Best Counseling Schools in Maine

2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Maine

Looking for the best master's in counseling programs in Maine? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. These programs prepare students for rewarding careers in mental health. Online programs are key for those needing flexibility. They offer distance learning options, making it easier to balance studies with life. Learn more about how we rank these programs at https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME - Public 4-Year - usm.maine.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Southern Maine offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, designed for those aiming to impact K-12 students' lives positively. This 60-credit hybrid program combines online and on-campus learning, focusing on academic, career, and social/emotional development. It prepares graduates for Maine K-12 certification and the National Counselor Examination, with a curriculum that includes human development, counseling theories, and multicultural counseling. CACREP accreditation ensures a high-quality education. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, with financial aid and scholarships potentially available. This program is ideal for aspiring school counselors seeking a comprehensive, flexible educational path.

• 60 credit hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• CACREP accredited.
• Eligible for Maine K-12 certification.
• Prepares for National Counselor Examination.
• Focuses on academic, career development.
• Includes multicultural counseling courses.
• Requires bachelor's degree for admission.
• Financial aid available.
• Scholarships may apply.

Master's - Counseling

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Aspiring mental health professionals can pursue the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration at the University of Southern Maine, a 63-credit master's program offering hybrid learning options. This program equips students with the skills to assist individuals facing life transitions, stress, and mental health issues, with opportunities to specialize in areas like Family Systems or Substance Misuse. Graduates are prepared for LCPC licensure and can obtain specialized certifications in substance abuse counseling. The program boasts a 99% national exam success rate and requires 700-1000 hours of field experience, offering both full-time and part-time study options to accommodate students' schedules.

• 63-credit flexible master's program
• Hybrid learning options
• Multiple specialization paths
• LCPC licensure preparation
• Comprehensive field experience
• Full-time or part-time study
• Online and in-person courses
• 700-1000 hours field experience
• 99% national exam success rate

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#2

University of Maine at Farmington

Farmington, ME - Public 4-Year - umf.maine.edu

Master's - M.S. in Counseling

Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Maine at Farmington offers a hybrid M.S. in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, designed for those aiming to make a significant impact in educational settings. This program stands out for its accelerated 3+2 pathway, allowing students to earn both a BA in Psychology and an MS in Counseling in five years. Partnering with the University of Southern Maine, it provides specialized training in School Counseling, alongside opportunities for early professional certification. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, mentorship, and prepares graduates to address Maine's mental health needs. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible to a broader range of students. Highlights include Mental Health Rehabilitation certification and practical field experience.

• Accelerated 5-year BA/MS pathway
• Mental Health Rehabilitation certification
• Two concentration options
• NEBHE Tuition Break available
• Interactive counseling seminar
• Practical field experience
• Mentorship from faculty
• Graduate school preparation

*IPEDS 2023 statistics, sourced from NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

How to Find a Counseling Program in Maine

No one counseling program is right for every student. Find one that works well for you by considering your finances, current vocational responsibilities, familial responsibilities, personal interests, and professional goals. There's bound to be a good counseling program in Maine for you.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Maine

Several universities and colleges in Maine offer accredited counseling degrees. There are several levels of degrees, including multiple options at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels. Select a program that you're qualified for, that also meets your academic and professional needs:

• Associate Degrees: Associate degrees are two-year programs that you can enroll in immediately after high school. They'll qualify you for entry-level work directly with clients.

• Bachelor's Degrees: Bachelor's degrees are four-year programs that you also can enroll in immediately after high school. They'll give you an edge over associate graduates, qualifying you for entry-level and mid-level work. You'll likely work under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor (LPC) still.

• Master's Degrees: Master's degrees are one to two-year programs that you need a bachelor's degree for. A master's degree is required to become an LPC.

• Doctorate Degrees: Doctorate degrees are three to six-year (and sometimes longer) programs that you can enroll in after a bachelor's or master's degree.

• Graduate Certificates: Graduate certificates are six months to one-year non-degree programs, and you can enroll after a bachelor's or master's degree. These are primarily used for specialization, as they don't meet the LPC's master's requirement on their own.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

As a counselor, you can provide broad or specialized services. Should you choose to specialize, you may do so during a bachelor's, master's, or graduate certificate program. There's no shortage of counseling specialties:

• Clinical mental health

• Clinical and vocational rehabilitation

• School counseling

• Addiction counseling

• Marriage, couple, and family counseling

These are just a sample of the specializations that you can choose from.

Check School Accreditation

School accreditation ensures that counseling degrees meet basic academic standards for programs, and also that degrees are recognized by other institutions.

The main accrediting body for counseling degrees in Maine is CACREP (the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs). Maine requires a CACREP (not an APA degree) for licensure.

The University of Maine and the University of Southern Maine's degrees are accredited. Make sure any other school degree that you consider is also accredited.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Maine

Accredited counseling degrees are available through both online and in-classroom programs. An online program will likely be more affordable and more flexible, and you won't have to commute to class during winter. An in-classroom program will likely give you more interaction with peers, and possibly better access to internships and research material.

Choose whether to enroll in an online counseling program or an in-classroom counseling program, carefully thinking about what's more accessible for you.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Maine

For licensure, Maine requires a 60-credit graduate degree that's accredited by CACREP. You must additionally complete a 600-hour internship and 2,000 hours of supervised counseling after graduating. The final licensing requirements are an exam and a fee.

Maine counseling licenses must be renewed bi-annual. Renewing requires 55 continuing education hours.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Maine

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