9 Top Kentucky Masters in Counseling Programs for Licensed Practice

Kentucky needs qualified professionals with a master’s degree in counseling more than ever before. The state’s mental health situation is alarming – 746,000 adults experience mental illness and 40,000 school-aged children suffer from depression. Mental health services don’t deal very well with these growing numbers.

Kentucky ranks 39th out of 50 states in the “best states” category. However, the state has several excellent counseling programs that address this pressing issue. More than 3.2 million Kentuckians live in areas that lack adequate mental health professionals. This creates promising career opportunities for people pursuing clinical mental health counseling master’s degrees. The field will grow by 26% by 2030, which is substantially higher than the national average of 18%.

Kentucky’s average master’s degree counseling salary of $47,060 falls below the national average of $53,710. Yet the state’s need for these professionals remains crucial. Many institutions now provide online master’s degrees in counseling. These programs are a great way to get flexibility for working professionals and parents. Programs like the University of Louisville’s approach connect practice with psychology’s scientific foundations. This helps graduates make meaningful changes in Kentucky’s communities.

1. Asbury Theological Seminary

Asbury Theological Seminary is Kentucky’s only seminary that offers a Mental Health Counseling degree leading to professional licensure. The program gives you both counseling expertise and theological understanding to work in mental health settings of all types.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Asbury is a 75-credit hour program. You’ll become a professional counselor with strong foundations in clinical skills and spiritual integration. Students learn to help diverse communities heal and grow by blending Christian values with professional counseling skills.

After finishing the program, you’ll excel at clinical work in both individual and group settings and understand theoretical foundations clearly. The program focuses on:

• Professional behavior maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Ethical standards adherence
• Respect and sensitivity for persons from diverse backgrounds
• Integration of theology and counseling theory

Accreditation and licensure path

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Asbury’s mental health counseling program through March 31, 2033. Many states now require this prestigious accreditation for professional counselor licensure.

CACREP approval means your education meets professional standards through continuous peer review. The program also prepares you for your professional licensure exam, which opens up more career opportunities. Licensed counselors earn an average of 17.6% more than their non-licensed counterparts.

Each state has different requirements for licensure. Florida and Kentucky need 60 semester hours of counseling coursework to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Association (FL) or a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (KY). The seminary helps you understand these requirements and provides links to the National Board of Certified Counselors and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for state-specific details.

Tuition and delivery format

Asbury Seminary’s counseling program comes in several formats:

The program costs $712 per credit hour, bringing the total to $53,400 for all 75 credits. Additional costs include:

• Technology Fee: $225 per semester ($110 summer)
• Student Services Fee: $160 per semester ($80 summer)
• One-time Graduation Fee: $200

The good news is that Asbury makes education affordable. About 80% of students get some form of financial aid. The seminary gives out over 400 scholarships each year based on academic achievement, degree focus, financial need, and career goals. These scholarships range from $1,500 to $10,700.

Unique features

Asbury’s identity as a multi-denominational graduate school of theology with deep Wesleyan roots shapes its counseling program uniquely:

The program blends faith with counseling skills. You’ll study Christian faith while learning both historical and current counseling theories. Beyond core counseling subjects, you’ll study biblical and theological foundations and advanced cross-cultural counseling.

Students find a welcoming environment that helps them develop their unique vision and purpose. The seminary takes an all-encompassing approach to student success with support services ranging from physical fitness to mentoring, spiritual formation, counseling services, and academic help.

The seminary values diversity and brings a global point of view through its worldwide alumni who promote social justice and socioeconomic equality. Highly qualified professors teach small classes and give substantial personal attention in an authentic Christian community.

2. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University has two distinct masters degree in counseling programs: the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling. These programs prepare professionals to work in different counseling environments.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at EKU is a complete 60-credit hour program that prepares students to work in mental health settings of all types, including care centers, regional mental health centers, and hospitals. The program gives you the competencies needed to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

The Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling program creates professional counselors who work in PK-12 school settings with students from diverse backgrounds and their families. Students learn to support academic, career, and social-emotional needs while developing leadership skills for school settings.

Both programs feature coursework covering these key areas:

• Counseling theory and practice
• Process and basic techniques of counseling
• Group counseling
• Child and adolescent counseling
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Tests and measurements
• Crisis and grief counseling

The programs also include specialized courses based on concentration. Clinical mental health students study addiction disorders counseling and family counseling.

Accreditation and licensure path

Eastern Kentucky University maintains institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Both counseling programs have accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This ensures high educational standards recognized throughout the counseling profession.

The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) certifies school counselors in Kentucky. Students who complete EKU’s 60-credit School Counseling degree can apply for their Provisional Certificate right after graduation. The university’s office of Professional Education Services (PES) helps students with certification and rank change processes.

Tuition and delivery format

Students can take most courses online through EKU’s hybrid instructional model. This flexibility works well for working professionals. Tuition rates vary:

The entire Clinical Mental Health Counseling program costs about $32,460 for full-time, in-state students. Part-time graduate students pay an extra $16.67 per credit hour.

Unique features

EKU’s counseling programs have several standout elements:

Students receive free textbooks through EKU BookSmart, which reduces education costs by a lot. The university removes application fees and offers lower tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses.

The university provides strong clinical support and helps students find practicum and internship placements. These hands-on experiences are vital for developing practical counseling skills.

Faculty members provide individual-specific mentoring to help students get the most from their training. This personal attention helps students build essential competencies for professional practice.

Students can choose unique electives like play therapy and mindfulness practices. These options let them customize their education based on their interests and career goals.

3. Lindsey Wilson College

Lindsey Wilson College offers a Master of Education in Counseling program that takes a hands-on, community-focused approach to counselor education with a specialization in mental health counseling.

Program overview

The Master of Education in Counseling at Lindsey Wilson is a 60-credit hour program that helps you develop your passion to help others reach their full potential. Students learn both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare for licensure as a professional clinical counselor.

The program structure has:

• 30 credits of core coursework covering everything in Personal Growth and Development, Ethics in Professional Counseling, and Group Counseling Techniques
• 21 credits focused on clinical mental health counseling, including Mental Health Administration, Supervision, and Consultation
• Clinical instruction through a 150-hour practicum and 600-hour internship

Core courses highlight multicultural counseling, group therapy techniques, and career education counseling. Students learn about psychopathology, clinical diagnosis, and proper documentation of mental health disorders. Advanced coursework explores addiction theories, systemic family therapy, and specialized electives like Human Sexuality and Adolescent Intervention.

Accreditation and licensure path

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the program since 1996. This gold-standard accreditation shows the program meets strict counselor preparation standards.

The Master of Education in Counseling meets academic requirements to become a licensed professional counselor in several states:

• Kentucky
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia

These states accept the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) credentialing exam as the licensing exam. Students outside Kentucky should verify their state’s specific licensure requirements.

Tuition and delivery format

Tuition rates change based on delivery format:

Students pay a $64 technology fee and a $65 graduation fee. Eight-week courses help students complete their degree requirements quickly.

The School of Professional Counseling gives students flexible ways to learn:

• Weekend format at community campuses (Fridays 4-9 pm, Saturdays 9 am-4 pm)
• Online format with 8-week courses
• Evening classes at the Columbia campus

Unique features

Lindsey Wilson College started a mission to address academic and community needs in Appalachia and other regions. The college works with community colleges and mental health agencies in five states to make education available.

Students can earn a Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling while completing their master’s degree. This additional credential opens up more career opportunities.

The School of Professional Counseling uses advanced technologies to support students’ professional growth. Canvas manages online learning and the SPC Resource Center integrates Google Apps technologies.

Lindsey Wilson College will become a university on July 1, 2025, thanks to its soaring counseling programs. This change reflects the college’s growth and its doctoral program in counselor education and supervision that began in 2015.

4. Murray State University

Murray State University’s specialist-level counseling program builds clinical expertise by giving future practitioners extensive hands-on experience and detailed theoretical foundations.

Program overview

Murray State’s Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a thorough 60-hour CACREP-approved program that prepares students to provide clinical services in agencies, private practice, and other mental health settings as licensed professional counselors. The curriculum will give you expertise to provide individual, group, marriage, couple, and family counseling.

The program’s coursework covers:

• Foundational counseling techniques and theories
• Clinical diagnosis and treatment planning
• Advanced counseling skills and supervision
• Research methodologies and evidence-based practices
• Addictions and multicultural counseling
• Crisis and trauma counseling

Required courses include Methods of Research, Social Justice and Advocacy in Counseling, Theories of Counseling, Legal and Ethical Issues, Human Development, Multicultural Counseling, Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Career Counseling, Group Counseling, Counseling Children and Adolescents, Substance Use and Addictions Counseling, Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, and Trauma and Crisis Counseling.

Accreditation and licensure path

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2031. This accreditation shows the program meets rigorous professional standards through ongoing peer review.

The program meets all requirements outlined by the Kentucky Board of Licensed Counselors to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA). Graduates can pursue the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential in Kentucky after completing their postgraduate counseling hours as specified by the licensure board. This degree might lead to licensure in other states based on their requirements.

Tuition and delivery format

For the 2025-2026 academic year, graduate tuition rates at Murray State are:

Additional fees include:

• Online course fee: $50 per credit hour
• Asset Preservation fee: $10 per credit hour (capped at 15 credit hours per semester)
• Technology fee: $200 per semester (for 5+ credit hours)
• Racer Experience fee: $150 per semester (for 5+ credit hours)

A full-time graduate student in education programs can expect to pay approximately $22,478 per year, including housing, food, and other expenses.

Unique features

Murray State’s counseling program focuses on developing professional identity. The program’s mission supports “mental health through the preparation of theoretically grounded, clinically skilled and culturally competent counselors”.

The program emphasizes practical clinical experience with extensive field training. Students complete a 150-hour practicum and two internships totaling 900 hours of supervised practice. Students are encouraged to complete their field hours at multiple sites to ensure quality clinical experiences.

The program maintains high academic standards. Students need to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and cannot earn more than two Cs throughout the program. They must earn a B or better in foundational courses including Counseling Techniques, Practicum, and both Internships.

Murray State takes an all-encompassing approach to counselor education based on six core beliefs. These beliefs state that people can change, counseling relationships enable clients, everyone deserves respect and dignity, counseling aids personal awareness, theoretical foundations matter, and client environments and cultures substantially affect the counseling process.

5. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University offers a CACREP-accredited master’s degree in counseling through their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The program prepares graduates to provide direct client services in professional settings of all types.

Program overview

NKU’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a complete 60-credit hour program that gives you the skills to help children, adolescents, and adults. You can work in private practice, hospitals, community agencies, and government settings. The program combines theory with hands-on skills through carefully planned courses.

The core coursework (33 semester hours) has:

• Legal and ethical issues in counseling
• Counseling diverse populations
• Human development
• Career counseling
• Counseling techniques
• Theories in counseling and psychotherapy

On top of that, you’ll need 12 semester hours of specialized clinical mental health counseling courses. These cover family counseling, crisis intervention, and treatment planning. The program ends with 9 semester hours of supervised clinical training. This includes a 100-clock-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship experience.

Accreditation and licensure path

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This respected credential will give a solid foundation through continuous peer review.

The program readies graduates to become licensed counselors in Kentucky, Ohio, and many more states. The coursework lines up with standards set by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Counselors, the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Tuition and delivery format

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program’s tuition rates for 2025-26 are:

Classes run Monday through Thursday evenings. This works well for both full-time and part-time students. Working professionals can earn their master’s degree while keeping their jobs.

Unique features

NKU’s counseling program stands out in several ways. Full-time faculty with extensive clinical experience teach almost every course. Students learn from real-life practice.

The program maintains high academic standards. Students who get any grade below B- in foundation courses must get program director’s approval to continue.

Faculty members match each student’s learning needs with placements in a variety of schools and mental health centers throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Students get relevant experience that matches their career goals.

The program focuses on developing direct counseling skills with ethics and cultural awareness. Graduates leave ready to help clients in mental health settings of all types.

6. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky distinguishes itself with two masters-level counseling programs that got national recognition for their excellence and complete preparation.

Program overview

The University of Kentucky provides two masters degree counseling pathways. Students can choose between the Master of Counselor Education program with specialization tracks in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling. The rehabilitation counseling track has earned a spot among the top 10 programs nationwide according to U.S. News & World Report.

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology takes a different approach. This 48-credit hour, two-year program suits students who want to pursue doctoral studies instead of seeking licensure at the master’s level.

Both programs give you the fundamental counseling competencies through intensive coursework covering:

• Counseling theories and techniques
• Legal and ethical issues
• Human development
• Crisis intervention
• Diagnosis and treatment planning

Accreditation and licensure path

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling tracks have earned prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This credential shows that the programs meet high professional standards for curriculum, faculty, and clinical training.

Students should verify their state’s specific requirements for licensure before enrollment. The university helps by maintaining a database of licensure information for different states. While the program prepares graduates to apply for licensure as counseling professionals, securing appropriate credentials remains the student’s responsibility.

Tuition and delivery format

Graduate tuition rates for 2025-26 academic year vary by program classification:

The online master’s program features 8-week intensive courses during Spring and Fall semesters. Classes combine asynchronous and synchronous formats based on course needs. Summer terms typically include 12-week practicum and internship experiences.

Unique features

Students gain valuable research experience by working directly with faculty in labs and community-based groups. This hands-on experience encourages both academic and professional growth.

The program emphasizes ground training through required fieldwork hours. Faculty members make connections with potential sites easier, though students take primary responsibility for securing placements. Many students have completed their fieldwork entirely online through telehealth platforms.

The MS in Counseling Psychology program’s effectiveness shows in its impressive 92% success rate for graduates receiving doctoral program admission offers as of May 2024. This statistic demonstrates the program’s strength in preparing students for advanced study.

7. University of Louisville

The University of Louisville has achieved a 100% pass rate on clinical and school counseling licensure exams. This makes it an excellent choice for students who want to become mental health professionals.

Program overview

The University of Louisville offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling program that focuses on clinical mental health counseling. Students learn detailed instruction in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic techniques. The Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling and Personnel Services has concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Art Therapy, and Counseling Psychology. Students need to complete 36 credit hours across 12 courses in the School Counseling concentration. This prepares them to work as school counselors at the administrative level.

Accreditation and licensure path

The program meets Kentucky’s educational requirements for licensure. The university provides many resources to help students check if their programs meet requirements in other states. This is important because licensure regulations often change. Students should check state-specific requirements before they enroll. Moving to another state during the program could affect their eligibility.

Tuition and delivery format

Unique features

The university lets students combine evening campus classes with online coursework. Students like the program’s practical approach. They don’t need GRE scores to apply, and some students can get a 25% tuition reduction. The faculty brings valuable experience from urban environments. The program prepares graduates to earn Rank 1 certification in Kentucky, which leads to higher pay throughout their careers.

8. University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands has a fully online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. The program prepares students for licensure as professional counselors through an integrated approach to mental health care.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Cumberlands is a 60-credit hour program that gives you the skills to help people cope with anxiety, abuse, trauma, depression, and other mental health challenges. The curriculum has coursework in counseling theories, legal and ethical issues, human growth and development, clinical diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Key coursework has:

• Introduction to the Counseling Profession
• Theories in Counseling
• Human Growth and Development
• Group Counseling
• Multicultural Counseling
• Research Methods and Program Evaluation

Students complete academic requirements and undertake a practicum (100 hours). This is followed by two internships totaling 600 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Accreditation and licensure path

The program holds prestigious CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2033. This recognition shows the program meets rigorous professional standards needed for counselor licensure in many states.

Students can pursue licensure as professional counselors after graduation. Requirements vary by state, so students should check specific state licensure requirements before enrolling.

Tuition and delivery format

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program’s tuition rates for 2025 are:

Working professionals can pursue their masters degree in counseling through this fully online program. There are no in-person residency requirements.

Unique features

Cumberlands’ program takes an integrated approach to helping people develop coping mechanisms for mental health challenges. Graduates can make a positive difference in various settings. These include private practice, clinical mental health centers, community agencies, hospitals, and correctional facilities.

The university’s “One Price Promise” means your stated tuition covers all costs. Students won’t face hidden fees or additional textbook expenses. This clear pricing helps prospective students plan their finances better.

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University’s master’s degree in counseling programs give future practitioners specialized skills through three distinct CACREP-accredited tracks for aspiring counselors.

Program overview

WKU provides a 60-credit hour Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Counseling with three specialized concentrations: clinical mental health counseling; school counseling; and marriage, couple and family counseling. Each concentration prepares you for different professional settings. School counselors work on academic achievement and career development. Clinical mental health counselors help with behavioral concerns and mental illnesses. Marriage counselors focus on relationship therapy.

Accreditation and licensure path

The program’s three counseling concentrations have earned prestigious CACREP accreditation, which stands as the gold standard for counseling programs. This credential serves as the educational foundation needed for licensure in most states. State requirements can vary, so WKU has created resources with state-by-state licensing board information to help direct your post-graduation licensure path.

Tuition and delivery format

Graduate tuition runs $607 per credit hour for Kentucky residents and $917 for non-residents. Working professionals can attend classes during late afternoons and evenings. The marriage, couple, and family counseling program runs exclusively on the Bowling Green campus. The clinical mental health counseling program offers an online option.

Unique features

Students learn through hands-on experience at the on-campus Talley Family Counseling Center. The training includes therapeutic techniques and essential skills like client scheduling and progress notes. WKU’s ground application challenges and humbles confident students and promotes growth through reflection.

Pick the Best Kentucky Master’s in Counseling

Kentucky’s best counseling programs give you many ways to help with the state’s growing mental health crisis while building a rewarding career. Each program brings something special to the table. Asbury integrates faith into learning, Eastern Kentucky offers free textbooks, Lindsey Wilson has a substance abuse certificate option, and Murray State focuses on clinical expertise.

These CACREP-accredited programs share a steadfast dedication to excellence through detailed coursework, hands-on clinical experience, and solid preparation for licensure exams. The tuition costs are substantially different between schools, but most programs help make education more affordable with financial aid, military discounts, and flexible payment plans.

The programs really shine when it comes to flexible learning options. You can take weekend classes at Lindsey Wilson, attend evening sessions at Northern Kentucky, or head over to the University of the Cumberlands for fully online options. These schools understand what working professionals need when they’re pursuing advanced degrees.

The career outlook is bright for counseling graduates, especially when you have over 3.2 million Kentuckians living in areas that don’t have enough mental health professionals. The field is expected to grow by 26% through 2030, which is nowhere near the national average. That indicates plenty of job opportunities ahead.

Your choice will depend on your career goals, how you prefer to learn, and your budget. School counseling might be perfect if you love helping students. Clinical mental health programs are a great way to get experience in hospitals, private practice, and community agencies.

Whatever program you pick, a master’s degree in counseling helps you make a real difference in Kentucky communities while moving your career forward. These programs give you the theory and practical skills you need to succeed in this vital field.