Best Counseling Schools in Arizona
Arizona has a large need for counselors, and it also has many degree programs that can help you become one. Here are some of the best counseling programs in Arizona.

2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Arizona
Prescott College
Prescott, AZ - Private 4-year - prescott.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Prescott College's Master of Science in Counseling with Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration offers a comprehensive CACREP-accredited hybrid program. The innovative 60-credit curriculum integrates social justice principles with advanced counseling techniques, preparing students for professional licensure. Students benefit from flexible online learning with minimal 3-day campus residencies, exploring interdisciplinary approaches to mental health. Priced at $830 per credit, the program provides unique concentrations in human sexuality and somatic counseling. Graduates develop critical skills to address complex family dynamics and emotional wellness across diverse populations.
- Online with 3-day campus residency
- 60 total credit program
- $830 per credit cost
- CACREP accredited program
- Spring 2025 priority deadline: Oct 1, 2024
- Multiple counseling concentrations
- Post-graduate certificate options
- Social justice curriculum focus
- Prepares for professional licensure
- Interdisciplinary learning approach
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Human Sexuality Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Prescott College's Master of Science in Counseling, specializing in Human Sexuality Counseling, delivers an innovative online program with transformative learning opportunities. The CACREP-accredited curriculum emphasizes social justice and comprehensive mental health training. Through flexible learning formats, students develop advanced skills in understanding complex emotional landscapes and client wellness. The program prepares future licensed professional counselors to navigate sensitive topics with expertise, offering a 60-credit pathway that balances theoretical knowledge with practical intervention strategies. Minimal campus residencies and affordable per-credit pricing make this program accessible to aspiring counseling professionals.
- CACREP-accredited counseling program
- Online with 3-day campus residency
- 60 total credit hours
- $830 per credit
- Spring 2025 application deadline: Nov 15
- Multiple concentration options
- Marriage/Family Counseling emphasis
- Flexible learning pathways
- Social justice curriculum focus
- Forbes-recognized program
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Social Justice in Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Prescott College's Master of Science in Counseling with Social Justice concentration provides a groundbreaking online educational experience. This CACREP-accredited program uniquely integrates social justice principles with comprehensive counseling training, enabling students to explore multi-generational and transcultural mental health dynamics. The 60-credit curriculum emphasizes holistic client wellness, preparing professionals to address systemic challenges. With minimal on-campus requirements and a flexible learning model, students can complete most coursework online. The program's commitment to social justice and professional development makes it an ideal pathway for counselors seeking meaningful, transformative practice.
- CACREP-accredited counseling program
- Online with 3-day campus residency
- 60 total credit hours
- $830 per credit cost
- Spring 2025 app deadline: Nov 15
- Multiple counseling concentrations
- Social justice learning approach
- Minimal in-person requirements
- Internship and practicum included
- Forbes-recognized program
Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Prescott College's Master of Education in School Counseling offers a comprehensive online program designed to prepare K-12 educational support professionals. This 36-credit curriculum emphasizes social justice, cultural diversity, and creating accessible learning environments. Students develop skills to foster collaborative parent-educator relationships and support democratic school community participation. The program prepares graduates for roles as certified school counselors and vocational specialists, with a strong focus on understanding diverse student needs. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the program provides flexible learning for working professionals seeking meaningful educational leadership opportunities.
- Online delivery method.
- 36 credits required.
- Focus on social justice.
- Prepares for K-12 counseling.
- Accredited by HLC.
- Arizona certification eligible.
- Experienced faculty.
- Cultural diversity emphasis.
- Career paths outlined.
- Flexible for professionals.
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Prescott College's Master of Science in Counseling, concentrating in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, delivers a robust online program for aspiring mental health professionals. This comprehensive curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, covering critical areas like assessment, treatment planning, and ethical practice. Designed for flexibility, the program suits working professionals and recent graduates seeking licensure. Students learn advanced techniques for addressing complex mental health challenges, with a curriculum that prepares them for diverse counseling roles. Competitive tuition, financial aid options, and a focus on practical skill development make this program an excellent pathway to a rewarding counseling career.
- Online program format
- Clinical Mental Health focus
- Prepares for licensure
- Flexible for professionals
- Competitive tuition costs
- Financial aid available
- Bachelor's degree required
- Practical skills emphasis
- Ethical practice training
- Assessment techniques covered
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu
Master's - Master of Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Arizona State University's Master of Counseling offers a transformative 60-credit program designed for aspiring mental health professionals seeking comprehensive multicultural training. Students navigate flexible academic pathways, including thesis and practitioner tracks, while developing advanced clinical skills through immersive practicum experiences. The program uniquely prepares counselors to serve diverse populations with profound cultural sensitivity, meeting Arizona Board of Behavioral Health standards. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and 3.00 GPA, with online and campus immersion options providing exceptional flexibility. Graduates emerge equipped for roles in community agencies, hospitals, private practice, and potential doctoral studies, with robust preparation for professional counselor licensure.
- 60 credit hour comprehensive program
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Approved by Arizona Board of Behavioral Health
- Online and in-person options
- Prepares for professional counselor licensure
- Practicum and internship included
- 3.00 minimum GPA requirement
- Flexible thesis or exam pathway
Master's - Addiction Psychology, MS
Online Learning - Visit Website
ASU's Master of Science in Addiction Psychology delivers an innovative online program tailored for professionals passionate about addressing substance abuse challenges. Spanning 33 credit hours, the curriculum strategically blends clinical expertise with research-driven approaches to addiction counseling. Students gain comprehensive training meeting national certification requirements, preparing for impactful roles in treatment centers, hospitals, and counseling services. The program features a practicum and applied project, emphasizing practical skills development. Ideal for behavioral health backgrounds, this flexible online format enables working professionals to advance their careers while meeting educational licensure standards with projected strong job market growth.
- Online program format
- Prepares for licensure
- 33 credit hours
- Includes practicum
- Applied project required
- Meets national certification
- Flexible for professionals
- Strong job growth
- Bachelor's degree required
- Behavioral health background preferred
Ottawa University-Surprise
Surprise, AZ - Private 4-year - ottawa.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ottawa University's Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling delivers a comprehensive online program tailored for aspiring K-12 school counselors. With CAEP accreditation and state approval in Arizona, students develop advanced multicultural counseling techniques without requiring prior teaching experience. The curriculum emphasizes early intervention strategies and team consultation methods, aligning with Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of 8% employment growth. Graduates receive rigorous preparation to support students' academic, personal, and career development through evidence-based approaches. No specific entrance exam is mentioned, offering accessibility for diverse professional backgrounds.
- Online and residential campus options
- State-approved in Arizona, Kansas
- CAEP accreditation
- 8% projected job growth
- No teaching experience required
- Median annual wage $57,040
- Comprehensive counseling curriculum
- Practicum opportunities
- Multicultural counseling techniques
Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ottawa University's Master of Science in Addiction Counseling provides an accelerated online pathway for mental health professionals seeking specialized substance abuse treatment expertise. Spanning 36 credit hours with NASAC accreditation, the program prepares students for diverse roles in addiction treatment facilities, hospitals, and private practices. Coursework comprehensively covers psychopharmacology, multicultural counseling, and family systems interventions. With projected 23% career growth and 150 practicum contact hours, students gain practical skills in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic strategies. The program meets state licensure requirements, creating robust professional opportunities in addiction counseling.
- Online accelerated master's program
- Meets state licensure requirements
- 36 total credit hours
- NASAC accredited program
- 150 practicum contact hours
- Career outlook: 23% growth
- Multiple career settings available
Arizona State University Online
Scottsdale, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu
Master's - Master of Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Arizona State University's online Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides comprehensive training for aspiring licensed professional counselors. The 60-credit program emphasizes multicultural, client-centered mental health services through innovative digital learning. Students engage in three semesters of supervised clinical practice, developing advanced skills in trauma response, assessment, and clinical techniques. Designed for professionals committed to personal growth, the program requires a minimum 3.00 GPA and offers weekly virtual group supervision. The curriculum prepares graduates to effectively serve diverse populations with specialized mental health intervention strategies.
- 60 total credit hours
- Online program with field experiences
- 20 total classes
- 7.5-15 weeks per class
- Prepares for professional licensure
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Three supervised field experiences
- Competitive graduate admission
- Weekly virtual group supervision
Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Arizona State University's online Master of Science in Addiction Psychology offers a dynamic pathway for professionals seeking expertise in addiction counseling. Recognized as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, the program integrates cutting-edge research with comprehensive clinical training. Students explore advanced addiction treatment methodologies, preparing for state licensure while developing critical skills in understanding substance abuse interventions. The flexible online format allows professionals to advance their careers without disrupting current work commitments, emphasizing practical knowledge and evidence-based approaches to addiction psychology.
- Online program format
- NAADAC Approved Education Provider
- Prepares for state licensure
- Combines research and clinical expertise
- Focus on addiction counseling
How to Find a Counseling Program in Arizona
Multiple Arizona postsecondary schools grant counseling degrees. There are degree programs at all levels of postsecondary education, in many different specialties, and both in-person and online. Compare the many different options that are available, and choose a counseling program that meets your needs and aspirations. You might consider budget, schedule, interests, and career goals.
Counseling Degree Pathways in Arizona
Counseling degree programs can last from a few months to many years, depending on what level you're qualified for and want. The degree options include:
- Associate Degree: Normally is a two-year program that can be completed after high school (or a GED).
- Bachelor's Degree: Normally is a four-year program that can be completed after high school (or GED). Can also be completed in two years after an associate degree.
- Master's Degree: Normally is a one to two-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's degree.
- Doctorate Degree: Normally is a three to six-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's or master's degree. Can be a professional (Psy.D.) or a research (Ph.D.) degree.
- Graduate Certificate: Normally a six-month to one-year program that can be completed after a bachelor's or master's degree. It is often used to specialize in a particular counseling discipline.
You can work your way up through the degree programs as you advance your career. A graduate (master's or doctorate) degree is required to become a licensed counselor, but you can begin working in the field with an associate’s or bachelor's degree.
Choose a Counseling Specialty
As a counselor, you can offer general counseling or focus on a specialty. For example, there are degree programs specializing in:
- Clinical and mental health counseling
- Clinical rehabilitation counseling
- School counseling
- Christian counseling
- Family and marital therapy
This is just a small sampling of the many different counseling specialties that you can go into.
Accreditation
Any counseling degree program that you consider should be accredited. The main accrediting bodies for counseling programs are the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) and the American Psychological Association (APA). All of the University of Arizona's programs are accredited, as are many other schools' programs.
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Arizona
The counseling degree programs offered include both online and in-person options. Going to school online is frequently more affordable, more convenient, and has more flexible scheduling options. Going in-person allows you to interface directly with students and faculty, and also grants you greater access to internship and library resources.
Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Arizona
To become licensed as a counselor in Arizona, you must complete a graduate degree program in counseling or a related field (e.g. psychology, substance abuse, marriage and family studies, etc.). The program must be accredited and at least 60 semester hours long.
You must also complete an internship consisting of 700 total hours, including 240 hours with direct client contact. You then must work in a supervised capacity for at least two years, before passing the licensure exam and paying the associated fee.
Once licensed, you must renew your license every two years. Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education.
2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options
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Prescott College
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Arizona State University |
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Northern Arizona University |
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List of Counseling Degree Programs in Arizona
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Arizona? 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.
Flagstaff, AZ
Northern Arizona University
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited since 1998
- 60-credit hour master's program
- 95% job placement rate
- No GRE required (3.0+ GPA)
- Multiple campus locations
- Prepares for licensure
- Evidence-based counseling training
- Face-to-face experiential learning
- Master's - Counseling - School Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- Prepares for K-12 Guidance Counselor Certification
- 60-unit curriculum
- Includes fieldwork and internship
- 100% completion rate
- 95% job placement rate
- Faculty are industry leaders
- Available in multiple locations
- Graduate Certificate - Culturally-Centered Addictions Research Training
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 15-unit graduate certificate
- Hybrid program delivery
- Focus on substance use disorders
- Interprofessional healthcare settings
- Year-long research experience
- Culturally-centered practices
- Web and community-based learning
- For clinicians and doctoral students
Glendale, AZ
Arizona Christian University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Health
Campus Based - Website
- 17:1 faculty-student ratio
- Biblical integration focus
- 135-hour internship
- Counseling or coaching specialization
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Diverse career opportunities
- Hands-on counseling skills
- American Psychological Association objectives
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Health
Concentration: Counseling, Coaching - Campus Based - Website
- Biblical liberal arts foundation
- Two concentration options
- 135-hour internship included
- 17:1 faculty-student ratio
- Comprehensive psychology curriculum
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Diverse career path opportunities
Prescott, AZ
Prescott College
- Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online delivery method.
- 36 credits required.
- Focus on social justice.
- Prepares for K-12 counseling.
- Accredited by HLC.
- Arizona certification eligible.
- Experienced faculty.
- Cultural diversity emphasis.
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Clinical Mental Health focus
- Prepares for licensure
- Flexible for professionals
- Competitive tuition costs
- Financial aid available
- Bachelor's degree required
- Practical skills emphasis
Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona State University Online
- Master's - Counseling (School Counseling), MC
Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 60 credit hour master's program
- PreK-12 School Counselor Certification
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Mental health licensure eligible
- Practicum and internship included
- 3.00 minimum GPA required
- Comprehensive professional preparation
- Master's - Master of Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- Online program with field experiences
- 20 total classes
- 7.5-15 weeks per class
- Prepares for professional licensure
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Three supervised field experiences
- Competitive graduate admission
- Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- NAADAC Approved Education Provider
- Prepares for state licensure
- Combines research and clinical expertise
- Focus on addiction counseling
Surprise, AZ
Ottawa University-Surprise
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Accelerated 8-week terms
- Focus on cultural competence
- Covers AOD and co-occurring disorders
- Practical skills for diverse settings
- High school diploma required
- Prepares for hospital and rehab roles
- Meets growing counselor demand
- Master's - Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online and residential campus options
- State-approved in Arizona, Kansas
- CAEP accreditation
- 8% projected job growth
- No teaching experience required
- Median annual wage $57,040
- Comprehensive counseling curriculum
- Practicum opportunities
- Master's - Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online accelerated master's program
- Meets state licensure requirements
- 36 total credit hours
- NASAC accredited program
- 150 practicum contact hours
- Career outlook: 23% growth
- Multiple career settings available
Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University
- Bachelor's - Counseling and Applied Psychological Science
Concentration: Substance Abuse and Addictions - Online Learning - Website
- First of its kind program
- 135-hour required internship
- Online bachelor's degree
- 120 total credit hours
- 7.5-week class format
- Leads to LSAT credential
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Master's - Addiction Psychology, MS
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Prepares for licensure
- 33 credit hours
- Includes practicum
- Applied project required
- Meets national certification
- Flexible for professionals
- Strong job growth
- Master's - Counseling (School Counseling), MC
Campus Based - Website
- 60 credit hours
- Campus-based program
- Focus on multicultural counseling
- Eligible for Arizona licensure
- School Counselor Certificate
- Practical training opportunities
- Full-time completion in 2 years
- Diverse educational settings focus
- Master's - Master of Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 60 credit hour comprehensive program
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Approved by Arizona Board of Behavioral Health
- Online and in-person options
- Prepares for professional counselor licensure
- Practicum and internship included
- 3.00 minimum GPA requirement
- Flexible thesis or exam pathway
- Graduate Certificate - Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- 21 credit hours required
- Meets Arizona licensure requirements
- Focus on evidence-based interventions
- Covers multicultural issues
- Includes psychopharmacology
- Admission GPA 3.00 minimum
- Bachelor's or master's degree required
Tucson, AZ
University of Arizona
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- Clinical Mental Health focus
- In-person campus program
- Licensure preparation
- Diverse practice settings
- Multicultural competence training
- Ethical counseling practices
- Social justice emphasis
- Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D.
Campus Based - Website
- 76 total program credits
- Main campus in Tucson, AZ
- In-person program format
- Minimum 3.5 graduate GPA
- CACREP accredited program
- Master's degree required
- Leadership and advocacy focus
- Research-intensive curriculum
- Doctorate - PhD in Health Behavior Health Promotion
Campus Based - Website
- 63 credit hours required
- Four to five years completion
- Research-oriented program
- Focus on community health
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Campus-based in Tucson
- Accredited program
- Diverse curriculum