Explore Top Rated Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs Near West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida, is emerging as a regional leader in mental health education and workforce development. As national conversations around behavioral health and counseling access expand, this coastal city provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in mental health counseling careers.
The need for qualified counselors is rising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of mental health counselors is expected to grow 18% through 2032—much faster than the average for all occupations. Florida, as one of the most populous and demographically diverse states, is a key contributor to this demand, especially in urban centers like West Palm Beach where counseling needs span age, socioeconomic, and cultural spectrums.
With a mix of accredited institutions, diverse internship placements, and expanding public investment in behavioral health services, West Palm Beach offers an ideal landscape for students pursuing graduate education in counseling. Whether seeking licensure as a mental health professional or building on an existing foundation in psychology or social work, this guide explores top-rated counseling programs in Florida and nearby pathways to help shape a successful and service-oriented career.
2025 Top Rated Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs Near West Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, FL - Private 4-year - pba.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Palm Beach Atlantic University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a hybrid program that blends rigorous academic training with a Christian perspective, preparing students for licensure in Florida. It emphasizes practical experience through over 700 hours of practicum and internship, catering to diverse counseling contexts. The program, requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission, is CACREP accredited and offers optional specialized certificates. Unique highlights include faith integration and preparation for various professional settings without specifying an entrance exam.
- Hybrid learning format
- Florida licensure preparation
- Christian faith integration
- Multiple counseling concentrations
- 100+ practicum hours
- 600+ internship hours
- CACREP accredited program
- Optional specialized certificates
- Diverse clinical training settings
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Crisis and Trauma Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Crisis and Trauma Counseling, this hybrid Master's program at Palm Beach Atlantic University equips students with specialized skills to address psychological challenges, underpinned by a faith-based approach. It meets Florida licensure requirements and includes over 100 clinical practice hours. Admission criteria include a 3.0 GPA and a faculty interview, with no mention of an entrance exam. The program is noted for its CACREP accreditation and flexibility with online options.
- Hybrid program with online options
- CACREP accredited counseling program
- Crisis and Trauma concentration available
- Meets Florida licensure requirements
- 100+ clinical practice hours
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA minimum
- Faculty interview required
- Multiple campus locations
- Christian faith integration
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Marriage and Family Studies - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Marriage and Family Studies concentration within Palm Beach Atlantic University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program offers a faith-informed curriculum designed for aspiring licensed professionals. It combines academic coursework with over 600 clinical hours, focusing on ethical interventions in marriage and family therapy. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam specified. The program stands out for its hybrid format, CACREP accreditation, and individual faculty mentorship, preparing graduates for diverse therapeutic settings.
- Hybrid learning format
- Faith-based counseling approach
- Florida licensure preparation
- 600+ clinical hours
- Optional Marriage and Family Studies concentration
- CACREP accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Two campus locations
- Individual faculty mentorship
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL - Private 4-year - lynn.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Lynn University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a 61-credit CACREP-accredited program blending hybrid learning formats to suit diverse student needs. This program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that includes three full semesters of fieldwork, preparing students for LMHC licensure in Florida. With a focus on strengths-based counseling and multicultural competence, students are equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat clients in various mental health settings. The program's flexibility allows for both on-campus and online synchronous learning, supported by faculty mentorship and diverse clinical training opportunities.
- CACREP-accredited counseling program
- 61-credit hybrid degree
- On-campus and online formats
- Prepare for LMHC licensure
- Three full semesters fieldwork
- Strengths-based counseling approach
- Mental health agency training
- Diverse learning opportunities
- Faculty mentorship available
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Crisis, Resilience and First Responder Trauma - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Crisis, Resilience, and First Responder Trauma, Lynn University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited 61-credit hybrid program. Designed for completion in two years, it prepares students for Florida licensure with a unique focus on crisis and trauma. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical fieldwork in mental health agencies, offering both on-campus and online learning options. Graduates emerge ready to address mental health challenges in diverse populations, with specialized skills in crisis intervention and trauma counseling, making them highly competitive in the field.
- CACREP-accredited program
- 61-credit hybrid degree
- Two-year completion option
- Crisis and trauma concentration
- Florida licensure preparation
- Fieldwork in mental health agencies
- Full-time enrollment: 9+ credits
- On-campus and online options
- Professional counseling focus
- Diverse clinical training opportunities
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, designed for those aiming to make a difference in mental health settings. This 60-credit program blends online flexibility with the option for campus-based learning in Florida, catering to diverse student needs. It prepares graduates for Florida licensure, emphasizing practical skills for clinics, hospitals, and private practice. A distinctive feature is the mandatory three-day residency for online participants, fostering hands-on experience. With start dates in August, January, and May, the program accommodates various schedules. Admission follows standard graduate requirements, with no specific entrance exam mentioned, making it accessible to a broad applicant pool.
- CACREP accredited.
- 60 credit hours.
- Online and campus options.
- Florida licensure preparation.
- Three-day residency included.
- Flexible start dates.
- Focus on Clinical Mental Health.
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL - Public 4-Year - fau.edu
Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida Atlantic University offers a CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program designed to train future Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC). This campus-based program stands out for its rigorous curriculum that blends academic coursework with hands-on clinical training. Students benefit from a developmental evaluation process, ensuring they acquire the necessary therapeutic skills and personal growth for effective counseling. The program emphasizes a strengths-based approach, focusing on clients' potential rather than pathology. Admission requires meeting academic prerequisites, but it does not specify the need for an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure and diverse counseling roles.
- CACREP-accredited master's program
- Prepares for LMHC licensure
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Systematic student evaluation
- Focus on therapeutic counseling skills
- Emphasizes personal professional development
- Rigorous academic prerequisites
- Supervised practicum and internship
Why Study Counseling in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach offers a unique blend of coastal living and access to clinical and academic resources. The area is home to hospitals, private practices, school-based behavioral programs, and nonprofit counseling centers. This diversity creates strong partnerships between universities and community organizations, ensuring students gain hands-on experience throughout their training.
The city's proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Miami expands internship and mental health counselor job opportunities post-graduation. Palm Beach County also continues to invest in behavioral health infrastructure, including mental health crisis response and integrated care initiatives. Recent community investments in youth mental health, senior wellness, and bilingual counseling services make the region especially appealing for students focused on clinical impact.
Many students also benefit from local government and nonprofit initiatives such as the "BeWellPBC" collective, which aims to improve mental health access through collaboration between education, law enforcement, and public health sectors. These connections enrich the clinical training pipeline and foster real-world application of counseling skills.
Practicum and Internship Opportunities
Hands-on clinical training is a central component of every accredited counseling program. In West Palm Beach, students complete practicum and internship placements at:
- Palm Beach County Youth Services Department
- Center for Child Counseling
- Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health
- School-based programs in the School District of Palm Beach County
- Community nonprofit organizations
These placements enable students to work with diverse age groups and clinical presentations. Settings may include outpatient mental health clinics, crisis stabilization units, elementary schools, and community outreach programs. Students work under the supervision of licensed clinicians, gaining experience in intake, assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions with diverse populations.
Some students may also participate in telehealth training or work in multilingual settings to support Florida's increasingly diverse population. For example, students at bilingual community health centers may gain experience conducting sessions in Spanish or Haitian Creole, expanding their competencies in culturally responsive care.
Curriculum Highlights and Areas of Focus
Clinical mental health counseling programs near West Palm Beach are designed to meet state licensure standards while preparing students for ethical, compassionate, and evidence-based practice. Core courses cover essential domains of professional competence, while electives allow students to tailor their training.
Common areas of study include:
- Counseling Theories and Techniques
- Human Growth and Development
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- Career Counseling
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling
- Cultural Competence and Diversity in Practice
- Group Counseling and Facilitation
- Research and Program Evaluation
Students typically complete over 700 hours of supervised fieldwork to meet Florida licensure requirements. In addition, programs may offer certificate tracks in areas such as trauma-informed care, addiction counseling, or play therapy. These specialty areas help students serve high-need populations and expand career options after graduation.
Programs may also integrate experiential learning through simulations, case analysis, and peer roleplays. For example, a counseling lab may feature mock sessions recorded for instructor feedback, helping students strengthen their clinical judgment before entering practicum settings.
Florida Licensure Preparation and Career Outlook
Licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida is regulated by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work ,Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. The process involves multiple steps to ensure candidates meet professional and ethical standards:
- Completion of a 60-credit master's degree from an approved program
- Supervised practicum and internship
- Passing score on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- 1,500 hours of supervised post-master's clinical experience
The state also requires completion of an 8-hour Florida laws and rules course, a 2-hour domestic violence course, and a 3-hour HIV/AIDS course.
West Palm Beach's growing demand for licensed counselors includes roles in settings such as:
| Setting | Common Positions |
| Community Mental Health | Crisis counselors, intake specialists, outpatient therapists |
| Schools and Universities | School counselors, behavioral interventionists |
| Hospitals and Clinics | Integrated care coordinators, trauma counselors |
| Correctional Facilities | Reentry support therapists, substance abuse counselors |
| Private Practice | Individual and group therapists |
Graduates often find employment in regional healthcare networks or begin working toward private practice eligibility while under supervision. Others may pursue additional certifications in grief counseling, EMDR, or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to further specialize their clinical scope.
Take the Next Step Toward a Counseling Career
West Palm Beach offers a supportive academic and professional environment for aspiring mental health counselors. The city's clinical training sites, regional mental health investment, and accessible licensure pathways provide a practical foundation for those ready to enter the profession.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit campuses, connect with current students, and speak with faculty about practicum support and post-graduation success rates. Understanding a program's placement partnerships and board exam preparation strategies can help guide the decision-making process.
Additionally, attending local professional events, such as those hosted by the Florida Counseling Association or the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition, can help students build networks and stay current on mental health trends in the state.
For those passionate about improving lives through counseling, West Palm Beach offers both a beautiful backdrop and a strong infrastructure to help transform that calling into a lasting career.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Mental Health Counselors
- Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling
- Palm Beach County Youth Services Department
- Center for Child Counseling
- School District of Palm Beach County
- Florida Counseling Association
