Best Counseling Schools in New York

Syracuse University's online Marriage and Family Therapy M.A. program stands out as a comprehensive professional training pathway emphasizing social justice and cultural competence. The fully digital 60-credit curriculum provides students with robust clinical preparation through 500 practicum hours, enabling graduates to address complex relationship dynamics and mental health challenges. COAMFTE-accredited, the program prepares students for diverse career settings, from private practice to healthcare institutions. With a strong focus on trauma-informed care, LGBTQ support, and family systems, students develop advanced therapeutic skills under expert supervision. The program's flexible online format allows working professionals to advance their counseling expertise while maintaining current employment.

• Fully online master's degree
• 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
• 500-hour clinical practicum
• COAMFTE accredited program
• Over 50 years department history
• Social justice framework
• Prepares for state licensure
• Diverse career path options
• Cultural humility focus
• Supervised clinical training

Mercy University's Master of Science in School Counseling emerges as a transformative 60-credit hybrid program targeting K-12 educational professionals. The curriculum strategically integrates advanced counseling techniques with cultural competency and professional ethics training. Students benefit from flexible learning modalities, comprehensive certification preparation, and hands-on practical experiences. With an impressive 8% projected job growth, the program equips candidates for diverse school environments through rigorous coursework in assessment, intervention strategies, and evidence-based practices. The CAEP-accredited program maintains high academic standards with a 3.0+ GPA requirement and includes extensive practicum and internship components, positioning graduates for successful school counseling careers.

• 60-credit comprehensive program
• Hybrid learning options
• Initial school counselor certification
• 3-year completion timeframe
• 8% projected job growth
• Practicum and internship included
• GPA requirement 3.0+
• CAEP accredited program
• Professional ethics training
• Cultural diversity focus

Mercy University's Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling offers a comprehensive 60-credit hybrid program designed to cultivate skilled licensed mental health professionals. The curriculum provides comprehensive training across multiple campuses with flexible part-time and full-time tracks, featuring day and evening classes and select online courses. Students engage in 700 hours of practical fieldwork, mastering advanced counseling theories, trauma intervention techniques, and diagnostic methodologies. Aligned with New York State licensing requirements, the program prepares graduates for diverse professional settings including hospitals, community agencies, and private practices. With an impressive 25% projected job growth, the program offers robust career pathways and potential CASAC-T certification opportunities.

• 60-credit Master's degree program
• Flexible part-time/full-time options
• 700 hours fieldwork required
• Meets NY state licensing requirements
• 25% job growth projection
• Day/evening campus and online classes
• Multiple campus locations
• CASAC-T certification possible
• Internship opportunities available
• Career pathways training program

St. Bonaventure University's online Master of Science in Education School Counseling program offers an innovative pathway for aspiring educators seeking licensure. Uniquely designed to support K-12 student development, the program emphasizes academic, career, and social-emotional growth through comprehensive coursework. CACREP-accredited and entirely online, students benefit from a flexible curriculum that eliminates GRE/GMAT entrance requirements. The program integrates practical field experiences with theoretical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional school counseling roles. With affordable tuition and multiple start dates, this program provides an accessible route to becoming a culturally competent, licensed school counselor.

• Online coursework flexibility.
• No GRE/GMAT required.
• Affordable tuition rates.
• Accredited by CACREP.
• Prepares for licensure.
• Includes field experience.
• Focus on cultural competency.
• Supportive faculty network.
• Flexible start dates.
• High licensure pass rate.

St. Bonaventure University's Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling delivers a robust online program tailored for working professionals. Spanning 60 credit hours, the curriculum prepares students for licensed professional counselor certification through intensive theoretical and practical training. Students complete 100 practicum and 600 internship hours, gaining hands-on experience in diverse mental health settings. With no GRE requirement, a 7-week course format, and a 100% licensure exam pass rate, the program offers exceptional flexibility. Graduates are equipped to work in mental health clinics, hospitals, and social service organizations, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive, career-advancing counseling education.

• 100% online coursework
• No GRE or GMAT required
• CACREP-accredited program
• 60 credit hours total
• 7-week course format
• 100% licensure exam pass rate
• Internship placement support
• Three start terms annually
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required

Touro University's Master's in School Counseling offers a comprehensive 60-credit online program tailored for professionals seeking to impact K-12 student development. The program uniquely integrates a rigorous 600-hour internship, providing authentic hands-on experience in diverse educational environments. Graduates become eligible for New York State School Counselor certification, with a curriculum strategically designed to address child development complexities and high-risk behavioral interventions. Utilizing a flexible online format, the program accommodates working professionals while maintaining high academic standards. Students explore critical counseling techniques, emphasizing emotional support and academic guidance for students across various educational settings.

• 60-credit online program.
• Prepares for NY certification.
• 600-hour internship included.
• Flexible online courses.
• Covers child development.
• Focus on high-risk behavior.
• Designed for diverse settings.
• Three-year completion average.
• Eligible for state certification.
• Professional certification available.

Touro University's online Counseling program with Addiction Specialization delivers a targeted 60-credit curriculum for professionals committed to understanding and treating substance abuse challenges. Designed with professional flexibility, the program requires a baccalaureate degree and maintains a minimum 2.5 GPA threshold. Students engage in comprehensive addiction treatment strategies, preparing for diverse counseling roles across clinical and community settings. The program's accessible $500 per credit tuition, combined with available scholarships, makes advanced addiction counseling education attainable. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based intervention techniques, recovery support models, and holistic approaches to addressing complex addiction dynamics.

• Online program
• 60 credits
• $500 per credit
• Baccalaureate degree required
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Addiction Specialization focus
• Scholarships available
• Flexible for professionals

CUNY Lehman College's School Counseling Master's program is a strategically designed 60-credit hybrid journey that prepares culturally responsive urban educators. The three-year part-time format emphasizes social justice advocacy and comprehensive counseling skills. Accredited by CACREP and CAEP, the program positions graduates for New York State School Counselor Certification. Students develop nuanced academic, emotional, and career competency frameworks while learning inclusive, anti-racist counseling practices. Admission requires a competitive 3.0 GPA, strong recommendation letters, and a compelling application essay. The hybrid delivery model allows flexibility for working professionals seeking transformative educational leadership roles.

• 60-credit graduate program
• CACREP and CAEP accredited
• Part-time, 3-year format
• NY State Counselor Certification
• Urban educational framework
• Social justice focus
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Hybrid program delivery
• Multicultural counseling emphasis

Lehman College's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program offers an intensive two-year, full-time pathway to becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. This 60-credit cohort-based curriculum equips students with advanced therapeutic techniques, emphasizing multicultural and social justice approaches. Graduates gain practical experience through comprehensive practicums and internships, learning diverse interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy and crisis management. The program's rigorous admission process, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA, ensures high-quality preparation for addressing complex mental health challenges across diverse populations. Fall admission and a unique group interview process further distinguish this transformative counseling education.

• Full-time, 60-credit master's program
• Two-year cohort-based format
• Pathway to LMHC licensure
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Practicum and internship included
• Multiple counseling techniques
• Fall admission only
• Group interview process