Best Counseling Schools in Georgia

Fort Valley State University offers an online Master of Science in Education for School Counselor Education, designed to prepare students for addressing various barriers to learning in K-12 settings. This 60-credit hour program, requiring a 2.75 GPA and GACE Program Admissions exams for admission, focuses on the ASCA National Model. It includes 700 clinical field hours and leads to a Level 5 Professional School Counselor Certificate in Georgia. The program is fully online, emphasizing comprehensive guidance programs and crisis management training.

• Fully online program.
• 60 credit hours.
• 700 clinical field hours.
• Leads to Level 5 certification.
• Focus on ASCA National Model.
• Admission requires 2.75 GPA.
• GACE Program Admissions exams needed.
• Statement of purpose required.
• Prepares for K-12 settings.
• Includes crisis management training.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program at Fort Valley State University is a hybrid program that prepares students for professional licensure in Georgia. This 60-credit hour program focuses on counseling theories, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic interventions, with an emphasis on multicultural competence and professional ethics. It includes practical training through field experiences and internships, catering to aspiring counselors seeking a robust educational foundation. The program is pursuing CACREP accreditation and offers both in-person and hybrid learning formats.

• 60 credit hour master's program
• In-person and hybrid format
• Pursuing CACREP accreditation
• Eligible for Georgia licensure
• Comprehensive counseling skills training
• Three field experience requirements
• Diverse professional practice settings
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Professional disposition development

Fort Valley State University's online Master of Social Work program, with a concentration in Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counseling, is CSWE-accredited and designed for students aiming for careers in social work. Offering full-time and part-time tracks, the program emphasizes cultural competence, social justice, and clinical practice skills. It provides options for both BSW graduates and those from other disciplines through Advanced Standing and Regular Standing tracks. The program is noted for its affordable tuition and availability of financial aid, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

• CSWE-accredited program
• Online learning format
• Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counseling concentration
• Full-time and part-time tracks
• Advanced Standing option
• Cultural competence focus
• Social justice emphasis
• Clinical practice skills
• Affordable tuition
• Financial aid available

Mercer University offers a Master of Science in School Counseling, a hybrid program combining online coursework with on-campus sessions, ideal for working professionals. Accredited by CACREP, it prepares students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors in Georgia, with a notable 95% first-time pass rate on the CPCE. The curriculum includes 700 hours of fieldwork, covering topics like social and cultural issues and group counseling, aimed at enhancing students' academic and personal development. Flexible start dates in January, May, and August allow for completion in 30-36 months. This program is military-friendly and does not require an entrance exam.

• CACREP accredited program.
• Blended online and on-campus format.
• 95% first-time CPCE pass rate.
• 700 hours of fieldwork experience.
• Prepares for LPC licensure in Georgia.
• Flexible start terms: January, May, August.
• Completion in 30-36 months.
• Courses on social and cultural issues.
• Group counseling coursework.
• Designed for working adults.

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer University is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. It features a blend of online and on-campus learning in Atlanta, catering to working adults with a completion time of 30-42 months. The program boasts a 95% first-time pass rate on comprehensive exams, preparing graduates for licensure and diverse career paths in mental health settings. With expert faculty and supervised internships, students are equipped to address mental health challenges in various communities. No entrance exam is required, and the program welcomes military applicants.

• Blended online/on-campus format
• 95% first-time exam pass rate
• CACREP accredited program
• Multiple start terms annually
• 30-42 month completion time
• Prepares for licensure exams
• Diverse career placement opportunities

Columbus State University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Education in School Counseling, designed for those aiming to become certified school counselors in P-12 settings. This hybrid program combines online and face-to-face learning, covering essential areas like Human Growth and Development and Professional Orientation. With 61 semester hours required, it's tailored for both career changers and those without teaching experience, emphasizing affordability and comprehensive training. Financial aid options enhance accessibility, making it a valuable choice for aspiring counselors.

• CACREP-accredited program
• 61 semester hours
• Hybrid learning options
• No teaching experience required
• Focus on P-12 settings
• Covers eight key areas
• Financial aid available
• Affordable tuition
• Career changer friendly
• Comprehensive counseling training

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Columbus State University is a CACREP-accredited, 60-semester-hour program preparing graduates for diverse roles in mental health settings. Its hybrid format blends online and in-person learning, focusing on eight core counseling domains. Ideal for professionals seeking flexibility, the program opens pathways to careers in community agencies, hospitals, and private practice, without specifying an entrance exam requirement.

• CACREP nationally accredited program
• 60 semester hour degree
• Hybrid learning format
• Eight core counseling domains
• Multiple career pathway opportunities
• Community and clinical settings
• Online and face-to-face courses

Albany State University's Master of Education in School Counseling is an online program tailored for individuals aiming to support students' academic, career, and social/emotional development. This program, requiring a 2.8 GPA for admission along with a professional statement and references, offers flexible pacing and prepares students for the National Counselor Examination and licensure. Focused on practical skills and advocacy, it aims to remove systemic barriers to student success, equipping graduates to make a meaningful difference in K-12 educational settings.

• 100% online program.
• Prepares for National Counselor Examination.
• Flexible pacing options.
• Direct path to licensure.
• Focuses on academic and social growth.
• Admission requires 2.8 GPA.
• Professional statement and references needed.
• Emphasizes practical skills and advocacy.
• Graduates work in K-12 settings.
• Impactful on students' lives.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration at Albany State University is a 60-semester hour online program designed to train professionals in delivering comprehensive mental health services. Emphasizing multicultural competence, ethical practice, and evidence-based interventions, the program prepares students for national certification and licensure. It includes clinical fieldwork, focusing on evaluation, short-term counseling, and crisis intervention, enabling graduates to effectively support individuals facing personal and emotional challenges in diverse clinical settings.

• 60 semester hour online program
• National certification eligible
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Clinical fieldwork required
• Comprehensive mental health training

The University of West Georgia offers a Master of Education with a Major in Professional Counseling, concentrating in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This CACREP-accredited, hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person sessions, providing flexibility for students. It requires 60 semester hours and includes 600 internship hours, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the field. The program boasts a 100% pass rate on the NCE exam and a 92% completion rate, with nearly all graduates securing employment. Focused on clinical mental health, it covers counseling theories, assessment, crisis intervention, and multicultural counseling. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. This program is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive education in mental health counseling with practical experience.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• 60 Semester Hours Required
• Hybrid Learning Format
• 100% NCE Exam Pass Rate
• Approximately 92% Completion Rate
• Approximately 100% Job Placement
• 600 Internship Hours
• Clinical Mental Health Focus
• Located in Carrollton, GA Campus