For Students
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Professional Counseling as a Career Choice
What is Professional Counseling? Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
People have many different reasons for deciding they want to become a Professional Counselor. Some people choose this career because they once had a good experience with a Professional Counselor during a difficult time in their own life and they want to “pay it forward.” Another person may have done some volunteer work at a crisis hotline and realized that they enjoyed both the challenges and joys of working with clients facing difficult times. Yet another person may have been told that they are a good listener and they ought to consider working as a mental health professional.
“I have always desired to become a Counselor since I was five years old. I have always loved helping people. A wonderful lady in our community who worked in the counseling field was instrumental in encouraging me to follow my dreams.” -Barbara Mceuen
Whatever the reasons, individuals that choose to seek a career in Counseling usually have one thing in common – a desire to help people work through life’s challenges. Some individuals want to work primarily with children or teens. Others prefer to work with adults. Some want to work in specific settings, such as K-12 schools or college campuses. Others prefer to work in a community setting such as a mental health center or private practice setting.
Professional Counseling can offer the right individual a rewarding career path in a health profession that is growing. It requires a strong desire to interact with people, exceptional communication skills, and an ability to complete a graduate degree. Choosing to become a Professional Counselor is a commitment to yourself, to others, and to society as a whole.
But choosing to become a Professional Counselor is just one of the choices that prospective students must make. Students will need to consider all of the different specializations in counseling with their varying work environments. School Counselors work in K-12 educational environments (schools), while clinical mental health counselors may work in private practice, a hospital setting, or some other community agency.
The master’s degree is considered the entry degree for practice as a Professional Counselor. In order to work as a Licensed Professional Counselor, it is necessary to get a master’s degree. The doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision expands on the master’s degree and is individually tailored to provide emphases in counseling, supervision, teaching, research, scholarship, leadership and advocacy. Some individuals pursue a doctoral degree in order to work in colleges and universities teaching and supervising future Professional Counselors and adding to the research base for the Counseling profession, while others might pursue the doctoral degree to advance their Professional Counseling career through assuming administrative and/or supervisory roles within their organizations. In most circumstances, an individual will need to have a master’s degree in Counseling and have worked as a Professional Counselor before they would be eligible to pursue a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision.
A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling (Second Edition) will help prospective and current students explore Professional Counseling as a career path and will equip them to find the best graduate program in Counseling to fit their needs. It additionally provides a variety of exercises to assist readers in the graduate school search and reflection tools for readers on their journeys as future Professional Counselors. A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling is available for order here (electronically, paper and hardback).
Other sources for information include the American Counseling Association and its Divisions (www.counseling.org), the American Mental Health Counselors Association (www.amhca.org) and the American School Counselors Association (www.schoolcounselor.org). The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and available online (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/) is an excellent resource providing information and statistics pertaining to the counseling profession.
Why Should I Choose an Accredited Program?
Click here to learn more about why choosing an accredited program is important.
What Are The Specialized Practice Areas?
Click here to learn more about each specialized practice areas.
Student FAQ’s
Specialized Practice Areas
What specialized practice areas does CACREP accredit?
To find out what areas CACREP accredits at the Master’s and Doctorate level, click here.
It is always a good idea to start off with research on what specialized practice areas are CACREP accredited. From there, there are multiple factors to consider that can guide your decision.
Factors to Consider Include:
- Personal life experience and interests related to counseling
- Interest in specific careers within a specialized practice area
- Setting of practice (e.g school, hospital, office)
- Interest in curriculum taught in specific practice area
- Prior work/volunteering experience and how it fits into a specific practice area
- Experience working with a specific population (e.g college students, children, families)
Reflection on these factors can lead you to having more of a specific idea on what practice area you would like to pursue. Another helpful action that can lead you to know what practice area is right for you, is to talk to an individual who holds a career in the practice area of interest. They may be able to help you have a better idea of what they do day to day, what methods of practice they use, and what types of clients they work with and issues they address. Before making this decision, try to research, reflect, and find real world examples of those in the specific practice area. This can be a useful process to pinpoint your decision.
Licensure and Employment
Where can I find information on my state’s licensure laws?
To find your state’s licensing requirements, go to the NBCC’s State Licensure page: https://nbcc.org/licensure.
If I attend and graduate from a CACREP-accredited program, is that a guarantee I will get my license?
No. To obtain a license there are multiple requirements and education is only one of them. There usually are other requirements, such as, to pass a Counseling exam, complete a background check, and complete a jurisprudence exam. To find out the requirements in your state please go to the NBCC’s State Licensure page https://nbcc.org/licensure.
If I want to complete my Counseling program overseas, how can I determine if I will meet the licensing requirements when I move back to the USA?
You will need to find out the licensing requirements of the state where you intend to practice. To find out the requirements in that state please go to the NBCC’s State Licensure page: https://nbcc.org/licensure.
I will be completing a Counseling degree abroad. How will this impact my ability to get my license when I return to the states?
It will depend on whether or not you have met the licensing requirements of the state in which you want to practice. You may very well need to complete additional coursework.
I am not sure whether I should complete a degree that is CACREP accredited or MPCAC accredited. Can you explain the difference between these accreditors and how graduating from one or the other accredited program type may affect my ability to get my license?
CACREP accredits Masters and Doctoral programs solely in the Counseling profession and MPCAC accredits Master programs in the Psychology and Counseling professions.
Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs meet the educational requirements for licensing in most states and receive an expedited review of the educational requirement for licensure. CACREP is named in the licensing law and/or licensing regulations in most states. Graduation from a CACREP-accredited program is a requirement for licensure in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida (2025).
Are there benefits in the job seeking/employment process for graduating from a CACREP program?
All US states, territories, and jurisdictions require you to be licensed to practice as a Professional Counselor. In Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida (7/1/2025), you must be a graduate of a CACREP-accredited program to be licensed as a Professional Counselor which is a requirement for employment as a Professional Counselor.
To be hired by the Veteran’s Administration in their two Counselor position paths, you must be a graduate of a CACREP-accredited program.
If the VA requires CACREP accreditation for employment and I did not graduate from a CACREP accredited program, can I take additional coursework to obtain the accredited status?
No, you need to have completed a CACREP-accredited degree program (not just coursework) in order to be recognized as a CACREP program graduate.
Accreditation and Students
If my program loses its accreditation while I am attending the program, what should I do?
Programs typically have ample warning that they might lose their accreditation. When a program is at risk of losing their accreditation, the program must notify students of this risk; submit a teach-out plan for the remainder of their accredited status; and/or assist students in transferring to another program. You can ask the program you are enrolled in to identify the options available to you.
I’m thinking of applying to a program that is in process for accreditation, how long does it take to find out if they’re going to become accredited?
It depends on what the program means when it says that it is “in process for accreditation”. This could mean that the program is doing what it needs in order to become able to seek CACREP accreditation but has not yet applied to become accredited. Or it could mean that the program has made application to become accredited and are in the accreditation review process. On the CACREP website, you can find out if the program has submitted an application and is in the accreditation review process.
If the program is in the accreditation review process, it takes about 15-18 months from the submission of an application to the CACREP Board making an accreditation decision.
I see a program in your directory with a “xyz report due”, what does that mean?
When a program is accredited it must fully meet all CACREP Standards. If a program is in compliance with most of the standards but are not fully compliant with some standards, they will have to report back to CACREP. To find information on categories of decisions, look here. https://www.cacrep.org/for-programs/#categories-of-decisions
If the program I attend becomes accredited after I graduate is there a grandfathering period for graduates to become CACREP grads?
Graduates of a degree program receiving initial accreditation will be considered graduates of a CACREP-accredited degree program if they received their degree within eighteen (18) months prior to when accreditation is granted. The graduate must have completed the program of study that is granted accreditation.
Program Specific Questions
I attend a CACREP accredited program, and I believe I’m being discriminated against. Does CACREP allow students to lodge complaints against accredited programs?
Yes, CACREP does have a complaint policy and procedure against a CACREP-accredited if the program is out of compliance with one of the standards. If a student believes they are being discriminated against, they must first address this concern with the program through the university procedures for addressing discrimination.
CACREP is interested in the continued quality of its accredited and applicant programs but will not intervene in cases of a personnel action, nor will it review a program’s administrative decisions in such matters as admissions, academic dishonesty, assignment of grades, and dismissal.
As a student, does CACREP have any policy that would allow me to get paid for an internship?
CACREP does not have a policy regarding paid internships, nor does it have a prohibition against it. Programs may determine if they would allow for paid internships and under what conditions.
Can I complete a CMHC and a School Counseling program at the same time?
Yes, a student can complete multiple specialized practice areas concurrently (at the same time) and must meet the degree requirements of each CACREP-accredited specialized practice area. This means:
- completing the curricular/course requirements for each specialized practice area, and
- a minimum of a 600-clock hour internship for each specialized practice area.
All specialized practice areas must be included in the degree at the time it is awarded.
I graduated from an accredited CMHC program and I am a licensed LPC. Now, I would like to become a School Counselor. Do I need to complete an entirely new degree program or will much of my degree cover the SC requirements?
Each state has its own requirements to be credentialed as a school counselor. There may be some courses from the CMHC degree that may meet coursework requirements for the school counselor credential, and this will vary by state.
I am a certified School Counselor but I would like to become an LPC (same question as above but in reverse). Do I need to complete an entirely new degree program or will much of my degree cover the CMHC requirements?
Each state has its own requirements to be credentialled as a mental health/professional counselor. There may be some courses from the SC degree that may meet coursework requirements for the mental health/professional counselor credential, and this will vary by state.
Can I complete a CACREP-accredited degree program while working full time?
This depends on the program in which you enroll. There are some programs that require you to be enrolled as a full-time student, so working full-time may not be possible. Most graduate programs allow for students to be enrolled as part-time students and offer courses in the evenings, so working full-time may be possible.
I’m looking for a 100% online program. When I filter for online programs in your directory, how do I know if they are truly 100% online?
On the website directory are listed programs that are offered solely online or have an online pathway for students to earn a degree. To find if a program meets your needs, contact the Program Liaison at the email listed on the program description page.
Resources For Students
Below are some resources that can help you that are tailored to students and CACREP:
Finding the Program That’s Right For You
CACREP’s directory is the key guide for students to find CACREP-accredited programs. Here, students can personalize their search by state, specialized practice area, program delivery type, and program characteristics to help them find the best CACREP-accredited program for their needs. The directory has the most accurate and up to date information about our accredited programs.
A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling
A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling (Second Edition) will help prospective and current students explore Counseling as a career path and will equip them to find the best graduate program in Counseling to fit their needs. It additionally provides a variety of exercises to assist readers in the graduate school search and reflection tools for readers on their journeys as future Professional Counselors. A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling is available for order here (electronically, paper and hardback).
CACREP’s international affiliate, IRCEP, serves as a subsidiary to provide quality assurance for international counselor education programs and training. Programs overseas can be recognized and included on IRCEP’s registry if they meet IRCEP’s principles of quality assurance. While IRCEP’s recognition is different from and is not accreditation, the registry can be a resource for those seeking programs that could be potential study abroad opportunities within the Counseling field.
Those Interested in Addiction Counseling
The International Association of Addictions and Offenders Counseling (IAAOC), a division of the American Counseling Association, serves as a guiding body to meet the needs of the Addictions and Offenders Counseling field and their interested stakeholders. IAAOC, which offers student memberships, can be a valuable resource for Addictions and Offenders Counseling students who want to network, find guidance, access professional development opportunities, and access IAAOC’s bylaws. If you are a student in Addictions and Offenders Counseling, IAAOC can serve you in a variety of ways.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource to see job outcomes of a specific specialty area. Here, you can also access information on average pay, job growth rates, and state/area data. Above, you can find the OOH’s information on the Addiction Counseling field.
Those Interested in Career Counseling
The National Career Development Association (NCDA), a division of the American Counseling Association, serves as a guiding body to meet the needs of the Career Counseling field and their interested stakeholders. NCDA, which offers student memberships, can be a valuable resource for Career Counseling students who want to network, find guidance, access professional development opportunities, and access NCDA’s standards. If you are a student in Career Counseling, NCDA can serve you in a variety of ways.
The National Employment Counseling Association (NECA), a division of the American Counseling Association, serves as a guiding body to meet the needs of the Employment Counseling field and their interested stakeholders. NECA, which offers student memberships, can be a valuable resource for Employment Counseling students who want to network, find guidance, and access professional development opportunities. If you are a student interested in Employment Counseling, NECA can serve you in a variety of ways.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource to see job outcomes of a specific specialty area. Here, you can also access information on average pay, job growth rates, and state/area data. Above, you can find the OOH’s information on the Career Counseling field.
Those Interested in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The American Mental Health Counselor Association serves as a guiding body to meet the needs of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling field and their interested stakeholders. AMHCA, which offers student memberships, can be a valuable resource for Clinical Mental Health Counseling students who want to network, find guidance, access professional development opportunities, and access AMHCA’s standards and ethical codes. If you are a student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, AMHCA can serve you in a variety of ways.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource to see job outcomes of a specific specialty area. Here, you can also access information on average pay, job growth rates, and state/area data. Above, you can find the OOH’s information on the Clinical Mental Health Counseling field.
Those Interested in College Counseling
The American College Counseling Association (ACCA), a division of the American Counseling Association, serves as a guiding body to meet the needs of the College Counseling field and their interested stakeholders. ACCA, which offers student memberships, can be a valuable resource for College Counseling students who want to network, find guidance, access professional development opportunities, and access ACCA’s by-laws. If you are a student in College Counseling or Student Affairs, ACCA can serve you in a variety of ways.
Those Interested in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
The International Association of Marriage and Family Counseling, a division of the American Counseling Association, serves as a guiding body to meet the needs of the Marriage and Family Counseling field and their interested stakeholders. IAMFC, which offers student memberships, can be a valuable resource for Marriage and Family Counseling students who want to network, find guidance, access professional development opportunities, and access IAMFC’s ethical codes. If you are a student in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, IAMFC can serve you in a variety of ways.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource to see job outcomes of a specific specialty area. Here, you can also access information on average pay, job growth rates, and state/area data. Above, you can find the OOH’s information on the Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling field.
Those Interested in Rehabilitation Counseling
The American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA), a division of the American Counseling Association, serves as a guiding body to meet the needs of the Rehabilitation Counseling field and their interested stakeholders.
ARCA, which offers student memberships, can be a valuable resource for Rehabilitation Counseling students who want to network, find guidance, access professional development opportunities, and access ARCA’s bylaws. If you are a student in Rehabilitation Counseling, ARCA can serve you in a variety of ways.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource to see job outcomes of a specific specialty area. Here, you can also access information on average pay, job growth rates, and state/area data. Above, you can find the OOH’s information on the Rehabilitation Counseling field.
Those Interested in School Counseling
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) serves as a guiding body to meet the needs of the School Counseling field and their interested stakeholders. ASCA, which offers student memberships, can be a valuable resource for School Counseling students who want to network, find guidance, access professional development opportunities, and access ASCA’s standards. If you are a student in School Counseling, ASCA can serve you in a variety of ways.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource to see job outcomes of a specific specialty area. Here, you can also access information on average pay, job growth rates, and state/area data. Above, you can find the OOH’s information on the School Counseling field.
Those Enrolled or Interested in Doctoral Programs in Counselor Education and Supervision
The Association of Counselor Education and Supervision has tailored memberships for prospective and current Doctoral students in Counselor Education and Supervision. The ACES student membership can provide prospective and current doctoral students with mentorship, regional networking, publications, and other professional development resources.
Regional Divisions
This page, with a comprehensive list of the ACA’s divisions, regions, and branches can connect you to the correct group for you, based off of specialty, and geographic region. Within these groups you can network, find career opportunities, and meet other like-minded individuals in the field of counseling.
Information about Exams
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification has developed a process by which Certified Rehabilitation Counselors must show their competency in practice and prior background through. To obtain certification, rehabilitation counselors must pass the CRC examination offered by the CRCC. The webpages above provide study resources, exam information, scheduling, the recommended reading list for the CRC exam, and the application process required to sit for the exam.
The National Board for Certified Counselors offer two exams for licensure that are required in the US and it’s territories, the National Counselor Examination and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination. The webpages above provide study resources, information about accommodations, the exam itself, and score verification report requests. If you are a student who will be taking the NCE or the NCMHCE, these pages will provide you resources to succeed in your examination(s).
Licensure Information
The National Board of Certified Counselors provides an interactive directory for each state, jurisdiction, and territory’s Board of Licensure contact information. Here, you can find out what are the licensing requirements for education and examinations required per state. This directory additionally provides links to register for examinations needed. If you need to sit for an NBCC exam, you can sign up here and find the best times and modalities that work for you.
The Counseling Compact is an interstate compact that provides the opportunities for counselors with one state licensure to practice in another state, without the need for another license. Applications for licensed counselors to participate in the Compact open in 2025, but this webpage provides updates on application opening, participating states, and timelines.
Student Groups and Societies
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) is the international academic honor society in counseling. CSI serves students and practicing professionals committed to academic and community excellence and integrity. CSI serves its members through professional development, fellowship, leadership opportunities, grants, and networking. CSI is one of the highest honors bestowed to students in the counseling field.
Employment Resources
A benefit of being a student member with the ACA, is being able to access ACA’s job board and their career development resources.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource to see job outcomes of a specific specialty area. Here, you can also access information on average pay, job growth rates, and state/area data. This is a valuable tool for those seeking employment information about specific careers.
The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors who have graduated from a CACREP accredited program as mental health specialists within the Veteran’s Health Administration. Mental Health Counselors who are graduates of a CACREP accredited program are now eligible to be employed within the VA. The VA is an excellent resource to find employment opportunities as a CACREP graduate who is a LPMHC.
A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling, Second Edition
Written for undergraduate students and other prospective Professional Counselors, A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling is the first of its kind to create a comprehensive, reliable means of learning about the Counseling profession, entry level preparation (i.e., master’s degrees in Counseling specializations), and what to consider when searching for, applying to, and ultimately selecting a graduate program in Counseling that is the “perfect fit.” The Guide offers vital information relative to accreditation and its importance in the Counseling profession with regards to obtaining licensure, certification, and even employment opportunities after graduating. As a CACREP publication, this book is the official source of information about accredited Counseling programs and includes information about what Counseling programs seek in candidates, what programs can offer students in terms of professional development and job placement, and guidance on personal and practical considerations for entering the Counseling profession. Authored by Counseling experts and featuring insights from voices in the field, A Guide to Graduate Programs in Counseling is a must-have resource for anyone interested in becoming a Professional Counselor.
Buy NowStudent Graduation Certificate:
If you graduated from a CACREP program and require proof that is not verifiable by simply providing information from our directory or your transcripts you can request a student graduation certificate.
A Student Graduation Certificate is $50*.
*You can pay with a VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card by calling in your credit card details to the CACREP Office at 703-535-5990.
Federal Regulations
Three federal agencies have made graduation from a CACREP accredited program a requirement for independent practice in counseling.
Veteran’s Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released qualification standards that formally recognize licensed professional mental health Counselors who have graduated from CACREP accredited programs as mental health specialists within the Veterans Health Administration. The full text of the standards is available by clicking here.
Prior to the passage of legislation and creation of qualification standards, mental health counselors were not eligible for employment within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
TRICARE
Department of Defense will require a CACREP accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Mental Health Counseling degree in order to obtain the TRICARE Certified Mental Health Counselor credential, which grants the authority to provide independent care to TRICARE beneficiaries after December 31, 2016. There is a phase-in period through December 31, 2016 which allows for a graduate without one of those two degrees to qualify by meeting an alternative series of requirements. Prior to this legislation, mental health counselors could not practice independently in the TRICARE system. For more information see the Federal Register Listing.
Army Substance Abuse
Beginning in July 2011, only LPCs with a degree from a CACREP accredited program may be employed as Fully Functioning Army Substance Abuse Program Practitioner. This requirement is waived for those already employed by the Army Substance Abuse Program for those in the application process at the time the regulation was adopted.