Best Counseling Schools in Iowa

Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a hybrid program designed to empower students with the skills to address complex interpersonal dynamics. This program does not require an entrance exam and focuses on preparing students for licensure with a curriculum rich in therapeutic interventions and evidence-based strategies. It's ideal for those aiming to become compassionate mental health professionals, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

• Master of Arts degree
• Marriage and Family Therapy focus
• Professional counseling preparation
• Licensure-oriented curriculum
• Mental health professional training

Focusing on Neuroscience and Psychophysiology, Mount Mercy University's hybrid Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is unique for its systems approach and neuroscience foundation. This COAMFTE-accredited program is tailored for working professionals, featuring flexible evening and online classes, and does not require a GRE. Students benefit from hands-on training at the on-site Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic, preparing them for advanced clinical roles.

• COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
• Neuroscience-based curriculum
• Flexible evening/online classes
• No GRE required
• 5- and 10-week course blocks
• August start date
• On-site therapy clinic experience
• Tailored for working professionals

With a concentration in Leadership and Social Justice, Mount Mercy University's hybrid Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out for its flexible and innovative approach. The program, accredited by COAMFTE, integrates neuroscience-based training without requiring a GRE. It's designed for working professionals, offering evening and online classes, and includes practical experience at the Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic for a comprehensive learning experience.

• COAMFTE-accredited program
• No GRE required
• Evening and online classes
• Neuroscience-based curriculum
• August start date
• 5- and 10-week course blocks
• On-site therapy clinic
• Working professional friendly
• Flexible learning options

Mount Mercy University offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a focus on Advanced Couples Therapy. This COAMFTE-accredited program combines systemic approaches with neuroscience insights, catering to working professionals with flexible scheduling options like night classes and online learning. No GRE is required, and students gain invaluable clinical experience at the Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic, equipping them to become research-informed therapists.

• COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
• Neuroscience-informed curriculum
• Flexible evening/online classes
• No GRE required
• August start date
• 5-10 week course blocks
• On-site therapy clinic
• Working professional friendly
• Systemic therapy approach

Northwestern College offers a Master of Arts in School Counseling online, tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their skills in educational settings. This 48-credit program, completed over two years, does not require the GRE and is designed with a faith-integrated curriculum. It prepares students for K-8 or 5-12 endorsements, focusing on ethical practice, cultural competence, and trauma-informed care. The program includes 700 hours of practicum and internship, ensuring graduates are ready to support students effectively. Highlights include no application fee, TEACH Grant potential, and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA requirement.

• 100% online coursework
• 48 total credit hours
• Two-year program completion
• No GRE required
• No application fee
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 700 total practicum hours
• K-8 and 5-12 endorsements available
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• TEACH Grant potential

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern College is a 60-credit online program designed for those seeking to make a difference in mental health settings. Completed in two years with 8-week courses, it requires no GRE and aligns with CACREP standards for licensure preparation. The curriculum blends clinical skills with a spiritual perspective, emphasizing ethical practices and multicultural awareness. Students gain hands-on experience through practicum and internship, preparing them for diverse client needs. Key features include a faith-integrated approach, no application fee, and a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

• 100% online coursework
• 60 total credit hours
• Two-year program completion
• No GRE required
• No application fee
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• CACREP-aligned curriculum
• Faith-integrated approach
• Practicum and internship
• Prepare for licensure

Grand View University offers a Master of Science in School Counseling through a hybrid program that blends online coursework with practical experiences. This 60-credit program is designed for those aiming to become school counselors, with a focus on ethics, multicultural counseling, and leadership. Students can choose between K-8 or 5-12 endorsements, enhancing their specialization. The program requires a 3.0 GPA for admission and includes residency and internships for hands-on learning. Unique electives such as crisis intervention and play therapy are available. Notably, insurance coverage is mandatory, ensuring safety during practical training. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for many applicants.

• 60-credit program.
• Hybrid learning format.
• Ethics and multicultural focus.
• K-8 or 5-12 endorsements.
• Residency and internships required.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Electives like play therapy.
• Insurance coverage mandatory.

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand View University is a fully online, 60-credit program tailored for aspiring mental health professionals. It stands out for its no GRE requirement, making it more accessible. The program is CACREP accredited, ensuring a high-quality education that prepares students for licensure, evidenced by a 100% licensure exam pass rate. With flexible seven-week courses and the option to transfer up to 12 graduate credits, it caters to working professionals. Students benefit from local internship opportunities and courses designed to meet CADC educational requirements, all without the need for an entrance exam.

• 100% licensure exam pass rate
• No GRE required for admission
• Fully online 60-credit program
• CACREP accredited curriculum
• Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
• Flexible seven-week online courses
• Local internship opportunities
• Meet CADC educational requirements

The University of Northern Iowa offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a hybrid program designed to prepare students for careers as compassionate and skilled mental health professionals. With a focus on neuro-informed, trauma-sensitive practices, the program covers psychopathology, assessment, and treatment planning. Students must complete 700 practicum hours, learning from faculty with expertise in various counseling approaches. This CACREP-accredited program emphasizes a wellness-centered curriculum, preparing graduates for diverse roles in mental health settings. No entrance exam is required, and the program is military-friendly. The hybrid format combines online and in-person learning, offering flexibility for students.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• 700 Community Practicum Hours
• Neuro-informed Trauma Approach
• Minimum 2.75 GPA Required
• Hybrid Program Format
• Multidisciplinary Wellness Philosophy
• Diverse Career Opportunities

Buena Vista University offers a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Professional School Counseling, designed for those aiming to make a difference in students' lives from elementary through high school. This hybrid program combines the flexibility of online coursework with a mandatory four-day annual residency in Storm Lake, Iowa, catering to the schedules of working professionals. Spanning 48 credit hours over two years, the curriculum is tailored to meet Iowa's School Counseling licensure requirements and adheres to the ASCA model. Notably, the program does not require a GRE for admission, broadening access. Financial aid options, including scholarships, are available to support students. This program is perfect for individuals dedicated to fostering student success in educational environments, with a strong emphasis on advocacy.

• Hybrid program format.
• 48 credit hours.
• Two-year completion.
• No GRE required.
• Iowa licensure aligned.
• ASCA model curriculum.
• Annual in-person residency.
• Scholarships available.
• Designed for professionals.
• Focus on student advocacy.