Best Counseling Schools in Louisiana

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, designed for aspiring K-12 school counselors. This CACREP-accredited, 60-credit online program blends research and practical experience, focusing on leadership, advocacy, and multicultural counseling. Students engage in practicum and internship experiences, preparing them to address the needs of diverse student populations. The curriculum includes career development, ethical practices, and electives like play therapy and addiction counseling. No entrance exam is required for this program, making it accessible for professionals seeking advancement in school counseling.

• CACREP-accredited program.
• 60 credit hours required.
• Online program option.
• Prepares for K-12 certification.
• Includes practicum and internship.
• Multicultural counseling focus.
• Career development courses.
• Ethical practices training.
• Leadership and advocacy skills.
• Research-based curriculum.
• Electives in play therapy.
• Addiction counseling options.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Practical experience emphasized.
• Supports diverse populations.

Focusing on Addictions Counseling, the Master of Science in Counseling at the University of Louisiana at Monroe equips students for LPC licensure and careers in addiction treatment. This 60-credit online program covers the assessment and treatment of mental, emotional, and substance use disorders, with training in individual, group, and family counseling. While not CACREP-accredited, it offers comprehensive coursework in counseling theories, ethics, and multicultural counseling, alongside advanced addiction techniques. Clinical experiences are integral, preparing graduates for roles in various settings. The program does not require an entrance exam, facilitating entry for aspiring addiction counselors.

• 60 credit hours
• Online program
• LPC licensure eligible
• Focus on DSM-5 disorders
• Training in diverse counseling methods
• Courses on psychopharmacology
• Multicultural counseling included
• Practicum and internship required
• Not yet CACREP accredited
• Prepares for state addiction counselor license

The University of Holy Cross provides an online Master of Arts in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration, accredited by CACREP. This program is tailored for those aiming to impact children's academic and personal development positively. Spanning three years, it combines online learning with two intensive residencies, totaling over 700 clinical hours. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, and a personal statement. The curriculum fosters cultural sensitivity, professional growth, and research, including chances to present at conferences. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for aspiring school counselors.

• CACREP accredited.
• Online program.
• 3 years completion.
• 700+ clinical hours.
• Two residencies required.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Three recommendation letters.
• Personal goal statement.
• Focus on cultural respect.
• Research presentation opportunities.
• Specialization in School Counseling.
• Prepares for professional counseling.
• Hands-on training included.
• Flexible online coursework.
• Accelerated 3+3 program available.

At the University of Holy Cross, the online Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is designed for future counselors eager to make a difference in mental health. This CACREP-accredited program spans three years, offering flexible online coursework complemented by residencies and over 700 clinical hours. It prepares graduates to tackle mental health issues in diverse environments, emphasizing compassion and competence. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, without the need for an entrance exam, facilitating a smoother entry for dedicated students. Research and professional conference participation are key highlights, enriching the learning experience.

• CACREP-accredited counseling program
• Fully online with residency components
• 700+ clinical experience hours
• Three-year flexible completion
• Multiple specialization options
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Research presentation opportunities
• Professional conference involvement

Northwestern State University of Louisiana's Master of Arts in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration is a 60-hour, CACREP-accredited hybrid program. It combines online coursework with in-person experiences, catering to aspiring school counselors aiming to serve K-12 students. The program aligns with the ASCA Model and prepares graduates for Louisiana licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors and school counseling certification. Admission involves a graduate application, portfolio submission, and an interview, with no specific undergraduate degree required. The curriculum emphasizes professional best practices, offering both full and part-time study options. A comprehensive exam is required, with a thesis or project option available.

• 60-hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• CACREP accredited
• Meets LPC licensure requirements
• School counseling certification
• Full or part-time study
• ASCA Model aligned curriculum
• Comprehensive exam required
• Thesis or project option
• No specific undergraduate degree required

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a 60-hour, CACREP-accredited hybrid program designed for future mental health professionals. This program blends online and on-campus learning, ideal for working students. It prepares graduates for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors in Louisiana and eligibility for the National Certified Counselor credential. The curriculum focuses on developing clinical skills for diverse settings, including community agencies and hospitals. Admission requires an interview, with no specific undergraduate degree prerequisite. Students must complete a comprehensive exam and choose between a thesis or project to graduate.

• 60-hour CACREP-accredited program
• Hybrid learning format
• Licensed Professional Counselor preparation
• No specific undergraduate degree required
• Interview-based admissions process
• Meets state licensure requirements
• Comprehensive exam and thesis/project required

McNeese State University's Master of Education in School Counseling is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program, blending online and on-campus learning to accommodate working professionals. With a remarkable 100% completion, licensure pass, and job placement rate, this program is designed for those aiming to impact students' lives positively. It requires a comprehensive admissions package but does not specify an entrance exam. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for effective counseling in educational settings, emphasizing practical experience through field placements. This program stands out for its flexibility, practical focus, and high success rates, making it an excellent choice for aspiring school counselors.

• CACREP accredited.
• 100% completion rate.
• 100% job placement.
• Hybrid program format.
• Practical field experience.

Loyola University New Orleans offers a hybrid Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling, designed to equip students with the skills to tackle a wide range of mental health issues. This 60-credit program emphasizes a science-practitioner approach, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application through 740 clinical training hours. Graduates are prepared for licensure as Professional Counselors, with coursework covering assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse populations. The program's hybrid format combines online and in-person learning, catering to working professionals. A unique aspect is its commitment to social justice, integrating this perspective into all aspects of counseling practice. No entrance exam is required for admission.

• 60-credit comprehensive program
• 740 clinical training hours
• Science-practitioner learning model
• Licensure preparation (LPC)
• Multiple theoretical orientations
• Diverse client population training
• Social justice paradigm
• Hybrid program format