Best Counseling Schools in California

California Lutheran University's MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) program delivers a professionally accredited curriculum meeting American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy standards. Designed for aspiring mental health professionals, the hybrid program prepares students for state licensure through comprehensive training in therapeutic techniques and professional ethics. Students develop essential counseling skills, learning to provide compassionate services to individuals, couples, and families. The program ensures graduates are well-equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, meeting Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements and offering a pathway to successful mental health counseling careers.

• AAMFT core competency focused
• Board of Behavioral Sciences approved
• Meets state licensure requirements
• Professional mental health preparation
• Comprehensive therapeutic training

California Lutheran University's Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Psychological Trauma concentration offers an intensive, dynamic learning experience. The hybrid program provides advanced clinical training through hands-on practicums at two community counseling centers, allowing students to accumulate up to 750 clinical training hours. Emphasizing systemic therapy, cultural competence, and professional ethics, the program prepares students for specialized trauma-informed practice. With a cohort-based model and high licensure exam pass rates, students gain diverse therapeutic skills, professional identity development, and specialized knowledge in addressing psychological trauma across individual, couple, and family contexts.

• 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

California Lutheran University's Master of Science in Counseling Psychology featuring an Attachment Theory concentration provides a comprehensive, immersive training experience. The hybrid program combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical practice, preparing students for professional licensure in Marital and Family Therapy. Students engage in a 12-month clinical practicum, developing advanced therapeutic skills across individual, couple, and family contexts. With opportunities for specialized training in trauma and attachment theory, the program emphasizes cultural competence, ethical practice, and diverse theoretical approaches, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for complex clinical environments and professional counseling careers.

• 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

Azusa Pacific University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy offers a distinctive hybrid program that integrates advanced counseling techniques with a Christ-centered perspective. Students explore comprehensive approaches to supporting individuals, couples, and families through an interdisciplinary curriculum. The program uniquely blends theoretical practice, psychotherapy techniques, theological foundations, and ethical studies. Graduates develop sophisticated professional counseling skills, preparing them to make transformative therapeutic interventions across diverse mental health contexts. The curriculum emphasizes holistic professional development, combining academic rigor with compassionate, practice-oriented training.

• Master's with MFT emphasis
• Christ-centered counseling approach
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Theoretical and applied practice
• Focuses on individual/family counseling
• Professional counseling preparation
• Includes theology and ethics studies

The Master's program at Azusa Pacific University specializing in Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Option provides an intensive training pathway for aspiring mental health professionals. This hybrid program offers a comprehensive approach to counseling, integrating advanced clinical techniques with theological and ethical foundations. Students develop sophisticated interpersonal skills, learning to address complex mental health challenges across diverse populations. The curriculum emphasizes professional counseling techniques, holistic mental health training, and a Christ-centered perspective, preparing graduates for licensure and meaningful therapeutic practice.

• Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
• Christ-centered counseling approach
• Interdisciplinary theological studies
• Professional counseling techniques
• Holistic mental health training

Azusa Pacific University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy with Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 Certificate represents an advanced professional training opportunity. This hybrid program combines rigorous academic preparation with specialized couples therapy techniques, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning. Students receive comprehensive training in psychotherapy, theological studies, and professional counseling methodologies. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with sophisticated therapeutic skills, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical interventions. Experienced faculty guide students through a transformative educational experience that balances academic excellence with a heart-centered approach to mental health counseling.

• Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
• Interdisciplinary theological approach
• Professional counseling emphasis
• Comprehensive psychotherapy training
• Christ-centered counseling perspective

University of Massachusetts Global's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a transformative online program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Spanning 60 credits with 400 practicum hours, the curriculum emphasizes systemic therapeutic approaches and advanced clinical assessment training. Students develop comprehensive skills in psychopathology, ethical practice, and cultural competence, preparing them to support diverse populations. The program accommodates a seven-year completion timeline and maintains a 3.0 GPA minimum. Military-friendly and flexible, this online degree equips graduates with the tools to excel in various clinical settings, focusing on individual and family development strategies.

• Total program 60 credits
• 400 practicum hours required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Seven-year completion timeline
• Systemic therapeutic approach
• Multiple practicum courses
• Advanced clinical assessment training
• Diverse therapeutic theories
• State-specific licensure preparation
• Individual and family development focus

University of Massachusetts Global provides a specialized Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a unique Combined Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling concentration. This comprehensive 60-credit online program integrates advanced systemic therapy techniques with dual professional emphases. Students receive rigorous training in ethical practices, evidence-based interventions, and diverse client understanding. The program requires 400 practicum hours and maintains a 3.0 GPA standard. Designed for flexibility, it offers online learning with a seven-year completion timeline, preparing professionals to navigate complex psychological challenges across multiple therapeutic intervention techniques.

• 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
• 400 practicum hours required
• Systemic therapy training focus
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Seven-year program completion timeline
• Advanced clinical competency development
• Dual emphasis option available
• Online and flexible learning
• Ethical and professional standards emphasis
• Multiple therapeutic intervention techniques

University of Massachusetts Global's Master of Arts in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling is a comprehensive online program tailored for K-12 educational professionals. Accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, this 48-credit program prepares students to become transformative school counselors. With a 2.75 minimum GPA requirement, the curriculum covers advanced counseling techniques, cultural competency, and tele-therapy instruction. Graduates earn both a master's degree and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, positioning them for impactful roles in educational settings with child welfare authorization and multiple annual start dates.

• Online Master's Degree Program
• K-12 School Counseling Focus
• Child Welfare Authorization
• 48 Total Credit Hours
• 2.75 Minimum GPA Required
• Tele-therapy Instruction Included
• California Commission Accredited
• $730 Per Credit Tuition
• Four Annual Start Dates
• Credential for California Schools

National University's Master of Science in Educational Counseling with Pupil Personnel Service School Counseling Credential stands out as a transformative online program designed for aspiring school counselors. With a 72-quarter-unit curriculum, the program cultivates equity-driven leadership and advanced counseling skills specifically tailored to Pupil Personnel Service School Counseling. Students develop comprehensive expertise in social-emotional learning, academic development, and career guidance while emphasizing anti-racist practices and social justice principles. The program offers flexibility through online completion, zero application fees, and aligns with ASCA National Standards. Graduates are prepared to support student wellness and create inclusive educational environments.

• Online program completion
• California PPSC Credential
• 23-month average completion time
• No application essay required
• Zero application fee
• Focuses on social justice leadership
• Aligned with ASCA National Standards
• Includes fieldwork experience
• Comprehensive counseling skill development

National University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides a robust 60-credit online degree preparing professionals for diverse mental health service environments. Uniquely structured with no entrance exam requirements, the program offers year-round enrollment and weekly course start dates. Students explore critical areas including psychopathology, group counseling, and crisis intervention, developing culturally sensitive treatment approaches. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices and social justice principles, with comprehensive practicum and internship experiences. Designed for working professionals, the program works towards CACREP standards and equips graduates to diagnose, treat, and support diverse client populations effectively.

• 100% Online Degree
• 60 Total Credit Hours
• 20 Total Courses
• Next Start Date Every Monday
• No Application Fee
• No Entrance Exams Required
• Year-Round Enrollment
• Practicum and Internship Experience
• Working Towards CACREP Standards
• Focuses on Social Justice

National University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with Systemic Treatment of Addictions specialization offers a cutting-edge online program targeting addiction treatment professionals. This innovative 5-credit hour concentration provides comprehensive training in addiction disorders, evidence-based treatment models, and family systems therapy approaches. Students benefit from doctoral faculty mentorship, one-to-one engagement, and a flexible 100% online format that accommodates personal and professional commitments. The program emphasizes ethical, culturally competent strategies for assessing and treating substance-related disorders, preparing graduates for impactful clinical careers in addiction counseling and family therapy.

• 100% Online Learning
• 5 Credit Hour Specialization
• 15 Total Courses
• Estimated 33-Month Completion
• Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
• No Group Work Required
• Weekly Course Starts
• One-to-One Faculty Engagement
• Addiction Treatment Focus
• Family Systems Therapy Emphasis

University of San Francisco's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program stands out as a transformative 60-credit graduate experience strategically located in Silicon Valley. Designed for working professionals, the hybrid program offers evening and weekend classes with a robust focus on social justice and community mental health. Students engage in a cohort-based learning model that emphasizes cultural competence and advocacy. The curriculum prepares clinicians to support vulnerable populations through innovative counseling approaches. No specific entrance exam is prominently mentioned, and the program provides flexibility for working adults seeking advanced training in Marriage and Family Therapy.

• 60-credit graduate program
• Silicon Valley location
• Evening and Saturday classes
• Cohort-based learning model
• Fall semester entry
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Community mental health emphasis
• Working adult-friendly schedule

USF's School Counseling Master's program with Credential is a dynamic hybrid offering uniquely positioned for aspiring urban educators committed to systemic change. Boasting an impressive 99% job placement rate, the program integrates social justice principles with practical field-based experiences. Coursework emphasizes humanizing counseling techniques, addressing multicultural student needs, and developing advocacy skills. The curriculum prepares counselors to navigate complex educational environments by combining theoretical knowledge with direct practice. Students learn to create equitable conditions and support children's social, emotional, and academic development. The program particularly appeals to those passionate about transforming educational landscapes through compassionate, justice-oriented counseling approaches.

• Hybrid program format.
• Focus on social justice.
• 99% job placement rate.
• Prepares for urban schools.
• Combines theory and practice.
• Emphasizes advocacy and change.
• Addresses multicultural needs.
• Field-based practice included.
• Humanizing counseling approach.
• Strong focus on equity.