Best Counseling Schools in Arkansas

John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling with Marriage and Family Therapy concentration provides a comprehensive, faith-integrated program preparing professionals for clinical licensure. This CACREP-accredited hybrid program offers 60 credit hours of rigorous training, featuring low student-to-faculty ratios and exceptional clinical preparation. With a remarkable 97% post-graduation employment rate, students benefit from evening and weekend classes across multiple Arkansas locations. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical skills, professional development, and integrates faith-based perspectives with evidence-based counseling techniques. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and an individual faculty interview.

• 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

John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling Play Therapy concentration offers a dynamic, professionally-oriented program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. The CACREP-accredited hybrid program combines 60 credit hours of comprehensive training with innovative therapeutic approaches. Students receive exceptional clinical preparation, benefiting from a 100% practicum placement rate and an 87% national exam pass rate. The program features flexible evening and weekend classes, experienced licensed counselor faculty, and a strong emphasis on professional development. Designed for those passionate about therapeutic interventions, this program prepares graduates for diverse counseling environments.

• 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's Master of Science in Counseling Adventure Therapy concentration provides an innovative, experiential approach to mental health professional training. This CACREP-accredited hybrid program integrates 60 credit hours of rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on clinical experiences. Students benefit from a 100% clinical placement rate, multiple campus locations, and an 87% national exam pass rate. The program emphasizes personal growth, professional ethics, and specialized therapeutic techniques. With evening and weekend classes, face-to-face training, and a faith-based perspective, graduates are equipped with advanced counseling skills and preparation for diverse therapeutic settings.

• 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 Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration offers a transformative, flexible training program for aspiring mental health professionals. This comprehensive 60-credit hybrid program provides no-GRE admission, CACREP-accredited training, and multiple format options. With a competitive $600 per credit hour cost, students receive exceptional clinical preparation, benefiting from a 100% clinical placement rate and experienced faculty. The program integrates Christ-centered perspectives with evidence-based counseling techniques, preparing graduates for licensure as Professional Counselors. Ideal for career changers, the program offers specialized concentrations and robust professional development opportunities.

• 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's Master of Education in School Counseling delivers a transformative hybrid program designed for educational professionals seeking specialized training. This program uniquely blends online coursework with on-campus experiences, enabling students to develop advanced counseling skills tailored to student development. Graduates gain comprehensive preparation for impactful roles in K-12 educational settings, with a curriculum emphasizing practical intervention strategies and student support techniques. The program accommodates working professionals through flexible scheduling, ensuring accessibility without compromising academic rigor. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, and financial aid options help make this advanced degree pursuit more attainable for aspiring school counselors.

• 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

Southern Arkansas University's Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling offers a robust online program preparing professionals for comprehensive mental health practice. This graduate-level curriculum provides in-depth training in advanced therapeutic techniques, evidence-based interventions, and clinical assessment strategies. Students receive comprehensive preparation for professional licensure, with coursework designed to equip graduates with sophisticated skills in addressing complex psychological challenges. The fully online format enables working professionals to advance their careers without disrupting current employment. The program emphasizes practical competencies, ensuring graduates are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions in diverse mental health settings, from private practice to community health organizations.

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

Arkansas Tech University's hybrid Master's in School Counseling and Leadership provides aspiring school counselors a dynamic educational pathway. Through a strategic blend of online coursework and monthly in-person sessions, students prepare comprehensively for professional certification. The program uniquely combines 17 leadership core hours with 28 counseling specialty hours, ensuring graduates are thoroughly equipped for educational roles. Students complete 600 direct service internship hours and benefit from a remarkable 100% passing rate on the Professional School Counselor Praxis exam. The flexible format accommodates working professionals, with additional perks like border state in-state tuition and robust financial aid options.

• 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

Arkansas Tech University's Master's in Counseling offers a rigorous 60-hour hybrid program targeting Clinical Mental Health professionals. Students navigate an innovative curriculum emphasizing advanced diagnostic skills, treatment methodologies, and social justice advocacy. The program's two specialized tracks—Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling—provide comprehensive training for diverse clinical environments. Featuring 700 hours of professionally mentored practicum and internship experiences, students develop practical expertise applicable in schools, hospitals, private practices, and community settings. Evening course scheduling and licensure exam preparation enhance the program's flexibility and career-readiness approach.

• 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

Ouachita Baptist University's Master of Arts in Counseling offers a specialized Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration designed for aspiring professional counselors. This innovative hybrid program uniquely integrates a Christian worldview with comprehensive clinical training. Students benefit from a flexible learning model featuring four on-campus intensives and robust online coursework, accommodating working professionals. The 63-credit curriculum prepares graduates for LPC licensure through rigorous academic preparation and practical experience. With a total program cost of $36,733 and a 3.0 GPA admission requirement, the program emphasizes advanced assessment, diagnostic skills, and compassionate treatment approaches. No prior psychology experience is required, making it accessible for career changers seeking meaningful mental health professional development.

• 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

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's online Master of Arts in Counseling offers a comprehensive Clinical Mental Health Counseling pathway designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Spanning 60 credit hours, this program strategically prepares students for professional licensure through rigorous coursework and extensive practical training. Students gain critical skills in ethical practice, human development, and therapeutic interventions across diverse clinical settings. The curriculum uniquely balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through mandatory practicum and internship components. Military-friendly and fully online, the program accommodates working professionals seeking advanced counseling credentials. Graduates emerge well-positioned to address complex mental health challenges and make meaningful contributions to community well-being.

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