Best Counseling Schools in Nebraska

How to Find a Counseling Program in Nebraska

Your chosen counseling program should meet your current personal needs and future vocational goals. A program's tuition, schedule, location, degree level, and specialization might influence your choice.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Nebraska

You can earn a counseling degree at any level of post-high school education. The degree options are a(n):

• Associate degrees – Two-year programs that can be completed after a high school diploma. Programs may qualify you for entry positions in the field.

• Bachelor's degrees – Four-year programs that can be completed after a high school diploma. Programs may qualify you for entry or mid-tier positions.

• Master's degrees – One to two-year programs that can be completed after a bachelor's degree. Programs may qualify you for licensure as a professional counselor.

• Doctorate degrees – Three to six-year programs that can be completed after a bachelor's or master's degree. Programs may qualify you for leadership positions and/or research positions. A Ph.D. doctorate is researched-focused, and a Psy.D. is clinically focused.

• Graduate certificates – Six to twelve-month programs that can be completed after a bachelor's or master's degree. Programs may help you specialize and/or advance.

You'll have to choose a degree that you currently meet the prerequisite for. Choose whichever degree you can enroll in, and will best prepare you for future academic study or professional work.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Counselors provide general and/or specialized counseling services. Some examples of specialties that you can focus on are:

• Community counseling

• School counseling

• Student affairs and college counseling

• Mental health counseling

• Gerontological counseling

You'll find that there are a number of other specialization tracks available through bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and graduate certificate programs. The specializations available tend to become more narrow as you advance in your degree.

Check School Accreditation

Accredited counseling degree programs have been vetted by peer institutions, and certified that they meet minimum educational criteria. Only an accredited program will qualify for licensure, and you can only transfer credits from an accredited program.

Nebraska licensure requires that you complete a master's degree accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies:

• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

• Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)

• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

• American Psychological Association (APA)

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Nebraska

Accredited counseling programs are available through both online and traditional learning modes. Choose whichever is better suited for your situation and goals. You might select an online program for its affordability and/or flexibility. You might choose a traditional program if you want the in-person discussions that take place during classes.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Nebraska

To become a licensed mental health provider in Nebraska, you must complete an accredited master's degree. The program must include a three-credit practicum, and you still need 3,000 hours of practical supervised experience after graduating. You can take the licensure exam after completing these prerequisites.

You must be a licensed mental health provider before you can apply to become a certified professional counselor in Nebraska.

LMHP licenses expire on September 1st of every even-numbered year. Renewing requires 32 continuing education units.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Nebraska

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