Best Counseling Schools in Indiana
Indiana has a substantial need for licensed counselors and other counseling professionals, and there are lots of job opportunities if you’re qualified. Here are some of the best counseling programs in Indiana to help you become qualified (or more qualified).
2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Indiana
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN - Private 4-year - indwes.edu
Master's - Master's Degree in School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana Wesleyan University's online Master's in School Counseling offers a comprehensive 60-credit program preparing educators to support pre-K through high school students' academic and emotional development. CACREP-accredited and integrating Christian principles, the program emphasizes multicultural competence and social justice. Students develop advanced counseling skills to address diverse student challenges, with a flexible online format designed for working professionals. The curriculum costs $602 per credit hour, with financial aid options available. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's degree and complete a background check, making this an ideal pathway for compassionate educators seeking meaningful school counseling careers.
- 60 credit hours
- Online format
- CACREP accredited
- $602 per credit
- Christian principles integrated
- Multicultural focus
- Financial aid available
- Bachelor's degree required
- Background check needed
- Prepares for licensure
Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana Wesleyan University's online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling equips professionals to address complex psychological challenges. This 60-credit program combines evidence-based techniques with faith-based learning, offering comprehensive training in mental health assessment and treatment. Students develop advanced counseling skills applicable to individual, group, and family interventions, with a strong emphasis on multicultural competence. The flexible online format allows students to balance professional development with current work commitments. Priced at $602 per credit hour, the program provides potential financial aid and prepares graduates for licensure, making it an attractive option for aspiring mental health counselors seeking a holistic educational experience.
- 100% Online or Onsite Options
- 60 Credit Hour Program
- $602 Per Credit Hour
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Christ-Centered Approach
- Supervised Clinical Experience
- Multicultural Counseling Focus
- Licensure Track Available
Master's - Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana Wesleyan University's online Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling provides a specialized 48-credit program addressing growing substance abuse treatment needs. Blending Christian principles with evidence-based practices, the curriculum prepares students for professional credentialing through NAADAC and NASAC. Students gain hands-on clinical experience with a multicultural counseling approach, developing sophisticated intervention strategies. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and undergraduate psychology coursework, ensuring rigorous academic preparation. Priced at $602 per credit hour with financial aid options, this online degree equips professionals to make meaningful contributions in addiction treatment and recovery support.
- 48 credit hours.
- Online program.
- $602 per credit.
- Financial aid available.
- Christian worldview integration.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Multicultural competence focus.
- NAADAC and NASAC accredited.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Undergraduate psychology coursework required.
Master's - Master's Degree in School Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana Wesleyan University's online Master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a dynamic 60-credit curriculum focusing on advanced counseling techniques. Designed for working professionals, the flexible online format enables students to enhance their skills without interrupting current employment. The program emphasizes addressing complex mental health challenges through a comprehensive, Christ-centered approach. With CACREP national accreditation and a multicultural counseling perspective, students develop sophisticated intervention strategies. Costing $602 per credit hour, the program prepares graduates for licensure and meaningful careers supporting individuals' psychological well-being across diverse contexts.
- Online flexible program
- 60 credit hour curriculum
- 24-36 months completion
- $602 per credit hour
- CACREP nationally accredited
- Christ-centered approach
- 20 total courses
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Licensure preparation
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, IN - Private 4-year - indwes.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana Wesleyan University's online Master of Arts in School Counseling offers a comprehensive 60-credit program targeting professionals seeking to support pre-K through high school students. CACREP-accredited and faith-integrated, the program emphasizes multicultural competence and advanced counseling techniques. Students develop essential skills for addressing complex academic and emotional challenges, with flexible online learning spanning 24-36 months. The curriculum costs $602 per credit hour and prepares graduates for state licensure, focusing on educational equity and student wellbeing through a Christ-centered approach.
- 60 credit hour program
- Online flexible learning format
- CACREP nationally accredited
- $602 per credit hour
- 24-36 month completion time
- Christ-centered approach
- Prepares for state licensure
- Multicultural counseling focus
- 20 total courses
- Supervised practicum included
Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana Wesleyan University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides a transformative online degree designed for compassionate professionals. This 60-credit program prepares students to address diverse mental health challenges through comprehensive training in individual, group, and family counseling. With a Christ-centered perspective, students develop advanced multicultural competencies and clinical skills. Requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission, the program offers competitive tuition at $602 per credit hour and robust clinical experience, positioning graduates for licensure as mental health counselors and therapists.
- 100% Online or Onsite Options
- 60 Credit Hour Program
- $602 Per Credit Hour
- CACREP Accredited
- Christ-Centered Curriculum
- Clinical Experience Focus
- 3.0 Undergraduate GPA Required
- Licensure Track Available
- Six-Year Completion Window
Master's - Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana Wesleyan University's online Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling addresses the critical nationwide need for specialized addiction professionals. This 48-credit program integrates Christian principles with evidence-based behavioral sciences, emphasizing multicultural competence and ethical practice. Students gain advanced skills in addiction treatment through a flexible online format, completing the degree in 24 months at $602 per credit hour. The curriculum prepares graduates for professional certification through NAADAC and NASAC, with supervised clinical experiences and a comprehensive approach to understanding and treating addiction.
- Online 48-credit master's program
- 24-month completion time
- $602 per credit hour
- NAADAC and NASAC accredited
- Christian worldview integration
- Multicultural counseling focus
- 15 specialized addiction courses
- Supervised clinical experience
- Preparation for professional certification
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Master's - Master of Arts in School Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Indiana Wesleyan University's online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a specialized 60-credit program focusing on advanced mental health support. Designed for working professionals, the program provides flexible online learning with completion possible in 24-36 months. CACREP-nationally accredited, the curriculum emphasizes multicultural competence, faith-integrated strategies, and comprehensive training in assessment and intervention. At $602 per credit hour, students develop advanced counseling techniques, ethical practices, and servant leadership skills, preparing for diverse counseling roles with high-quality, state-recognized credentials.
- CACREP nationally accredited program
- Online flexible format
- 60 total credit hours
- $602 per credit hour
- 24-36 month completion time
- Christ-centered curriculum approach
- 20 total program courses
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Servant leadership training
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN - Private 4-year - butler.edu
Master's - Master of Science in School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Butler University's online Master of Science in School Counseling provides a comprehensive pathway to professional licensure, distinguished by its CACREP accreditation and innovative curriculum. Tailored for aspiring K-12 counselors, the program emphasizes diversity, trauma response, and career development strategies. With no GRE requirement and a 3.0 GPA threshold, the 60-credit program offers accessibility and flexibility. Students benefit from 700 hours of hands-on experience, preparing them for dual-licensure opportunities in school and mental health counseling. The program's competitive $700 per credit rate and strong job placement rates make it an attractive option for those committed to transforming educational environments.
- CACREP-accredited program.
- 60 credit hours.
- $700 per credit.
- No GRE required.
- 3.0 GPA admission threshold.
- Online coursework.
- Licensure preparation.
- Dual-licensure option.
- 700 hours hands-on experience.
- Study abroad option.
Master's - Master of Science in School Counseling (Dual-licensure in mental health counseling)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Butler University's online Master of Science in School Counseling with a concentration in dual-licensure represents an advanced professional development opportunity for educational counselors. This comprehensive 60-credit program delivers a robust, fully online curriculum focused on evidence-based practices and holistic student support. Designed to meet evolving educational challenges, the program provides a strategic pathway to mental health and school counseling credentials. With CACREP accreditation, no GRE requirement, and a competitive $42,000 total tuition, students gain extensive practical training and preparation for a field projected to grow 10 percent by 2031, positioning graduates for impactful careers in educational counseling.
- CACREP-accredited program
- 100% online coursework
- 60 total credit hours
- No GRE required
- 700 hours hands-on experience
- Dual-licensure option available
- $700 per credit
- 3-year program duration
- Total tuition $42,000
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN - Public 4-Year - pnw.edu
Master's - Couple and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Purdue University Northwest's Master's in Couple and Family Therapy offers a distinctive hybrid program that bridges academic rigor with practical clinical training. Accredited by COAMFTE, this comprehensive 67-credit hour program equips students with advanced relational therapy skills through an innovative scholar-practitioner model. Graduates complete 500 client contact hours and 100 hours of clinical supervision, preparing them for diverse mental health settings including private practice and agency work. The program's small cohort environment ensures personalized mentorship, research-informed curriculum, and a strong focus on ethical, culturally competent therapeutic interventions. Students benefit from meeting licensure requirements and developing advanced clinical expertise in family systems and interpersonal dynamics.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 67 total credit hours
- 500 client contact hours
- 100 hours clinical supervision
- Thesis required
- Application deadline: January
- Meets licensure requirements
- Small cohort sizes
- Research-informed curriculum
- Diverse mental health focus
Huntington University
Huntington, IN - Private 4-year - huntington.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Huntington University delivers a dynamic 60-hour Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program featuring a hybrid learning model that seamlessly blends online coursework with professional development. Tailored to meet Indiana's Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensure requirements, the program distinguishes itself through a unique Christian counseling perspective. Students benefit from comprehensive training incorporating multicultural awareness, ethical practices, and supervised clinical experiences. The curriculum includes a three-day residency experience and requires professional organization membership, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse mental health professional settings. The program's hybrid format accommodates working professionals while providing rigorous academic and practical training.
- 60-hour online graduate program
- Meets Indiana LMHC licensure requirements
- Hybrid learning format
- Three-day residency experience
- Professional organization membership required
- Christian counseling perspective
- Supervised clinical training
- Multiple counseling theory courses
- Diverse specialization options
How to Find a Counseling Program in Indiana
Many different colleges and universities offer counseling programs in Indiana. You'll find programs with various degrees, specialization options, learning modes, tuition rates, and schedules. Select whichever program makes sense for you, taking into account both present needs and future goals.
Counseling Degree Pathways in Indiana
Counseling degrees are available at every level of undergraduate and graduate post-secondary education. You can enroll in a relatively short associate degree straight out of high school, or spend years in a doctorate program (perhaps before continuing onto a postdoc job). The counseling degrees available in Indiana include:
- Associate Degrees: two-year degrees that can be enrolled in after completing high school (or a GED). An associate degree might help you find an entry-level position within the field.
- Bachelor's Degrees: four-year degrees that can be enrolled in after completing high school. Completing an associate degree shortens the bachelor's degree to two additional years. A bachelor's degree might help you find entry-level or mid-level work, and it could also prepare you for study at the graduate level.
- Master's Degrees: One to two-year degrees that can be enrolled in after completing a bachelor's program (in counseling or any field). Completing a master's (in counseling or a related field) is required to work as a licensed counselor in Indiana.
- Doctorate Degrees: Three to six-year degrees that can be enrolled in after completing a bachelor's or master's program (depending on the doctorate program). A Ph.D. doctorate provides advanced research study, and a Psy.D. doctorate provides advanced clinical study. This is the highest level of degree that you can attain.
- Graduate Certificates: Six-month to one-year certificate programs afford opportunities to specialize. Most require a bachelor's degree, and you might complete a certificate even after a master's degree.
Choose a Counseling Specialty
Many counseling degree programs (especially graduate ones) have tracks for specialization. Specialization can help differentiate you, and it might be needed to secure certain jobs.
There's almost no shortage of specialization options. The following are just a few examples of what's available through Indiana counseling degree programs:
- Faith-based counseling
- Clinical addictions counseling
- Clinical mental health counseling
- School counseling
- Community care
Accreditation
To ensure you receive a quality education and earn a useful degree, make sure any Indiana counseling program you consider is regionally or nationally accredited. The main accrediting bodies for counseling degree programs are the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs and the American Psychological Association.
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Indiana
Indiana schools have online counseling programs and traditional counseling programs. Online programs frequently cost less and have more flexible class schedules. Traditional programs provide in-person conversation opportunities. You may find either mode preferable.
Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Indiana
Indiana counselor licensure requires a master's degree of 48 credits or a doctorate degree of 96 credits. You also need a 1,000-hour internship, 3,000 hours of post-degree supervision, a passing exam score, and a fee payment.
Counseling licenses must be renewed every even-numbered year. Renewing requires 40 hours of continuing education in most cases.
2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Wesleyan University |
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| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global |
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| Indiana University-South Bend |
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List of Counseling Degree Programs in Indiana
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Indiana? 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.