Best Counseling Schools in Missouri

Missouri Baptist University's online Master of Arts in School Counseling offers a dynamic 45-credit pathway to K-12 School Counseling Certification in Missouri. Tailored for working professionals, the program uniquely integrates a Christian worldview with comprehensive counseling training. Students can complete the program in just 24 months, benefiting from experienced faculty and a career-focused curriculum. The entirely online format provides maximum flexibility, while preparing graduates to make meaningful impacts in educational settings. Missouri DESE-approved and designed for affordability, this program stands out for its rigorous yet accessible approach to professional school counseling preparation.

• 45 credit hours
• 100% online
• Christian worldview
• 24 months completion
• K-12 certification prep
• Affordable tuition
• Experienced faculty
• Flexible for professionals
• Missouri DESE approved
• Career-focused curriculum

Missouri Baptist University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling delivers a robust three-year CACREP-accredited program preparing future counseling professionals. Utilizing a hybrid learning model with traditional evening and livestream options, students develop advanced clinical skills through a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum. The program emphasizes evidence-based interventions, multicultural understanding, and ethical practice across diverse populations. With competitive tuition at $724 per credit hour and a faith-based approach, students receive comprehensive training in mental health treatment strategies, positioning them for successful careers in clinical counseling.

• CACREP-accredited counseling program
• Hybrid learning: traditional/livestream
• Three-year program completion
• 60 total credit hours
• $724 per credit hour
• Evening and online classes
• Christian faith-based approach
• Professional clinical training

Truman State University's online Master of Arts in Counseling offers a specialized School Counseling track that transforms working professionals into skilled educational support specialists. This CACREP-accredited program uniquely prepares counselors to address student academic, career, and personal development challenges. Students complete a rigorous 60-credit curriculum with 400 hours of practical experience, focusing on reflective practice and cultural competence. The program's innovative approach emphasizes research-supported strategies for supporting diverse student populations in K-12 settings. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program provides flexible learning with competitive tuition at $562 per credit hour, positioning graduates for successful school counseling certification and licensure.

• 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

Truman State University's online Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling delivers a comprehensive professional development pathway for aspiring Licensed Professional Counselors. The 60-credit curriculum provides an intensive, research-driven approach to understanding complex human relationships and mental health challenges. Students engage in advanced coursework covering critical domains such as clinical assessment, ethical practice, and therapeutic techniques. The program's cohort model facilitates collaborative learning, with experienced licensed faculty guiding students through practical field experiences. Emphasizing cultural awareness and reflective practice, graduates emerge equipped to support diverse client populations with nuanced, evidence-based counseling interventions.

• 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 online Master of Science in School Counseling provides a distinctive faith-based curriculum preparing graduates for meaningful educational counseling careers. The CACREP-accredited program spans 9 semesters with a summer start option, emphasizing personalized learning through small class sizes. Students develop comprehensive skills integrating Christian principles with professional counseling techniques. The program comprehensively prepares candidates for critical licensing exams like the National Counselor Exam, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to support student mental health and academic success across diverse educational environments.

• 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.

Evangel University's hybrid Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a robust training pathway blending professional expertise with spiritual foundation. The CACREP-accredited program provides flexible 9 or 7-semester tracks, preparing students for critical licensure examinations including NCMHCE and NCE. Curriculum emphasizes ethical practice and hands-on experience across diverse clinical settings like community health centers, private practices, and correctional facilities. Students benefit from comprehensive training that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, positioning graduates for impactful mental health counseling careers with a unique faith-informed perspective.

• 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

Missouri State University-Springfield's Master of Science in Counseling with School Counseling concentration offers a strategic pathway for educators aspiring to become professional school counselors. This innovative hybrid program uniquely balances online flexibility with on-campus learning, accommodating working professionals. Graduates must obtain a teaching certificate or complete three supplementary courses, and successfully pass the MEGA assessment. The curriculum is meticulously designed to meet Missouri's certification requirements, emphasizing practical K-12 counseling skills. Students benefit from a military-friendly environment and comprehensive preparation for school counseling roles, making it an exceptional choice for education professionals seeking career advancement.

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

Missouri State University-Springfield's Master of Science in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration provides comprehensive training for aspiring mental health professionals. The hybrid program strategically blends online coursework with hands-on campus experiences, creating a flexible learning environment for working students. Designed to meet Missouri's PLPC licensure requirements, the curriculum includes rigorous practicum and internship opportunities. Students prepare for the National Counselor Examination while gaining extensive clinical skills applicable across diverse mental health settings. The program's military-friendly approach and emphasis on practical training make it an ideal choice for those committed to professional counseling careers.

• 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.

Lindenwood University's School Counseling MA offers a comprehensive 48-credit hybrid program designed to prepare professionals for transformative roles in K-12 educational environments. Featuring 400 required field placement hours across diverse grade levels, the program ensures students develop advanced skills in student support and mental health intervention. Graduates are positioned to become licensed school counselors with a strong emphasis on practical training and professional competencies. The hybrid format provides flexibility, accommodating both on-campus and distance learning preferences. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and Missouri state certification focus, students gain robust preparation for supporting students' academic, social, and emotional development.

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

Lindenwood University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA provides a comprehensive hybrid program preparing professionals for diverse mental health settings. Students gain extensive practical training, learning to apply complex psychological theories and interventions for individuals, groups, and families. The flexible learning format offers both on-campus and distance options, accommodating varied student needs. The program culminates in a CPCE comprehensive exam, ensuring graduates demonstrate advanced counseling skills. By emphasizing real-world application and theoretical depth, the program equips students with the knowledge and expertise required to make meaningful contributions in mental health care and counseling professions.

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