Best Counseling Schools in Arkansas

John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy is a hybrid program that blends faith-based perspectives with professional training. This CACREP-accredited program requires 60 credit hours and offers evening and weekend classes for flexibility. With a focus on hands-on clinical training, students benefit from a 97% post-graduation employment rate. The program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to aspiring therapists. Multiple campus locations and a low student-to-faculty ratio enhance the learning experience, preparing graduates for licensure and successful careers in mental health counseling.

• CACREP accredited program
• Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis
• 60 total credit hours
• Multiple campus locations
• Evening/weekend classes
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
• Individual faculty interview required
• 42 core counseling credits
• 15 clinical requirement credits
• 97% post-graduation employment

The Master of Science in Counseling at John Brown University, specializing in Play Therapy, is a hybrid program designed for those seeking to integrate therapeutic play into their counseling practice. This 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program emphasizes practical skills and ethical practice, with a 100% practicum placement rate. No entrance exam is required, and the program offers flexible scheduling with evening and weekend classes. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure, supported by a strong 87% national exam pass rate and a 97% job placement rate, reflecting the program's commitment to excellence in mental health counseling.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• 60 total credit hours
• Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis
• Three campus locations
• 87% national exam pass rate
• Licensed counselor faculty
• Undergraduate GPA 2.75+ required
• Practicum placement support
• 97% job placement rate
• Evening/weekend classes

John Brown University offers a unique Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Adventure Therapy, combining traditional counseling techniques with outdoor experiential learning. This hybrid, 60-credit program is CACREP-accredited and focuses on personal growth and professional development. With a 100% clinical placement rate and no entrance exam requirement, students gain hands-on experience in diverse settings. The program's face-to-face training model and flexible evening and weekend classes cater to aspiring mental health professionals looking for a holistic and innovative approach to counseling.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• Marriage & Family Therapy Emphasis
• 60 Total Credit Hours
• Evening/Weekend Classes
• Multiple Campus Locations
• 100% Clinical Placement Rate
• 87% National Exam Pass Rate
• Minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
• Individual Admissions Interview
• Face-to-Face Training Model

John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is a hybrid program that prepares students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors. The 60-credit program is CACREP-accredited for in-person formats and offers both online and in-person classes. No GRE is required, making it accessible to a wide range of students. With a cost of $600 per credit hour and a 100% clinical placement rate, the program integrates faith-based perspectives with evidence-based counseling techniques, equipping graduates for success in the rapidly growing mental health counseling field.

• 60 total credit hours
• Online and in-person formats
• CACREP accredited (in-person)
• No GRE required
• Cost $600 per credit
• 100% clinical placement rate
• Multiple concentration options
• Licensure preparation
• Christ-centered approach
• Experienced clinical faculty

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus presents a hybrid Master of Education in School Counseling, designed for those aiming to make a difference in educational environments. This program uniquely combines online coursework with on-campus experiences, offering flexibility for working professionals. It emphasizes student development and effective counseling strategies, preparing graduates for roles in schools. With affordable tuition and financial aid opportunities, it's an accessible option for aspiring counselors. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, ensuring a dedicated and qualified student body. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it a straightforward choice for eligible candidates.

• Hybrid learning format
• Master of Education degree
• Focus on school counseling
• Affordable tuition options
• Financial aid available
• Bachelor's degree required
• Prepares for educational careers
• Flexible for professionals

The Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is an online program tailored for future counselors. It focuses on developing expertise in mental health assessment, intervention, and therapy through evidence-based practices. This program is ideal for professionals seeking flexibility while advancing their careers in counseling. It prepares graduates for licensure and addresses a wide range of mental health issues in diverse settings. The curriculum is rigorous, designed to meet professional standards without the need for an entrance exam, appealing to those ready to embark on a rewarding counseling career.

• Online master's degree format
• Professional counseling preparation
• Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
• Supports licensure requirements
• Comprehensive mental health training

Ouachita Baptist University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, designed for those aspiring to make a significant impact in the mental health field. This hybrid program combines online coursework with four on-campus intensives, providing flexibility for working professionals. The 63-credit curriculum adheres to CACREP standards, ensuring a high-quality education that prepares graduates for LPC licensure. With a focus on integrating a biblical worldview, the program emphasizes compassionate care, assessment, and diagnosis skills. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, and the total program cost is approximately $36,733. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for a wide range of applicants.

• 63-credit hybrid counseling program
• Low-residency format
• Biblical worldview integration
• Total program cost $36,733
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Four on-campus intensives
• Prepare for LPC licensure
• No prior psychology experience needed
• Online and synchronous classes
• CACREP standards alignment

Arkansas Tech University's hybrid Master's in School Counseling and Leadership program is tailored for future school counselors, offering a blend of online and in-person learning. With monthly face-to-face sessions, it suits working professionals seeking flexibility. The curriculum, comprising 17 hours of leadership and 28 hours of counseling courses, ensures readiness for Arkansas licensure. A standout feature is the 600-hour internship, providing real-world experience. The program prides itself on a 100% pass rate on the Professional School Counselor Praxis exam. Financial aid, including in-state rates for neighboring states, makes this program accessible.

• Hybrid program format
• Prepares for Arkansas licensure
• 600 direct service hours
• 100% Praxis exam pass rate
• In-state tuition for border states
• Financial aid available
• Monthly face-to-face meetings
• 17 hours leadership courses
• 28 hours counseling courses
• Hands-on learning opportunities

The Master’s in Counseling at Arkansas Tech University, with a Clinical Mental Health concentration, is a 60-hour hybrid program designed for aspiring counselors. It offers evening classes for flexibility, alongside 700 hours of clinical experience through practicum and internships. The curriculum focuses on mental health diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy, preparing students for licensure and diverse career paths. This CACREP-like approved program also provides financial aid options and graduate assistantships, ensuring a comprehensive educational journey for students, including those from bordering states eligible for in-state tuition.

• 60-hour hybrid graduate program
• Two specialized counseling tracks
• 700 hours clinical experience
• Evening course scheduling
• CACREP-like program approval
• Licensure exam preparation
• In-state tuition for border states
• Financial aid available
• Graduate assistantships offered

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock provides an online Master of Arts in Counseling, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This comprehensive 60-credit hour program is designed to prepare students for licensure as professional counselors, offering flexibility for working professionals. With a strong emphasis on ethical standards and human rights, the curriculum includes essential practicum and internship experiences for real-world application. Graduates emerge ready to support mental and emotional health across diverse settings. Notably, the program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. Its online format ensures students can balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.

• 60 credit hours
• Online program
• Prepares for licensure
• Includes practicum, internship
• Focus on ethical practice