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Looking to become a counselor in Florida? Here, we outline the best counseling degrees in Florida, along with state-specific salary expectations and career outcomes.
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Florida might be called the Sunshine State, but many of its residents feel less than sunny — almost a third of adults in Florida (32%) reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to a recent 2023 KFF report. Almost 24% of those experiencing anxiety or depression had an unmet need for counseling.
If you're interested in becoming a counselor in the state, explore this guide for top counseling programs in Florida, steps needed for licensure, and career outlooks for Florida counselors.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Counseling Degree Programs in Florida
Explore our ranking of the top best counseling degrees in Florida. Graduates of these programs can pursue licensure or further education and training.
We use trusted sources like
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestCounselingDegrees.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Top Counseling Programs in Florida
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $494 Out-of-State | $1,044
Credits to Graduate: 60
University of North Florida's MS in clinical health counseling prepares enrollees to pursue licensure as mental health counselors in Florida. Students complete the full-time program on campus in Jacksonville. They examine clinical mental health counseling theories and research in mental health counseling.
Participants learn techniques and methods to work with various populations and settings. The program provides extensive hands-on training, beginning with 100 hours of professional identity development in the first year. Enrollees build on this experience with 900 practicum/internship hours completed at a partner site during the program's second year.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,996
Out-of-state
$16,799
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,570
Out-of-state
$19,585
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
16,594
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
77%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top Counseling Programs in Florida
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL
4 years
Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $742 Out-of-State | $742
Credits to Graduate: 62
The master of clinical mental health counseling at Rollins College offers flexibility with three-year and four-year tracks. Students move through the program in a cohort, immersed in theoretical learning and practical experience. Each enrollee completes a two-semester internship in a family therapy or clinical mental health setting. The capstone experience consists of seminars taught by counseling experts.
Key features include a personalized learning environment, affordable tuition, and a high post-employment graduate rate. With a minimum undergraduate 3.2 GPA, an applicant can qualify for a $1,000 scholarship. Five counseling graduate assistantships provide funding and work experience.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$54,740
Out-of-state
$54,740
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$26,190
Out-of-state
$26,190
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
3,057
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Top Counseling Programs in Florida
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $895 Out-of-State | $895
Credits to Graduate: 48-63
Nova Southeastern University's MS in counseling stands out for its customizable curriculum with several concentrations. Students can specialize in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, substance abuse counseling, or substance abuse counseling and education.
Another concentration in applied behavior analysis prepares enrollees to sit for the board certified behavior analyst exam. Enrollees complete the clinical mental health counseling concentration at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus in a hybrid format or online with residential institutes. The other concentrations offer a fully online curriculum except for in-person practicum and internship experiences.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,510
Out-of-state
$33,510
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,153
Out-of-state
$21,153
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
20,898
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Top Counseling Programs in Florida
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $650 Out-of-State | $650
Credits to Graduate: 61
Lynn University's MS in clinical mental health counseling fulfills the educational requirements for licensed mental health counselor credentialing in Florida. The curriculum also prepares students to pursue nationally certified counselor credentials.
Enrollees can complete the degree on campus in Boca Raton or through hybrid delivery with synchronous online learning. The curriculum provides training in counseling theories and techniques, along with specialized training in trauma and community counseling. Each learner completes a practicum and an internship to build their clinical expertise. The school offers affordable tuition and participates in federal and state aid programs.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$38,650
Out-of-state
$38,650
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,500
Out-of-state
$13,500
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
3,385
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Top Counseling Programs in Florida
Stetson University
DeLand, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $895 Out-of-State | $895
Credits to Graduate: 60
The MS in clinical mental health counseling at Stetson University is delivered on campus in DeLand. This degree prepares enrollees for the national clinical mental health counselor exam. The 60-credit curriculum prepares clinicians skilled in providing services to diverse populations across various settings.
Topics include human relations methods and skills, family systems, multicultural counseling, and psychosocial therapy. Participants learn techniques for group, addictions, sexuality, and career counseling. The practicum and internship components provide hands-on experience in clinical settings. Students learn from practitioners and researchers actively working in the counseling field.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,440
Out-of-state
$50,440
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,671
Out-of-state
$17,671
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
4,257
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Top Counseling Programs in Florida
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit: In-State | $620 Out-of-State | $620
Credits to Graduate: 60
Palm Beach Atlantic University's MS in counseling offers clinical mental health counseling and school counseling specializations. The degree meets the educational requirements for mental health counselor licensure and school counselor certification in Florida. Students complete most courses on campus in West Palm Beach or Orlando.
Enrollees in the clinical mental health counseling track can pursue optional concentrations in counseling in school settings, crisis and trauma counseling, play therapy, or marriage and family studies. Those interested in substance abuse counseling can add one course to meet the requirements for certified addiction professional credentials.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,538
Out-of-state
$33,538
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,960
Out-of-state
$12,960
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
3,687
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Top Counseling Programs in Florida
Barry University
Miami, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,020 Out-of-State | $1,020
Credits to Graduate: 60
The MS in counseling at Barry University emphasizes personalized learning and flexibility. The curriculum offers clinical mental health counseling; marital, couple, and family counseling; and school counseling specializations. Students can also choose more than one concentration to pursue certification and licensure in both areas.
Plus, enrollees can complete the degree on campus, entirely online, or in a hybrid format. The curriculum offers synchronous and asynchronous online learning formats. Each learner completes 700 clinical hours, which include direct services provided to community members at the campus clinic and at another clinical site chosen by students.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,200
Out-of-state
$31,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,820
Out-of-state
$17,820
Retention Rate
55%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
7,337
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Accreditation In Florida
Counseling programs in Florida must meet certain requirements before receiving accreditation. Accreditation helps ensure that counseling programs deliver educational quality and train future counselors using the most up-to-date information and methods.
Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Florida
The demand for mental health professionals is strong, though the salary is not as high.
Average Salary for Counselors in Florida
Average annual salaries for counselors in Florida range from $42,000 to $54,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Education, guidance, and career counselors make the most at just over $54,000 per year, followed by substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors who earn just over $52,000 on average.
Counselors in Florida lag slightly behind the average annual income across all occupations in the state, which was $55,980 as of May 2022, according to the BLS.
Occupation Outlook for Counselors in Florida
Overall, the career outlook for counselors in Florida is strong. Increases in anxiety, depression, and substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic have fueled demand for mental health and addiction professionals in Florida and across the country.
Jobs for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in particular are projected to increase 27.5% in the state from 2022-2032.
Career Outlook for Counselors in Florida
Occupation
Change in Employment 2022-2032
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
27.5%
Rehabilitation Counselors
8.7%
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
Those looking to become a counselor in Florida must typically earn a master's degree from an accredited program, complete postgraduate clinical experience, and pass a licensure exam administered by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
Education Requirements
To become a mental health counselor in Florida, you must earn a master's degree from a mental health counseling program accredited by CACREP or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Marriage and family therapists in Florida must meet similar educational requirements. They must earn a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a program accredited by CACREP or the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
It typically takes two years to complete the 60 semester credits required to become a counselor in the state of Florida.
Licensing Requirements
Prospective counselors in Florida must meet state licensing requirements to become a licensed mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist in the state. There are two routes to licensure: one path for those who do not hold a license in another state and one path for those who do.
Prospective counselors who do not hold a current license in another state must complete two years and 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience and then pass a licensing exam. Those who do — and who have been actively practicing for three of the last five years — can apply by endorsement rather than examination. Counselors in Florida must renew their license every two years.
Florida Counseling FAQs
How long does it take to become a counselor in Florida?
Counselors in Florida typically need to complete a four-year bachelor's degree, a two-year master's degree, and two years of postgraduate clinical experience before becoming licensed.
Can you be a counselor with a bachelor's degree in Florida?
You can work as a counselor in Florida with a bachelor's degree, but you may have limited scope of practice compared to licensed counselors who hold a master's degree or higher. Counselors with a bachelor's degree only may serve in support roles under the supervision of a licensed counselor or as a certified addiction professional.
How do I become a licensed professional counselor in Florida?
First, you will need to obtain a master's degree from an accredited counseling program. Then, you will likely need to complete two years of supervised clinical training, apply for licensure, and take a licensing exam.
How much does it cost to apply for your counseling license in Florida?
It costs $100 to apply for a counseling license in Florida. Total licensure fees come to $180, including the application and initial licensure fee.
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