Best Counseling Schools in Florida

Palm Beach Atlantic University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a comprehensive hybrid program preparing compassionate mental health professionals. With a CACREP-accredited curriculum, students develop advanced counseling skills integrating clinical expertise and a Christian perspective. The program meets Florida licensure requirements, providing extensive practicum and internship opportunities across diverse settings. Students benefit from a holistic admissions process with a 3.0 GPA requirement, gaining practical experience through 100+ practicum and 600+ internship hours. The flexible hybrid format allows students to balance academic rigor with clinical training, positioning graduates for meaningful careers in schools, community agencies, and private practices.

• Hybrid learning format
• Florida licensure preparation
• Christian faith integration
• Multiple counseling concentrations
• 100+ practicum hours
• 600+ internship hours
• CACREP accredited program
• Optional specialized certificates
• Diverse clinical training settings
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required

Palm Beach Atlantic University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program with Crisis and Trauma Counseling concentration offers specialized training for mental health professionals. This hybrid program uniquely prepares students to address complex psychological challenges through targeted coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. Faculty interview and 3.0 GPA requirements ensure high-quality candidate selection. Students develop advanced intervention strategies for trauma-related mental health issues, gaining over 100 clinical practice hours. CACREP-accredited and aligned with Florida licensure standards, the program integrates faith-based perspectives with evidence-based practices, positioning graduates for promising careers in counseling with projected 18% industry growth.

• Hybrid program with online options
• CACREP accredited counseling program
• Crisis and Trauma concentration available
• Meets Florida licensure requirements
• 100+ clinical practice hours
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA minimum
• Faculty interview required
• Multiple campus locations
• Christian faith integration

Palm Beach Atlantic University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling featuring a Marriage and Family Studies concentration provides a comprehensive, faith-informed professional pathway. This hybrid program emphasizes advanced counseling skills, ethical interventions, and specialized marriage and family therapy training. Students complete over 600 clinical hours across diverse therapeutic settings, preparing for licensure with a CACREP-accredited curriculum. The program's flexible learning format combines academic rigor with spiritual development, requiring a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Graduates receive individual faculty mentorship, enabling them to excel in community agencies, private practices, and specialized counseling roles with a holistic, integrative approach.

• Hybrid learning format
• Faith-based counseling approach
• Florida licensure preparation
• 600+ clinical hours
• Optional Marriage and Family Studies concentration
• CACREP accredited program
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Two campus locations
• Individual faculty mentorship

Nova Southeastern University's online Master of Science in Counseling with School Counseling concentration equips aspiring educators to transform student lives. CAEP-accredited and ASCA-Recognized, this comprehensive 48-credit program prepares graduates for Florida school counseling certification. Students benefit from flexible online learning with start dates in August, January, and May. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience and aligns with Florida Department of Education requirements. Military-friendly and designed for working professionals, the program offers a strategic pathway to becoming a certified school counselor, with comprehensive training in student support strategies and educational counseling techniques.

• CAEP-accredited program
• ASCA-Recognized
• 48 credit hours
• Online delivery
• Start dates in August, January, May
• Aligns with FDOE requirements
• Prepares for Florida certification
• Practical experience emphasized
• Tuition details online
• Specific admissions criteria

Nova Southeastern University's online Master of Science in Counseling focusing on Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides a robust 60-credit pathway into professional counseling. CACREP-accredited and offering both online and campus options, the program prepares students for diverse mental health settings including clinics and hospitals. A distinctive three-day residency enhances professional development for online learners. Graduates can pursue Florida licensure with comprehensive training in therapeutic interventions. Military-friendly and flexible with multiple start dates, the program offers a strategic approach to developing advanced clinical mental health counseling skills through a comprehensive and adaptable curriculum.

• CACREP accredited.
• 60 credit hours.
• Online and campus options.
• Florida licensure preparation.
• Three-day residency included.
• Flexible start dates.
• Focus on Clinical Mental Health.

Jacksonville University's Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling delivers a specialized two-year hybrid program focusing on Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling. CACREP-accredited, the 60-credit curriculum prepares professionals for state licensure through comprehensive training. Students engage in an extensive 800-hour clinical field experience, designed for working professionals with flexible learning options. The program uniquely combines weekly class attendance, personalized faculty interactions, and robust professional development opportunities tailored to Marriage and Family Counseling specialization. Optional GRE/GMAT submission is available for applicants with lower GPAs.

• CACREP accredited program
• Full-time, 2-year 60-credit program
• Hybrid learning format
• Florida licensure preparation
• Marriage and Family Counseling emphasis
• 800-hour clinical experience
• Application deadline: February 15, 2025
• Requires 3 recommendation letters
• Weekly class attendance
• Non-degree course options available

Jacksonville University offers a comprehensive two-year Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling featuring a hybrid learning format. The 60-credit program meets Florida licensure requirements for mental health professionals, providing extensive training in counseling techniques and professional development. Students benefit from personalized faculty mentorship, an 800-hour clinical field experience, and flexible learning modalities. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse counseling careers with strong emphasis on practical skills, assessment techniques, and treatment planning. Optional GRE/GMAT submission allows candidates with varying academic backgrounds to apply.

• CACREP accredited program
• Two-year, 60-credit program
• Hybrid learning format
• Marriage and Family Counseling emphasis
• Meets Florida LMHC/LMFT licensure requirements
• 800-hour clinical field experience
• Final application deadline: February 15, 2025
• Applicants need transcripts, recommendations
• Optional GRE/GMAT for low GPA
• Weekly in-person class sessions

Jacksonville University's Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specializes in Marriage and Family Counseling through an innovative hybrid program. CACREP-accredited, the two-year curriculum prepares students for Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credentials. The 60-credit program features an immersive 800-hour clinical field experience, focusing on advanced psychotherapy techniques, comprehensive assessment strategies, and crisis management. Designed for working professionals, the program offers a cohort learning model with weekly in-person sessions, ensuring rigorous and collaborative professional training.

• CACREP accredited program
• Two-year, 60-credit-hour curriculum
• Hybrid learning format
• Meets Florida licensure requirements
• 800-hour clinical field experience
• Marriage and Family Counseling concentration
• Weekly in-person class attendance
• Cohort learning model

Florida State University's online School Counseling program offers a comprehensive pathway for aspiring K-12 counselors seeking to transform educational landscapes. CACREP-accredited, the program uniquely integrates data-driven strategies to address achievement gaps and support diverse student populations. With no GRE requirement through Fall 2026, students benefit from flexible admission standards and a robust 3.0 GPA prerequisite. The curriculum emphasizes academic, career, and social-emotional development, providing graduates with advanced skills to navigate complex educational environments. Faculty mentorship and a focus on practical, evidence-based approaches prepare students for a growing field with promising salary potential around $60,160, making it an exceptional choice for dedicated educational professionals.

• Online program
• CACREP-accredited
• No GRE until 2026
• 3.0 GPA required
• Focus on K-12 diversity
• Data-driven strategies
• Faculty mentorship
• Master’s and specialist degrees
• Growing field demand
• $60,160 average salary

Southeastern University's Master of Science in Professional Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration offers a robust online program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Students engage in a comprehensive 60-semester-hour curriculum that emphasizes advanced counseling skills, professional ethics, and clinical techniques. The program prepares graduates for licensure through extensive practical training, including 1000 practicum/internship hours and 400 direct client service hours. Uniquely integrating Christian values with professional standards, this program enables students to develop expertise in addressing emotional, mental, and spiritual needs across diverse clinical settings like mental health centers, hospitals, and private practices.

• 60-semester-hour degree
• Online program format
• Licensure preparation track
• 1000 hours practicum/internship
• Christian values integration
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• 400 direct client service hours
• Multiple counseling settings
• Professional ethics focus
• Clinical mental health concentration

Southeastern University's MS in Pastoral Care & Counseling provides an innovative online program bridging theological education with counseling principles. Tailored for professionals seeking to enhance ministry impact, this degree prepares students for supportive roles in churches, hospitals, and non-profit organizations. The curriculum strategically combines spiritual guidance with professional counseling techniques, offering flexible scheduling and affordable tuition. Designed for working adults with a bachelor's degree, the program enables students to develop comprehensive skills in providing holistic emotional and spiritual support across various ministry and counseling contexts.

• Online program
• Blends theology and counseling
• Flexible schedules
• Affordable tuition
• Bachelor's degree required