Best Counseling Schools in Kentucky

How to Find a Counseling Program in Kentucky

As you evaluate the various counseling programs in Kentucky, make sure you ultimately select one that works well for you. The right program will have a degree, specialization, tuition, and schedule that matches your interests and needs.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Kentucky

Which degree you should apply for depends on your current credentials and future goals. You might consider a(n):

• Associate Degree: two-year degree that requires a high school diploma (or equivalent)

• Bachelor's Degree: four-year degree that requires a high school diploma

• Master's Degree: one to two-year degree that requires a bachelor's

• Doctorate Degree: three to six-year degree that requires a bachelor's or master's

• Graduate Certificate: six to twelve-month certificate that requires a bachelor's

A master's or doctorate degree is required to become licensed, and a doctorate can prepare you for the highest levels of work. You might go into clinical leadership with a Psy.D. doctorate or research with a Ph.D. doctorate. Graduate certificates are primarily used for specialization, after either a bachelor's or master's program.

For undergraduate students, an associate degree offers a quick and relatively inexpensive way to enter the field. A bachelor's provides more employment opportunities as you gain experience.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Counselors may provide general services or specialized services. Specialization is a good choice if you want to work with a particular population, or if you want a way to differentiate yourself.

Should you decide to specialize, a number of Kentucky schools with counseling degrees have specialized tracks. For example, you might be able to complete a degree with a focus on the following:

• Play and expressive arts therapy

• Marriage and family therapy

• School counseling

• College and career counseling

• Addictions counseling

Accreditation

Make sure that you ultimately earn a recognized counseling degree. Only accredited schools are guaranteed to provide degrees that are recognized by employers and other schools.

Most counseling degrees are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). You might also consider a program that's accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky schools have both online and traditional (in-class) counseling programs. An online program makes a degree attainable even if you have other obligations, and online programs usually have lower tuition rates. A traditional program provides the classroom experience, which usually results in more interaction with others, and also gives you easy access to library resources.

Whether you should attend an online or traditional counseling program depends on what you need from a program. Select whichever mode better suits your situation.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Kentucky

Before you can apply to become a licensed professional counselor in Kentucky, you must first complete a master's degree of at least 60 graduate semester hours. The degree has to include at least 600 hours of practicum (CACREP-accredited programs will). Upon graduating, you'll have to meet additional requirements: 4,000 hours of supervised work, a licensing exam, and a fee.

Once you're fully licensed, the license must be renewed every year. Renewal is due on October 31st and requires you to complete 10 continuing education units annually.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Kentucky

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