Best Counseling Schools in Rhode Island

2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Rhode Island

Finding the best Master's in Counseling programs in Rhode Island is easier with counselingpsychology.org. We rank programs to help you choose the right one. Online programs matter because they offer flexibility. They let you study from anywhere, making distance learning a great option. Our rankings consider quality, affordability, and more. Learn how we rank programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

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

Master's - Addiction Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson & Wales University-Providence offers a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling, a hybrid program that combines online and in-person learning for flexibility. This 18-month full-time program is designed to equip students with the clinical skills necessary to address substance abuse and addictive disorders, featuring a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum that includes both a practicum and an internship. Students benefit from hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed professionals and learn from faculty with diverse expertise in clinical, addictions, and trauma counseling. The program is tailored for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of addiction counseling, preparing graduates for licensure and successful careers. Notably, the program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broader range of students. With options for late afternoon and evening classes, as well as part-time study, it accommodates the schedules of working students. Cohorts start in both fall and spring, offering flexibility in enrollment.

• 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.
• Focus on ethical client interaction.
• Fieldwork with licensed supervision.
• Part-time study option available.
• Cohort starts in fall and spring.
• Clinical skills development.

#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-Online provides a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling, tailored for individuals aiming to make a difference in the lives of those battling addiction. This hybrid program combines the convenience of online learning with the engagement of on-campus sessions, ideal for students balancing professional commitments. Spanning 18 months, the 60-credit curriculum emphasizes practical experience through a practicum and internship, alongside coursework in career counseling, multicultural counseling, and ethics. The program is designed to equip graduates for licensure, supported by faculty with expertise in clinical, addictions, and trauma counseling. Admission is based on graduate criteria, with no entrance exam required, paving the way for a fulfilling career in addiction counseling.

• 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
• Hands-on training
• Licensed professional supervision
• Part-time option available
• 3-year part-time completion
• Two cohort starts annually

*Federal data source: IPEDS 2023, administered by NCES.

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.