Best Counseling Schools in Florida
Florida is a growing state with a growing need for counselors. Should you intend to work within the counseling field, the right preparation is essential. Here are some of the best counseling programs in Florida to help you prepare for your future career.
2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Florida
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, FL - Private 4-year - pba.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
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
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Crisis and Trauma Counseling)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
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
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Marriage and Family Studies)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
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
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling (School Counseling)
Online Learning - Visit Website
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
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Online Learning - Visit Website
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
Jacksonville, FL - Private 4-year - ju.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
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
- Non-degree course options available
- Requires 3 recommendation letters
- Weekly class attendance
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
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
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Marriage and Family Counseling)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
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
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Master's - School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
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
Lakeland, FL - Private 4-year - seu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Professional Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Online Learning - Visit Website
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
Master's - MS in Pastoral Care & Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
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
How to Find a Counseling Program in Florida
While there are many quality counseling programs in Florida, no one program is right for everyone. Choose a program that meets your needs, which might include budget, scheduling, or other needs. Also, make sure your chosen degree program has the degree type and specialization options that you want.
Counseling Degree Pathways in Florida
The standard degree for becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a master's degree in counseling (or a similar field). You can find other degree options above or below this, though. High degrees afford opportunities for more advanced studies. Lower degrees allow you to work in the field in non-LPC capacities. The various counseling degrees available are a(n):
- Associate in Counseling: A two-year degree for students who have only a high school diploma/GED. An associate degree could help you secure entry-level positions within the field.
- Bachelor's in Counseling: A common four-year degree for students who have at least a high school diploma/GED. A bachelor's could help you secure low-level positions within the field, and/or prepare for master's degree work.
- Master's in Counseling: A one to two-year graduate degree for students who have completed a bachelor's. This is the degree needed to become an LPC in Florida.
- Doctorate in Counseling: A terminal degree that often takes three to six years. It provides the highest level of study for students who have a bachelor's or master's degree. Ph.D. doctorates are research-heavy, while Psy.D. doctorates are more clinically focused (but still involve research).
- Graduate Counseling Certificate: A non-degree certificate taught at the graduate level. It takes one to two semesters to complete and usually requires at least a bachelor's degree. A certificate in counseling can be a good way to specialize in the field.
Choose a Counseling Specialty
Some counseling degree programs in Florida have specialties. If your chosen program offers specialization, you might be able to focus in a particular type of counseling such as:
- Mental health counseling
- Substance abuse counseling
- Marriage and family counseling
- School counseling
- Psychopathy therapy
A specialization may help you secure work in the particular type of counseling that you want. Consider the clients you would like to work with as you weigh any specialization options that are available.
Check School Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a counseling degree program meets academic standards. Choose a program that's accredited by the CACREP or the APA. The full names of these two organizations are the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs and the American Psychological Association.
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Florida
Both online counseling programs and traditional (classroom) counseling programs are available. You may choose an online counseling degree program for its affordability and flexibility. You may choose a traditional degree program if you want more direct interaction.
Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Florida
To become licensed as a counselor in Florida, you must first complete a 60-credit master's degree in mental health counseling. The program must include 1,000 hours of university-sponsored internship experience. In addition to the degree, you must also complete 1,500 of supervised psychotherapy, pass a licensing exam, and pay a fee.
Renewing your counseling license requires completing 25 hours of continuing education, and paying a fee. Licenses must be renewed every odd year.
2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of North Florida |
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| Florida Atlantic University |
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| University of Central Florida |
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List of Counseling Degree Programs in Florida
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Florida? 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.