List of Counseling Degrees in Washington

Looking to become a counselor, including a school counselor in grades K-12, in the state of Washington? In total, Washington offers 44 degree programs in counseling. These programs represent a significant first step toward a rewarding counseling career.

An associate degree in Substance Abuse Counseling is one of the preferred degree programs in the state and requires only two years of schooling to complete. Some find it more beneficial to obtain a bachelor’s degree, and others go as far as obtaining a doctoral degree.

For the most part, to obtain counseling licensure and the ability to practice as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), you’ll need a master of counseling degree (or above).

Looking for master of counseling degrees in the state of Washington shouldn’t be a daunting task. This state currently has 44 counseling degree programs available for you to choose from, making this a great place to reside for prospects in the field.

Here are a few schools in Washington with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:
  • 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
Click to jump to the full list of Washington 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 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.

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.

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.

  • Online Counseling Degrees
  • Online Masters in Counseling
  • Bachelors in Counseling
  • Masters in Counseling
  • Counseling Schools by State
  • Counseling Career Guide
  • Highest Paid Counseling Jobs
  • 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

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

    Popular Online Counseling Programs

    Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

    NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

    Keiser University 🗹 Online

    Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate

    Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

    Pepperdine University 🗹 Online

    Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

    The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online

    East Central University 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors


    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

    Ellensburg
    M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/19/2006 to 10/31/2023

    City University of Seattle

    Seattle
    M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
    M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024

    Eastern Washington University

    Cheney
    M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 3/1/1996 to 10/31/2020
    M.S. in School Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 11/1/1992 to 10/31/2020

    Gonzaga University

    Spokane
    M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/4/2011 to 3/31/2021
    M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/4/2011 to 3/31/2021
    M.A. in School Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/20/2005 to 3/31/2021

    Seattle Pacific University

    Seattle
    M.Ed. in School Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2023

    Seattle University

    Seattle
    M.A. in School Counseling
    Program allows students to pursue the SUDP (Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Certificate) upon graduation.
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/15/2009 to 10/31/2026
    M.A.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    Program allows students to pursue the SUDP (Substance Abuse Disorder Professional Certificate) upon graduation.
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2016 to 10/31/2026

    Western Washington University

    Everett
    M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2020
    M.Ed. in School Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
    • CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1992 to 10/31/2023
    M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    CACREP Accredited
    • 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

    Counselor Salaries & Employment by Metro Area in Washington

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


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