Best Counseling Schools in California

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

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

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

California Lutheran University's Master of Science in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services prepares educators for transformative roles in K-12 educational settings. This comprehensive three-year program emphasizes cultural proficiency and practical skills, enabling graduates to support diverse student populations effectively. Students gain extensive counseling techniques through engaging classroom work and multiple on-site practicum experiences. The Child Welfare and Attendance Specialization equips professionals with targeted skills to address complex student needs and navigate educational support systems.

• Three-year on-campus program
• Evening classes for professionals
• Two campus location options
• Cultural proficiency focus
• Multiple school internship experiences
• Small class sizes
• PPS Credential eligible
• Child Welfare specialization available

The University of La Verne's 61-credit Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program prepares students for licensure as mental health professionals. This three-year, full-time program blends academic coursework with extensive clinical experience, meeting California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements. The curriculum emphasizes diversity, equity, and community engagement, equipping graduates to serve diverse populations effectively. Requires MFT.

• 61-credit MS program
• 3 years full-time
• California LMFT licensure preparation
• Late afternoon/evening classes
• Minimum 225 hours fieldwork
• Starts Fall semester
• Application deadline February 1
• $915 per unit
• WASC Senior College accredited
• Diversity and inclusivity focused

The University of La Verne's Master of Science in Educational Counseling program cultivates compassionate and ethical counselors. Offered at multiple California campuses, the program provides flexibility with evening and weekend classes. Ranging from 55-71 credits, the program can be completed in 2 to 3.5 years, preparing graduates for K-12 settings with specialization options like Bilingual Counseling or Social Justice Higher Education.

• 55-71 credits required.
• Flexible class schedules.
• Multiple campus locations.
• Full or part-time study options.
• Prepares for PPS Credential.
• Specializations available.
• Focus on social justice.
• Late afternoon and evening classes.
• Weekend classes available.
• 2 to 3.5 years completion.
• K-12 career preparation.
• Bilingual counseling option.
• Higher education focus available.
• Community involvement emphasis.
• Advocacy and collaboration training.

The University of La Verne's 57-unit Master of Science in Educational Counseling with a Spanish Bilingual Bicultural Counseling (SBBC) concentration prepares graduates to serve Latinx students and families. This program emphasizes bilingual and bicultural counseling skills, advocacy for social change, and leadership in educational settings. Graduates are prepared for relevant credentials and licensures, expanding career possibilities.

• 57-unit master’s degree.
• Focus on Latinx students.
• Bilingual bicultural counseling.
• Prepares for PPS credential.
• Leadership and advocacy focus.
• Campus-based program.
• Social change emphasis.
• Diverse community needs.
• Career opportunities in schools.

The University of La Verne offers a 60-unit Master of Science in Educational Counseling with a School and Family Based Counseling concentration. This program prepares graduates for clinical counseling roles in educational and clinical settings. Coursework addresses California's diverse community needs and prepares students for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure exam.

• 60-unit master's degree program
• California PPS Credential option
• School and clinical counseling focus
• Prepares for LPCC licensure exams
• Diverse community counseling training

The University of La Verne's Master of Science in Educational Counseling with a Social Justice Higher Education concentration prepares professionals for roles in two-year and four-year institutions. This 60-unit program emphasizes counseling diverse populations, group dynamics, and high-impact practices, while fostering social justice advocacy skills for transformative leadership in higher education.

• 60-unit master's degree
• PPS credential included
• Higher education focus
• Diverse population counseling
• Social justice advocacy training

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary's Marriage and Family Therapy program offers a profound educational journey blending psychological expertise with theological understanding. Students develop comprehensive clinical skills essential for California licensure, exploring advanced counseling techniques and cross-cultural therapeutic practices. The curriculum emphasizes holistic healing through rigorous academic training and supervised practical experiences. Graduates emerge as skilled professionals prepared to address complex psychological challenges while integrating spiritual perspectives into their clinical approach. With a remarkable 71% licensed clinical exam pass rate, the program provides robust preparation for diverse counseling environments.

• 105 total program units
• Prepare for California licensure exams
• Integrates theology and counseling
• Diverse practicum opportunities
• Published faculty with clinical experience
• Main campus in Fresno
• MFT and ministry combined courses
• Online course options available
• Accredited by ATS and WASC
• 71% licensed clinical exam pass rate

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

The University of Redlands' Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling offers comprehensive training for future Pre-K-12 counselors committed to educational justice. Designed to meet California's Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling Credential requirements, this program delivers a robust curriculum balancing theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork. Students develop advanced skills in student advocacy, understanding complex social and economic educational structures. The program uniquely prepares graduates to support student development holistically, emphasizing personalized intervention strategies and comprehensive professional growth in educational settings.

• Prepares for PPS Credential
• Focus on educational justice
• Combines coursework and fieldwork
• On-campus program
• Graduate degree offered
• Part of School of Education
• Develops counseling and consultation skills
• Emphasizes student advocacy
• Holistic understanding of education
• Practical experience included

University of Redlands' Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides an intensive pathway to becoming a transformative mental health professional. This rigorous program prepares students for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure through a curriculum integrating advanced counseling techniques, ethical practice, and cultural competence. Featuring specialized tracks in Marriage and Family Therapy and Child and Adolescent Intervention, the program combines academic depth with practical clinical experiences. Graduates emerge equipped to address diverse mental health challenges with a strong social justice-oriented perspective.

• On-campus graduate program
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Licensure preparation LPCC
• Two specialization options
• School of Education program
• Comprehensive mental health training
• California state licensure ready

The University of Redlands' Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling K-12 and College Emphasis offers a comprehensive approach to counseling across educational levels. Tailored for professionals seeking broad impact, this program bridges Pre-K-12 and higher education counseling needs. Graduates receive preparation for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling Credential, with curriculum emphasizing educational justice and systemic understanding. Extensive hands-on fieldwork enables students to develop nuanced skills for supporting learners through complex educational transitions and challenges.

• Focus on K-12 and College counseling.
• Meets PPS Credential requirements.
• Rooted in educational justice.
• Includes hands-on fieldwork.
• On-campus program.
• Personalized curriculum.
• Prepares for diverse educational settings.

University of Redlands' Master of Arts in Education: School Counseling College Emphasis provides specialized training for higher education counseling professionals. Focused on supporting student success in collegiate environments, this program develops advanced skills in relationship building, student guidance, and addressing diverse academic challenges. The curriculum emphasizes educational equity, preparing graduates to provide meaningful support across varied student populations. Hands-on fieldwork and a justice-oriented approach ensure students are comprehensively prepared for impactful roles in college counseling settings.

• On-campus graduate program
• Focuses on educational justice
• Counseling skills for higher education
• Hands-on fieldwork experiences
• Department of Counseling and Human Services
• School of Education program
• Supports community college students

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

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