Top Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Programs Near Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, emerging as a vibrant hub for healthcare innovation and community wellness. Anchored by institutions like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and OhioHealth, the metro area combines academic rigor with real-world clinical practice. Yet, as the region welcomed over 150,000 new residents between 2010 and 2020, demand for behavioral health services surged by 353% from 2013 to 2019, while the workforce grew by only 174%, leaving critical gaps in community clinics, schools, and hospital settings. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors train through Online Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Programs to bridge these gaps, delivering individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, and integrated-care services across diverse populations.
2026 Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Programs in Columbus, Ohio
Capital University
Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - capital.edu
Master's - Master of Arts – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Capital University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers a robust, transformative educational journey for mental health professionals. Accredited by CACREP, this 64-credit hybrid program strategically prepares students through comprehensive training that includes substantial practical experiences. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum featuring a 100-hour practicum and expansive 600-hour internship, developing advanced clinical skills across diverse healthcare environments. The program's evening class schedule supports working professionals, emphasizing professional identity development and cultural competence. Graduates are comprehensively prepared to pursue licensure, with strong readiness for national certification examinations and professional counseling roles in hospitals, community agencies, and private practice settings.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 64 Credit Hour Program
- Hybrid Learning Format
- Evening Classes Available
- 100-hour Practicum Experience
- 600-hour Internship Opportunity
- Multiple Career Settings
- Professional Counselor Licensure
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu
Master's - Counselor Education
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
Ohio State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration delivers comprehensive graduate training designed to cultivate expert mental health professionals. Students gain advanced psychological skills through immersive learning experiences across community, hospital, and private practice environments. The program distinguishes itself by emphasizing ethical practice, research integration, and professional development. Graduates emerge as highly trained counselors capable of addressing complex mental health challenges with evidence-based interventions. The curriculum strategically blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students to support diverse client populations with compassion and clinical expertise. Clinical placements and research opportunities further enhance students' professional preparedness in the dynamic mental health counseling landscape.
- Top-rated Counselor Education program
- Train in community and private settings
- Ethical, self-reflective practitioner focus
- Comprehensive mental health training
- Professional practice preparation
Kent State University
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. offers a transformative educational pathway for aspiring mental health professionals. Designed to equip students with comprehensive counseling skills, the program emphasizes multicultural training and practical experience across diverse clinical settings. With CACREP accreditation, students complete a rigorous 60-credit curriculum including a 600 clock-hour internship, preparing them for Ohio licensure. The program's flexible full-time and part-time options accommodate varied student needs, while maintaining a competitive 3.0 GPA admission requirement. Graduates develop advanced therapeutic techniques through immersive coursework and strategic clinical placements in community agencies, mental health centers, and private practices.
- 60 total credit hours
- CACREP accredited program
- Ohio licensure preparation
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Diverse clinical placement opportunities
- Part-time and full-time options
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- 600 clock-hour internship
- Campus-based in-person learning
- Comprehensive counseling skills training
Local Outlook & Key Employers
To understand where your training will lead, it's essential to see which employers drive clinical opportunities in Columbus. These organizations not only hire new graduates but also partner with universities to provide supervised practicum placements. Their diverse patient populations, service models, and interdisciplinary teams create a rich training ground for future LPCCs.
- OhioHealth Behavioral Health, operating multiple outpatient clinics and an inpatient psychiatric unit, focuses on integrated behavioral health and primary-care collaboration.
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, one of the nation's largest pediatric hospitals, provides specialized counseling services for families coping with chronic illness, developmental disorders, and trauma.
- The Franklin County ADAMH Board, which funds community-based recovery programs including detox centers and outpatient counseling, allows LPCC interns to learn evidence-based substance-use treatment practices.
- Columbus City Schools, one of Ohio's largest districts, employs counselors for social-emotional learning and crisis intervention placements.
Program Spotlights
Highlighting a couple of representative programs can illustrate the balance of value, flexibility, and accreditation you can expect in Columbus. Below are two affordable options that are known for their strong practicum support and robust funding opportunities.
- The Ohio State University – Master of Education in Counseling
A hybrid program with evening classes, OSU offers in-state tuition of approximately $640 per credit, and graduate assistantships that include tuition remission and stipends. - Franklin University – M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivered entirely online at around $550 per credit for residents, Franklin University provides state grant eligibility and internship partnerships with Columbus public schools.
Both programs adhere to CACREP standards, ensuring your coursework and practicum map directly to Ohio licensure requirements.
Curriculum Highlights: From Theory to Practice
Before exploring individual course details, it is helpful to understand how Columbus programs structure their curriculum to translate academic concepts into clinical competencies. Faculty design each module with a blend of lectures, case studies, and supervised skill labs so you can apply theory immediately.
| Component | Description |
| Counseling Theories & Techniques | In-depth study of person-centered, CBT, and family-systems models |
| Human Growth & Development | Lifespan frameworks emphasizing child and adolescent issues |
| Group Counseling Methods | Techniques for designing and facilitating therapeutic groups |
| Diagnostic Assessment | DSM-5 diagnostic formulation and culturally responsive treatment planning |
| Ethics & Professional Issues | Legal standards, multicultural competence, and counselor self-care |
| Practicum & Internship | 100 practicum hours plus 600–800 supervised internship hours |
Licensure Pathway in Ohio
Completing a master's degree is only the first step toward Ohio licensure. Understanding the state's specific requirements will help you choose a program that aligns seamlessly with your career goals:
To become an LPCC in Ohio, you must:
- Accumulate 3,000 supervised hours, including at least 1,500 in direct client contact.
- Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Complete the Ohio Counselor Practice Examination for jurisprudence.
Programs like OSU's and Franklin University's integrate these components into their practicum and review courses, streamlining your path to licensure.
Salary Expectations in Columbus
Evaluating salary data helps gauge your return on investment and plan your budget. Columbus's lower-than-average cost of living enhances disposable income for newly licensed counselors:
| Role | Entry-Level | Median | Experienced |
| Licensed Professional Counselor | $48,000 | $60,000 | $75,000 |
| Integrated Care Counselor | $50,000 | $62,000 | $80,000 |
| Trauma-Informed School Counselor | $45,000 | $58,000 | $72,000 |
| Substance-Use Recovery Counselor | $46,000 | $59,000 | $78,000 |
These figures illustrate how an LPCC credential in Columbus can translate into a financially sustainable career.
Admission Tips & Requirements
A standout application typically combines strong academic credentials with relevant experience and clear professional objectives. Most Columbus programs detailed in Counseling Schools in Ohio expect:
- A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in psychology or a related field.
- Letters of Recommendation (two to three) from professors or clinical supervisors.
- A Personal Statement that articulates your counseling philosophy, experience, and commitment to serving Ohio communities.
- A Resume/CV listing volunteer work, internships, or employment in behavioral-health settings.
- Official Transcripts confirming prerequisite coursework in psychology, research methods, and statistics.
- GRE Scores, if required by the program (many waive this requirement).
- An Interview or Writing Sample assessing ethical reasoning and clinical fit.
Pro Tip: Initiate conversations with admissions coordinators early to confirm residency status, tuition benefits, and assistantship openings.
Financing Your Education
Strategic use of funding options can dramatically reduce your financial burden. Consider these sources in combination:
- The Ohio MHAS Workforce Incentive Program offers up to $20,000 in educational assistance and loan repayment for counselors serving underserved communities in Ohio.
- Graduate Assistantships at institutions like Ohio State offer tuition remission and stipends, while also building professional credentials.
- Federal Aid (FAFSA) unlocks Direct Unsubsidized Loans, PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study positions to offset costs.
- University Scholarships, both merit- and need-based, can range from $1,000 to full-tuition awards specific to counseling cohorts.
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement programs at health systems, school districts, and nonprofits allow employees to recoup education expenses.
By layering these sources, you can often cover up to 75% of your total program costs.
Emerging Trends & Career Paths
Columbus LPCC graduates are uniquely positioned to capitalize on evolving models of care and community needs. Current trends include:
- Telehealth Counseling Specialists, who extend mental-health services to rural clients and those with mobility barriers through secure video platforms.
- Integrated Care Counselors, working within primary-care settings to address behavioral and physical health simultaneously, improving overall outcomes.
- Trauma-Informed School Counselors, implementing ACEs-informed interventions across K–12 systems to foster student resilience.
- Substance-Use Recovery Counselors lead evidence-based addiction treatment programs in both clinical and community contexts.
Ohio's demand for mental health counselors is projected to outpace national growth through 2032, ensuring long-term career stability.
Professional Development & Networking
Building lasting career momentum involves ongoing education and robust professional connections. Columbus offers a wealth of opportunities:
Joining local and state organizations connects you to mentors, referral networks, and continuing-education resources. Key avenues include:
- Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) conferences and CE workshops led by state and national experts, offering credits required for license renewal.
- Local chapters of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and Telehealth Association groups host webinars, study groups, and best-practice forums.
- University speaker series at OSU and private colleges that highlight emerging research, innovative interventions, and policy updates.
- Mentorship programs pair students with seasoned LPCCs for career guidance, job-shadowing experiences, and long-term professional support.
Active participation not only strengthens clinical skills but also expands your professional network, leading to referrals and employment opportunities.
How to Choose the Right Master's Program
When comparing multiple programs, apply these five criteria to ensure the best fit:
- CACREP Accreditation ensures adherence to national standards for counselor education.
- Program Format & Flexibility evaluate in-person, online, and hybrid models against your work and life commitments.
- Practicum Partnerships with leading agencies, including OhioHealth, Nationwide Children's, ADAMH, and Columbus City Schools, ensure high-quality placements.
- Graduate Outcomes investigates licensure pass rates, employment statistics, and alumni feedback for real-world success metrics.
- Cost vs. ROI balance tuition, living expenses, available funding, and projected starting salaries to estimate your return on investment.
With these factors in mind, you can select the program that aligns with your professional aspirations, financial resources, and desired learning style.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists Outlook
- Ohio MHAS Workforce Incentive Program
- OhioHealth – Behavioral Health Services
- Nationwide Children's Hospital – Behavior Support Program
- Franklin County Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Board (ADAMH)
