Best Counseling Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico counseling programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a counseling degree or certificate. There are many things that go into finding a good counseling program. The variety of counseling degrees and certificate options within the State of New Mexico allows students to gain the required skills to follow their desired career path.
2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in New Mexico
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM - Public 4-Year - nmhu.edu
Master's - School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico Highlands University's hybrid School Counseling Master's program offers a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum designed for aspiring educational professionals. Students benefit from a multicultural counseling approach that integrates practical skills development through extensive practicum and internship experiences. The program uniquely balances core theoretical foundations with specialized coursework in child and adolescent counseling, family dynamics, and school counseling administration. Graduates emerge prepared to navigate diverse educational environments with advanced guidance techniques. Tailored electives and faculty mentorship ensure personalized academic progression, while the hybrid format accommodates working professionals seeking career advancement in school counseling settings.
- 60-credit Master's program
- Hybrid learning format
- Focus on school counseling
- Includes practicum and internship
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Requires bachelor's degree
- Electives tailored with advisor
- Prepares for diverse educational settings
- Core, research, emphasis areas
- Professional orientation course
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program at New Mexico Highlands University represents a robust CACREP-accredited pathway for mental health professionals. This innovative hybrid program leverages online and synchronous Zoom sessions to provide flexible, high-quality graduate education. With a rigorous 60-credit curriculum, students develop sophisticated clinical skills emphasizing multicultural competence, ethical practice, and social advocacy. The program strategically prepares graduates for licensure and impactful careers in community service agencies. Faculty advisers provide personalized guidance, ensuring students receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey and professional development in mental health counseling.
- CACREP-accredited program
- Hybrid online and Zoom sessions
- 60 credit hours
- Prepares for licensure
- Focus on multicultural competence
- Ethical practice emphasis
- Faculty adviser support
- Accessible across New Mexico
- Advocacy and social change focus
- Diverse student body
University of the Southwest
Hobbs, NM - Private 4-year - usw.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Education, School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of the Southwest's Master of Science in Education for School Counseling offers a comprehensive online program designed to prepare professionals for impactful educational counseling roles. The NMPED-accredited curriculum emphasizes academic success strategies, focusing on pre-school through 12th-grade student development. Prospective counselors will gain expertise in personal/social growth, career guidance, and academic support. Students must pass the Praxis Test for Professional School Counselors, ensuring rigorous professional preparation. The military-friendly program provides flexibility for working professionals seeking licensure, with careful attention to state-specific requirements. Graduates are equipped to create meaningful interventions supporting student achievement and holistic development.
- Accredited by NMPED.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Focuses on academic success.
- Covers pre-school to 12th grade.
- Requires Praxis Test.
- Online program available.
- Equity-focused counseling.
- Personal/social development emphasis.
- Career and college guidance.
- Check state licensure requirements.
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of the Southwest's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling represents a robust, fully online 60-credit program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. CACREP-accredited, the curriculum provides comprehensive training in counseling techniques applicable across diverse human service settings. Students receive flexible learning opportunities while gaining advanced skills in therapeutic intervention, professional practice, and clinical assessment. The program is strategically structured to meet or exceed professional licensing requirements in multiple states. While specific licensure details vary by jurisdiction, graduates are well-positioned for careers in counseling, community mental health centers, private practice, and related behavioral health environments.
- Fully online program
- 60 credit hours
- CACREP accredited
- Meets licensing requirements
- Flexible for students
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, NM - Public 4-Year - enmu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online Learning - Visit Website
Eastern New Mexico University offers a dynamic Master of Arts in Counseling specializing in Clinical Mental Health, strategically designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Delivered entirely online, the program provides comprehensive training that meets licensure requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors across New Mexico. Students benefit from small class sizes, flexible coursework tailored for working professionals, and opportunities for graduate assistantships. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, and professional counseling ethics. With competitive in-state tuition and accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, this program ensures accessible, high-quality graduate education for those committed to mental health counseling careers.
- 100% Online Flexible Program
- Meets Professional Licensure Requirements
- Low In-State Tuition Rates
- Small Class Sizes
- Qualified Caring Faculty
- Graduate Assistantships Available
- Accredited by HLC
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of New Mexico's Master of Arts in Counseling specializes in School Counseling through an innovative hybrid program. Designed for aspiring educational support professionals, the curriculum emphasizes multicultural competencies and advanced psychological interventions. Students benefit from comprehensive training that blends rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical experiences. The program prepares graduates to address diverse student needs, develop professional ethics, and advocate effectively within educational settings. Military-friendly and featuring a campus hospital, UNM provides a robust learning environment for future school counselors. Students can expect a transformative educational journey that equips them with sophisticated counseling skills and cultural sensitivity.
- Hybrid program delivery
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Comprehensive school counseling preparation
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Professional ethics and advocacy training
How to Find a Counseling Program in New Mexico
There are a few things you should consider when looking for a program that fits your needs. If you’re looking for an in-person education, consider the town or city you may, or may not be relocating to. Will there be housing available? Are there adequate resources, such as a library equipped with the materials you will need for research? Make sure you thought of the important details, and that you’re sure the program you are signing up for is right for you.
Counseling Degree Pathways in New Mexico
The pathway that students follow depends on the type of program that they wish to pursue and the degree or certificate requirements.
- Associate's Degree – Typically earned in two years. It doesn’t typically allow for very many counseling career paths, apart from a select few.
- Bachelor's Degree – Typically earned in four years, allows for some career paths in counseling.
- Master's Degree – The most common degree in the counseling field. It typically requires one to two years following a bachelor’s degree.
- Graduate Certificate – Requires less than one year. This is not a degree, but it is helpful in showing specialization in a particular area of counseling.
- Doctorate Degree – Requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and an internship, and is usually completed in three to six years.
Santa Fe Community College offers a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADAC) certificate program that consists of 18.5 credits. The program consists of two semesters of study.
Northern New Mexico College offers a substance abuse counselor/associate of arts program, consisting of 35 credit hours. Bachelor’s degree programs typically require three to four years of study, while a graduate degree usually requires up to two years of additional study.
It should be noted that New Mexico Statutes require a minimum of an associate's degree for licensure as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor.
Choosing a Counseling Specialty
Choosing a counseling specialty is crucial if you want to follow your desired career pathway. Choosing a specialty is important whether you are completing a first degree, or whether you are a professional already working in counseling or another profession, who wants to change careers or advance your counseling career opportunities.
New Mexico State University has a bachelor of science in counseling and community psychology degree program that prepares students to work at the bachelor's level and prepares them for graduate programs.
New Mexico Highlands University offers five master’s of arts concentrations in its counseling program. Choose the M.A. rehabilitation counseling concentration, the M.A. clinical rehabilitation counseling, the M.A. rehabilitation counseling with vocational evaluation specialization, the clinical mental health program, or the M.A. school counseling concentration.
Check School Accreditation
Students need to make sure that a program is accredited if they want to meet state educational requirements and sit for exams.
The New Mexico State University offers an M.A. clinical mental health program in a traditional face-to-face format. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It has a high graduation rate, a 100 percent exam pass rate, and a 100 percent employment rate.
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in New Mexico
Colleges and universities today often provide options for students to complete their programs. Many students complete their degrees in a traditional on-campus format. Many other students complete their coursework in an online format.
Western New Mexico University recognizes that students may need options. The university offers a three-year, 60-credit hour online Master of Arts in counseling program. Students choose between four specialties, which include school counseling, addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and clinical rehabilitation counseling.
Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in New Mexico
The New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department provides licensing services for counselors in New Mexico. It lists the rules and application procedures. The board provides links to exam boards for specific counselor specialties.
2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico University |
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| New Mexico Highlands University |
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| New Mexico State University |
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List of Counseling Degree Programs in New Mexico
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in New Mexico? Browse our comprehensive list of schools offering counseling programs, both online and on-campus, and follow the links to learn more about what each program has to offer.
Albuquerque, NM
University of New Mexico
- Bachelor's - Basics in Addiction Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for LSAA and LADAC licensure
- Combines academic and clinical training
- High demand in New Mexico
- Ethical and scientific foundation
- Requires application and recommendations
- Focus on addiction counseling careers
- Part of Psychology Major
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program delivery
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Comprehensive school counseling preparation
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Professional ethics and advocacy training
- Graduate Certificate - Advanced Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Concentration: Mental Health Counseling Specialization - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Mental Health Counseling Specialization.
- Minimum 12 credits required.
- GPA of at least 3.0 needed.
- Includes internship opportunities.
- Focus on clinical mental health.
- Family counseling coursework.
- Prepares for New Mexico licensure.
- Graduate Certificate - Advanced Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling Specialization - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited masters required
- 12 credit minimum program
- Two specialization options
- New Mexico licensure compatible
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited program.
- Prepares for academic careers.
- Focus on diversity studies.
- Requires master's in counseling.
- Fall semester start only.
- December 15 application deadline.
- Interview required for admission.
- Campus-based program.
Hobbs, NM
University of the Southwest
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 60 credit hours
- CACREP accredited
- Meets licensing requirements
- Flexible for students
- Master's - Master of Science in Education, School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Accredited by NMPED.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Focuses on academic success.
- Covers pre-school to 12th grade.
- Requires Praxis Test.
- Online program available.
- Equity-focused counseling.
- Personal/social development emphasis.
Las Vegas, NM
New Mexico Highlands University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- Hybrid online and Zoom sessions
- 60 credit hours
- Prepares for licensure
- Focus on multicultural competence
- Ethical practice emphasis
- Faculty adviser support
- Accessible across New Mexico
- Master's - School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit Master's program
- Hybrid learning format
- Focus on school counseling
- Includes practicum and internship
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Requires bachelor's degree
- Electives tailored with advisor
- Prepares for diverse educational settings
Portales, NM
Eastern New Mexico University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Flexible Program
- Meets Professional Licensure Requirements
- Low In-State Tuition Rates
- Small Class Sizes
- Qualified Caring Faculty
- Graduate Assistantships Available
- Accredited by HLC
Silver City, NM
Western New Mexico University
- Master's - Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- Graduate-level counseling program
- Clinical Mental Health concentration
- Campus-based learning environment
- Professional counseling preparation
- Advanced therapeutic skills training