Best Counseling Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico counseling programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a counseling degree or certificate. There are many things that go into finding a good counseling program. The variety of counseling degrees and certificate options within the State of New Mexico allows students to gain the required skills to follow their desired career path.
2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in New Mexico
Looking for the best master's in counseling programs in New Mexico? CounselingPsychology.org has you covered with rankings that highlight top options. These programs prepare students for rewarding careers in mental health. Online programs are key, offering flexibility for those balancing work or family. Distance learning options make it easier to pursue your degree from anywhere. Find out how we rank these programs and why they stand out. https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM - Public 4-Year - nmhu.edu
Master's - School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico Highlands University's hybrid Master's in School Counseling is a 60-credit program tailored for aspiring school counselors. It combines online coursework with practical experiences, focusing on counseling children and adolescents, family dynamics, and school counseling program administration. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural counseling, with required practicum and internship components for hands-on learning. Admission is open to bachelor's degree holders, with no entrance exam specified. This program is designed to prepare graduates for impactful roles in diverse educational environments, offering elective customization through advisor consultation.
- 60-credit Master's program
- Hybrid learning format
- Focus on school counseling
- Includes practicum and internship
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Requires bachelor's degree
- Electives tailored with advisor
- Prepares for diverse educational settings
- Core, research, emphasis areas
- Professional orientation course
- Career development theory
- Counseling skills pre-practicum
- Individual counseling theories
- Group counseling techniques
- Appraisal methods in counseling
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration at New Mexico Highlands University is a CACREP-accredited, 60-credit hybrid program. It integrates online learning with live Zoom sessions, catering to students statewide and beyond. Focused on ethical practice and multicultural competence, the program readies students for licensure and careers in mental health services. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, with no mention of an entrance exam. Faculty advisers provide personalized guidance, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the needs of diverse populations in community settings.
- CACREP-accredited program
- Hybrid online and Zoom sessions
- 60 credit hours
- Prepares for licensure
- Focus on multicultural competence
- Ethical practice emphasis
- Faculty adviser support
- Accessible across New Mexico
- Advocacy and social change focus
- Diverse student body
University of the Southwest
Hobbs, NM - Private 4-year - usw.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Education, School Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of the Southwest offers a Master of Science in Education, School Counseling, an online program accredited by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Designed for those aiming for licensure in New Mexico, it emphasizes academic success, personal/social development, and career guidance for students from pre-school to 12th grade. The program requires the Praxis Test for Professional School Counselors for licensure, making it a comprehensive path for aspiring school counselors. Its online format provides flexibility, catering to students balancing other commitments.
- Accredited by NMPED.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Focuses on academic success.
- Covers pre-school to 12th grade.
- Requires Praxis Test.
- Online program available.
- Equity-focused counseling.
- Personal/social development emphasis.
- Career and college guidance.
- Check state licensure requirements.
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of the Southwest's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a CACREP-accredited, 60-hour online program tailored for future mental health professionals. It prepares graduates for licensure in various states, focusing on developing essential counseling skills. The program's online delivery offers flexibility, ideal for students seeking a balance between their studies and personal or professional responsibilities. While it meets many states' licensing requirements, students are advised to verify specific licensure criteria in their intended practice state.
- Fully online program
- 60 credit hours
- CACREP accredited
- Meets licensing requirements
- Flexible for students
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, NM - Public 4-Year - enmu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online Learning - Visit Website
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health, designed for aspiring professionals seeking licensure. This 100% online program stands out for its affordability and flexibility, catering to working adults with its adaptable schedule. Accredited by the HLC, it meets the educational criteria for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors in New Mexico and beyond. The program boasts small class sizes, experienced faculty, and the availability of graduate assistantships to help reduce costs. Notably, it does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broader range of students. With competitive in-state tuition rates, it's an excellent choice for those pursuing a career in mental health counseling.
- 100% Online Flexible Program
- Meets Professional Licensure Requirements
- Low In-State Tuition Rates
- Small Class Sizes
- Qualified Caring Faculty
- Graduate Assistantships Available
- Accredited by HLC
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico-Main Campus offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, designed for those aiming to foster student growth and mental health. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person clinical training, emphasizing multicultural competencies and ethical practice in school settings. It prepares graduates to address the varied needs of students through targeted interventions and advocacy. No entrance exam is required for admission. Highlights include a focus on diversity, extensive hands-on experience, and training in professional ethics, making it ideal for aspiring school counselors seeking a flexible yet comprehensive education.
- Hybrid program delivery
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Comprehensive school counseling preparation
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Professional ethics and advocacy training
How to Find a Counseling Program in New Mexico
There are a few things you should consider when looking for a program that fits your needs. If you’re looking for an in-person education, consider the town or city you may, or may not be relocating to. Will there be housing available? Are there adequate resources, such as a library equipped with the materials you will need for research? Make sure you thought of the important details, and that you’re sure the program you are signing up for is right for you.
Counseling Degree Pathways in New Mexico
The pathway that students follow depends on the type of program that they wish to pursue and the degree or certificate requirements.
- Associate's Degree – Typically earned in two years. It doesn’t typically allow for very many counseling career paths, apart from a select few.
- Bachelor's Degree – Typically earned in four years, allows for some career paths in counseling.
- Master's Degree – The most common degree in the counseling field. It typically requires one to two years following a bachelor’s degree.
- Graduate Certificate – Requires less than one year. This is not a degree, but it is helpful in showing specialization in a particular area of counseling.
- Doctorate Degree – Requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and an internship, and is usually completed in three to six years.
Santa Fe Community College offers a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADAC) certificate program that consists of 18.5 credits. The program consists of two semesters of study.
Northern New Mexico College offers a substance abuse counselor/associate of arts program, consisting of 35 credit hours. Bachelor’s degree programs typically require three to four years of study, while a graduate degree usually requires up to two years of additional study.
It should be noted that New Mexico Statutes require a minimum of an associate's degree for licensure as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor.
Choosing a Counseling Specialty
Choosing a counseling specialty is crucial if you want to follow your desired career pathway. Choosing a specialty is important whether you are completing a first degree, or whether you are a professional already working in counseling or another profession, who wants to change careers or advance your counseling career opportunities.
New Mexico State University has a bachelor of science in counseling and community psychology degree program that prepares students to work at the bachelor's level and prepares them for graduate programs.
New Mexico Highlands University offers five master’s of arts concentrations in its counseling program. Choose the M.A. rehabilitation counseling concentration, the M.A. clinical rehabilitation counseling, the M.A. rehabilitation counseling with vocational evaluation specialization, the clinical mental health program, or the M.A. school counseling concentration.
Check School Accreditation
Students need to make sure that a program is accredited if they want to meet state educational requirements and sit for exams.
The New Mexico State University offers an M.A. clinical mental health program in a traditional face-to-face format. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It has a high graduation rate, a 100 percent exam pass rate, and a 100 percent employment rate.
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in New Mexico
Colleges and universities today often provide options for students to complete their programs. Many students complete their degrees in a traditional on-campus format. Many other students complete their coursework in an online format.
Western New Mexico University recognizes that students may need options. The university offers a three-year, 60-credit hour online Master of Arts in counseling program. Students choose between four specialties, which include school counseling, addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and clinical rehabilitation counseling.
Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in New Mexico
The New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department provides licensing services for counselors in New Mexico. It lists the rules and application procedures. The board provides links to exam boards for specific counselor specialties.
2025 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options
Finding an affordable Master's in Counseling program in New Mexico for 2025 is key for students watching their budget. The table lists options with program highlights and tuition ranges. It helps compare low-cost and cost-effective choices. This makes it easier to pick a program that fits both career goals and financial plans. Affordable education opens doors for more students to enter the counseling field.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus |
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| New Mexico Highlands University |
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| University of New Mexico-Main Campus |
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List of Counseling Degree Programs in New Mexico
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in New Mexico? 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.
Albuquerque, NM
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
- Bachelor's - Basics in Addiction Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for LSAA and LADAC licensure
- Combines academic and clinical training
- High demand in New Mexico
- Ethical and scientific foundation
- Requires application and recommendations
- Focus on addiction counseling careers
- Part of Psychology Major
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program delivery
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Comprehensive school counseling preparation
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Professional ethics and advocacy training
- Graduate Certificate - Advanced Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Concentration: Mental Health Counseling Specialization - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Mental Health Counseling Specialization.
- Minimum 12 credits required.
- GPA of at least 3.0 needed.
- Includes internship opportunities.
- Focus on clinical mental health.
- Family counseling coursework.
- Prepares for New Mexico licensure.
- Graduate Certificate - Advanced Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling Specialization - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited masters required
- 12 credit minimum program
- Two specialization options
- New Mexico licensure compatible
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited program.
- Prepares for academic careers.
- Focus on diversity studies.
- Requires master's in counseling.
- Fall semester start only.
- December 15 application deadline.
- Interview required for admission.
- Campus-based program.
Hobbs, NM
University of the Southwest
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 60 credit hours
- CACREP accredited
- Meets licensing requirements
- Flexible for students
- Master's - Master of Science in Education, School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Accredited by NMPED.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Focuses on academic success.
- Covers pre-school to 12th grade.
- Requires Praxis Test.
- Online program available.
- Equity-focused counseling.
- Personal/social development emphasis.
Las Vegas, NM
New Mexico Highlands University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- Hybrid online and Zoom sessions
- 60 credit hours
- Prepares for licensure
- Focus on multicultural competence
- Ethical practice emphasis
- Faculty adviser support
- Accessible across New Mexico
- Master's - School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit Master's program
- Hybrid learning format
- Focus on school counseling
- Includes practicum and internship
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Requires bachelor's degree
- Electives tailored with advisor
- Prepares for diverse educational settings
Portales, NM
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Flexible Program
- Meets Professional Licensure Requirements
- Low In-State Tuition Rates
- Small Class Sizes
- Qualified Caring Faculty
- Graduate Assistantships Available
- Accredited by HLC
Silver City, NM
Western New Mexico University
- Master's - Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- Graduate-level counseling program
- Clinical Mental Health concentration
- Campus-based learning environment
- Professional counseling preparation
- Advanced therapeutic skills training