Best Counseling Schools in California
As the need for mental health professionals rise, counseling degrees and programs remain a popular pathway for Californians looking for rewarding and stable careers. From undergraduate to graduate and beyond, California is an excellent place to find an outstanding counseling degree program. Read on to find out more about the educational options available for those interested in a counseling career.
2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in California
Looking for the best master's in counseling programs in California? counselingpsychology.org has you covered. We ranked top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list considers quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you aim to be a school counselor or clinical therapist, these programs stand out. Start your journey to a rewarding career today. Learn how we picked these programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA - Private 4-year - callutheran.edu
Master's - MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California Lutheran University's Marriage & Family Therapy program stands out for its comprehensive, professionally accredited curriculum meeting rigorous AAMFT competency standards. Students receive expert training in therapeutic techniques, professional ethics, and practical skills essential for mental health counseling careers. The program ensures graduates are thoroughly prepared to provide compassionate therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families, with full approval from the Board of Behavioral Sciences and a strong focus on developing advanced clinical competencies.
- AAMFT core competency focused
- Board of Behavioral Sciences approved
- Meets state licensure requirements
- Professional mental health preparation
- Comprehensive therapeutic training
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy
Concentration: Psychological Trauma - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Offering an innovative Master's in Counseling Psychology with a Psychological Trauma concentration, this program provides advanced clinical training through immersive community counseling experiences. Students develop systemic understanding and cultural competence while gaining hands-on therapeutic skills. The program's unique approach emphasizes professional identity development, diverse theoretical frameworks, and specialized trauma training. With extensive clinical hours and a cohort-based learning model, graduates are well-positioned for successful licensure and impactful mental health careers.
- 12-month practicum placement
- Two community counseling centers
- 750 clinical training hours
- Cohort-based learning model
- Multiple clinical specializations
- High licensure exam pass rates
- Systemic therapy approach
- Diversity and cultural competence
- On-site clinical training
- Professional identity development
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy
Concentration: Attachment Theory - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California Lutheran University's Master's in Counseling Psychology with an Attachment Theory concentration offers a dynamic, comprehensive approach to clinical training. Students engage in rigorous systemic therapy approaches, developing advanced clinical skills across individual, couple, and family therapeutic contexts. The program distinguishes itself through intensive hands-on training, cultural competence emphasis, and specialized clinical opportunities. Graduates receive robust preparation for professional licensure, with diverse theoretical training and extensive practical experience in therapeutic interventions.
- Cohort-based learning model
- Two community counseling centers
- 12-month clinical practicum
- Multiple clinical specializations
- High licensing exam pass rates
- Diverse theoretical training
- Up to 750 clinical hours
- Systemic therapy approach
- Trauma specialization available
- Online trauma courses
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA - Private 4-year - fresno.edu
Master's - School Counseling, M.A. and PPS Credential
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Fresno Pacific University's School Counseling program delivers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a credentialed school counselor in California. The hybrid curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training, requiring 800 field experience hours across 50 academic units. Students receive personalized instruction from experienced faculty, preparing them for impactful roles in educational settings. The program's California Commission on Teacher Credentialing accreditation ensures graduates meet stringent professional standards. Emphasizing both academic excellence and real-world application, this program equips future school counselors with the skills needed to support student academic, personal, and social development.
- Hybrid program delivery
- 50 units coursework
- 800 hours field experience
- Small class sizes
- Experienced faculty
- Accredited by CTC
- PPS Credential included
- Prerequisites required
- Financial aid available
- Highly sought graduates
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA - Private 4-year - cui.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Education (MAEd): School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Concordia University Irvine's Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) in School Counseling is a comprehensive online program designed to transform educators into skilled K-12 school counselors. Spanning 48 units and 800 field experience hours, the program prepares graduates for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential through an innovative blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students explore academic, career, and social development counseling strategies, gaining expertise in supporting diverse student populations. The cohort-based format offers flexibility for working professionals, with a typical completion time of 26 months and competitively priced tuition of $695 per unit.
- Online program format
- 48 units required
- 800 field experience hours
- Cohort-based learning
- Prepares for California credential
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes
- 26 months completion time
- Focus on diverse school settings
- Competitive tuition rates
- 2.75 GPA admission requirement
Master's - M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
Online Learning - Visit Website
Concordia University's M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health is a transformative CACREP-accredited online program that equips aspiring mental health professionals with advanced counseling skills. Through a rigorous 60-unit curriculum, students develop expertise in addressing complex psychological challenges including depression, anxiety, and addiction. The program integrates a Christian worldview and offers unique learning opportunities with renowned experts like Dr. John Townsend. With a flexible 24-36 month timeline and initial 4-day residency, students can balance professional development with current work commitments, positioning themselves for potential state licensure.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Online Flexible Learning
- $695 Per Unit Cost
- 24-36 Month Completion
- 60 Total Program Units
- Christian Worldview Integration
- Learn from Dr. John Townsend
- 4-Day Initial Residency
- Clinical Mental Health Focus
- Potential State Licensure Path
How to Find a Counseling Program in California
Several California colleges and universities offer counseling programs. There are many things that go into finding a good counseling program. The following are some things to look for when you consider counseling programs in California.
Counseling Degree Pathways in California
California counseling programs offer a variety of pathways for students who want to practice in the state. Common options include associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree in counseling areas. Students can also earn a doctorate.
The Modesto College Chemical Dependency Counseling program is an accredited program. Students gain the skills and values to work in a chemical dependency treatment setting and to start the certification process. Students earn an Associate in Arts in Chemical Dependency Counseling.
Sacramento State University offers a Counselor Education Program. There are several options for students to choose from, including the MS in Counseling (Career Counseling) option, or the MS in Counseling (Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling) option. Students complete 60 total units of study. They complete a 100-hour clinical practicum and 600 hours of field experience.
California State University Los Angeles (Cal State LA) offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Clinical Counseling. Golden Gate University offers a Graduate Certificate in Counseling Skills. Students complete their coursework on campus, online, or in a hybrid format.
Saybrook University students enrolled in the Online Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision develop their professional identity as counselors. They gain advanced knowledge and skills in clinical supervision, teaching, research, advocacy, and leadership.
Choose a Counseling Specialty
Students should make sure that the school that they plan to attend offers the option that they want to pursue as a profession. Choosing a different school is sometimes required to complete the desired program.
Substance abuse counselors work at inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, community agencies, correctional settings, hospitals, and in other settings.
California State University Los Angeles (Cal State LA) offers options for students wishing to complete a Master of Science in Counseling. Choose the School-Based Family Counseling option, which includes the “Advanced Authorization credential in School Counseling and the Pupil Personnel Services and Child Welfare and Attendance: School Psychology."
The university also has an option in Rehabilitation Counseling, an option in Applied Behavioral Analysis, and an option in School Psychology.
Accreditation
Completing an accredited program helps to ensure that students obtain a career position in their preferred specialty. The consequences of choosing an unaccredited program can include being ineligible for licensure, being rejected from job applications, and being denied entrance to professional organizations. Students are encouraged to select counseling degree programs accredited by CACREP and/or the American Psychological Association (APA).
2025 Affordable California Master's in Counseling Program Options
Finding affordable Master's in Counseling programs in California is key for students planning their education for 2025. The right program balances cost with quality, offering a path to a rewarding career without heavy debt. Our table highlights options across the state, focusing on tuition and program features. It helps you compare low-cost and economical choices, making your decision easier. California's diverse regions offer various programs, each with unique benefits. This guide aims to simplify your search for a cost-effective education in counseling.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego State University |
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| Fresno Pacific University |
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| Concordia University-Irvine |
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Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in California
Online counseling programs offer students the opportunity to complete degree requirements without attending classes on campus. Students have the responsibility to complete all course requirements, including if the program requires some in-person attendance.
One example is the online Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) program at Pepperdine University.
Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in California
The Board of Behavioral Sciences is a California state regulatory agency. It is responsible for the licensure, examination, and enforcement of professional standards for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors.
The California Department of Health Care Services recognizes three organizations to “register and certify alcohol and other drug counselors.” The agencies include the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators, the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs, and the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals.
List of Counseling Degree Programs in California
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in California? 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.