8 Top Masters in Counseling in Washington State
Looking to pursue a master’s in counseling in Washington state? The timing couldn’t be better. Mental health disorders affect nearly 1.3 million people in Washington, and 30.1% can’t access the care they need.
The state’s mental health counseling field will grow by 23% by 2030. This creates many more opportunities for qualified professionals. Washington offers 17 Master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology at institutions of all sizes. Seattle University, Western Washington University, and Antioch University rank among the top choices. Seattle University’s Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling comes with CACREP accreditation, which guarantees education quality that meets industry standards. Students who need flexibility can choose from several online master’s programs. Seattle University’s online program stands out with its mix of asynchronous learning, summer residency and year-long practicum. This piece explores eight top-rated programs that could launch your counseling career successfully.
1. Seattle University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MAEd)
Seattle University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a top choice if you want to get a masters in counseling Washington state. The program helps create ethical, reflective, and multiculturally competent counseling professionals who can make a real difference in a variety of mental health settings.
Program overview
Seattle University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program shapes students into ethical, reflective, and multiculturally competent leaders who become agents of change in the field. The program’s value comes from its dual focus that gives graduates the skills they need for both mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment. Students who complete the program can work in clinical mental health facilities, hospitals, agencies, and college environments.
Students learn to understand mental health and substance abuse issues deeply while building strong clinical skills and promoting social justice. This all-encompassing approach means graduates can handle complex needs of different populations who need mental health support.
Accreditation and licensure
The counseling program has full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which leads the field in accrediting graduate counseling programs. Seattle University stands out as the first CACREP-accredited institution in Seattle and among the first in Washington state.
This respected accreditation brings several advantages:
- Your education covers all essential knowledge and skills
- You become more attractive to employers
- You’re ready for state licensure exams
- Moving between states for licensure becomes easier
- You have a strong foundation if you want to pursue doctoral studies
The program also prepares you for Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) certification and Washington State Substance Use Disorder Certification. This gives you many career options after you graduate.
Format and duration
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has a well-laid-out three-year format that works great for professionals. You’ll spend your first two years in classroom-based courses learning content knowledge and practical skills. Your final year focuses on hands-on experience through practicum and internship work, along with clinical coursework.
Classes happen once a week and last 3-4 hours. They usually start at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Most students take three courses each quarter, which means they’re on campus about three evenings weekly. The program runs on 10-week quarters for fall, winter, and spring, and 8-week quarters for summer.
Your third year starts with a 100-hour practicum (including 40 hours of direct client contact) in fall quarter. Then you’ll do a 600-hour internship (with 240 hours of direct client contact) at the same place during winter, spring, and summer quarters.
Seattle University tuition and financial aid
The 2024-25 academic year charges $735 per credit for Clinical Mental Health Counseling courses. Full-time students taking 9 credits per quarter can expect to pay $48,960 for the nine-month academic year if they live on or off campus. Students living with family members pay $34,554.
The good news is that 95.8% of Seattle University students get financial aid. The university gives out $145 million in scholarships, grants, loans, and employment assistance each year. Seattle University guarantees that institutional gift aid (scholarships and grants) stays the same for all four years if you maintain continuous enrollment and meet academic progress requirements.
Unique features
The counseling program has several features that make it different from other masters in counseling Washington state programs. Classes stay small with a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and students move through the three-year program together, which creates a supportive learning community.
The faculty brings both research knowledge and real counseling experience to the classroom. They all have doctoral degrees in counselor education and extensive field experience. Those teaching clinical courses hold full licenses.
Students get great internship support from a dedicated Internship Placement and Licensing Coordinator who helps them find the right internship opportunities from day one. This includes monthly workshops about finding sites, writing counseling resumes, preparing for interviews, and creating new internship opportunities.
The program stands alone nationally as the only one where graduates can pursue Washington State substance use disorder certification right after graduation. This means graduates can provide integrated care.
2. City University of Seattle – MA in Counseling
City University of Seattle’s Master of Arts in Counseling program puts social justice at its core. The program shows how these principles connect to mental health care for people from all walks of life. Students learn everything they need for licensure while studying how society’s big challenges affect mental health care delivery in Washington state.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling program at City University takes a closer look at how race, poverty, social injustices, gender issues, sexuality differences, and belief systems affect mental well-being. The program creates well-rounded mental health counselors through a practitioner-scholar model that prepares them for day-to-day practice.
The curriculum builds on these key elements:
- Practical application of theory
- Development of case conceptualization skills
- Ethical awareness and practice
- Appreciation of diversity and self-awareness
Students learn about many clinical issues from faculty who are practitioners themselves. Graduates become licensed mental health counselors who can deliver clinical services with a strong theoretical and ethical foundation.
Accreditation and licensure
The program’s quality shines through its Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation, which runs through 2024. This eight-year recognition verifies the program’s excellence and its faculty’s expertise.
After graduation, you can apply for Washington State associate licensure, your first step toward becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Just remember that each state has different licensing rules. If you want to practice outside Washington, check with your target state’s licensing agency before starting the program.
Format and duration
The program blends in-person classes, hands-on activities, online live meetings, and self-paced learning. This mix works great for working professionals while maintaining educational quality.
You’ll need 93 credits to graduate, including:
- 35 credits in core CACREP areas
- 39 credits in required courses outside the core
- 5 credits in depth coursework
- 14 credits in internships/practica
Hands-on training comes through practicum and internship experiences. Students complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship with direct client contact requirements.
Tuition and financial aid
Graduate courses in the School of Health and Social Sciences cost $710 per credit for 2025-26. The total comes to about $66,030 for all 93 credits.
The university makes education more affordable through:
- Federal grants and loans
- Work-study programs
- Quarterly institutional scholarships
- Military tuition discounts for active-duty service members
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at least two weeks before the quarter starts. Payment plans and financial advising help you manage your educational costs better.
Unique features
The program stands out because of its deep commitment to social justice principles. Students learn how systemic problems affect mental well-being in a variety of populations. Supporting individual, family, and community well-being means addressing social justice issues head-on.
Graduates find work in nonprofit counseling agencies, private practices, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, residential facilities, and hospitals. These options create excellent career flexibility.
The faculty brings their ground counseling experience to the classroom. They connect theory with practice through their practitioner-scholar approach. You’ll get both academic knowledge and practical skills to succeed as a mental health counselor in Washington state.
3. Northwest University – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Northwest University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program stands out with its Christian-integrated approach to counselor education. This 25-year-old program blends academic excellence with hands-on training to prepare skilled mental health professionals for Washington state licensure.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Northwest University helps students become licensed mental health counselors in Washington state. Students learn through lectures, discussions, research, and internships with a focus on multicultural understanding. Graduates can help people from different backgrounds and needs, which is vital for Washington state’s diverse mental health needs.
The program builds on core counseling basics with specialized courses like:
- Marriage and Couple Counseling
- Crisis Counseling and Abuse
- Group Counseling
- Biological Bases of Behavior: Psychopharmacology
- Child, Adolescent, and Family Counseling
This Washington state master’s program in counseling is unique because it weaves Christian values throughout the curriculum. Students develop an all-encompassing approach that looks at both spiritual and psychological aspects.
Accreditation and licensure
The program earned CACREP accreditation in 2023—the highest standard in counselor education. This recognition shows the program’s strength, the faculty’s commitment, and how well it trains students.
CACREP accreditation gives students several advantages:
- An easier path to licensure in most states
- Better credibility with employers and doctoral programs
- More internship and job opportunities
- Assurance of nationally recognized standards
Students can apply for licensure in Washington state after completing 3,000 supervised hours and passing a state exam. Students who want to practice in other states should check their specific requirements, as they differ by location.
Format and duration
Students can choose between campus-based or online learning. The campus program takes two years (six semesters). Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-10 pm with some weekend sessions.
The online program runs for three years (32 months) across nine semesters. Students must attend three campus residencies—one in the first semester, another in the first summer, and a third in the second summer. Each residency runs four days, Wednesday through Saturday.
Both options use a cohort model where students progress together. This builds trust, creates support networks, and often results in lasting professional relationships.
Tuition and financial aid
Campus-based students pay $860 per credit for 60 required credits. The total program cost is about $51,600 for 2025-26.
Online students pay $720 per credit, making the total around $43,200. Northwest University offers financial aid through FAFSA (school code 003783).
Financial help comes through federal loans, military benefits, and scholarships from civic, religious, and trade organizations.
Unique features
The program’s strength lies in its practical training. Students complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship with qualified supervisors. The Clinical Director helps each student find the right placement sites.
The program’s multicultural focus prepares graduates to help people from various backgrounds. This skill is crucial in Washington’s diverse communities.
Christian values integrated throughout the curriculum make this program special. Students learn an all-encompassing approach that combines spiritual and psychological foundations. Northwest University offers a unique path to becoming a licensed mental health counselor in Washington state through academic excellence and faith integration.
4. Western Washington University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Western Washington University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program combines hands-on skills with strong theory. WWU stands out as one of Washington state’s most respected counseling programs. Students get intensive supervised practice and thorough academic coursework.
Program overview
WWU’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program creates knowledgeable, skilled, and ethical counseling professionals who meet Washington state’s licensing requirements. The program aims to train counselors who value diversity, equity, and social justice—key qualities needed in today’s complex mental health world.
Students build a strong foundation in theory and applied counseling while they develop specialized skills through supervised practice. The curriculum covers:
- Evidence-based counseling approaches
- Multicultural counseling competencies
- Ethical decision-making
- Research-informed practice
- Collaborative professional relationships
Most graduates work in federal, state, and local clinics, private agencies, colleges, universities, and various mental health settings across Washington state.
Accreditation and licensure
The program holds prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This gold standard ensures the program meets national counselor preparation standards.
The program’s curriculum meets Washington State’s educational requirements to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. After graduating, you need to complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience. This experience must include at least 1,200 direct client hours and 100 supervision hours. You also need to pass either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE).
Format and duration
Students follow a well-laid-out two-year, full-time format that combines academic work with supervised clinical experiences. The program requires 91 credits for non-thesis and 97 credits for thesis options.
You’ll move through a carefully planned curriculum with a small group of peers. First-year students complete practicum hours at the campus Counseling Training Clinic during winter and spring quarters. They provide free counseling to community members under faculty supervision.
Second-year students do internships at clinical sites throughout the region on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays all academic year. Classes run during daytime hours on the Bellingham campus only.
Tuition and financial aid
This CACREP-accredited program’s specialized nature shows in its tuition costs. The 2025-26 academic year estimates are:
- Resident tuition: about $31,398 total for two years
- Non-resident tuition: about $59,358 total for two years
Teaching assistantships help with finances, usually available for one quarter in your first year. These positions come with a stipend and significant tuition waiver. Students can also access federal loans, grants, and work-study through the university’s Financial Aid Services Center.
Unique features
The program’s Counseling Training Clinic serves as an exceptional learning space. It has one large group room, four individual counseling rooms, and a specialized play therapy room with sand tray and toys for child/adolescent counseling. Each room has modern recording equipment to review sessions and supervision.
WWU keeps cohorts small—just six students each year—to give personal instruction and close faculty mentoring. This small setting helps students grow professionally throughout the program.
The faculty’s steadfast dedication to student success shows in their extensive supervision during practicum and internship experiences. Their mix of research and clinical practice expertise gives students a balanced view of modern counseling approaches.
5. Gonzaga University – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Gonzaga University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program fosters counseling professionals through a cohort-based curriculum. The program balances theory with hands-on experience. This 1887-old institution gives students the tools they need to succeed in Washington state’s evolving mental health field.
Program overview
The Master’s program gives graduates the professional training to work in private practices, public agencies, and non-profit organizations. Students develop their own counseling theories and learn to serve clients ethically. The curriculum connects research with real-world experience and builds professional skills through supervised community internships.
Core courses cover Ethics and Law in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Theories, Trauma, Crisis and Grief, Human Growth & Development, and Psychopathology & Psychopharmacology. The program’s excellence shows in its 100% NCE Exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate (2024).
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Gonzaga’s counseling program. This independent accreditation confirms that the program meets all standards needed to produce skilled counselors. CACREP accreditation makes it easier to get state licensure, which most states either require or prefer.
Format and duration
Students progress through a structured two-year program in cohorts of about 22 people starting each fall. First-year classes run Tuesday through Thursday during the day. Second-year courses happen on Wednesdays, which lets students complete internships on other weekdays. The program requires 40 credits in year one and 19 credits in year two, adding up to 60 credits.
Tuition and financial aid
The program costs $1,190 per credit, with a total investment of about $71,400. Graduate students can get up to $20,500 in federal loans each year. Students can also access scholarships for international students, a $1,000 yearly scholarship for AmeriCorps members, and flexible payment plans.
Unique features
The program’s cohort model creates a shared learning space where students grow together and support each other. The hands-on training includes:
- 100 hours of practicum experience during the first year
- 600 internship hours (including 240 hours of direct client service) in the second year
The university’s Internship Coordinator maintains strong community ties to match students with their preferred sites and handles paperwork. Each student works with a faculty advisor and receives support from the Student Services team for course scheduling, library access, career services, and other resources.
6. Saint Martin’s University – MA in Counseling
Saint Martin’s University’s Master of Arts in Counseling program combines Benedictine values with detailed mental health training. The program is based in Lacey, Washington. Students develop clinical skills while focusing on personal growth and ethical practice throughout their educational experience.
Program overview
The MA in Counseling program prepares students to become professional counselors. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical applications. Students can choose between two specialized tracks: Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. Both tracks help students prepare for state licensure and develop advanced counseling skills. The coursework covers everything in counseling theories, multicultural counseling, group dynamics, assessment techniques, and ethical practice.
Accreditation and licensure
The counseling program meets Washington state’s educational requirements for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). Your chosen track determines your path. After graduation, you’ll need to complete supervised clinical hours required by the Washington State Department of Health for full licensure. Graduates start with associate licenses while meeting these requirements.
Format and duration
Students need to complete 60-90 credit hours based on their specialization track. Evening classes accommodate working professionals. Full-time students usually finish the program in 2-3 years. Part-time options might take longer. The program has sections for practicum and internship that give vital hands-on training in counseling settings.
Tuition and financial aid
The university’s graduate tuition rates compete well with other masters in counseling programs in Washington state. Several financial aid options are available:
- Federal and private student loans
- Graduate assistantships with partial tuition remission
- Merit-based scholarships for qualifying students
- Payment plans to distribute costs across the academic year
Unique features
The program stands out by integrating Benedictine values into counselor education. These values include listening, hospitality, community, and respect for persons. Small class sizes help build strong relationships between faculty and students. Experienced faculty members provide personal mentorship and help you develop your identity as a counselor.
7. University of Puget Sound – MEd in Counseling
The University of Puget Sound’s Master of Education in Counseling program prepares students to become change agents in school counseling or clinical mental health counseling careers. Students gain deep theoretical knowledge and practical skills through a unique shared learning approach over five semesters.
Program overview
The MEd in Counseling program equips graduates with essential counseling skills through a complete curriculum that works in many contexts. Students participate in shared learning activities to promote social and emotional growth of people, groups, families, and organizations. The program teaches you to employ multiple counseling and human development theories that shape your practice.
Accreditation and licensure
The program holds full accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Graduates benefit from this prestigious accreditation when seeking licensure as mental health counselors in Washington State. They receive credit for 50 hours of postgraduate supervision and 500 hours toward postgraduate experience requirements.
Format and duration
The curriculum follows CACREP standards as a 15-unit program over five semesters. Strong Puget Sound undergraduate students can take an accelerated path by connecting with the program early. Students learn together in cohorts, creating an interactive environment that builds strong professional relationships.
Tuition and financial aid
Tuition costs $5,155 per unit for 2025-26, with a total program investment around $77,325. First-year charges reach $38,947 including student fees, and second-year costs match this amount. Students can access need-based and merit-based financial aid. The FAFSA helps 65% of students receive financial support.
Unique features
Small cohort sizes and strong mentoring relationships make this program special. Full-time professors bring extensive counseling experience from different settings to the classroom. Students build deep connections in the shared learning environment that often last beyond graduation, with alumni maintaining professional support networks.
8. Eastern Washington University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Eastern Washington University offers a budget-friendly, hands-on MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that emphasizes practical application. The program, located in Cheney, is one of the most available options for future counselors who want to get licensed in Washington state.
Program overview
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling gets students ready to work in a variety of professional settings such as mental health centers, hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and vocational rehabilitation services. Students learn through a mix of theoretical foundations, applied techniques, and research-based practices that create skilled counselors. The program goes beyond teaching concepts. Classes revolve around four core objectives: foundation skills development, functional mastery of therapy techniques, counseling principles coverage, and professional self-awareness. Practical application gets special attention, and students start practicing their skills early with customized feedback.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has fully accredited the program. This prestigious recognition means the program meets Washington State’s requirements for mental health counselor licensing. Students can take the NBCC exam for National Counselor Certification after graduation.
Format and duration
The program offers flexible learning through a mix of in-person and online classes, with both live and self-paced components. Students need to complete 93 total credits in this detailed curriculum. They get plenty of chances to develop their self-awareness as it relates to counseling throughout their studies.
Tuition and financial aid
EWU stands out with the lowest in-state tuition among Washington’s public universities. Resident students pay $11,691 per year, while non-residents pay $27,153. The Financial Aid Office helps each student create customized financial strategies that fit their unique situation. Every student should fill out the FAFSA whatever their income level since some aid might be merit-based instead of need-based.
Unique features
Students learn to develop multicultural skills and show a dedication to social justice and ethical practices. The program teaches students to blend counseling with other advocacy services for children, families, and clients who face crisis, disaster, trauma, and addiction challenges. While the program is budget-friendly, it maintains high standards. Students must pass a detailed examination to show they’ve mastered key concepts.
Choose the Right Program in Washington
Picking the right master’s in counseling program is a crucial step to help address Washington state’s growing mental health needs. This piece highlights eight outstanding programs that offer different paths to become a licensed mental health counselor in Washington. These programs have unique strengths and maintain strict CACREP accreditation standards that guarantee quality education and simplified licensure processes.
Washington’s mental health scene presents both hurdles and possibilities. Almost 1.3 million residents face mental health disorders, and more than 30% can’t get the services they need. Your choice to study counseling helps fill this vital social gap. On top of that, the field is set to grow by 23% by 2030, which creates great career prospects for qualified professionals.
Each program brings something different to the table. Seattle University shines with its dual preparation focus and substance use disorder certification. Northwest University weaves Christian views into its curriculum. City University puts social justice at its core, while Western Washington University keeps its cohorts small to provide customized instruction.
These programs offer different levels of flexibility. Some schools give you online or hybrid options alongside regular campus classes. Tuition runs from about $43,200 to $77,325, but most programs are a great way to get financial support through scholarships, assistantships, and federal funding.
Whatever program you pick, you’ll get detailed preparation that combines theory with hands-on clinical experience. The required practicum and internship make sure you’re ready to serve clients of all types when you graduate.
Your trip toward becoming a mental health counselor in Washington state starts with choosing a program that matches your values, career goals, and priorities. These eight programs give you excellent launching points for your counseling career and prepare you to make lasting impacts in Washington’s mental health community.