Best Counseling Schools in Arkansas

John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling offers a comprehensive Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) emphasis, preparing professionals for licensure through an integrative, faith-based approach. Students benefit from experienced faculty, hands-on clinical training, and multiple program locations in Arkansas. The rigorous 60-credit program combines academic excellence with practical skills, featuring low student-to-faculty ratios and a strong 97% post-graduation employment rate. With CACREP accreditation and flexible evening/weekend classes, this program equips aspiring therapists with the knowledge and competencies needed for successful mental health careers.

• CACREP accredited program
• Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis
• 60 total credit hours
• Multiple campus locations
• Evening/weekend classes
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
• Individual faculty interview required
• 42 core counseling credits
• 15 clinical requirement credits
• 97% post-graduation employment

John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling offers a comprehensive Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) emphasis, integrating professional training with faith-based perspectives. Students receive exceptional clinical preparation, gaining skills to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists through a rigorous 60-credit program. With experienced faculty, flexible evening and weekend classes, and a 100% practicum placement rate, this program prepares graduates for rewarding careers in mental health counseling across diverse settings.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• 60 total credit hours
• Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis
• Three campus locations
• 87% national exam pass rate
• Licensed counselor faculty
• Undergraduate GPA 2.75+ required
• Practicum placement support
• 97% job placement rate
• Evening/weekend classes

John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling offers a comprehensive Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) emphasis, preparing students for professional licensure through an integrative, faith-based approach. The program combines rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experience, equipping graduates with advanced counseling skills across diverse settings. With a 60-credit curriculum, students benefit from experienced faculty, multiple campus locations, and a 100% clinical placement rate. The program emphasizes personal growth, professional development, and ethical practice, making it an ideal choice for aspiring mental health professionals seeking a holistic educational experience.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• Marriage & Family Therapy Emphasis
• 60 Total Credit Hours
• Evening/Weekend Classes
• Multiple Campus Locations
• 100% Clinical Placement Rate
• 87% National Exam Pass Rate
• Minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
• Individual Admissions Interview
• Face-to-Face Training Model

John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling prepares passionate professionals to transform lives through compassionate mental health care. Designed for those seeking licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors, this comprehensive 60-credit program offers flexible online and in-person formats. Students benefit from CACREP-accredited training, experienced faculty, and a remarkable 100% clinical placement rate. With a cost of $600 per credit hour and no GRE requirement, the program equips graduates with advanced clinical skills, integrating faith-based perspectives with evidence-based counseling techniques. Ideal for career changers and helping professionals, the program offers specialized concentrations and prepares students for a rapidly growing mental health counseling field.

• 60 total credit hours
• Online and in-person formats
• CACREP accredited (in-person)
• No GRE required
• Cost $600 per credit
• 100% clinical placement rate
• Multiple concentration options
• Licensure preparation
• Christ-centered approach
• Experienced clinical faculty

Southern Arkansas University offers a Master of Education in School Counseling, blending online and on-campus learning for flexibility. This program prepares students for impactful careers in educational settings, focusing on student development and counseling techniques. Affordable tuition and financial aid options make it accessible. Admissions require a bachelor's degree and specific prerequisites, ensuring a qualified cohort. Ideal for professionals seeking advancement or a career shift into counseling.

• Hybrid learning format
• Master of Education degree
• Focus on school counseling
• Affordable tuition options
• Financial aid available
• Bachelor's degree required
• Prepares for educational careers
• Flexible for professionals

Southern Arkansas University's Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling prepares aspiring counselors for professional practice through a comprehensive graduate program. Students gain advanced skills in mental health assessment, intervention strategies, and therapeutic techniques. The online format provides flexibility for working professionals seeking career advancement. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and clinical competence, equipping graduates to address diverse mental health challenges in various settings. Prospective students should expect rigorous academic training that meets professional licensure requirements and prepares them for meaningful careers supporting individual and community well-being.

• Online master's degree format
• Professional counseling preparation
• Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
• Supports licensure requirements
• Comprehensive mental health training

Arkansas Tech University offers a hybrid Master's Degree in School Counseling and Leadership, designed for aspiring school counselors in Arkansas. This program blends online coursework with monthly face-to-face meetings, providing flexibility for working professionals. It prepares students for Arkansas licensure with a curriculum that includes 17 hours of school leadership core courses and 28 hours of school counseling specialty courses. Students gain hands-on experience through 600 direct service hours during their internship. The program boasts a 100% passing rate on the Professional School Counselor Praxis exam. Financial aid options are available, including in-state tuition for students from bordering states.

• Hybrid program format
• Prepares for Arkansas licensure
• 600 direct service hours
• 100% Praxis exam pass rate
• In-state tuition for border states
• Financial aid available
• Monthly face-to-face meetings
• 17 hours leadership courses
• 28 hours counseling courses
• Hands-on learning opportunities

Arkansas Tech University's Master's in Counseling program offers a comprehensive 60-hour graduate degree with two specialized tracks: Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling. Students gain advanced skills in mental health diagnosis, treatment techniques, and professional counseling practices. The hybrid program provides flexible evening courses, preparing graduates for licensure and diverse career opportunities in clinical settings, schools, hospitals, and private practices. Aspiring counselors benefit from 700 hours of professionally mentored practicum and internship experiences, developing critical social justice and advocacy skills.

• 60-hour hybrid graduate program
• Two specialized counseling tracks
• 700 hours clinical experience
• Evening course scheduling
• CACREP-like program approval
• Licensure exam preparation
• In-state tuition for border states
• Financial aid available
• Graduate assistantships offered

Ouachita Baptist University's Master of Arts in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration prepares students for transformative careers in mental health. This low-residency, 63-credit program blends academic rigor with clinical experience, equipping graduates to become licensed professional counselors. Students develop advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis, and compassionate treatment through a comprehensive curriculum integrating Christian principles. The program costs approximately $36,733 and requires a 3.0 GPA for admission. Designed for working professionals, the flexible format includes four on-campus intensives and online coursework, making it accessible for career changers and those seeking meaningful professional growth.

• 63-credit hybrid counseling program
• Low-residency format
• Biblical worldview integration
• Total program cost $36,733
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Four on-campus intensives
• Prepare for LPC licensure
• No prior psychology experience needed
• Online and synchronous classes
• CACREP standards alignment

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This 60-credit hour program prepares students to become licensed professional or clinical mental health counselors, serving in various settings like mental health agencies and hospitals. It emphasizes ethical practice, human rights, and professionalism. The curriculum includes required practicum and internship components, ensuring hands-on experience. Graduates are equipped to address mental and emotional well-being, making a significant impact in their communities.

• 60 credit hours
• Online program
• Prepares for licensure
• Includes practicum, internship
• Focus on ethical practice