations Learn More |
Capella University
BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis
|
✔ Online
No GMAT or GRE required |
Gain skills and knowledge to help transform the lives of people living with autism and other intellectual disabilities. Study with confidence in a program that meets the educational requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA) examination. Applicants must meet additional requirements to qualify. Learn More |
NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
How to Become a Counselor in Washington State
As you consider options for how to become a counselor in Washington state, a crucial first step is to survey the educational opportunities available in the area.
Master of counseling programs can be found in many different cities throughout the state. If you’re interested in knowing which cities are most popular, you might be intrigued to learn that Seattle and Ellensburg are key locations for master of counseling degree programs.
Central Washington University and Seattle Pacific University both offer reliable degree programs that can help you along your journey to certification and licensure. Students seeking a master of counseling should be familiar with the licensing requirements in their field.
Washington LPC Requirements
The Washington State Department of Health is responsible for licensing new counselors in this state, so you can review Washington LPC requirements on its website.
Online Master in Counseling in Washington
Online degree programs in counseling are growing in popularity as students embrace online learning. Over the past decade or more, the reliability of online degree programs has increased to allow more students to consider online options for their college education. People in the state of Washington who are seeking convenience and flexibility with their learning can take advantage of online degree programs that they can fit into their already busy schedules. Without the requirement of commuting or student housing, this could be a great option to minimize the costs of your education.
The online master of counseling is required to maintain accreditation in order to be a reliable resource of licensing in the state of Washington. To learn which college programs are currently accredited, you should review the list of accredited programs from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Accredited programs are the best option for getting a master in counseling in Washington.
CACREP is the leading agency for accreditation of counseling degree programs in the U.S.. On the agency’s website, you can review both the traditional and online degree programs available. We use the CACREP program directory to help power the listings on this site. If there’s a listing that needs correcting, please contact us, so we can update the listing.
School Counseling Programs in Washington
To become a licensed counselor, individuals, at minimum, must earn a graduate-level degree and gain on-the-job experience under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
With these requirements there is an exam requirement that tests the knowledge of prospective counselors in their degree area. Upon completing any degree, counseling professionals can work in a variety of settings that provide amply for them.
Consider the K-12 school counseling programs in Washington, as well as other counseling career trajectories.
Counseling as a Career
On average, Washington is one of the highest-paying states for counselors. This career path calls upon the most caring and dedicated individuals to ensure the very best of care for clients. Individuals who possess these traits are encouraged to join the field.
As a counselor in Washington, professionals can work in hospitals, schools, or even businesses. Providing care to those in need of emotional guidance is the main priority of counselors, a concern that’s highly regarded as vital throughout the country.
With Washington’s population at 7.6 million and the ratio of counselors per citizen moderate, there’s a strong need for more qualified professionals in this area of the U.S. To begin their journey to becoming a counselor, individuals should decide which college offers the program that best suits their personality.
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.Washington Counseling Licensure: Washington Counseling Licensing Boards
Washington Counseling Licensure
Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and Social Workers Advisory Committee
P.O. Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877
360-236-4700
[email protected]
http://www.doh.wa.gov/licensing/
Licensure:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA)
Certified Counselor (CC)
Certified Adviser (CA)
Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC)
School Counseling Licensure
Professional Education & Certification
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
360-725-6400 360-664-3631 (TTY)
[email protected]
www.k12.wa.us/certification
School Counselor [P-12]
School Counselor Salary in Washington State
The School counselor salary in Washington state can vary from one city to the next. For example, PayScale notes that the median annual salary for a counselor in Seattle is $64,925.
If you’re looking for marriage and family therapy (MFT) programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Washington.
Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?
Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you’ll find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that currently are accepting applicants.
As you consider careers in counseling, make sure that you assess the educational paths available in the state of Washington.
Sources:
PayScale, Average School Counselor Salary in Seattle, Washington
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
U.S. Census Bureau, Washington
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Capella University 🗹 Online
Capella University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Washington 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 Washington. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Central Washington University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/19/2006 to 10/31/2023
City University of Seattle
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
Eastern Washington University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 3/1/1996 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 11/1/1992 to 10/31/2020
Gonzaga University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/4/2011 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/4/2011 to 3/31/2021
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/20/2005 to 3/31/2021
Seattle Pacific University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2023
Seattle University
Program allows students to pursue the SUDP (Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Certificate) upon graduation.
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2009 to 10/31/2026
Program allows students to pursue the SUDP (Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Certificate) upon graduation.
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2016 to 10/31/2026
Western Washington University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1992 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1992 to 10/31/2023
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Washington
View all programs in Washington below, or jump to all Washington CACREP accredited counseling programs.Central Washington University Ellensburg
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
City University of Seattle Seattle
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Clark College Vancouver
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Columbia Basin College Pasco
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Eastern Washington University Cheney
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Edmonds Community College Lynnwood
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Gonzaga University Spokane
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Highline College Des Moines
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Lower Columbia College Longview
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Northwest Indian College Bellingham
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Olympic College Bremerton
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Peninsula College Port Angeles
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom Lakewood
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Seattle Pacific University Seattle
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Seattle University Seattle
- M.A. in School Counseling
Program allows students to pursue the SUDP (Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Certificate) upon graduation. - M.A.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program allows students to pursue the SUDP (Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Certificate) upon graduation.
Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Spokane Falls Community College Spokane
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Washington State University Pullman
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
Wenatchee Valley College Wenatchee
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Western Washington University Everett
- M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Yakima Valley Community College Yakima
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling