Best Counseling Schools in Connecticut

Western Connecticut State University's Master of Science in Counselor Education with a School Counseling concentration is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited hybrid program. It combines online coursework with on-campus clinical labs, preparing students for Initial Educator Certification in Connecticut. The program focuses on developing practical skills through role plays and counseling scenarios, meeting licensure requirements. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexibility while ensuring graduates are ready to support K-12 students' academic, career, and personal development. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and relevant coursework, with no entrance exam specified.

• 60-credit program
• CACREP-accredited
• Hybrid learning format
• On-campus clinical labs
• Prepares for Initial Educator Certification
• Focuses on School Counseling
• Meets licensure requirements
• Flexible for working professionals
• Practical skills development
• Supports K-12 student development

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration within Western Connecticut State University's Master of Science in Counselor Education is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program. This hybrid format blends online learning with on-campus clinical labs, preparing students for licensure in Connecticut and New York. The curriculum is designed for aspiring mental health professionals, offering a flexible three-year path with asynchronous digital learning. Graduates are equipped to take national certification exams, with the program meeting all educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors. No entrance exam is mentioned.

• CACREP accredited program
• Three-year online format
• 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
• Hybrid learning model
• Licensure preparation focus
• Clinical lab components
• Connecticut and New York licensure
• National exam eligibility

Western Connecticut State University offers a Master of Science in Addiction Studies in a hybrid format, focusing on substance use disorder treatment. This program prepares students to become licensed alcohol and drug counselors through evidence-based interventions and integrated behavioral health services. With a requirement of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, it welcomes students from various backgrounds, offering flexible full-time and part-time options. The program includes a 200-300 hour internship, providing real-world experience. Students can complete the degree in one to two years, with advanced standing available. No entrance exam is specified.

• Hybrid program delivery
• Evidence-based interventions focus
• Prepares for LADC licensure
• 200-300 hour internship
• Diverse population training
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Fall and Spring entry
• UCONN LPC pathway option
• Advanced standing available
• Community-based outreach emphasis

Central Connecticut State University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy, blending online and in-person learning for flexibility. This 63-credit program is tailored for those aiming to become licensed therapists, with a curriculum that emphasizes systemic approaches to therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Notably, the program does not require the GMAT or GRE for admission, making it more accessible. It includes 400 clinical training hours, supervised practicum experiences, and is COAMFTE accredited, ensuring high-quality education. Evening classes cater to working professionals, and the program starts every August, offering a full-time study option. Financial aid is available to eligible students.

• 63-credit MS program
• Flexible evening track
• No GMAT/GRE required
• COAMFTE accredited
• Two-year supervised training
• Starts every August
• Full-time study option
• Clinical counseling lab
• Financial aid available
• 400 clinical training hours

Albertus Magnus College offers a Master of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Addiction Counseling, designed for those aiming to become licensed addiction counselors in Connecticut. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person experiences, requiring no entrance exam for admission. Over two years, students complete 57 credits, covering topics like psychopharmacology and clinical assessment, and prepare for the LADC credential. The program stands out for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on multicultural counseling. Internship opportunities provide practical experience, making it ideal for students seeking a hands-on approach to addiction counseling. A 3.0 GPA is required for entry.

• Two-year master's degree program
• Hybrid learning format
• LADC credential preparation
• Small class sizes
• 57 total credit hours
• Comprehensive counseling curriculum
• Experienced faculty
• Internship opportunities
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Multicultural counseling focus

Sacred Heart University offers an online Master of Arts in School Counseling, designed for those aiming to influence the educational sector positively. This program, requiring no GRE/GMAT, spans 60-63 credit hours at $800 per credit, with completion possible in 2.5 years. It emphasizes academic development, college and career readiness, and social-emotional learning, incorporating hands-on practicum and internship experiences. Admission prerequisites include a baccalaureate degree, official transcripts, two professional recommendations, and a personal statement. The program's flexible, interactive online format is ideal for aspiring school counselors seeking licensure or certification.

• Online format
• 60-63 credit hours
• $800 per credit
• 2.5 years completion
• Hands-on practicum
• Internship included
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Small class sizes
• Expert faculty
• Flexible learning pace
• Licensure preparation
• Certification readiness
• Interactive virtual classroom
• Social-emotional learning focus
• College and career readiness
• Academic development emphasis
• Baccalaureate degree required
• Two recommendation letters
• Personal statement needed
• Video conference interview
• In-person residencies
• ASCA ethical standards
• Culturally relevant strategies
• Promotes social justice
• Group counseling skills

The online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University is a CACREP-accredited program tailored for future mental health professionals. Spanning 60 credit hours at $900 per credit, it can be completed in 2-3 years without the need for standardized tests. The curriculum covers addressing mental health issues like anxiety and depression, with two in-person residencies enhancing practical skills. A minimum 2.75 GPA is required for admission, alongside two professional recommendations. This program stands out for its focus on licensure preparation and flexible online learning, making it a prime choice for those entering the mental health field.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Complete in 2-3 years
• No standardized testing required
• 60 total credit hours
• Online with two residencies
• $900 per credit hour
• Licensure preparation focus
• Two professional recommendations needed
• Diverse faculty with real-world experience

The University of Bridgeport offers a hybrid Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, blending online flexibility with essential in-person experiences. This 60-credit CACREP accredited program is designed for aspiring counselors seeking a trauma-informed education. Students engage in a curriculum that includes a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships, preparing them for the National Counselor Examination and licensure. With a focus on cultural humility and evidence-based practices, the program can be completed in 2-3 years. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for dedicated individuals ready to make a difference in diverse communities. The program's online components allow for a balance between studies and personal commitments.

• 100% online degree option
• 60-credit trauma-informed curriculum
• CACREP accredited program
• 2-3 year completion time
• Practicum and internship experiences
• Prepares for NCE exam
• Expert faculty guidance
• Focus on cultural humility