Best Counseling Schools in Alabama

University of West Alabama's online Master of Science in Family Counseling delivers a robust 33-credit program tailored for professionals seeking advanced counseling skills. Emphasizing family dynamics and relationship challenges, this program uniquely targets international practice contexts. With an affordable $429 per credit hour, students engage in flexible 8-week online courses taught by licensed professionals. While not preparing students for independent licensure, the curriculum provides comprehensive training in therapeutic strategies, professional ethics, and advanced counseling techniques. Designed for current licensed professionals and paraprofessionals, the program offers a convenient pathway to expand counseling expertise without traditional classroom constraints.

• Online Master's in Family Counseling
• 33 total credit hours
• 1-2 years program length
• Next start date March 17
• $429 per credit hour
• 8-week course format
• No independent licensure preparation
• Taught by licensed professionals
• International practice focused

University of West Alabama's online Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling stands out with CACREP accreditation, ensuring industry-standard education. This comprehensive 60-credit program spans 2-3 years, incorporating a distinctive four-day residency experience. Targeting diverse populations, the curriculum equips students with essential counseling techniques and theories. Admission requires a unique portfolio submission, including a professional goals essay, recommendations, and video interview. Priced competitively at $429 per credit, the program provides flexible learning for aspiring mental health professionals. Students gain comprehensive training applicable across various clinical settings, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and theoretical foundations.

• CACREP accredited.
• 60 credit hours.
• $429 per credit.
• 2-3 years completion.
• Includes residency.
• Online format.
• Portfolio admissions.
• Focus on diverse populations.
• Experienced faculty.
• Affordable tuition.

Faulkner University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides a robust hybrid program uniquely blending academic rigor with Christian perspectives. With nearly 85% online coursework and two intensive 5-day on-campus training sessions, the 61-credit program caters to working professionals seeking advanced counseling skills. The curriculum prepares students for Alabama licensure through comprehensive training in mental health practice. Requiring a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, the program offers affordable tuition at $555 per semester hour and emphasizes practical experiences in diverse counseling settings. Graduates benefit from flexible part-time options and comprehensive preparation for varied career pathways in mental health counseling.

• 61-hour hybrid counseling program
• Nearly 85% online coursework
• Christian worldview integration
• Two 5-day on-campus trainings
• $555 per semester hour
• Licensure preparation focus
• Flexible part-time options
• Practicum and internship experiences
• Diverse career pathway preparation

Faulkner University's Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Family Ministry delivers a fully online program designed for professionals seeking to integrate spiritual principles with counseling expertise. The 61-credit curriculum focuses on mental health, family ministry, and ethical practice while emphasizing cultural sensitivity and spiritual integration. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, 2.75 GPA, professional resume, goal statement, and recommendations. Students explore counseling through a Christian worldview, preparing for roles in community agencies and churches. The program ensures licensure eligibility in Alabama and potentially offers interstate reciprocity, making it an attractive option for faith-based counseling professionals.

• Online program flexibility.
• Integrates Christian worldview.
• Prepares for licensure in Alabama.
• Requires bachelor's degree for admission.
• Minimum GPA of 2.75 required.
• 61 credit hours total.
• Blends online and practical experiences.
• Focus on ethical practice.
• Emphasizes cultural sensitivity.
• Spirituality integration in counseling.

Auburn University at Montgomery's Master of Education in School Counseling provides a comprehensive hybrid program uniquely tailored for aspiring educational counselors. Students benefit from a flexible learning format that combines online and in-person instruction, accommodating working professionals seeking advanced credentials. The curriculum emphasizes ethical counseling practices, professional development, and practical skills essential for diverse educational settings. A mandatory internship component ensures graduates gain hands-on experience in real-world counseling environments. The program strategically prepares students for professional roles in schools, private practices, and community educational support systems. Military-friendly and designed with student success in mind, this program offers a robust pathway to becoming a skilled school counseling professional.

• Hybrid learning format
• Focus on ethical counseling
• Internship required
• Prepares for diverse settings
• Supportive academic environment

Troy University's online Education Specialist in School Counseling program delivers comprehensive professional training for educators seeking advanced leadership roles. Uniquely accredited by CAEP, the program offers a flexible online format designed for working professionals, featuring curriculum depth in crisis management, advanced counseling theories, and group leadership techniques. Students benefit from competitive tuition rates and an adaptable learning environment that accommodates diverse professional schedules. The program prepares graduates for multifaceted careers in educational settings, schools, agencies, and colleges, capitalizing on the growing demand for skilled school counselors. With no application deadline and blended course delivery, Troy University provides an accessible pathway to advanced counseling expertise.

• Accredited by CAEP
• Flexible online format
• No application deadline
• Competitive tuition rates
• Blended course delivery
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Covers crisis management
• Advanced counseling theories
• Group leadership training
• Growing career demand

Auburn University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. offers a robust hybrid program preparing future counseling professionals through a comprehensive two-year curriculum. Students engage in an innovative learning model blending online and campus-based instruction, ensuring flexibility for diverse learners. The CACREP-aligned program distinguishes itself through extensive clinical training, requiring 100 practicum and 600 internship hours across varied healthcare settings. Specialized coursework emphasizes crisis intervention, adolescent counseling, and substance use disorders, equipping graduates with advanced therapeutic skills. Particularly noteworthy is the program's military-friendly approach, providing tailored support for service members transitioning into mental health counseling careers. The curriculum's breadth and depth prepare students for diverse professional environments.

• Two-year step-lock program
• Hybrid campus/online format
• CACREP-aligned curriculum
• Diverse practicum placements
• 600 clinical internship hours
• Specialized counseling courses
• Professional practice preparation