7 Best Counseling Schools in Rhode Island: Top Master’s Programs 2025
Are you searching for counseling schools near you in Rhode Island? This small state provides strong educational opportunities, especially if you want a rewarding career in counseling.
Rhode Island faces a critical shortage of mental health clinicians. Eight federally qualified health centers operate with inadequate provider-to-patient ratios. The timing to enter this field couldn’t be better. The University of Rhode Island’s new Master of Science in Mental and Behavioral Health Counseling program starts in 2025. Students can apply starting January. The program will begin with 10 students and aims to generate $450,000 in revenue once it reaches full capacity with 40 students.
Students learning about counselor programs nearby will find multiple degree levels and specialization opportunities throughout the state. Rhode Island College’s offerings serve as a great example. The college provides both a Certificate of Graduate Study in advanced counseling and a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling. These programs lead to a career that meets personal goals and provides room for professional advancement.
Johnson & Wales University – Providence
Johnson & Wales University ranks among Rhode Island’s best counseling schools with its nationally recognized graduate programs. The university helps future mental health professionals through two master’s paths—Addiction Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs.
Program overview
The Providence campus offers a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling program that creates skilled clinicians in just 18 months of full-time study. Students can also choose a part-time option to finish their degree in 3 years by taking two courses each semester.
The program teaches professionals to prevent substance abuse and help people with addictive disorders. The university earned prestigious recognition for its counseling programs, as both the Addiction Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs received accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Curriculum and format
Students need 60 credits to graduate, including 12 core courses, 4 electives, a practicum, and an internship. Classes meet Monday through Thursday in late afternoons and evenings. This schedule lets students complete their fieldwork during daytime hours and weekends.
Students learn to turn theory into positive, ethical client interactions and interventions. Full-time faculty members teach most courses and bring expertise in specialties like:
- Clinical counseling
- Addictions counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- Trauma counseling
- Rehabilitation counseling
Students progress through five consecutive semesters of coursework and spend 12 months gaining field experience.
Accreditation and licensure
CACREP accreditation represents the highest standard in counseling. This credential comes after a thorough review that looks at:
- Learning environment
- Counseling core curriculum
- Professional practice
- Program evaluation
- Specialty areas
The Director of Counselor Education Programs, Cheryl Almeida, says “A degree from a CACREP-accredited program is widely recognized by licensing boards, community agencies, practitioners, and national professional associations as a hallmark of excellence, making it a valuable credential for aspiring counselors”.
Tuition and affordability
Graduate tuition costs $842 per credit, making the total program cost about $50,520 for 60 credits. Students should also plan for:
- Student health insurance: $2,840 annual fee
- International student services fee (if applicable): $1,386 ($693 per semester)
JWU helps make this investment manageable by offering institutional scholarships and grants to over 98% of on-ground students. Students can get financial aid using FAFSA code 003404.
Clinical training opportunities
Practical experience sits at the heart of JWU’s counseling program. Students complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship under clinical supervision. This hands-on work lets them use their professional knowledge in real-life settings.
The university’s counseling training laboratory gives students hands-on training from licensed professionals. During their clinical work, students learn to diagnose, assess, test, and treat various issues in addiction counseling, treatment, and prevention programs.
Students who need extra time to finish their 600-hour internship can sign up for Clinical Supervision Advising – Post Internship, which requires a fee each semester until completion.
Who it’s best for
This Addiction Counseling program works best for:
- Career-changers wanting to work in mental health counseling
- Working professionals needing evening classes and flexible schedules
- Students seeking CACREP accreditation to boost their career prospects
- People who want to finish their master’s quickly (18 months) or need part-time options
- Those focusing on addiction and substance abuse counseling
Evening classes help students keep their jobs while studying. The university’s strong clinical partnerships give graduates the experience they need to start counseling right after graduation.
Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College runs one of the most respected counseling programs in the state from its Providence campus. This New England institution is a 60-year-old hub for training mental health professionals.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rhode Island College helps students become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) through a strong curriculum. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that guarantees personal attention throughout their learning experience. The program shows its strength with a 100% employment rate at graduation, proving how well it prepares students for their careers.
RIC’s faculty members bring their expertise as licensed practitioners to the classroom and remain available to help students. They take part in professional advocacy at local and national levels. Many faculty members earned recognition for their work in counseling and psychology through publications, presentations, and research funding.
Curriculum and format
Students need 60 credits to complete the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The curriculum splits into three main parts:
- Foundations Component – Core courses cover Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice, Human Development across Cultures, Theories and Methods of Counseling, and Crisis Assessment and Intervention
- Practicum Component – Four sequential practicum courses build progressive counseling skills
- Internship Component – Advanced clinical internships provide real-life experience
Evening classes make the program available to working professionals. Students learn to provide assessment, therapy, consultation, and prevention services that meet the needs of individuals, families, and groups in mental health settings.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program through March 31, 2033. This national recognition confirms that the program meets the counseling profession’s training standards.
The program prepares graduates to become licensed mental health counselors in Rhode Island. Students who complete the curriculum meet all academic requirements for LMHC licensure and can start their professional practice.
Tuition and affordability
RIC’s counseling program costs less than many others in the region. The 2023-2024 academic year graduate tuition rates were $11,300 for in-state students and $27,299 for out-of-state students. These rates are lower than the national average of $12,201 for in-state and $29,084 for out-of-state tuition.
Most students get financial help – 71% of first-year students receive need-based aid. First-year students typically get $8,242 in need-based scholarships or grants, plus $2,319 in non-need-based scholarships.
Clinical training opportunities
Clinical training is a key part of RIC’s counseling program. Students work under supervision to develop their skills in assessment, therapy, consultation, and prevention services. The practicum sequence builds skills through four levels:
- Practicum I: Introduction to Counseling Skills
- Practicum II: Clinical Interviewing and Treatment Planning
- Practicum III: Advanced Counseling Skills
- Practicum IV: Advanced Clinical Interventions
After completing these practicums, students spend two semesters in advanced clinical internships with experienced supervisors. These placements happen in mental health centers, family service agencies, psychiatric hospitals, and residential programs of all types.
Who it’s best for
RIC’s counseling program works best for:
- Students who want quality education at a lower cost
- Working professionals needing evening classes
- People pursuing LMHC licensure in Rhode Island
- Those who value close faculty interaction
- Students looking for varied clinical experiences
The program helps people working in mental health or related fields advance their careers through professional licensure. Career-changers find job security in this growing field, thanks to the program’s strong employment outcomes.
Mental health counselor jobs grow three times faster than other occupations, making RIC’s program a smart career choice. Students gain solid theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills through supervised practice. This combination creates graduates ready to step into counseling roles immediately.
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island will launch its new Master of Science in Mental and Behavioral Health Counseling (MBHC) program. This program aims to meet the state’s just need for qualified mental health professionals. Students looking for counselor programs in Rhode Island can apply starting January 2025 for the first summer cohort.
Program overview
URI’s MBHC program follows the Practitioner-Scholar model. The program helps students become skilled at improving mental health and overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The program starts with about 10 students in 2025 and will grow to include 40 students at full capacity. This careful growth strategy will give a customized learning experience.
The program builds on three core principles:
- Empirically-based intervention methods
- Professional values, attitudes, and behaviors
- Integration of psychological science and practice
Rhode Island ranks third nationwide in meeting its population’s mental health care needs at 58.1%. Yet eight federally qualified health centers don’t deal very well with provider-to-patient ratios. This program comes at a vital time to strengthen the state’s mental health infrastructure.
Curriculum and format
Students must complete 66 credits to graduate. The program takes two years to complete, starting and ending in summer. Students receive broad training in these key areas:
- Intervention and assessment methods
- Ethics and professional standards
- Individual and cultural diversity
- Core areas of psychology (biological and social aspects of behavior)
- Research consumption and psychometrics
The program focuses on cognitive-behavioral approaches but teaches various psychotherapies and treatment methods. Faculty members review student progress through clinical training assessments each semester and yearly reviews.
Accreditation and licensure
The MBHC program seeks American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation. URI’s 50-year-old clinical psychology doctorate program already holds this prestigious credential. The curriculum lines up with APA requirements for master’s program accreditation.
The program meets educational requirements for Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensure in Rhode Island. Graduates need to complete 2,000 hours of post-graduate supervised counseling experience over at least two years. They must also pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination.
Tuition and affordability
Graduate tuition at URI for the 2025-26 academic year changes based on where you live:
- In-state: $16,530
- Out-of-state: $32,186
- Regional: $24,796
These amounts include required fees: registration fee ($60), health services fee ($646), technology fee ($360), and student services fee ($1,010). Students might need to pay an additional accident/sickness insurance fee of $3,512. This fee can be waived with proof of similar coverage.
Total costs, including books, transportation, and personal expenses, range from $37,662 to $59,508 based on residency and living arrangements.
Clinical training opportunities
URI’s on-campus Psychological Consultation Center offers students real-world experience. Students work with actual clients under supervision and develop their clinical skills. The university also partners with places like Rhode Island Hospital for internship opportunities.
URI’s Counseling Center helps over 1,200 students each year. The center provides complete training for graduate students in psychology, social work, and mental health counseling. Licensed professionals supervise trainees who help with individual therapy, group counseling, crisis intervention, and outreach programs.
Who it’s best for
The MBHC program works best for:
- Students who want to build a career in mental health counseling with strong empirical foundations
- People looking for a quick path to professional practice (two-year program)
- Those who value real-life experience in different clinical settings
- Students seeking programs that match Rhode Island LMHC requirements
- People who like a balanced mix of psychological science and practical application
The program starts in summer 2025. This gives future students a chance to join the first group of this promising addition to Rhode Island’s counseling education landscape.
Johnson & Wales University – Online
JWU’s online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program gives busy professionals a flexible path toward a counseling career. This fully accredited online program matches its on-campus version’s academic standards while letting students learn from anywhere.
Online program overview
JWU’s online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master of Science program prepares graduates to become professional counselors. Students can complete the program in 18 months of full-time study. They also have the option to spread their studies over three years by taking two courses each semester.
The program helps students become skilled at counseling by blending theory with hands-on client interactions. Students learn everything they need to become ethical, professional counselors.
Graduates demonstrate expertise in several areas:
- Professional ethics that line up with American Counseling Association standards
- Counseling skills for clients from different backgrounds
- Assessment methods based on human growth theories
- Career development concepts and theories
- Counseling approaches focused on wellness
Curriculum and format
Students need 60 total credits to graduate. The program includes 12 core courses, 4 electives, a practicum, and an internship. Unlike the Providence campus, online students can complete their coursework at any time. This setup works well for professionals who need to balance work and study.
Students turn theory into practice under expert faculty guidance. They study group dynamics, advanced assessment, research methods, and ways to treat various mental health disorders.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited this program. CACREP’s approval came after a thorough review of the program’s learning environment, curriculum, professional practice, and evaluation methods.
JWU can offer online courses in 49 states (except California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands through State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
Tuition and affordability
Graduate tuition costs $842 per credit hour or $2,526 for each 3-credit course. The complete 60-credit program costs about $50,520.
Students must pay extra each semester if they need more time to finish their 600-hour internship beyond the standard two semesters. This extension requires enrollment in Clinical Supervision Advising – Post Internship.
Clinical training opportunities
Students get hands-on experience through supervised practicum and internship work, even in the online format. They start with a 100-hour practicum and move on to a 600-hour internship where they apply their knowledge in actual settings.
Students develop their clinical skills with guidance from experienced supervisors during these experiences. This practical training ensures graduates can work effectively wherever they’re located.
Who it’s best for
The program works best for:
- Professionals who need to balance work and education
- Students who live far from quality counseling programs
- Independent learners who do well with flexible schedules
- People wanting CACREP-accredited education without moving
- Students who value dedicated academic advisor support
JWU Online supports students from enrollment through graduation. They get 24/7 access to tutoring, writing help, and math and finance support. This complete support system ensures online students receive education equal to campus-based learning.
Providence College
Providence College offers a Master of Education in School Counseling program that stands out from the rest. The program shapes graduates into key team members of school guidance departments across Rhode Island and beyond.
Program overview
The School Counseling Master’s Program follows standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students get a strong foundation that blends theory with real-world practice. Graduates learn to create and run complete school counseling programs that work for students at every stage of development.
Students who finish the program can qualify for Rhode Island certification as PK-12 School Counselors. The program teaches critical concepts from the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model. Students become fluent in quality research and learn to exploit data from many sources.
Curriculum and format
The School Counseling Program has 14 courses split into three main parts:
- Common core sequence of foundational courses
- Track-specific specialization for school counseling
- Field component that ends with two full semesters of internship
Every course includes hands-on experience. The final two courses—EDU 561 (Internship I) and EDU 568 (Internship II)—give students two full semesters with 150 hours each of real school experience. Students learn to assess, analyze data from different sources, and step into leadership roles in schools.
Accreditation and licensure
The Rhode Island Department of Education has approved this program for certification at elementary, middle, and secondary school levels. Certification requires 300 hours of school internship. Students must score at least 159 on the Praxis II Professional School Counselor Test 5422.
Summer 2025 brings something new. Providence College will add an online Social Emotional Learning certificate program. This addition matches Rhode Island Department of Education’s focus on SEL standards.
Tuition and affordability
Providence College sets its 2025-2026 graduate tuition rates to match its status as a top private school. Three scholarship funds—Monahan, Sullivan, and Coccia—help deserving underrepresented students in Master’s of Education programs with tuition grants.
The John Monahan Scholarship Fund helps minority students get their graduate education degrees at Providence College. These financial options make this valuable credential more accessible.
Clinical training opportunities
Clinical training is key to PC’s counseling program. Rhode Island school counselors guide graduate interns during their final field experience. Students put their classroom knowledge to work in real situations.
The internship phase gives students enough time to grow both personally and professionally. Certified professional school counselors with three years of experience who know the CACREP Standards must supervise students.
Who it’s best for
Providence College’s School Counseling program works best if you:
- Want Rhode Island PK-12 certification as a school counselor
- Like programs that follow CACREP standards
- Value hands-on experience throughout your studies
- Want to learn data analysis skills that help students learn
- Have interest in Social Emotional Learning’s growing field
The program shines brightest if you want to work in schools and build expertise in complete school counseling programs that serve students from all backgrounds.
Salve Regina University
Salve Regina University sits in Newport, offering a unique Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling program. This 60-credit program blends outstanding counselor education with a viewpoint that looks at mental health through systemic, integrated, and justice-centered lenses.
Program overview
The Clinical Counseling program offers advanced training with two specialized tracks: integrated clinical mental health counseling and clinical rehabilitation counseling. Both specializations give students the knowledge and skills they need to practice in settings of all types.
Students complete the program in about three years through 19 courses that build clinical skills step by step. The curriculum takes a justice-centered and anti-racist approach. Students learn to value all human beings through community-based clinical work and client advocacy.
Curriculum and format
The program combines traditional counseling coursework with advanced training in evidence-supported integrated perspectives and clinical rehabilitation counseling. Students can take up to 12 credits before choosing their specialization path.
The integrated clinical mental health counseling specialization teaches students to understand clients from a body/mind/spirit viewpoint. It draws wisdom from counseling, psychology, neuroscience, multicultural studies, and transformative theory. Classes run in hybrid format or in-person at the Newport campus. The clinical rehabilitation specialization runs fully online in a synchronous format, making it available to distance learners.
Accreditation and licensure
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits Salve Regina University. The Clinical Counseling program matches Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. This rigorous curriculum prepares graduates to practice in settings of all types.
Graduates from both specializations can get licensed as mental health counselors in Rhode Island and other states. Clinical rehabilitation students can also apply for certification as Rehabilitation Counselors.
Tuition and affordability
Master’s programs at Salve Regina cost $760 per credit for the 2025-2026 academic year. Each semester includes an $80 fee. Students need to plan for living expenses ($7,670 per semester), books and supplies ($1,000 per semester), transportation ($750 per semester), and personal expenses ($1,200 per semester).
Clinical training opportunities
Clinical training is important to Salve Regina’s counseling program. Students complete 700 hours of clinical work in community settings during their practicum and internship experiences. They receive 45 hours of clinical supervision in the community and 145 hours of supervision in the classroom.
The program focuses on ethical practices, multicultural competencies, and integrated treatment planning through a whole-person approach. Students can explore creative approaches through the university’s Expressive Arts Institute. The institute offers training to merge visual arts, movement, sound, and expressive writing for healing and self-discovery.
Who it’s best for
Salve Regina’s Clinical Counseling program works best for:
- Early-career professionals looking to advance in the mental health field
- Students who like an integrated, systems-oriented approach to counseling
- People interested in clinical rehabilitation counseling who prefer online learning
- Those wanting mental health counselor licensure in Rhode Island
- Students who value a justice-centered viewpoint in mental health practice
The program’s faculty includes full-time scholars and community-based professionals. They create dynamic learning spaces that prepare graduates for careers in this growing field.
Roger Williams University
Bristol’s Roger Williams University stands out with its Master of Arts in Forensic Mental Health Counseling program. The program ranks among just 10 specialized programs nationwide that equip students to work with forensic populations, including incarcerated individuals and court-ordered mentally ill patients.
Program overview
The Forensic Mental Health Counseling program requires 60 credit hours completed over two years of full-time study. Students learn to provide mental health services in legal settings. The program also builds a strong foundation for students who plan to pursue Psy.D. programs. Students complete over 200 hours of practicum work and gain 600 hours of hands-on internship experience with forensic populations.
Curriculum and format
The program’s structure combines 48 credit hours of interactive classroom learning with 12 credit hours of intensive clinical fieldwork. Core courses include:
- Forensic Psychology
- Introduction to Clinical Assessment
- Methods of Psychotherapy
- Law and Mental Health
Students learn risk assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment planning alongside theoretical knowledge.
Accreditation and licensure
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits the university, which represents the highest standard for U.S. institutions. The program prepares graduates to become licensed mental health counselors with LMHC, LCMHC, or LPC credentials. Licensure requirements include post-graduate supervised work experience and board examinations.
Tuition and affordability
RWU’s graduate tuition costs vary by credit load:
- 12-credit semester: $28,224 annually
- Student fees: $980
- Total costs with housing: $53,694-$72,318
Clinical training opportunities
Clinical experience develops through three stages:
- Clinical Practicum I (spring first year): 60 hours
- Clinical Practicum II (summer): 120 hours
- Clinical Internship: 600 hours over two semesters
Licensed psychology faculty lead weekly small group supervision sessions, complementing on-site supervision.
Who it’s best for
The program serves students who want to become mental health counselors in forensic settings. Students get specialized forensic psychology training while meeting licensure requirements. Graduates have a competitive edge when working with justice system-involved clients.
Pick a Rhode Island Master’s in Counseling Today
Rhode Island packs exceptional counseling programs into its tiny borders. This piece highlights seven outstanding programs that create paths to an achieving career in mental health services.
The state faces a critical shortage of mental health providers today. Students can choose from addiction counseling at Johnson & Wales, clinical mental health programs at Rhode Island College, or specialized forensic training at Roger Williams University. These programs create multiple paths for professional growth.
Your program’s accreditation matters greatly. Most programs listed hold prestigious CACREP accreditation. This ensures quality education that meets industry standards and helps with licensure requirements.
These schools understand the need for flexibility. Rhode Island College runs evening classes for working professionals. Johnson & Wales lets students choose between in-person and online formats. Students can take part-time options to balance their commitments and complete programs in three years instead of two.
Program costs vary substantially. Rhode Island College gives great value to in-state students. Private schools like Johnson & Wales and Salve Regina help offset higher tuition with institutional scholarships.
Hands-on training is necessary to these programs. Providence College’s school-based internships and URI’s on-campus Psychological Consultation Center give students real experience before graduation. This practical training helps graduates enter the job market confidently.
Now is the perfect time to study counseling in Rhode Island. The state ranks third nationwide in meeting mental health needs but still needs more providers. Your skills will help the community while building a stable career.
The right choice depends on your career goals, preferred learning style, and budget. Every Rhode Island counseling program will give you the knowledge, skills, and credentials to improve your community’s mental health landscape meaningfully.