Best Counseling Schools in Missouri

Truman State University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a focus on School Counseling, delivered entirely online for flexibility. This CACREP-accredited program spans 60 credit hours, emphasizing reflective practice, cultural awareness, and hands-on experience with 400 hours of field work. Tailored for working professionals, it prepares graduates to support K-12 students' academic and personal growth. The program boasts a competitive tuition rate of $562 per credit hour and does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for aspiring school counselors seeking quality education and practical skills for certification.

• 100% online program
• CACREP-accredited school counseling track
• 60 credit hour curriculum
• Working professional cohort model
• 400 hours practical experience
• $562 per credit hour
• Reflective practice emphasis
• Cultural awareness focus
• Research-supported curriculum
• Experienced licensed faculty

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Truman State University is a 100% online, CACREP-accredited program designed for those aiming to become Licensed Professional Counselors. With a 60-credit curriculum, it focuses on developing skills in assessment, ethics, and clinical techniques through a cohort model. The program highlights reflective practice and cultural awareness, supported by experienced faculty. Practical field experiences are integral, preparing graduates to address diverse mental health needs. Priced at $562 per credit hour, the program offers a flexible path to licensure without the requirement of an entrance exam.

• 100% Online Program
• CACREP-Accredited Degree
• Working Professional Cohort Model
• 60 Credit Hour Curriculum
• $562 Per Credit Hour
• Experienced Licensed Faculty
• Practical Field Experiences
• Mental Health Counseling Focus

Evangel University's Master of Science in School Counseling is an online program designed for those seeking to merge their Christian faith with professional counseling skills. Accredited by CACREP, this program emphasizes a faith-based approach to school counseling, preparing graduates for the National Counselor Exam. With a duration of 9 semesters, including a summer start option, it offers flexibility for students. The program stands out for its small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention and a curriculum that integrates Christian principles with practical counseling techniques. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for aspiring counselors ready to make a difference in students' lives.

• Faith-based counseling approach.
• Online program flexibility.
• Small class sizes.
• Prepares for licensing exams.
• CACREP accredited.
• 9-semester completion.
• Summer start available.
• Personalized faculty attention.
• Integrates Christian faith.
• Hands-on experience included.

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Evangel University is a hybrid program that combines online coursework with practical experience, accredited by CACREP. It prepares students for licensure exams such as the NCMHCE or NCE, with options for a 9-semester track or a 7-semester accelerated path. The program integrates Christian faith with professional training, focusing on ethical practice and mental health services across various settings. Starting in mid-June, it requires no entrance exam, offering financial aid to eligible students. This program is ideal for those aiming to work in community health, private practice, or correctional facilities.

• Hybrid program format
• CACREP accredited
• Prepares for NCMHCE/NCE
• 9 or 7-semester options
• Christian faith integration
• Diverse clinical settings
• Summer start date
• Financial aid available
• Ethical practice focus
• Hands-on experience

Lindenwood University offers a hybrid Master's in Counseling with a School Counseling Track, designed for those aiming to impact K-12 education positively. This 48-credit hour program blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, requiring 400 hours of supervised field placement across various grade levels. Focused on Missouri state certification, it prepares graduates for licensure as school counselors, emphasizing student support, mental health intervention, and educational guidance. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. The program's hybrid format combines on-campus and online learning, catering to working professionals. No entrance exam is specified, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants.

• 48 credit hours total program
• 400 hours field placement required
• Hybrid on-campus format
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Missouri state certification focused

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA at Lindenwood University is a hybrid program that prepares students for diverse roles in mental health settings. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering psychological theories and practical counseling skills, with flexibility in learning formats to suit various needs. Graduates are equipped to work with individuals, groups, and families, making significant contributions to mental health care. The program includes a CPCE comprehensive exam as an exit requirement but does not specify an entrance exam, emphasizing accessibility. Its hybrid approach allows students to balance studies with professional commitments, combining on-campus and distance learning options.

• Hybrid learning format
• Comprehensive counseling skills training
• Prepares for mental health careers
• On-campus and distance options
• CPCE comprehensive exam exit requirement

The University of Missouri-St Louis offers a Master of Education in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, designed for aspiring school counselors. This 60-credit hour hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus experiences, providing flexibility for students. It prepares graduates for Missouri certification and eligibility for Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor credentials, with a notable 94% certification exam pass rate. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, and two references. The program emphasizes the application of counseling principles in school settings, offering two admissions cycles annually. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for qualified candidates seeking to advance their careers in educational counseling.

• 60-credit hour program.
• Missouri certification eligible.
• Hybrid learning format.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• 94% certification pass rate.
• Two references needed.
• Focus on school settings.
• Eligibility for LPC and NCC.
• Admissions twice a year.
• Prepares for diverse counseling roles.

Missouri State University-Springfield's Master of Science in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration is a hybrid program, blending online and on-campus learning to suit working professionals. It prepares students for public school counseling roles in Missouri, requiring a teaching certificate or three additional courses and a passing score on the MEGA assessment for certification. The program focuses on K-12 counseling skills, offering a practical approach to school counseling without the need for an entrance exam. This program is ideal for educators looking to specialize in school counseling within a flexible learning environment.

• Hybrid program delivery.
• Meets Missouri certification requirements.
• Requires teaching certificate or extra courses.
• MEGA assessment passing score needed.
• Focus on K-12 school counseling.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration within Missouri State University-Springfield's Master of Science in Counseling program is designed for aspiring mental health professionals. This hybrid program offers a mix of online and on-campus coursework, catering to those balancing work and study. It prepares students for PLPC licensure in Missouri, including preparation for the National Counselor Examination. With a curriculum rich in practicum and internship opportunities, students gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for those ready to advance their careers in mental health counseling.

• Hybrid program delivery.
• Prepares for PLPC licensure.
• Includes practicum and internship.
• Meets Missouri licensure requirements.
• National Counselor Examination preparation.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Combines online and on-campus learning.
• Focus on clinical mental health.
• Hands-on training opportunities.
• Diverse clinical settings preparation.