Best Counseling Schools in Iowa

Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares compassionate mental health professionals through a comprehensive hybrid program. Students develop advanced therapeutic skills targeting complex interpersonal dynamics, focusing on evidence-based counseling strategies. The program offers rigorous training designed to meet professional licensure requirements, enabling graduates to support individuals, couples, and families effectively. With a curriculum emphasizing professional development, students gain practical experience and specialized knowledge in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions.

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

Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Neuroscience and Psychophysiology concentration offers a distinctive systems approach. As the only COAMFTE-accredited MA-MFT program in Iowa, it provides flexible evening and online learning tailored for working professionals. The program uniquely integrates neuroscience foundations with clinical training, featuring practical experiences at the on-site Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic. Notably, no GRE is required, and students benefit from 5- and 10-week course blocks designed for accessibility and comprehensive learning.

• 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

Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy emphasizing Leadership and Social Justice delivers an innovative hybrid learning experience. The COAMFTE-accredited program combines neuroscience-based training with flexible evening and online classes in 5- and 10-week blocks. Working professionals can develop advanced clinical skills through hands-on experiences at the on-site Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic. With no GRE requirement and an August start date, the program prepares research-informed therapists committed to understanding complex systemic mental health approaches.

• 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's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with an Advanced Couples Therapy concentration provides a transformative educational pathway for mental health professionals. The COAMFTE-accredited program integrates systemic approaches with neuroscience insights, offering flexible night classes and online options. Students gain advanced clinical skills through practical experiences at the on-site Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic. With no GRE requirement, August start dates, and 5-10 week course blocks, the program enables working professionals to develop innovative, research-informed therapeutic expertise.

• 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's Master of Arts in School Counseling offers a transformative online program tailored for education professionals seeking specialized training. Designed as a comprehensive 48-credit curriculum, students can pursue endorsements for K-8 or 5-12 educational settings. The program uniquely integrates faith-based perspectives with rigorous counseling methodologies, emphasizing trauma-informed care and cultural competence. Notably, the program waives GRE requirements and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students engage in extensive practical experiences, completing 700 hands-on practicum hours that ensure graduates are well-equipped to support student mental health and academic success across diverse educational environments.

• 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

Northwestern College's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling delivers a robust online program preparing compassionate mental health professionals. This 60-credit, two-year curriculum provides comprehensive training through flexible 8-week courses aligned with CACREP standards. Students develop advanced counseling skills through intensive practicum and internship experiences, focusing on ethical practice, multicultural awareness, and holistic wellness approaches. With no GRE requirement and a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program cultivates clinical competence and spiritual understanding. Graduates are strategically positioned for professional counselor licensure, equipped to make meaningful interventions in diverse mental health settings.

• 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's Master of Science in School Counseling is a comprehensive 60-credit hybrid program preparing professionals to support children and families. Uniquely offering endorsement tracks for K-8 and 5-12 grade levels, students develop advanced skills in professional ethics, multicultural counseling, and program leadership. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience through mandatory residencies and internships. With a required 3.0 GPA, students explore specialized electives like crisis intervention and play therapy. The program mandates continuous insurance coverage and provides a flexible learning environment that balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on professional development.

• 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.

Grand View University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a transformative 60-credit online program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement. Notable for its 100% licensure exam pass rate and no GRE admission requirement, the program cultivates multicultural competence and ethical counseling practices. Students benefit from flexible seven-week online courses, local internship opportunities, and the ability to transfer up to 12 graduate credits. The CACREP-accredited curriculum prepares graduates for licensure and meets CADC educational requirements, providing a comprehensive pathway to becoming skilled mental health professionals.

• 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's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling stands out as a groundbreaking program emphasizing neuro-informed and trauma-sensitive training. Uniquely CACREP-accredited, this hybrid program requires 700 community practicum hours, providing students comprehensive preparation for diverse mental health settings. Students benefit from faculty expertise in gerontological and integrated behavioral health counseling, gaining skills to address complex psychological needs. The curriculum's wellness-centered approach equips graduates to excel in hospitals, clinics, substance abuse agencies, and mental health centers. With a minimum 2.75 GPA requirement and a multidisciplinary philosophy, the program prepares compassionate professionals ready to make meaningful interventions in mental health treatment.

• 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's Master of Science in Education – Professional School Counseling offers a dynamic hybrid program tailored for working professionals seeking comprehensive school counseling training. Spanning 48 credit hours over two years, the curriculum uniquely integrates online learning with an annual four-day residency in Storm Lake, Iowa. The program strategically aligns with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to support student success from elementary through high school. A standout feature is the program's accessibility, with no GRE requirement for admission. Designed to meet Iowa School Counseling licensure standards, students benefit from flexible learning formats, targeted scholarships, and a curriculum emphasizing student advocacy and professional development.

• 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.