2027 Best Master's in Counseling in Maine | Top Programs

Maine offers just three graduate counseling programs on counselingpsychology.org, and only two hold CACREP accreditation, the credential most prospective Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) will need. With so few options, program choice becomes less about browsing and more about matching your career goal to the right accreditation, format, and cost profile.

The University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine at Farmington anchor the public counseling education landscape, both offering hybrid school counseling tracks at in-state tuition below $12,000 per year. Beal University provides an online bachelor's pathway in addiction counseling but does not yet offer a master's program that meets CACREP or LCPC requirements. Students interested in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling must choose carefully, because Maine's licensure boards and the Department of Education each require specific program credentials. For a broader look at the profession and its entry points, see our guide on how to become a counselor.

Tuition ranges from under $10,000 annually at public institutions to over $40,000 at private schools. Hybrid delivery dominates, reflecting Maine's rural geography and the clinical supervision requirements that prevent fully remote training. Understanding which programs align with your target license is the single most important filter before you apply.

Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Maine

Two Maine institutions make this list, and they serve very different students. The University of Southern Maine carries two CACREP-accredited master's tracks aimed squarely at Maine licensure, while Beal University in Bangor is an online-first option whose addiction counseling program is offered at the bachelor's level. One caution as you read: graduation and retention figures reported alongside each school describe the whole institution, not the counseling program, so weigh them as background rather than as a measure of program quality.

UN

University of Southern Maine#1

Portland, ME · $10,000 – $27,000/yr

★Best for: Maine residents pursuing LCPC licensure

The University of Southern Maine anchors counseling training in the state's largest metro, offering two CACREP-accredited master's tracks through its Portland and Gorham locations. The school leans on Maine partnerships, placing students in community mental health agencies and K-12 districts across urban, suburban, and rural settings, and qualifying out-of-state students from New England can use the regional tuition break. A cohort model keeps students moving through core coursework with the same small group, which builds professional networks inside the state's counseling community.

• Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling ConcentrationHybrid→

Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling Concentration — Hybrid

University of Southern Maine

CACREP accredited

• CACREP accredited, covering School Counseling
• 60 total credit hours
• 600-hour internship in school settings
• Prepares for Maine DOE school counselor certification
• Prepares graduates for the National Counselor Examination
• Coursework in crisis intervention and substance misuse
• Data-driven, comprehensive school counseling focus

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• Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling ConcentrationHybrid→

Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration — Hybrid

University of Southern Maine

CACREP accredited

• CACREP accredited in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• 63 total credit hours
• Two years full-time or up to six years part-time
• 700 to 1,000 practicum and internship hours
• Reports a 99% national counselor exam pass rate
• Prepares graduates for LCPC licensure in Maine
• Focus areas in Family Systems and Substance Misuse
• Substance Misuse focus supports LADC licensure

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BE

Beal University#2

Bangor, ME · $40,000/yr (net price)

★Best for: Adult learners entering addiction counseling

Beal University is a small Bangor institution whose counseling offering is an addiction counseling program delivered entirely online in eight-week terms. It is built for working adults who need asynchronous coursework, and its transfer policy accepts up to 75% of prior credits, which can shorten time to completion for Maine community college graduates. One caveat for readers of this list: the addiction counseling program sits at the bachelor's level, so it is an entry point into the field rather than a master's-level counseling credential.

• Bachelor of Science in Addiction CounselingOnline→

Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online

Beal University

• Sits at the bachelor's level, not a master's degree
• 42-month, 100% online program
• Accelerated 8-week class terms
• Up to 75% transfer credits accepted
• Prepares for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor roles
• Prepares students for the state licensure exam
• Built around skills for rural and underserved areas
• Asynchronous coursework for working adults

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How to Choose a Counseling Master's Program in Maine

CACREP accreditation is the single most important filter when evaluating master's in counseling programs in Maine. The state's Board of Professional Counselors requires applicants for the licensed professional clinical counselor credential to hold a degree from a CACREP-accredited program or one that meets equivalent standards. Choosing a program without this accreditation can delay or even block your path to independent practice, so treat it as a non-negotiable starting point before weighing any other factor.

Match Your Specialization to Your Career Goal

Maine counseling programs generally cluster around two primary tracks, clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, with some offering concentrations in child and adolescent work. Each track leads to a distinct licensure pathway and a different professional identity.

• Clinical mental health counseling: Prepares you for the LCPC credential and careers in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and substance use treatment settings.
• School counseling: Leads to Maine Department of Education certification (endorsement 086) and positions in K-12 school systems.
• Child and adolescent focus: Usually embedded within a clinical mental health program, this concentration adds specialized coursework but still leads to the LCPC. It can strengthen your candidacy for roles in pediatric behavioral health or school-based counseling partnerships.

Selecting the wrong track can mean additional coursework later, so clarify your long-term career direction before you apply.

Weigh Online Flexibility Against Practicum Realities

Online and hybrid formats can be appealing, especially in a geographically spread-out state like Maine where commuting to campus may mean hours on the road. Several programs now deliver most or all didactic coursework online, and you can compare options across the country using a list of best online master's in counseling programs. However, every CACREP-accredited program requires supervised practicum and internship hours at an approved clinical or school site. In rural parts of the state, finding a placement site within a reasonable distance can take extra planning. Ask each program directly about how they support students in securing field placements outside the Portland or Bangor corridors. Some programs maintain established site networks across the state; others leave the search largely to the student.

Factor in Cost Differences

With only a small number of accredited programs available in Maine, the tuition spread between public university options and private institutions can be substantial. Public programs at institutions within the University of Maine System typically charge significantly less per credit for in-state residents, while private programs may offset higher tuition with merit scholarships or graduate assistantships. When comparing costs, look beyond the sticker price:

• Total credit-hour requirements (most CACREP programs run 48 to 60 credits)
• Fees for practicum and internship semesters
• Whether the program charges differential tuition for online delivery
• Availability of graduate assistantships that include tuition waivers

A program that appears cheaper per credit can end up costing more if it requires additional prerequisite courses or charges premium practicum fees. Request a full cost-of-attendance breakdown from each admissions office so you can make a genuine apples-to-apples comparison.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Child and School Counseling Tracks in Maine

Maine's graduate counseling programs offer several pathways for students planning to work with children, adolescents, or in K-12 school settings, but not every institution packages these tracks identically. Understanding which programs align with Maine Department of Education school counselor certification requirements, and which prepare you for clinical child work, is essential before you apply.

University of Southern Maine

USM's School Counseling concentration is explicitly designed to meet Maine DOE certification standards. The program typically requires 60 credit hours and includes supervised practicum and internship placements in schools. Students complete coursework in child and adolescent development, school-based interventions, and systems consultation. This track is approved by the Maine DOE, meaning graduates are eligible to apply for school counselor certification upon completion. For the most current concentration structure and any curriculum updates, consult the USM catalog or contact the College of Management and Human Service.

University of Maine

The University of Maine offers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program but does not currently maintain a dedicated school counseling track. Students interested in working with children and adolescents can tailor electives and practicum placements toward child-focused clinical settings, but this track does not lead directly to Maine DOE school counselor certification. If your goal is K-12 school employment, verify with the program whether alternative certification pathways or post-degree coursework can bridge the gap. Students exploring the broader landscape of child counselor degree options may find it helpful to compare clinical and school-based routes side by side.

Husson University and Thomas College

Husson University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program similarly emphasizes community and clinical settings rather than school-based practice. Thomas College offers a Master of Science in Education with a School Guidance Counselor concentration, designed specifically for Maine DOE certification. This program integrates education coursework with counseling competencies and is shorter than many 60-credit CACREP models. Check the Thomas College catalog for exact credit requirements and certification alignment.

Verifying Certification Alignment

Because Maine DOE certification standards and approved program lists change periodically, always cross-reference your program choice with the Maine Department of Education's current approved-program roster. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that school counselors in Maine earned a median annual wage of $58,470 in May 2023, and employment is projected to grow as schools expand behavioral health services. Contact program advisors directly to confirm that your intended track meets the specific DOE requirements in effect when you plan to graduate. Catalog language can lag behind regulatory updates.

Online and Hybrid Counseling Programs in Maine

The shift toward flexible graduate education has reshaped how Maine students access counseling programs, though the state's options remain more limited than larger markets. Understanding what "online" actually means for clinical training is essential before committing to any program.

What Maine Programs Actually Offer

Among the ranked programs in Maine, truly 100% online master's in counseling options are rare. The University of Southern Maine offers its School Counseling concentration in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with required on-campus sessions. Similarly, the University of Maine at Farmington delivers its M.S. in Counseling as a hybrid program, which works well for students in central and western Maine who can reach the Farmington campus periodically.

No Maine institution currently offers a fully online clinical mental health counseling master's degree. Students seeking maximum flexibility often look beyond state borders.

The Clinical Hours Reality

Even programs marketed as "online" require substantial in-person clinical training. CACREP-accredited programs mandate a minimum of 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours at approved sites under qualified supervision. For students in rural Maine communities, from Aroostook County to the western mountains, this creates real logistical challenges.

You will need to secure placements at schools, community mental health centers, or agencies within reasonable driving distance. Some students relocate temporarily or arrange intensive weekend supervision schedules. Programs typically help identify sites, but availability in remote areas remains inconsistent.

Out-of-State Online Options

Many Maine residents pursue CACREP-accredited counseling master's programs online from institutions in other states. Schools like Walden University, Liberty University, and Lamar University enroll Maine students and generally accept practicum placements at Maine sites, provided the site meets program standards and supervision requirements.

However, state authorization matters. Not every out-of-state institution holds authorization to operate in Maine. Before enrolling, verify that your chosen program participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) or holds specific Maine approval. Enrolling in a non-authorized program could jeopardize your ability to complete required field placements in Maine or pursue licensure afterward.

Contact the Maine Office of Professional and Financial Regulation if you have questions about a specific out-of-state program's standing.

Tuition and Affordability Comparison for Maine Counseling Programs

Tuition costs for Maine counseling programs vary widely depending on whether you attend a public or private institution. The two public University of Maine System schools offer significant savings for in-state residents, while Beal University, a private institution, carries a notably higher average net price. Keep in mind that financial aid, scholarships, and tuition-break programs (such as NEBHE) can substantially reduce what you actually pay.

How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Maine

Maine's Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential is the primary license for counselors who want to practice independently. The path follows a clear ladder, from graduate school through conditional licensure to full clinical privileges. Note that the LCPC is distinct from the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), which requires a master's in social work rather than counseling. Each license has its own educational path, so your career goal should guide your program choice from the start.

Maine School Counselor Certification Requirements

Maine school counselor certification, officially designated as Endorsement 075, authorizes professionals to work as counselors in public K-12 schools throughout the state.¹ This credential is regulated by the Maine Department of Education and is entirely separate from the licensed professional counselor credential overseen by the state Board of Professional Counselors. Aspiring school counselors must satisfy a distinct set of requirements tied to educational settings and student development rather than clinical mental health practice.

Core Requirements for Endorsement 075

Maine requires candidates to hold a master's degree in school counseling or a closely related field from an approved program. The master's program must include 600 hours of supervised clinical experience in a K-12 school setting, combining practicum and internship hours.³ Husson University, for example, structures this as 100 hours of practicum followed by a 600-hour internship, totaling 700 hours. The University of Southern Maine's school concentration is approved by the Maine Department of Education and aligns with these requirements.⁴

Candidates must also complete a course in exceptionalities, covering the educational needs of students with disabilities, and pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam (test 5422).³ The Department of Education conducts a background check as part of the certification process.⁵

Reciprocity and Renewal

Maine offers reciprocity for school counselors certified in other states, though credentials are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure alignment with Maine's standards.³ The certification remains valid for five years and requires six semester hours of approved professional development for renewal. For a broader look at the profession, our guide on how to become a school counselor covers national requirements and degree pathways.

Programs That Lead Directly to Certification

Both the University of Southern Maine's M.S. in Counseling with a school concentration and Husson University's M.S. in School Counseling are designed to meet Maine DOE requirements for initial certification. Graduates of these programs complete the necessary clinical hours, exceptionalities coursework, and are prepared for the Praxis exam without requiring additional postgraduate coursework.

Career Outcomes and Salaries for Maine Counselors

What can you actually expect to earn as a counselor in Maine after completing your master's degree?

Program-level earnings data for Maine counseling graduates are not yet available for the schools ranked on counselingpsychology.org, so we turn to federal labor statistics and industry context to paint the clearest picture possible.

Mental Health Counselor Wages in Maine

According to the most recent BLS data (2024), the national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (SOC 21-1014) is $59,190.¹ Wages span a wide range depending on experience, setting, and specialization:

• 10th percentile: $39,090 per year nationally
• 90th percentile: $98,210 per year nationally

Maine-specific wage figures may differ from the national median. The state's cost of living sits below the national average, which means a salary in the mid-$50,000s in Maine can stretch further than the same figure in Boston or New York. When comparing offers, factor in housing, commuting costs, and rural versus urban placement rather than raw dollar amounts alone.

For educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors (SOC 21-1012), which includes school counselors, national medians tend to run somewhat higher, reflecting the academic calendar and benefits packages that come with school district employment. State-level data for Maine in this category should be confirmed through the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool, as national figures are not interchangeable with any single state's median.

Job Growth and Top Employers

The BLS projects job growth for mental health counselors at a pace categorized as much faster than average through 2032.¹ That outlook aligns with what we see on the ground in Maine, where expanding Medicaid coverage and growing awareness of behavioral health needs have driven demand in both rural and urban communities.

The top employing industries for counselors in Maine include:

• Public schools and school districts: K-12 school counselors fill a critical role across Maine's many small and mid-sized districts, where one counselor may serve an entire building.
• Outpatient care centers: Community mental health agencies and private group practices represent the largest clinical employer category.
• State and local government: Departments of health and human services, corrections, and child welfare all hire master's-level counselors.

Private practice is also an option once you hold full LCPC licensure, though most graduates spend two to four years in supervised settings before reaching that milestone.

Putting the Numbers in Context

Earnings tend to climb meaningfully in the first several years after licensure. Entry-level positions in community agencies may start closer to the lower end of the wage distribution, while seasoned LCPCs in private practice or supervisory roles can approach or exceed the 90th percentile. School counselors benefit from district salary schedules that reward advanced degrees and years of service, often with pension and health insurance packages that add significant value beyond base pay.

For a broader look at the profession's many specializations and trajectories, explore our overview of counseling careers. If salary is a primary concern, pay attention to the track you choose. Clinical mental health counseling generally offers more variability, with higher ceilings in private practice, while school counseling provides more predictable compensation and a structured work calendar. Either path leads to stable, in-demand employment across Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Programs in Maine

Below are answers to the questions prospective counseling students in Maine ask most often. Each response draws on current accreditation records, state licensure rules, and program details verified for 2026.

Which Maine counseling programs are CACREP-accredited?

As of 2026, the University of Southern Maine holds CACREP accreditation for its M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and its M.S. in School Counseling (accreditation through October 2026). Husson University is accredited for its M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and its M.S. in School Counseling (accreditation through October 2031). These are the only CACREP-accredited counseling programs currently operating in the state.

How do I become a licensed professional counselor (LCPC) in Maine?

Maine requires a master's degree of at least 60 graduate credits from a counseling program, a minimum of 600 internship hours completed during the degree, and 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience. After meeting these requirements, candidates must pass a national licensing examination. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program can streamline the application, because the curriculum already aligns with the state board's coursework expectations.

Can you get a counseling degree online in Maine?

Yes. Husson University offers its M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in both online and campus formats, making it a strong option for working professionals or students in rural parts of the state. Practicum and internship hours still need to be completed at approved sites, typically arranged near the student's location. Check with each program for the most current delivery details, as hybrid scheduling can vary by semester.

What is the difference between LCPC and LCSW in Maine?

The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential requires a master's in counseling and focuses on mental health counseling techniques, diagnosis, and treatment planning. The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential requires a master's in social work and emphasizes systems-level intervention, case management, and community resources. Both can provide psychotherapy in Maine, but the educational path, supervised experience requirements, and professional scope differ. Your career goals should guide which license you pursue.

What are the best child counseling master's programs in Maine?

Students interested in working with children and adolescents typically choose a school counseling track or a clinical mental health counseling program with a child and adolescent emphasis. Both the University of Southern Maine and Husson University offer CACREP-accredited school counseling degrees. For clinical work with minors outside school settings, a clinical mental health counseling degree paired with elective coursework or practicum placements in child-focused agencies is the most common pathway in Maine.

How much does a master's in counseling cost in Maine?

Tuition varies by institution, residency status, and delivery format. In-state students at the University of Southern Maine generally pay lower per-credit rates than out-of-state or private university students. Husson University, as a private institution, sets a single tuition rate regardless of residency. Because programs require at least 60 credits, total costs can range widely. Contact each school's financial aid office for the most current figures, and factor in fees for practicum, background checks, and licensing exam preparation.

Does Maine offer reciprocity for out-of-state counseling licenses?

Maine does allow licensure for counselors already licensed in another state, though conditions apply. Applicants typically must demonstrate that their education and supervised experience meet Maine's standards, including the 60-credit and 2,000 supervised-hour requirements. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs generally have an easier path because the coursework aligns with what Maine's board expects. Contact the Maine Board of Professional Counselors for case-specific guidance before relocating.