Best Counseling Programs in California

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,244
Out-of-State | $2,244

Credits to Graduate: 60

The University of Southern California's MS in marriage and family therapy (MFT) helps pave the way for licensure in California and takes 24-48 months to complete. The program is delivered on campus in Los Angeles and features a small cohort of students, therapy-like practice sessions, and fieldwork at a placement site. 

Students explore therapy skills and research-supported interventions to address client issues, such as mental illness, emotional disorders, and alcohol and substance abuse. USC boasts a 92% MFT student pass rate on the clinical Board of Behavioral Sciences exam. The school automatically considers MFT program applicants for $15,000-$30,000 scholarships.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,082
Out-of-State | $2,478

Credits to Graduate: 65

The MS in counseling psychology at California State University-Long Beach prepares learners for licensure to practice as an independent marriage family therapist and/or licensed professional clinical counselor. The program offers flexibility with two-year, 30-month, and three-year tracks. 

Students learn how to address trauma and grief and provide a variety of evidence-based treatments, such as couples, group, and human sexuality counseling. A licensed counseling professional supervises 500 hours of practicum and field experience. In addition to an on-site clinic, enrollees have access to a variety of community practice sites. The program requires no GRE for admission.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $726
Out-of-State | $726

Credits to Graduate: 90

A highly customizable curriculum is a hallmark of Santa Clara University's MA in counseling psychology. Students can choose one of four tracks: licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), marriage and family therapist (MFT), MFT/LPCC, or no track.

Enrollees can choose one of four emphasis areas that function like a minor: Latino counseling, health psychology, LGBTQ counseling, or correctional psychology. With additional credit, learners can elect to complete the child and adolescent mental health concentration. 

Students enroll on a part- or full-time basis and take courses online and in person. The program's competitive tuition rates and California Board of Behavioral Sciences' approval may provide additional appeal.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,225
Out-of-State | $1,225

Credits to Graduate: 60

The Wright Institute's MA in counseling continues the school's mission to educate clinical practitioners. The degree prepares learners for licensure as a marriage and family therapist or professional clinical counselor in California. Enrollees complete coursework and practical experience as part of a cohort.

Topics covered include counseling theories and techniques, family violence and protection, and clinical assessment and measures. Students learn counseling techniques to address the needs of groups, couples, people with addictions, and children and adolescents. 

The practicum component provides clinical fieldwork experience. Enrollees can get more involved in the Wright Institute community by mentoring peers and working as teaching assistants.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,285
Out-of-State | $1,285

Credits to Graduate: 60-67

California Institute of Integral Studies' MA in counseling psychology offers a concentration in community mental health. Students complete the hybrid degree in 2.5-3 years as part of a weekend cohort. The curriculum prepares enrollees for marriage and family therapist licensure in California. For those interested in LPCC licensing, additional coursework is required.

Faculty give weekly asynchronous online lectures and readings, supplemented with five full-weekend immersions students attend in person as part of their cohort. Learners must also complete 50 hours of personal psychotherapy with a mental health professional. A clinical practicum provides field experience and participants culminate the program with a project.

Cost per Year:
In-State | $11,934 per year
Out-of-State | $11,934 per year

Credits to Graduate: 72 quarter units

National University's MS in educational counseling prepares professional school counselors and also offers a community college counselor emphasis. Students complete coursework, practicum, and fieldwork that lead to the California pupil personnel services credential in school counseling. 

The community college emphasis requires coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exam. Enrollees in both programs complete a common core, learning best practices in individual and group counseling, trauma-informed counseling, and college and career counseling.

Students can finish the degree faster with NU's four-week courses and by transferring up to 13.5 quarter units to the program. NU also offers fully online MA in marriage and family therapy and MS in clinical mental health counseling programs. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,085
Out-of-State | $1,085

Credits to Graduate: 49-60

The University of San Francisco's MA in school counseling produces practitioners skilled in addressing the needs of pupils attending multicultural urban schools in California. Successful completion of the degree positions graduates for the pupil personnel services credential in school counseling. A dual concentration in school counseling and professional clinical counseling is available with additional credits.

Enrollees take weekday online classes and attend in-person sessions on alternate weekends as a cohort. Key topics covered include cross-cultural counseling, counseling theories and practice, and trauma and crisis counseling. Participants complete at least 900 hours of practicum and traineeship experience. Scholarships help make the degree more affordable.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,082
Out-of-State | $2,478

Credits to Graduate: 60

California State University-Bakersfield's MS in counseling psychology meets the state's academic requirements for licensure as a marriage and family therapist and/or professional clinical counselor. The 60-unit program explores how to counsel various populations, including those with addictions, couples, and families.

Students also learn how to engage in developmental counseling with children and adolescents. The three-year program requires individual, dyadic, and group exercises in which enrollees participate as both counselor and client. Aspiring practitioners complete hands-on clinical training during an extensive practicum and traineeship. Scholarships and other aid help students pay for tuition.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,130
Out-of-State | $1,130

Credits to Graduate: 48-69

The MA in counseling at Saint Mary's College of California offers a customizable curriculum. Students can choose a general counseling curriculum or a specialization in career counseling, school counseling, higher education and student affairs, or higher education and student affairs/professional clinical counseling. 

The degree also offers a marriage and family therapy/professional clinical counselor specialization. Learners can choose more than one specialization as long as they meet each program's field requirements. Enrollees complete a common core and the requirements of their specialization in two-year, 30-month, three-year, or 42-month tracks.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $800
Out-of-State | $800

Credits to Graduate: 62-68

California Baptist University's MS in counseling psychology is a faith-based program founded more than 40 years ago. The degree aligns with the state's requirements for licensure as a marriage and family therapist and/or professional clinical counselor.

The curriculum explores how to integrate counseling theory and a Christian worldview to address clients' mental, emotional, and spiritual development. The training includes clinical assessment and diagnostic techniques, therapy models and interventions, and treatment planning and case management. 

Licensed supervisors oversee practicum experience. Students can take additional coursework if they plan to pursue professional clinical counselor licensure or the program's forensic psychology concentration.