Best Counseling Schools in Massachusetts

How to Find a Counseling Program in Massachusetts

Massachusetts may have as many counseling programs as almost any other state. To determine which counseling program will best serve you, take into account your professional goals, personal interests, financial situation, and other obligations. No matter what your situation is, there are likely a few programs that will be good matches.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Massachusetts

The various Massachusetts schools have counseling degrees at every level of academia. These include:

• Associate counseling programs – This may be a good choice if you want a quick and non-intensive entry into the field. Programs require a high school diploma and take two years if studying full-time.

• Bachelor's counseling programs – This may be a good choice if you want the potential to move up within the field. Programs require a high school diploma and take four years.

• Master's counseling programs – This may be a good choice if you want to become licensed as a professional counselor. Programs require a bachelor's degree and take one to two years.

• Doctorate counseling programs – This may be a good choice if you want to work in academia or leadership. Ph.D. degrees involve extensive research, while Psy.D. degrees have more clinical work. Programs take three to six years and require a bachelor's or master's.

• Graduate certificate counseling programs – which may be good if you want to specialize or bolster your resume for a doctorate application. Programs take six months to a year and require a bachelor's degree.

Base your degree selection on your current credentials, and what will give you the next credentials to advance your career.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Many counselors differentiate themselves by specializing in a particular area of counseling. If you wish to specialize, you'll find no shortage of options. The following are just a few options:

• School counseling

• School adjustment counseling

• Mental health counseling

• Forensic mental health counseling

• Rehabilitation counseling

Check School Accreditation

Most Massachusetts schools with counseling degrees are accredited, but make sure whichever institution you apply to is properly credentialed. Accreditation ensures that your degree will be recognized for future study, licensure (if applicable), and employment.

If you want to become licensed in Massachusetts, you'll need a program that meets the requirements of the state's accreditation requirements. CACREP-accredited programs meet these requirements, as do APA-accredited programs.

The acronyms stand for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs, and the American Psychological Association.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts schools have both online and traditional classroom counseling programs. An online program might help you save money on tuition, and it'll likely give you more flexibility with regard to scheduling. You won't get the same in-person conversations that you will through a traditional program, though. Choose whichever benefits are more important to you.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Massachusetts

For licensure, Massachusetts requires at least a master's degree in counseling or a related field, an exam, and a fee. You also need to complete a 600-hour practicum during your degree, and 3,360 hours of supervised work afterward.

Renewing your license requires 30 continuing education (CE) hours, and must be done by December 31st of every odd year (e.g. 2023, 2025).

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Massachusetts

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