Best Counseling Schools in North Carolina
For those interested in a rewarding and challenging career that involves helping people, counseling is a great, in-demand choice. To get there, though, you must complete the proper education. Luckily, North Carolina has many counseling degree programs, from undergrad to graduate, in a variety of convenient formats.
How to Find a Counseling Program in North Carolina
Many things go into finding a good counseling education program in North Carolina. There are a variety of counseling programs in North Carolina for students to consider when choosing a counseling program that meets their educational and professional career path.
Counseling Degree Pathways in North Carolina
Counseling degree pathways allow students to start their North Carolina counseling education and continue their education if they wish to complete an advanced counseling program. Students sometimes complete a counseling certificate program either at the undergraduate or graduate level.
- Associate's Degree – Two-year degree for those who would like an introduction to counseling or for those who are aiming to become counselors with light educational requirements
- Bachelor's Degree – Four-year degree for a basic level of counseling education
- Master's Degree – The most common degree for a counselor. Requires one to two years of study, and a bachelor’s degree.
- Graduate Certificate – Not a degree, but helpful in taking a path to a specialization. Usually only requires a year or less of study.
- Doctorate Degree – Three to six years of study is required for this degree, as well as a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.
Choose a Counseling Specialty
North Carolina counseling degree programs may offer counseling specialty options. Students who choose a counseling specialty have the opportunity to focus their counseling program more on their needs or goals.
The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University offer master's degree programs in counseling. Students choose the Master of Science in mental health counseling – clinical, the Master of Science in mental health counseling – rehabilitation, or the Master of Science in school counseling.
Lenoir-Rhyne University offers students the option of choosing the Master of Arts in counseling – school counseling or the Master of Arts in counseling – clinical mental health counseling.
Check School Accreditation
Accreditation is crucial to a successful career as a counselor. If your program lacks the North Carolina requirements, you will not be able to practice most types of counseling. You can find out if your school is accredited through an organization such as CACREP (the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs). Search their database of accredited schools online.
Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in North Carolina
Deciding whether to get your counseling education online or in person is as simple as deciding if you require in-person resources such as a school library or peer study groups, or if you live far from the campus and don’t want to relocate.
North Carolina Central University offers an online Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling degree. The program prepares students to apply for an application as a licensed professional counselor in North Carolina. Online counseling programs are typically the same as on-campus counseling programs.
Students who wish to complete the North Carolina State University Ph.D. in an educational leadership program with a counseling and counselor education concentration do not have an online option. Students complete all program requirements on campus.
Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in North Carolina
It is important that students meet the requirements to become licensed as a counselor in the state if they want to practice in North Carolina. The North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors indicates that "you must have an active license to practice counseling in the state of North Carolina."
The board provides information on applying for licensure for several mental health counseling programs in the state.
The North Carolina General Assembly recently recognized the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board. The board provides credentialing information for the certified alcohol and drug counselor and provides other credentialing information.
List of Counseling Degree Programs in North Carolina
Are you searching for a counseling degree program in North Carolina? Browse our comprehensive list of schools offering counseling programs, both online and on-campus, and follow the links to learn more about what each program has to offer.
Boiling Springs, NC
Gardner-Webb University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Hybrid course options.
- Diverse clinical experiences.
- Focus on ethical practice.
- Training in diagnosis and treatment.
- Prepares for diverse settings.
- Requires background check.
- Master's - Master of Arts in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited program.
- 60-credit hour curriculum.
- Hybrid course delivery.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Focus on ASCA National Model.
- Includes practicum and internship.
- Accelerated option available.
- Emphasizes ethical practices.
Boone, NC
Appalachian State University
- Master's - Professional School Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- 60-semester hour program
- CACREP-accredited
- On-campus courses
- Multicultural perspective
- Hands-on learning
- K-12 licensure preparation
- Ethical standards focus
- Interpersonal skills development
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Addictions Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 60-hour CACREP-accredited program.
- Concentration in Addictions Counseling.
- Prepares for licensure and certification.
- Blends classroom and practical learning.
- For full and part-time students.
- Located in Boone, NC.
- Focuses on ethical, competent counseling.
- Emphasizes personal and professional growth.
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Expressive Arts Therapy - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- 60-hour Masters degree
- Face-to-face campus instruction
- Diverse clinical training opportunities
- Prepares for licensure
- Full and part-time options
- Expressive Arts Therapy concentration
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- 60-hour CACREP-accredited program
- Face-to-face campus instruction
- Prepares for NC counseling licensure
- Full and part-time options
- Diverse professional practice settings
- National Certified Counselor eligible
- Focuses on ethical professional practice
- Practical clinical experience
- Graduate Certificate - Addiction Counseling Graduate Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- No entrance exam required
- Prepares for NCSAPPB credentials
- Small class sizes
- Accredited by CACREP
- Resume required for application
- HPC Department Questionnaire needed
- Spring and Fall admissions
Buies Creek, NC
Campbell University
- Master's - Master of Divinity & Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- Dual degree: MDiv and MACMHC
- 90 MDiv credit hours
- 60 MACMHC credit hours
- Licensure pathway available
- Counseling and chaplaincy concentration
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Cross-listed course options
- Clinical fieldwork included
- Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- 60-semester-hour curriculum.
- Prepares for LCMHC licensure.
- Focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Full-time completion in 3 years.
- On-campus courses in Buies Creek.
- March 1st application deadline.
- Emphasizes therapeutic relationships.
Chapel Hill, NC
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Master's - Master of Education in School Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- 14-month intensive program.
- Cohort-based learning experience.
- Yearlong internship in public schools.
- 60-credit curriculum.
- Strengths-based approach.
- Aligns with ASCA National Model.
- Eligible for K-12 licensure in NC.
- Reciprocity options for other states.
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: working with persons with developmental and psychiatric disabilities - Campus Based - Website
- 60+ credit master's degree
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Nationally recognized counseling credential
- Diverse career preparation
- Evidence-based practice training
- Multicultural counseling competencies
- Professional licensure preparation
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: working with persons with psychiatric disabilities - Campus Based - Website
- 60+ credit master's degree
- CACREP accredited program
- Nationally recognized counseling credential
- Diverse career preparation tracks
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Evidence-based practice training
- Mental health treatment expertise
- Professional licensure preparation
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: working with persons with developmental disabilities - Campus Based - Website
- 60+ credit master's degree
- CACREP Accredited Program
- National Certified Counselor eligible
- Diverse career preparation
- Evidence-based counseling training
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Clinical practice expertise
- Leadership skill development
Charlotte, NC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program required.
- 180 clock hours coursework.
- 300 hours clinical experience.
- Prepares for NC licensure.
- Focus on addiction counseling.
- Includes treatment planning.
- Requires Masters in Counseling.
- Statement of purpose needed.
- Master's - Master of Arts in School Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares K-12 licensed counselors.
- Focuses on social justice advocacy.
- Multiculturally competent curriculum.
- Developmental and collaborative programs.
- Equitable services for all students.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Emphasizes cultural competency.
- Hands-on practicums and internships.
- Electives in specialized areas.
- Prepares for National Counselor Exam.
- Diverse career opportunities post-graduation.
- Faculty with extensive real-world experience.
- Opportunities for professional networking.
- Master's - Master of Arts: Addiction Counseling Concentration
Campus Based - Website
- 100% licensure exam pass rate.
- 60 hours of graduate coursework.
- CACREP accredited program.
- Fast track to licensure in NC.
- Practical field experiences included.
- Dual licensure eligibility.
- Member of IC&RC.
- Outstanding National Program recognition.
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Focuses on multicultural competence.
- Prepares for educator, clinician roles.
- Ethical and clinical skills emphasized.
- Details in Graduate Catalog.
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Delivery
- 12 Credit Hours Total
- Summer Program Start
- 300-Hour Internship
- ASCA Standards Aligned
- Multiple School Counseling Roles
- Flexible Professional Schedule
- Master's Degree Required
Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited counseling program
- 60-hour comprehensive curriculum
- 750 hours field experience
- Hybrid learning format
- Licensure preparation
- Multiple career setting options
- Professional skills development
- Master's - Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-hour hybrid program.
- CACREP-accredited.
- Prepares for K-12 licensure.
- 750 hours of field experience.
- Focus on counseling children.
- Career counseling included.
- Crisis intervention training.
- Eligibility for LCMHC-A.
- Graduate Certificate - Addiction Studies Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 12-credit hour program
- For Master's students and practitioners
- Meets NC licensure requirements
- Covers substance misuse education
- On-campus program
Durham, NC
North Carolina Central University
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Concentration: Clinical Addiction Specialist - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- CACREP accredited
- Prepares for licensure
- Includes addiction courses
- 3.00 GPA requirement
- GRE scores needed
- Interview required
- Flexible learning options
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Prepares for NC licensure
- National Certified Counselor eligible
- Clinical Addiction Specialist path
- CACREP accredited
- Online and campus options
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- GRE scores needed
- Master's - School Counseling, MA
Online Learning - Website
- 60-hour CACREP-accredited program
- Online and campus options
- K-12 school counseling focus
- NC licensure preparation
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- GRE scores needed
- Professional counseling certification
Fayetteville, NC
Methodist University
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Master's Program
- CACREP Standards Alignment
- $545 per credit hour
- Prepares for Licensure Exam
- Experienced Faculty Guidance
Greensboro, NC
North Carolina A & T State University
- Doctorate - Counselor Education and Supervision
Campus Based - Website
- Ph.D. program
- Focus on Trauma-Informed Care
- Cultural competence emphasis
- Prepares for academic and non-academic roles
- Strong research foundation
- Master's - M.S. Mental Health Counseling - Clinical
Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit hour CACREP-accredited program
- Two concentration options: Clinical/Rehabilitation
- Prepares counselors for diverse settings
- Covers professional counseling core areas
- Emphasizes cultural competence
- Fall admission only
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Master's - School Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Flexible evening classes.
- Part-time or full-time options.
- Covers eight core counseling areas.
- Designed for school counseling careers.
- Individualized learning paths.
- Fall admission only.
- Nationally recognized accreditation.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Doctorate - Counseling and Counselor Education, Ph.D.
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited program
- Top 3 graduate education program
- Full-time, day-time courses
- In-house Nicholas Vacc Clinic
- Requires GRE scores
- Three recommendation letters
- Mandatory interview process
- 5-8 students admitted annually
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited program.
- Full-time, on-campus courses.
- No GRE required for admission.
- Hands-on practicum and internship.
- Prepares for diverse counseling roles.
- Evidence-based practice courses available.
- Clinical supervision provided.
- Admission for fall semester only.
- Graduate Certificate - Mental Health in Children and Adolescents
Campus Based - Website
- 12 credit hours
- Graduate-level courses
- Campus-based program
- Admission to M.S. required
- Focus on children/adolescents
- Approval by advisor needed
- No course overlap with M.S.
- Includes diagnosis/treatment
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Addiction Treatment
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- Synchronous and asynchronous courses
- Meets NC licensure requirements
- 12-month completion full-time
- Part-time options available
- Rolling admissions
- Bachelor's degree required
- 2.7 GPA minimum
Greenville, NC
East Carolina University
- Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Preparation and Research
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Doctoral Program
- 100% Job Placement Rate
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Graduate Assistantships Available
- Face-to-Face Curriculum
- Clinical and Research Focus
- Individualized Study Options
- Small Class Sizes
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Treating Substance Use Disorders
Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility.
- Prepares for LCAS credential.
- Taught by credentialed faculty.
- Focus on addiction counseling.
- For current MSW students.
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Counseling
Concentration: Addictions - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- Prepare for LCMHC & LCAS licensure
- Flexible hybrid course delivery
- Complete degree in 2 years
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- No GMAT or GRE required
- 100-hour practicum included
- 600-hour internship experience
- Master's - Master of Science in Counselor Education
Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP accredited program.
- Focus on School Counseling.
- Meets NC licensure requirements.
- Diverse faculty expertise.
- Flexible elective studies.
- Eligible for NCE exam.
- Developmental program approach.
- Culturally competent training.
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate certificate program
- 12 semester credit hours
- 600-hour internship requirement
- Leads to NC school counselor licensure
- Designed for existing counseling professionals
Hickory, NC
Lenoir-Rhyne University
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited 61-credit program
- Campus locations in Hickory/Asheville
- Flexible full/part-time options
- Prepare for state licensure
- Internship and practicum experiences
- 93% employment within 6 months
- Professional counseling settings training
- Master's - Counseling, M.A.
Concentration: School Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- 61 credit hours.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCC and state licensure.
- Focus on School Counseling.
- Requires counselor liability insurance.
- B grade or higher for licensure.
- Includes practicum and internships.
- Courses on counseling theories.
- Graduate Certificate - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Graduate Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 10-hour certificate program
- For School Counseling students
- Meets NC licensure requirements
- Includes Clinical Mental Health Counseling course
- Advanced Counseling Techniques covered
- Financial aid eligible
- Campus-based learning
- Seamless degree integration
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in School Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- 12 credit hours
- Campus-based program
- Financial aid eligible
- Includes internship
- Licensure preparation
Misenheimer, NC
Pfeiffer University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible evening classes
- 63 total credit hours
- No GRE required
- Prepare for LCMHC licensure
- Complete in 2.5 years
- Comprehensive core curriculum
- Preparing for CACREP accreditation
- Synchronous and asynchronous learning
- Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Child and Adolescent Therapy - Online Learning - Website
- Online format
- 2.5 years completion
- 63 credit hours
- No GRE required
- Child and Adolescent Therapy focus
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes
- Affordable tuition
- Prepares for licensure exams
- Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concentration: Human Sexuality & Contextual Sex Therapy - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- 63 credit hours.
- No GRE required.
- Affordable tuition.
- Focus on human sexuality.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Synchronous and asynchronous learning.
- Specialized training in counseling.
Montreat, NC
Montreat College
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Concentration: Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- Online learning flexibility.
- Christian faith integration.
- Focus on addiction recovery.
- Prepares for certification.
- Clinical skills development.
- Minimum GPA 2.75 required.
- Background check needed.
- Strong job growth expected.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit online hybrid program
- Two required in-person residencies
- CACREP accredited since 2018
- No GRE required for admission
- 100% CPCE pass rates historically
- Prepares for NC licensure
- Multiple counseling specialization options
Mount Olive, NC
University of Mount Olive
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Graduate Program
- CACREP Accredited Counseling Degree
- No GRE Required
- Completed in 2 Years
- No Psychology Background Needed
- 3 Courses Practicum Experience
- Small Class Sizes
- Multiple Career Settings Available
Pembroke, NC
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Master's - Master of Arts in Education in Professional School Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit hour program.
- CACREP and CAEP accredited.
- Hybrid learning formats available.
- Prepares for K-12 school counseling.
- Includes practicum and internship.
- Focus on advocacy and data collection.
- Meets NC licensure requirements.
- Experiential learning emphasized.
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- 12-credit hour curriculum.
- Meets NCASPPB LCAS requirements.
- Focus on addictive disorders.
- Includes psychopharmacology and addiction.
- Covers family impact of substance disorders.
- Addresses special populations in addiction.
- B- or higher required in courses.
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- CACREP-Accredited required
- Focus on clinical mental health
- Financial aid available
- Includes field experience
- Covers diagnosis and treatment
- Addictions counseling included
- For UNCP School Counseling graduates
- Master's - Master of Arts in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Meets LCMHC Licensure Standards
- Hybrid Program Format
- Professional Counselor Preparation
- Community Mental Health Focus
Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Online and On-Campus Options
- Two-Three Year Completion
- No GRE/MAT Required
- Multicultural Counseling Emphasis
- 700-hour Field Placement
- Professional Licensure Preparation
- Scientist-Practitioner Model
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit Master of Education
- CACREP Accredited through 2030
- On-campus, Online, Hybrid Options
- No GRE Required
- 3.0 Undergraduate GPA Recommended
- Interview Required for Admission
- Financial Aid Available
- National Counselor Examination Eligibility
- Doctorate - Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development
Concentration: Counseling and Counselor Education - Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Doctoral Program
- Multicultural Focus and Diversity
- Research and Practice Integration
- 60+ Graduate Credit Hours Required
- GRE Exam Mandatory
- On-Campus Delivery Method
- Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
- Advanced Counseling Technologies
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- Online master's degree program
- Three-year part-time format
- Professional licensure preparation
- No entrance exam required
- Multicultural curriculum focus
- Field experience opportunities
- Cohort-based learning model
- State of NC licensure eligible
- Master's - School Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 60-credit program
- On-campus and online options
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Prepares for licensure
- National Counselor Examination eligible
- Covers counseling theories
- Includes ethics training
Salisbury, NC
Catawba College
- Master's - Master of Health Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- No GMAT/GRE Required
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- Small Class Sizes
- Experiential Learning Focus
- Prepares for NCE Exam
- Supervised Clinical Internship
Wilmington, NC
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Graduate Certificate - Substance Use Disorders and Addictions Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Focus on LCAS credential
- Intensive 7.5-week courses
- Ethics and HIV/AIDS covered
- Financial aid available
- Meets NC licensure requirements
- Evening classes offered
- Credentialed faculty
Wingate, NC
Wingate University
- Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accreditation Pending
- Trauma-Informed Care Focus
- Diverse Student Development
- Ethical Decision-Making Training
- Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches
Winston-Salem, NC
Wake Forest University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: School Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Online and campus options.
- 60 semester hours required.
- Includes practicum and internship.
- Focus on K-12 school counseling.
- Prepares for licensure in NC.
- Combines theory and practice.
- Designed for working professionals.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling - Addiction
Online Learning - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Online format for flexibility.
- 60-semester hour requirement.
- Focus on addiction counseling.
- Prepares for licensure.
- No GRE required.
- Three-year completion time.
- Includes clinical experiences.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- CACREP-accredited online program
- 60 semester hours required
- Part-time online format
- Prepares for professional licensure
- Clinical mental health focus
- Comprehensive counseling curriculum
- Practicum and internship included
- Flexible for working professionals
Winston-Salem State University
- Master's - Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online CACREP-accredited program
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration
- National certification preparation
- Scholarship options available
- Multiple career pathway opportunities
- Supports diverse student populations
- State licensure eligible