Best Counseling Schools in Tennessee

Johnson University's Master of Arts in Counseling with School Counseling concentration delivers a robust hybrid program preparing professionals for educational counseling roles. CACREP-accredited and emphasizing a Christian worldview, students complete over 600 clinical hours across primary and secondary school settings. The comprehensive 60-credit curriculum develops advanced counseling skills in individual and group interventions, classroom guidance, and educational advocacy. With a low 12:1 student-faculty ratio, the program ensures personalized training, supporting licensure as Professional School Counselors. Flexible completion options range from 2.5-5 years, accommodating working professionals seeking specialized school counseling expertise.

• CACREP-accredited school counseling program
• Hybrid learning format
• 600+ clinical experience hours
• Christian worldview integration
• Low 12:1 student-faculty ratio
• Licensure preparation
• Comprehensive curriculum

Johnson University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration offers a transformative master's program bridging theoretical knowledge with practical therapeutic skills. The 63-credit hybrid program provides 1,000 clinical contact hours, positioning graduates for professional licensure across multiple states. Featuring a low 12:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive personalized training within a holistic Christian framework. Two weekend campus residencies complement the flexible online format, allowing students to balance academic pursuits with personal commitments. Emphasizing comprehensive clinical preparation, the CACREP-accredited program equips counselors with advanced skills in mental health intervention and professional practice.

• CACREP Accredited Concentration
• Hybrid Learning Format
• Low 12:1 Faculty Ratio
• 1,000 Clinical Contact Hours
• Professional Licensure Preparation
• Christian Counseling Perspective
• Flexible Program Duration
• Two Weekend Campus Residencies
• Diverse Practicum Options
• Professional Supervisor Credentials

Johnson University's School Counseling concentration provides a comprehensive master's pathway for aspiring educational counselors. This CACREP-accredited, faith-integrated program delivers 60 credit hours of rigorous training, including over 600 practicum and internship hours in Tennessee schools. Students develop advanced counseling techniques through a hybrid learning model, balancing theoretical foundations with hands-on clinical experience. With a low 12:1 student-faculty ratio, the program ensures personalized mentorship and professional development. Graduates receive preparation for Professional School Counselor licensure, integrating Christian perspectives with evidence-based counseling practices across primary and secondary educational environments.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Hybrid learning format
• Christian worldview integration
• Low 12:1 student-faculty ratio
• 600+ clinical hours experience
• Tennessee school counselor licensure
• Two weekend campus residencies
• Flexible completion 2.5-5 years

Johnson University's Master of Arts in Counseling presents a comprehensive graduate program with dual concentration options in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling. This hybrid program offers remarkable flexibility, allowing completion between 2.5-5 years while providing 600-1,000 clinical hours. CACREP-accredited and maintaining an intimate 12:1 student-faculty ratio, the curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students benefit from a holistic Christian approach, preparing for professional licensure through personalized mentorship. The program uniquely supports diverse career trajectories in mental health and educational counseling, emphasizing professional development and ethical practice.

• CACREP-accredited counseling program
• Hybrid learning format
• 12:1 student-faculty ratio
• Two concentration options
• 600-1,000 clinical hours
• Christian holistic approach
• Professional licensure preparation

Milligan University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program offers a comprehensive hybrid learning experience combining online and on-campus education. CACREP-accredited, this 60-hour program prepares students for Tennessee licensure with potential interstate reciprocity. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in human behavior, ethical counseling practices, and includes a unique faith integration component. Students gain extensive practical experience through practicum and internships, positioning graduates for diverse mental health career opportunities. The program is particularly flexible for working professionals, ensuring comprehensive training in counseling methodologies and professional development.

• CACREP accredited.
• Hybrid learning format.
• 60-hour program.
• Prepares for TN licensure.
• High employment rate.
• Includes practicum and internships.
• Faith integration component.
• General and addictions concentrations.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Diverse career settings.

Milligan University's Master of Science in Counseling with an Addictions Counseling concentration provides targeted professional training addressing the critical substance abuse crisis. This two-year, 60-credit program specifically prepares students for Licensed Professional Counselor certification with a specialized focus on addiction treatment. Students develop advanced skills in identifying, treating, and supporting individuals with substance use disorders through evidence-based practices. The curriculum integrates faith-based perspectives with rigorous academic training, offering six dedicated addiction-specific courses and promising career prospects with a projected 22% job growth in the field.

• Two-year, 60-credit hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• Prepares for LPC licensure
• Supported by healthcare organizations
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• 22% job growth projected
• Six addiction-specific courses
• Clinical mental health focus

Milligan University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program with an Addictions Counseling concentration delivers advanced professional training in mental health intervention. This 60-hour curriculum combines evidence-based counseling methodologies with ethical frameworks, specifically targeting substance abuse and mental health challenges. Students benefit from hands-on clinical experiences and faith-integrated learning, preparing them for diverse professional settings. With a 100% licensure exam pass rate and CACREP accreditation, the program equips graduates with specialized expertise in addressing complex mental health issues through compassionate, professional counseling approaches.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• 60-hour Clinical Counseling Curriculum
• Addictions Counseling Concentration
• 100% Licensure Exam Pass Rate
• Christian Faith Integration
• Hybrid Program Format
• Tennessee LPC Licensure Eligible

Lipscomb University's School Counseling program offers a robust hybrid educational experience designed to equip future school counselors with comprehensive skills. Located in Nashville, the program provides flexible learning through Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees. Students benefit from a no-GRE requirement, competitive tuition at $953 per credit hour, and unique opportunities like in-service educator discounts. The curriculum emphasizes cultural mediation, collaborative techniques, and strategic career exploration across educational levels. With extensive practicum and internship experiences, the program prepares professionals to effectively support student academic and career development through innovative counseling strategies.

• Hybrid online and in-person format
• 44-38 credit hour program
• $953 per credit hour
• No GRE generally required
• 25% in-service educator discount
• Practicum and internship opportunities
• Focus on college access strategies
• Multiple scholarship opportunities
• Located in Nashville, Tennessee

Southern Adventist University's M.S. in School Counseling represents a comprehensive 50-credit program designed to cultivate exceptional K-12 educational support professionals. By integrating 700 clinical practice hours, students develop advanced skills in student academic and emotional development. The CACREP-accredited curriculum uniquely prepares graduates for Tennessee school counselor certification, offering transferable credentials across state lines. Utilizing a hybrid learning format, the program emphasizes diverse educator collaboration, family systems engagement, and holistic student support strategies. Students gain hands-on experience addressing complex student challenges while maintaining a student-centered, developmental approach to school counseling.

• 50-credit hour program
• 700 clinical practice hours
• CACREP-accredited curriculum
• Tennessee school counselor certification
• Hands-on school setting experience

Southern Adventist University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program delivers a robust 60-credit hybrid curriculum targeting aspiring counseling professionals. With 700 clinical hours embedded, students develop comprehensive skills applicable across mental health centers and private practice settings. The program strategically prepares graduates for the National Counselor Examination and Tennessee licensure, emphasizing ethical practice and real-world application. Designed for flexibility, the curriculum accommodates diverse learning needs while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Students explore multi-generational counseling techniques, professional development strategies, and evidence-based interventions, positioning themselves for dynamic mental health career pathways.

• 60 credit hours
• Hybrid program format
• 700 clinical hours
• Prepares for licensure
• Diverse counseling settings
• Ethical practice focus
• Flexible learning options
• National exam preparation
• Real-world application
• Bachelor's degree required

Southern Adventist University's Master of Ministry with Biblical Counseling concentration offers a distinctive interdisciplinary approach bridging theological understanding and psychological insights. This hybrid program equips church leaders with foundational counseling skills, emphasizing gospel-centered support and professional referral strategies. Uniquely positioned within Adventist educational frameworks, the program provides specialized training for ministry professionals seeking to enhance pastoral care capabilities. Particularly attractive for Southern Union church employees potentially qualifying for tuition benefits, the curriculum integrates faith-based perspectives with contemporary counseling methodologies, preparing graduates to offer compassionate, spiritually-informed guidance.

• Hybrid program format.
• Biblical Counseling concentration.
• First in Adventist institutions.
• Free tuition for some.
• Combines religion and psychology.

The University of Tennessee-Martin's online Master of Science in Education with a School Counseling concentration provides comprehensive training for aspiring educational support professionals. Fully accredited by CAEP and CACREP, this 100% online program enables students to earn Tennessee school counselor licensure through 60 credit hours. Participants develop advanced skills to address students' academic, career, and personal growth needs. The program features a robust 12:1 student-faculty ratio and flexible learning options, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions in educational settings. No specific entrance exam is explicitly required, making it accessible for passionate educators seeking specialized counseling credentials.

• 100% Online Coursework
• Full Degree: 60 Credit Hours
• Licensure Option: 30 Credits
• 12:1 Student/Faculty Ratio
• Tennessee Licensure Eligible
• CAEP and CACREP Accredited
• Advanced Counseling Preparation