Best Counseling Schools in Minnesota

Crown College's Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration offers a comprehensive online program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Delivered entirely online with a four-day campus residency, the 60-credit curriculum meets Minnesota licensure requirements and provides flexibility for working adults. Students benefit from a unique faith-integrated approach that combines professional counseling practices with a biblical perspective on healing. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships, preparing graduates for professional counselor licensure. With affordable tuition options and a three-year full-time completion timeline, this program equips students with advanced skills in mental health counseling while maintaining a holistic, compassionate approach to client care.

• Online program with residency.
• 60 credit hours.
• Meets MN licensure requirements.
• Faith-integrated curriculum.
• Internship included.
• 3-year completion full-time.
• Affordable tuition options.
• Biblical perspective on counseling.
• Prepares for licensure.
• Flexible for working adults.

Crown College's M.A. in Counseling with a Christian Counseling concentration provides a distinctive online program that integrates scientific study with a Christian worldview. Requiring an annual four-day residency in Minnesota, the program prepares students for professional counselor licensure through a comprehensive 700-hour internship. Licensed professionals deliver a curriculum emphasizing holistic healing, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practices. Students explore the interconnected biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of counseling. The program stands out for its commitment to preparing compassionate, professionally competent counselors who can effectively support individuals through a faith-informed lens while maintaining rigorous academic and professional standards.

• Online program with residency
• Christian Counseling concentration
• Prepares for MN LPCC licensure
• 700-hour internship included
• Taught by licensed professionals
• Holistic healing approach
• Ethical decision-making focus
• Evidence-based practices
• Annual four-day residency
• Christian worldview integration

Crown College's M.A. in Pastoral Counseling offers a specialized 36-credit online program designed for ministry professionals seeking advanced counseling skills. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, this 100% online program features flexible 8-week courses that blend psychological principles with Christian perspectives. While not leading to professional licensure, the program equips students with practical counseling skills tailored for church and faith-based settings. Courses like Pastoral Counseling Skills and Marriage and Family Therapy provide targeted training for supporting individuals and families through life's challenges from a faith-centered approach. Ideal for those committed to compassionate, scripturally-grounded counseling ministry.

• 36 total credits
• 100% online
• 8-week courses
• No licensure path
• ATS accredited
• Christian worldview
• Flexible scheduling
• Practical counseling skills
• Evangelical foundation
• Focus on faith settings

Minnesota State University Moorhead's Master of Science in Counseling offers a specialized School Counseling concentration that expertly blends theoretical knowledge with practical skill development. CACREP-accredited and designed for working professionals, the program provides flexible hybrid and evening learning options. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized faculty support, gaining comprehensive experience through extensive practicum and internship opportunities. The unique Infuse Mental Health Project provides eligible students up to $24,000 in grant support, addressing critical school-based mental health service needs. With a remarkable 100% job placement rate, this program represents an excellent pathway for aspiring school counselors seeking a dynamic and supportive educational environment.

• CACREP-accredited program.
• Specialization in School Counseling.
• Hybrid and evening class options.
• Up to $24,000 grant support.
• 100% job placement rate.
• Small class sizes.
• Personalized faculty support.
• Hands-on practicum and internships.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Focus on mental health services.

Minnesota State University Moorhead's Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration delivers a comprehensive 60-credit graduate program preparing students for diverse mental health professional roles. CACREP-accredited, the hybrid program accommodates working professionals through flexible evening and online learning formats. Students receive in-depth training across community mental health settings, hospitals, and universities, developing advanced interpersonal skills and theoretical expertise. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience through structured practicum and internship opportunities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure and professional practice. Small class sizes and individualized faculty attention distinguish this program, offering a supportive environment for emerging mental health counseling professionals.

• CACREP-accredited program
• 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
• Evening and hybrid learning
• Small class sizes
• Practicum and internship included
• Prepares for MN/ND licensure
• Clinical Mental Health focus
• Trauma-informed care training
• Professional ethics emphasis
• Flexible part-time options

Minnesota State University Moorhead's MS in Counseling with Addiction Counseling emphasis provides a robust 60-credit hybrid program designed to equip students for impactful careers in mental health and human services. Integrating face-to-face and online learning, the curriculum focuses on comprehensive addiction counseling strategies to address critical community needs. Students receive rigorous academic training complemented by practical skill development, preparing them for state licensure and professional practice. The program offers a unique pathway for Addiction Counseling Certificate students to advance their education, making it an ideal choice for professionals committed to making meaningful interventions in addiction treatment and support services.

• Hybrid learning format.
• 60 credits required.
• Focus on addiction counseling.
• Prepares for state licensure.
• Pathway for certificate students.

Winona State University's School Counseling master's degree emerges as a robust hybrid program designed to cultivate exceptional Pre-K-12 counseling professionals. CACREP-accredited and strategically structured, the curriculum empowers students to support students' academic, career, and social-emotional development. By blending classroom instruction with experiential learning, the program aligns with the ASCA National model and meets licensure requirements across multiple states. Prospective students benefit from a comprehensive approach that prepares them for impactful roles in educational settings, with a strong emphasis on developing holistic counseling strategies.

• Hybrid program format
• CACREP accredited
• Prepares for Pre-K-12 counseling
• Meets most state licensure requirements
• Focus on academic, career, social development

Winona State University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program offers a transformative educational pathway for aspiring mental health professionals. The CACREP-accredited hybrid program prepares students to become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors with comprehensive training applicable in diverse community settings. Graduates gain advanced skills to support mental health across residential care facilities, community agencies, and clinical environments. The curriculum strategically equips students for professional licensure exams while developing critical counseling competencies. With a strong focus on practical skills and theoretical foundations, this program provides a rigorous foundation for meaningful mental health interventions.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Hybrid program format
• Minnesota and Wisconsin licensure
• Community mental health focus
• Professional counselor preparation

Saint Cloud State University's Marriage & Family Therapy Master's program offers a comprehensive hybrid learning experience that transforms aspiring therapists through advanced clinical training. Students engage in a unique cohort model with an exceptional 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized education. The program emphasizes systemic and developmental therapeutic approaches, preparing graduates to effectively treat diverse populations. With state-of-the-art training facilities and guaranteed internship placement, students develop robust clinical skills. While the program combines on-campus and online learning, it maintains rigorous licensure preparation standards. Prospective students should note the fall application deadline of January 5th, which highlights the program's competitive and selective nature.

• Master of Science degree
• On-campus program
• Cohort learning model
• State-of-art training clinic
• Community internship experience
• 100% internship placement
• 5:1 student/teacher ratio
• Limited campus attendance
• Licensure preparation
• Fall application deadline Jan 5

Bethany Lutheran College's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program distinguishes itself through a comprehensive hybrid learning model that integrates online coursework with immersive on-campus residencies. Spanning 60 credit hours, the program uniquely accommodates students with flexible 2-3 year study options and welcomes applicants from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. Rooted in a Christian worldview, the curriculum emphasizes ethical counseling practices, equipping students with advanced skills in crisis intervention, trauma strategies, and clinical treatment planning. The program prepares graduates for national certification and professional practice across various mental health settings, offering a holistic approach to counseling education.

• 60 Credit Hours Master's Program
• Hybrid Online/On-Campus Format
• 2-3 Year Flexible Study Options
• Christian Worldview Approach
• National Certification Eligible
• Any Undergrad Degree Accepted
• Three On-Campus Residencies
• Clinical Internship Included
• Diverse Career Preparation
• Accredited Program

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Bethany Lutheran College offers a dynamic hybrid educational experience designed for aspiring counseling professionals. With a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students engage in comprehensive training through flexible online coursework and structured on-campus residencies. The 60-credit Master of Arts program provides a transformative learning environment grounded in Christian principles, preparing graduates for diverse counseling roles in outpatient centers, private practices, and community mental health organizations. The program's inclusive admission policy and national certification eligibility make it an attractive pathway for career changers seeking meaningful professional development.

• 60 credit hours.
• Hybrid program type.
• Christian worldview foundation.
• 2 or 3-year study options.
• Eligible for national certification.
• State licensure preparation.
• Undergraduate degree in any field accepted.
• Flexible online coursework.
• On-campus residencies.
• Prepares for various counseling settings.