Best Counseling Schools in Kansas

How to Find a Counseling Program in Kansas

Counseling programs have many features to consider, including tuition, location, specialty, schedule, degree level, and other details. Take into account your financial, familial, and vocational needs as you evaluate programs, and also consider your vocational aspirations.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Kansas

Counseling degrees from Kansas schools are available at all levels of postsecondary education. Which degree is right for you depends on your current academic resume and vocational aspirations:

• Associate Degrees: Choose an associate degree if you don't have a postsecondary degree, and want a quick way to enter the field. These are two-year programs that require only a high school diploma. You'll likely be qualified for entry-level work with patients.

• Bachelor's Degrees: Choose a bachelor's degree if you haven't yet completed one, and want advancement potential. These are four-year programs that require at least a high school diploma. You'll likely be qualified for entry-level work, and have opportunities to advance after gaining some experience.

• Master's Degrees: Choose a master's degree if you have a bachelor's already, and want to become a licensed professional counselor in Kansas. These are one-year to two-year programs that require a bachelor's degree. A master's is needed for licensure.

• Doctorate Degrees: Choose a doctorate degree if you want to work in research or supervisory clinical roles. These require a bachelor's, and many competitive programs require a master's degree. Programs can last three to six (or more) years, after which you'll be qualified for high-level positions. Ph.D. degrees are research-oriented, and Psy.D. degrees are clinically oriented.

• Graduate Certificates: Choose a graduate certificate if you want to specialize, either beyond what a degree program offers or after completing a degree. These are one-year programs at most, and they require at least a bachelor's degree. They could help you distinguish yourself in a particular counseling specialty.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Not all counselors specialize, but many choose one or two specialties. Examples of specialties that are available through counseling degree programs include:

• School counseling

• Clinical mental health counseling

• Clinical addictions counseling

• Clinical rehabilitation counseling

• Rehabilitation with autism spectrum disorder specialization

• Rehabilitation with deaf & hard of hearing specialization

• Art therapy and clinical counseling

Base any specialization choice on what population you would ultimately like to work with long-term.

Check School Accreditation

Accredited counseling degrees have been vetted by other academic institutions, and the degrees meet standard requirements. Make sure any counseling degree you enroll in is accredited.

Counseling degrees in Kansas may be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) and/or the American Psychological Association (APA).

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs

Accredited programs can be online or traditional. An online program will probably have lower tuition costs, won't require you to pay for room and board, and will have a flexible schedule. A traditional program will give you the classic college experience, and provide more interaction with professors and peers.

Base your choice between an online or traditional degree program on your current needs and future goals.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Kansas

To become licensed in Kansas, you must complete a 60-credit master's degree, internship, and 4,000 hours of post-graduate supervised work. You also have to pass an exam and pay a fee.

Renewing your license must be done bi-annually, and requires 30 hours of continuing education.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Kansas

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Kansas? 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.