Best Counseling Schools in Rhode Island

2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Rhode Island

Counseling Psychology.org presents its comprehensive guide to the best Master's in Counseling Programs in Rhode Island, offering aspiring mental health professionals a roadmap to top-tier educational opportunities. Our expert rankings consider program quality, student outcomes, faculty credentials, and innovative curriculum design. With the growing demand for flexible learning options, online and virtual counseling programs have become increasingly important, allowing students to balance academic pursuits with personal commitments. Rhode Island's counseling programs stand out for their commitment to producing skilled, compassionate professionals ready to make meaningful impacts in mental health support. These programs provide rigorous training in therapeutic techniques, research methodologies, and clinical practice, preparing graduates for diverse counseling careers. Review our detailed ranking methodology to understand how we evaluate these exceptional educational pathways.

#1

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI - Private 4-year - jwu.edu

Master's - Addiction Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson & Wales University's Master of Science in Addiction Counseling offers a comprehensive 18-month hybrid program targeting substance abuse treatment professionals. Students engage in a robust 60-credit curriculum featuring extensive clinical training and fieldwork supervised by licensed professionals. The program uniquely emphasizes diverse learning modalities, including late afternoon and evening classes, accommodating working students. Graduates receive thorough preparation for licensure, with coursework focusing on ethical client interactions, clinical skills development, and advanced addiction treatment strategies. The hybrid format provides flexibility while ensuring rigorous hands-on training in addiction counseling, positioning students for impactful careers in substance abuse treatment and mental health services.

• 18-month full-time program.
• Hybrid learning options.
• 60-credit curriculum.
• Includes practicum and internship.
• Diverse faculty expertise.
• Prepares for licensure.
• Flexible schedule for working students.
• Late afternoon and evening classes.
• Multiple course modalities.
• Hands-on clinical training.

#2

Johnson & Wales University-Online

Providence, RI - Private 4-year - online.jwu.edu

Master's - Addiction Counseling M.S.

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson & Wales University's Addiction Counseling M.S. program offers a transformative hybrid learning experience, blending online and on-campus instruction. Students complete a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum designed for aspiring addiction counseling professionals, with strategic coursework in multicultural counseling, ethical practice, and advanced career intervention strategies. The 18-month program emphasizes practical training through embedded practicum and internship experiences, ensuring graduates are professionally prepared. With multiple annual cohort starts and flexible scheduling options, including part-time pathways, the program accommodates working professionals seeking specialized addiction counseling credentials. Faculty expertise spans clinical, addictions, and trauma counseling domains, providing nuanced educational insights. The program explicitly prepares students for potential licensure and certification in addiction counseling fields.

• 18-month full-time program
• Hybrid learning options
• 60-credit curriculum
• Includes practicum and internship
• Focus on clinical skills
• Diverse faculty expertise
• Prepares for licensure
• Flexible schedule
• Late afternoon and evening classes
• Multiple modalities available

*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

How to Find a Counseling Program in Rhode Island

Many things go into finding a good counseling program in Rhode Island. Students who complete a good counseling program have the knowledge and skills to work in the counseling profession and to qualify to sit for exams and to complete credentialing requirements.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Rhode Island

It can be challenging to navigate the educational system for the first time (or even the second time). The degree that will make the most sense for you to acquire really depends on the type of counselor you want to become.

• Associate's Degree – The minimum education a counselor should acquire. An associate’s degree is limited in career options, but it provides a great entryway into the world of counseling. It requires two years of study.

• Bachelor's Degree – A bachelor’s degree requires four years of study and provides a basic level of counseling education.

• Master's Degree – A master’s in counseling will open up a lot of career options as it is the most common degree among counselors. You will need to acquire a bachelor’s degree, followed by an additional two years of study.

• Graduate Certificate – A graduate certificate is not a degree, but it can help you gain more knowledge in a particular specialization. It will only require less than one year of study.

• Doctorate Degree – The highest level of education a counselor can attain. You will be required to have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, as well as an additional three to six years of study, and a number of hours working in an internship or practicum.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Students often want to choose a counseling specialty when they consider Rhode Island counseling programs.

Some students want to follow the requirements to complete a unique counseling specialty. Roger Williams University offers a full-time Master of Arts in forensic mental health counseling. The program provides students who want a career that focuses on providing mental health counseling services in legal or forensic settings.

Students who enroll in the Master of Arts in forensic mental health counseling program complete more than 200 hours of practicum and a 600-hour internship. Completing this Rhode Island counseling program provides the foundation for future study in a doctoral program.

Rhode Island College offers a Certificate of Graduate Study in advanced counseling and a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling.

Check School Accreditation

School accreditation and counseling program accreditation are important for students who want to practice counseling in the State of Rhode Island. Students need to determine if a school or a counseling program has the required accreditation that allows students to take exams or obtain licensure.

The rehabilitation counseling programs at Salve Regina University are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students who want to consider other counseling programs at the school should explore whether they are accredited programs.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island colleges and universities that offer counseling programs are offered in the traditional on-campus format. There are no counseling programs in the state that are offered online or in a hybrid format.

Students often have a requirement to complete an outside practicum or internship. These requirements provide students with the opportunity to gain counseling knowledge and skills outside the classroom.

Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in Rhode Island

Students who want to practice in Rhode Island must complete the requirements to obtain licensure or professional certification. Failure of the student to complete the requirements may delay the Rhode Island counselor licensure or certification process.

The Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals, State of Rhode Island provides information about the certification, training, and licensure of alcohol and drug counselors. Students may obtain information about the professional licensure of counselors in Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Certification Board provides information related to the exams, certification, and licensing of alcohol and drug counselors. Students also learn the prerequisites for counselors and clinical supervisors.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Rhode Island

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Rhode Island? 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.