Best Counseling Schools in Virginia

Regent University's M.A. in School Counseling is a hybrid program designed to prepare professionals for impactful roles in K-12 settings. It combines online coursework with two on-campus residencies, offering a flexible yet comprehensive curriculum. Accredited by CACREP, the program emphasizes a Christian worldview and prepares graduates for state licensure. With a tuition of around $730 per credit hour, it's an affordable option for aspiring school counselors. No entrance exam is required, but a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA is necessary.

• 60+ credit hour program
• Online and hybrid format
• CACREP accredited degree
• Two on-campus residencies
• Christian worldview integration
• Prepares for state licensure
• Median salary around $58k
• Internship placement support
• Comprehensive counseling curriculum

The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regent University is a CACREP-accredited program available online and on-campus. It focuses on equipping students with the skills to address mental health challenges, integrating biblical principles with professional counseling standards. The 60-credit curriculum prepares graduates for licensure and diverse career paths. Tuition ranges from $730-$750 per credit hour. No entrance exam is specified, but applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Online and on-campus options
• 60 credit hours total
• Prepares for state licensure
• Biblical principles integrated
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Internship opportunities
• $730-$750 per credit hour

Regent University offers an online M.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions, targeting professionals interested in addiction research and treatment. This program stands out for its focus on faith-based approaches and multicultural perspectives in addiction counseling. With no GRE required and tuition at approximately $695 per credit hour, it's accessible for those aiming to specialize in addiction services. The program emphasizes practical skills in assessment and intervention strategies.

• Online Master's Degree Program
• 39+ Total Credit Hours
• No GRE Required
• Christian Worldview Perspective
• Multicultural Addiction Focus
• Career Path: Addiction Counseling
• Research and Intervention Skills
• Faith-Based Treatment Approaches

The M.A. in Human Services – Addictions Counseling at Regent University is an online program that blends faith-based principles with scientific approaches to addiction treatment. It requires 30 credit hours and offers flexibility for working professionals. Tuition ranges from $615-$730 per credit hour, and no GRE is required for admission. This program is ideal for those seeking to make a difference in the field of addiction counseling without the need for an entrance exam.

• Online flexible program
• 30 total credit hours
• Faith-based counseling approach
• No GRE required
• Multiple career pathways
• Comprehensive addiction treatment training
• Spiritual and scientific interventions

Regent University's M.A. in Human Services – Christian Counseling is an online program designed for individuals pursuing counseling roles within a Christian framework. It features a unique blend of interactive learning methods and requires 30 credit hours. With tuition at $615 per credit hour and no GRE requirement, it's an accessible option for aspiring counselors. The program prepares graduates for various roles, emphasizing the integration of faith and counseling practice.

• Online program
• 30 credit hours
• Christian counseling focus
• No GRE required
• $615 per credit hour
• Unofficial transcripts needed
• Government-issued ID required
• Prepares for various counseling roles
• Blend of interaction methods
• Accessible tuition rates

William & Mary's Online Master of Education in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling is designed for aspiring K-12 school counselors. This CACREP-accredited program offers a blend of online coursework and hands-on practicum and internship experiences, focusing on academic planning, career exploration, and emotional support within a framework of social justice and diversity. The program stands out for its small class sizes and dynamic online learning platform, allowing students to complete their degree in as few as three years. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in school counseling.

• CACREP-accredited program.
• Online with two on-campus residencies.
• Focus on social justice and diversity.
• Prepares for K-12 counseling licensure.
• Includes practicum and internship.
• Small class sizes.
• Dynamic learning platform.
• Can complete in three years.
• Covers academic and emotional support.

The M.Ed. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling at William & Mary, with a concentration in Military & Veterans Counseling, is an online program tailored for those aiming to support military and veteran communities. This 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program combines theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork, including practicum and internships, to prepare students for licensure in Virginia. A bachelor's degree is required for admission, but no entrance exam is specified. The program's focus on military and veterans, along with its small size and dedicated faculty, ensures personalized attention and relevant training for impactful counseling careers.

• CACREP-accredited program
• Focus on Military & Veterans
• 60 credit hours
• Online program format
• Bachelor's degree required
• Includes practicum and internships
• Prepares for licensure in Virginia
• Small program size
• Dedicated faculty
• Fieldwork opportunities

Liberty University offers a hybrid Master of Education in School Counseling, blending online coursework with campus intensives. This CACREP-accredited program focuses on preparing graduates to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of K-12 students. With a Christian perspective, the curriculum includes advanced counseling techniques and ethical frameworks. Students benefit from flexible 8-week courses, multiple start dates, and the ability to transfer up to 50% of credits. The program requires 60 credit hours and includes internship and practicum opportunities, with completion possible in 2.5 years. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for aspiring school counselors.

• 60 total credit hours
• Online with campus intensives
• CACREP and CAEP accredited
• Transfer up to 50% credits
• Completion possible in 2.5 years
• Internship and practicum opportunities
• Christian perspective integration
• Flexible 8-week course format
• Multiple start dates annually
• Career development focus

The online Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling at Liberty University is designed for professionals seeking certification or licensure in addiction counseling. This 48-credit program emphasizes ethical issues, multicultural counseling, and the biological aspects of addiction, all within a flexible, 8-week course format. Notably, the program does not require standardized testing for admission and allows for the transfer of up to 50% of credits. Military students can take advantage of discounted tuition rates. The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in addiction counseling without the need for an entrance exam.

• 48 credit hours.
• Online, 8-week courses.
• Transfer up to 50%.
• No standardized testing.
• Military discount available.
• Prepares for certification/licensure.
• Covers ethical and legal issues.
• Includes multicultural counseling.
• Biological aspects of addiction.
• Flexible for working professionals.

Liberty University's online Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling uniquely combines mental health counseling with spiritual guidance. This non-licensure program integrates theology with psychotherapy, offering courses in crisis intervention, family issues, and multicultural counseling from a Christian worldview. The curriculum requires a 150-hour supervised internship and is accredited by ATS. With affordable tuition, flexible start dates, and no standardized testing for admission, the program is accessible to many. Students can transfer up to 50% of credits and benefit from military discounts, preparing them for roles in churches, hospitals, and non-profit organizations.

• Online, 8-week courses.
• Non-licensure program.
• Integrates theology with psychotherapy.
• Supervised internship required.
• Affordable tuition rates.
• Flexible start dates.
• Accredited by ATS.
• Focus on biblical counseling.
• 150-hour internship.
• No standardized testing for admission.
• Transfer up to 50% of credits.
• Military tuition discounts available.
• Courses in crisis intervention.
• Multicultural counseling focus.
• Faculty with ministry experience.

Liberty University's online MA in Pastoral Counseling with a Theology concentration focuses on blending psychological insights with biblical principles. This 36-credit program is ideal for ministry professionals, offering courses in systematic theology and the doctrine of God. The flexible, 8-week format accommodates working adults, with no standardized testing required for admission. Accredited by ATS, the program allows for the transfer of up to 50% of credits and offers military discounts. Graduates are well-prepared for pastoral care and counseling roles, supported by a curriculum that emphasizes a quality, respected education in theology and counseling.

• 36 credit hours
• Online, 8-week courses
• Transfer up to 50% credits
• No standardized testing
• Accredited by ATS
• Affordable tuition rates
• Military discounts available
• Focus on systematic theology
• Doctrine of God covered
• Prepares for pastoral roles
• Flexible for working adults
• Quality, respected education

Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This CACREP accredited, 60-credit hybrid program blends online and in-person learning, preparing students for licensure as professional counselors in Virginia. The curriculum emphasizes counseling techniques, psychological assessment, and therapeutic interventions, complemented by 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship for hands-on experience. Designed to be completed in a minimum of two years, this program is ideal for those aiming to impact mental health services significantly. No entrance exam is required for admission.

• 60-credit graduate program
• CACREP accredited program
• Hybrid learning format
• 100 hours practicum experience
• 600 hours clinical internship
• Licensed professional counselor track
• Meets Virginia licensure requirements
• Two-year minimum completion time

The Master of Science in Addiction Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University is an online program designed for aspiring leaders in the addiction field. It offers a 36-credit curriculum that includes a research project, with options for full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months) study. The program focuses on scientific methodology, treatment advancements, and public health issues, providing a global perspective through collaboration with King’s College London and the University of Adelaide. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles worldwide, with no entrance exam required. This program utilizes distance-learning technologies to deliver its comprehensive curriculum.

• Online program format.
• 36 credits required.
• Full-time or part-time options.
• International collaboration.
• Focus on leadership roles.
• Covers scientific methodology.
• Latest treatment advancements.
• Public health issues included.
• Research project component.
• Prepares for global positions.
• Collaboration with King’s College.
• University of Adelaide partnership.
• Distance-learning technologies used.
• Diploma from three universities.
• Enhances critical review skills.

Shenandoah University offers a Master of Science in School Counseling through a hybrid program, blending online and in-person learning to prepare students for roles in PreK-12 settings. This program is designed to tackle the shortage of school counselors by focusing on academic, career, and personal development support. Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree with a recommended 3.0 GPA. The curriculum is structured to meet state standards and is pursuing CACREP accreditation. Admission requires two recommendation letters, a background check, personal liability insurance, and an interview. The program emphasizes practical skills for impactful student support.

• Hybrid program format
• PreK-12 counseling focus
• 3.0 GPA recommended
• Seeking CACREP accreditation
• Two recommendation letters required
• Background check mandatory
• Personal liability insurance needed
• Interview part of admission process

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Shenandoah University is a hybrid program that trains students in evidence-based practices for diverse mental health settings. It requires a 600-hour internship, focusing on individual and group counseling, trauma-informed care, and ethical standards. The program offers full-time and part-time options, catering to students aiming for careers in substance abuse agencies, treatment facilities, or private practice. Admission does not explicitly require an entrance exam, highlighting its accessibility. The curriculum fosters multicultural competence and offers opportunities for research publication, preparing graduates for comprehensive clinical roles.

• Hybrid program format
• 600-hour internship experience
• Evidence-based counseling practices
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Ethical professional development
• Full and part-time options
• Research publication opportunities
• Comprehensive clinical training