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Graduate Programs & Course Providers
Counseling Programs in California
California has a wide variety of counseling programs to choose from, including master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and post-doctoral certificates. These programs typically include coursework in counseling theory, counseling skills, and clinical practice. Some programs also offer specializations in areas such as school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and clinical mental health counseling.
The cost of counseling programs in California varies depending on the university and the program. However, most programs are in the range of $20,000 to $50,000 per year.
Requirements
Admission requirements for counseling programs in California vary from university to university. However, most programs will require the following:
► A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as psychology, sociology, or social work.
► GRE scores.
► Letters of recommendation.
► A personal statement.
Some programs may also require additional coursework, such as coursework in statistics or research methods. It is essential to check with the specific program you are interested in to see what their specific requirements are.
Some factors to consider when choosing an online counseling master's program include:
Accreditation
Make sure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Curriculum
Make sure the program's curriculum aligns with your career goals.
Flexibility
Choose a program that offers flexible scheduling options so you can complete your degree on your own time.
Cost
Consider the cost of the program when making your decision.
California Schools With LPCC Programs
For a list of California schools that offer LPCC programs and meet LPCC licensure requirements, please see the list maintained by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Important note: schools occasionally change program curricula and course descriptions. It is important to stay up-to-date on any changes that schools make to their programs so that you can ensure that you are meeting the educational requirements for licensure. You can do this by contacting the school directly or visiting their website.
The following institutions are helping to support calpcc's work with their paid advertisements.
Some of these university programs offer some of the required core courses for counselors who already hold master's degrees, but need one or two courses to complete the licensing requirements. Courses may be taken through university extension if units are awarded.
Many of the following universities also offer master's degrees that contain the courses required for the LPCC.
CALPCC does not endorse programs or institutions.
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The Master in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide (TUW) prepares culturally competent students with professional clinical training. Students become competent, ethical, culturally sensitive, and systems-oriented marriage and family therapists who can effectively assess, diagnose, and treat a diverse population of individuals, families, groups in communities.
TUW is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The MFT program is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in California. Also, the MFT program is accredited through Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
For more information, visit Touro
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Alliant International University
The Clinical Counseling MA Program at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) prepares mental health professional trainees to serve people and make an impact on their communities. Available at our Fresno and Online campuses, this program is designed to support students’ busy schedules and responsibilities. More information here
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California Southern University
The California Southern University (CalSouthern) School of Behavioral Sciences strives for excellence in the advancement of the behavioral sciences, while promoting mental health and service to society. The goal is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the lives of people in diverse communities around the world. The Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program fulfills the educational requirements for California licensure eligibility as both a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and marriage and family therapist (MFT). Check here for more information.
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Change Systems. Build a Better World. Saybrook University. Doing the work since 1971. M.A in Counseling, Clinical Health Counseling Specialization. Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs through October 2026. Aid others in their healing journeys through holistic, progressive solutions. Learn More »
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The Townsend Institute for Counseling and Leadership at Concordia University Irvine
The Townsend Institute for Counseling and Leadership at Concordia University Irvine offers fully accredited online degrees at both the master's (M.A. Counseling: Clinical Mental Health) and doctoral (Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision) levels. Our M.A. Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Masterful psychologist, relationship expert, and New York Times bestselling author Dr. John Townsend founded the Institute to address both the head and the heart, incorporating scriptural truths with current neuroscience. Experience transformational education that operates at the crossroads of competence, character, and connection through the Townsend Institute’s life-changing counseling and leadership programs. Learn more »
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Featuring cutting-edge educational experiences, skilled clinical supervision, and a rigorous academic program of study, the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students for California licensure with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Students can earn an emphasis in working with couples and families, or school counseling by earning their PPS credential in conjunction with their Masters. For more information, please contact SOEAdmissions@redlands.edu or call 1-877-299-7547 FREE.
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Vanguard Graduate Clinical Psychology Program
Vanguard's Graduate Clinical Psychology Program is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), in the state of California. Vanguard provides rigorous academic training, guided professional development, and integrative faith based learning in collaborative and supportive environment. For more information contact: gradadmissions@vanguard.edu or call 877.669.8872 or 714.966.5499.
Do you work with a university offering graduate courses or programs toward the LPCC license?
