7 Top Masters in Counseling Arizona Programs

Want to get a master’s in counseling in Arizona? You’re on the right path to an excellent career with strong growth ahead. Mental health counselors in Arizona will see a 54% job growth by 2030. This makes counseling one of the most promising careers in the state.

The median salary of $49,710 means counseling gives you meaningful work and financial stability. Arizona has over 15 schools that offer programs in all five major counseling specialties. You can choose from ASU Masters in Counseling programs to University of Phoenix Masters in Counseling degrees. Five schools now provide hybrid and online formats. This makes education available even if you can’t attend regular classes. You’ll find programs that match your career goals, whether you want CACREP accredited programs in Arizona or the Masters in Counseling University of Arizona provides.

This piece looks at seven top-rated counseling master’s programs in Arizona currently accepting students. We cover everything from unique specializations like human sexuality at Prescott College to ASU’s focus on multicultural competencies. Each program overview has essential details about accreditation, tuition costs, format flexibility, and licensure preparation. These details will help you choose the right counseling education path.

1. Prescott College – MS in Counseling

Prescott College’s Master of Science in Counseling started in 1994 as a Limited-Residency Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree. The program evolved into an MS in Counseling in 2013. This 29-year-old program reflects the college’s original vision from the 1960s to develop leaders who can tackle society’s environmental and social challenges.

Key features

Students need 60 semester credit hours to complete the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) specialization. Prescott College stands out because it lets students tailor their education through five specialty areas:

• Addictions Counseling
• Human Sexuality Counseling
• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• Social Justice in Counseling
• Somatic Counseling

Students can also earn post-graduate certificates in Adventure-based Counseling, Nature-based Counseling, and Expressive Arts Therapy. These credentials will give a unique edge to your therapeutic practice – something you won’t find in many other Arizona counseling programs.

The well-laid-out curriculum combines theory and skill-building with hands-on clinical experiences. Students complete both practicum and internship requirements. The online degree includes a three-credit practicum and six-credit internship. This blend of coursework and supervised practice helps students become ethical and competent mental health counselors while meeting professional licensure requirements.

CACREP accreditation

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the Master of Science in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health specialization. This prestigious recognition shows the program’s excellence and commitment to professional standards.

CACREP accreditation opens doors for your career. Most employers and state licensing boards look for graduates from CACREP-accredited programs. The program meets all requirements for professional licensure in Arizona.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited the college until 2030. Since 2015, Prescott College’s Arizona Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement lets them offer online programs to students nationwide.

Tuition and scholarships

The program costs $830 per credit, which comes to about $49,800 for all 60 credits. Prescott College makes quality education accessible through several financial aid options.

Students can receive graduate-level scholarships through the regular admissions process. Ph.D. students get substantial financial support based on their application strength and experience. The amounts vary by enrollment:

• Full-time (12+ credits): $4,000 per term
• Three-quarter time (9-11 credits): $3,000 per term
• Half-time (6-8 credits): $2,000 per term

Prescott’s endowed scholarships help enrolled students further. One main application lets you apply for most of these competitive awards, which can reach up to $7,300.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you get the most financial support. Prescott College aims to support all qualified students who need financial help.

Online/hybrid format

The MS in Counseling uses a limited-residency model where students complete most work online. This format gives you flexibility without compromising quality. Students attend a three-day residency (colloquium) at Prescott College’s campus in their first year.

Spring 2026 students must attend a virtual New Student Orientation on January 7, 2026, and a virtual three-day Colloquium from January 8-10, 2026. These events help you connect with faculty and classmates despite the online format.

Small classes let students work closely with clinically active faculty. The program creates an interdisciplinary, student-focused environment that values academic excellence, professional growth, and community involvement. This integrated approach combines online convenience with key in-person elements to prepare counseling professionals for diverse mental health challenges.

2. Arizona State University – Master of Counseling

ASU’s Master of Counseling program helps you become a licensed professional counselor. The program needs 60 credit hours and builds a solid foundation in counseling theory and practice. Students learn to bring cultural awareness into their clinical work.

Highlights

The Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners has approved ASU’s Master of Counseling program. Students can work in mental health settings of all types after finishing this 60-credit hour program. Full-time students typically finish in about 2 years.

The program stands out by blending academic excellence with hands-on experience. Students learn at ASU’s state-of-the-art Counselor Training Center. The center serves three key roles: it provides clinical services, trains counselors, and advances research.

Students can choose between two paths:

• Practitioner track – For students who want to practice clinically
• Research track – For students who want to conduct independent research

The numbers speak for themselves. ASU’s Master of Counseling program has achieved a 100% program completion rate within 2-3 years. Every graduate has found employment and passed their licensure exam.

Licensure preparation

The program meets all requirements to become a licensed professional counselor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Students in the school counseling track earn a School Counselor, PreK-12 Certificate from the Arizona Department of Education.

Each state has different licensing rules. ASU suggests checking the specific requirements for your target state. The university’s professional licensure webpage helps guide students through these requirements.

The program follows the American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics and several competency frameworks:

• ALGBTIC Competencies for Counseling LGBQIQA Individuals
• Competencies for Counseling the Multiracial Population
• Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies
• Competencies for Addressing Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling
• Multicultural Career Counseling Competencies

Tuition and affordability

Your residency status determines the cost of ASU’s graduate programs. Here are the estimated costs for 2023-2024:

You’ll need to budget extra for housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

ASU charges additional fees that support student services. These include recreation ($25), student service facility ($75), student programs ($35), health and wellness ($55), and student athletic ($75).

Most students get some form of financial aid, which helps reduce costs. You can start by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Multicultural counseling focus

ASU’s program puts multicultural counseling at its core. You’ll learn to help individuals, families, groups, and organizations thrive in our diverse society.

Students take a closer look at how culture and diversity shape human behavior through multimedia projects. The program teaches you to apply these concepts in real therapy sessions through case studies and supervised practice.

You can choose between online and in-person classes. Online students take 20 classes, each running 7.5-15 weeks. The program includes three semesters of hands-on clinical practice, with a practicum and two internships at approved sites.

Graduates work as mental health clinicians, counselors, school administrators (in school counseling), and school counselors. Many find jobs in community agencies, hospitals, private practice, and university counseling centers. The program also opens doors to doctoral studies in clinical and counseling psychology.

3. University of Arizona – MA in Counseling

The University of Arizona’s Master of Arts in Counseling program shapes well-rounded counseling professionals. The program combines integrated care principles with strong academic training. Students get essential skills that match today’s industry needs, preparing them to work in many counseling settings.

Program strengths

The M.A. in Counseling at University of Arizona shines through its integrated care approach. Students learn to work in different settings through three specialty tracks:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
• School Counseling

The curriculum goes beyond theory. Students learn culturally responsive practices and take part in community work. This complete approach helps them support all individuals, especially those from historically marginalized populations.

The results speak for themselves. The CACREP-accredited program boasts a 98% graduation rate. Students find jobs quickly too – with a 100% placement rate that shows both the program’s quality and the growing need for qualified counseling professionals.

Real-world experience is the foundation of the curriculum. Students complete extensive fieldwork that readies them for actual challenges. This hands-on training lets graduates work with confidence in:

• Community agencies
• Mental health treatment programs
• Hospitals
• Colleges and universities
• Non-profit organizations
• Correctional facilities
• Private practice

CACREP accreditation

The University’s M.A. in Counseling holds full accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This respected status confirms the program meets professional standards needed for licensure.

Arizona has few CACREP-accredited counseling programs. The University’s program has held CACREP accreditation since July 14, 2014, renewed through February 3, 2021. Arizona State University’s Master of Counseling program shares this distinguished status.

Graduates qualify for several professional credentials:

• Licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Arizona
• National certification as Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors
• Certification as Clinical Mental Health Counselors

This broad accreditation lets graduates practice in different specialties and settings, giving them career flexibility.

Tuition details

Graduate education costs vary based on where you live. Here are the 2024-2025 graduate tuition rates:

Additional living expenses may include housing, food, travel, and miscellaneous costs

The university splits costs into two types: direct costs (billed through your Bursar account) and indirect costs (extra expenses not directly billed). Direct costs include tuition, fees, and campus health plans. Indirect costs cover off-campus housing, personal expenses, and transportation.

Students have many options to manage these costs. The Graduate College provides over 20 funding opportunities through applications. Assistantships offer valuable professional experience while helping with educational expenses.

Hybrid learning

The counseling curriculum blends in-person and flexible learning elements. Both specialties (Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling) run mainly as face-to-face programs.

Modern educational needs get attention through some online components. Students benefit from crucial in-person interactions while managing their schedules better.

Students connect theory with practice through:

• Clinical placements in diverse settings
• Supervised counseling practice
• Community engagement projects
• Professional development opportunities

Students must master key performance indicators that match CACREP core and specialty standards. Faculty track student progress through complete assessment methods. These include coursework evaluations, annual reviews, and tools like the Counselor Competency Scale-Revised (CCS-R).

Employers confirm this approach works. Site supervisors rate 82% of University of Arizona students as equal to or better than non-UA students. Almost 100% of students receive “acceptable” or “very good/superior” ratings in critical clinical skills.

4. Ottawa University – MS in Addiction Counseling

Ottawa University offers a specialized Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MSAC) program that sets itself apart from general counseling degrees. The program equips you with skills to treat people with substance abuse and dependency disorders, which meets a vital healthcare need.

Program benefits

The addiction counseling field shows remarkable promise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 23% growth from 2020 to 2030. This growth rate is substantially higher than other occupations, which reflects how society now sees addiction as a condition that needs specialized treatment.

This program opens doors to work in:

• Private practice clinics
• Substance abuse treatment facilities
• Group practices
• Hospital environments

The MSAC curriculum blends theory, research, and ground application to prepare you for challenges ahead. The program has earned accreditation from the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE). This recognition confirms that graduates meet CAADE classroom and practicum requirements and are ready for certification exams offered by the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California.

Licensure readiness

Most states accept the MSAC program’s educational requirements for licensure, which gives you career mobility. Arizona residents can qualify for the Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) credential.

Each state has different licensure requirements. You should contact your state’s licensure authority to check if the program meets your local requirements. California offers extra benefits – graduates who pass the certification exam and complete 2,240 supervised internship hours can earn the CATC III (Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor III) credential through CAADE.

The complete curriculum covers these significant topics:

• Addictions counseling principles
• Multicultural concerns
• Ethics in practice
• Treatment planning
• Co-occurring disorders

Tuition and cost

The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling will cost $659 per credit hour in 2025-26. This is a slight increase from the 2024-25 rate of $649 per credit hour. Extra fees include:

Ottawa University provides several financial aid options to help with these costs. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check federal funding eligibility. The university reviews your FAFSA and application materials before sending an estimated financial aid award letter.

Available financial aid includes:

• Federal Student Loans
• Graduate PLUS loans
• Private, non-federal student loans
• Federal Pell Grant
• TEACH Grant Program

Online flexibility

You can access the MSAC program completely online, which lets you earn your degree from anywhere. This setup works great for working professionals who need to juggle education with other commitments.

The program uses 8-week accelerated terms that help you graduate faster without sacrificing quality. You might finish even sooner thanks to the university’s credit transfer policy – up to 32 credits through credit by examination.

The program maintains a 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which ensures exceptional attention even in the online format. You get the benefits of close faculty interaction while studying remotely.

The Higher Learning Commission accredits all Ottawa University programs. Beyond the MSAC, Ottawa offers a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling at $456 per credit hour for 2025-26. This gives you options at different educational levels in this growing field.

5. Northern Arizona University – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Northern Arizona University’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program stands out with its hands-on training model. The program has helped prepare counseling professionals since 1998.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA CMHC) at NAU is a 60-credit hour program. Students learn current knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide multicultural, ethical, and evidence-based counseling services. The program will give you the tools to deliver psychotherapy in individual, group, couple, and family settings.

The program’s unique strength lies in its practical, developmental approach. Students record and review dozens of mock sessions in laboratory classes before they work with actual clients face-to-face. After finishing their practicum semester, students move on to internships. These can take place anywhere in the USA under licensed behavioral health professionals.

Students prepare to work in various settings, including:

• Outpatient facilities
• Inpatient treatment centers
• Specialty-based agencies (addiction, eating disorders)
• Private practices

Accreditation and licensure

NAU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has managed to keep its CACREP accreditation since 1998. This shows its steadfast dedication to exceeding national counselor education training standards. The prestigious accreditation means graduates can meet requirements for professional licensure across the United States.

The program meets coursework requirements for both credentials: the Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and the National Counselor Certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors. These qualifications help graduates become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and practice independently.

NAU also offers an MEd in Counseling – School Counseling for those interested in school counseling instead of clinical mental health. This program prepares graduates for Arizona endorsement as certified school counselors.

Tuition and job placement

Graduate study at NAU is a significant investment with rates that vary based on residency status. Current academic year tuition and fees are:

Mental health counselors enjoy strong career prospects with 19% job growth nationally. The median wage is $59,190 according to the Occupational Information Network data. This is a big deal as it means that the growth rate is higher than many other professions, reflecting the growing need for qualified mental health professionals.

Experiential learning model

NAU’s program centers on learning by doing. Students develop their skills through a balanced curriculum of theory, assessment, intervention, and evaluation in supervised clinical experiences. This approach helps students build sophisticated assessment skills and strong therapeutic relationships with clients.

Students start with supervised mock sessions to build their confidence and skills. They progress to working with actual clients in supervised clinical settings, applying their knowledge to ground situations. This step-by-step training ensures graduates can practice counseling in any state, though some states may require additional postgraduate jurisprudence exams.

NAU connects students with many more learning opportunities through internships, fieldwork, and volunteer work. These experiences expand their horizons and deepen their understanding. Students gain practical skills that complement their classroom learning and give them an edge in the job market.

6. Grand Canyon University – MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Grand Canyon University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that adapts to your schedule and career goals. Students can choose from several emphasis options. The program gives you both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to prepare for state licensure.

Program overview

The general track of MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling needs 62 credits, while specialized emphases require 74 credits. Students can specialize in:

• Childhood and Adolescence Disorders
• Trauma
• Marriage and Family Therapy

Students get into evidence-based counseling theories and learn how to use them in real practice. The program teaches you to understand social and cultural trends that help serve people from different backgrounds. Students also learn to think critically about ethical challenges they’ll face as counselors.

Licensure and accreditation

GCU has managed to keep its Higher Learning Commission accreditation since 1968. The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets Arizona’s academic requirements for both Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials.

The program follows standards set by the National Board for Certified Counselors for National Certified Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credentials. Since each state has different requirements, students should check their state’s specific licensing rules before enrolling.

Tuition and online access

The program costs $600 per credit for both online and evening classes. GCU hasn’t raised its campus tuition since 2009, showing its steadfast dedication to keeping education affordable.

Students can learn through an interactive online platform. Working professionals can easily connect with teachers and classmates while accessing materials from any location. Most classes run for 8 weeks instead of the usual 15-week campus schedule.

GRE requirement

Unlike other Arizona Masters in Counseling programs, GCU doesn’t ask for GRE scores. Applicants only need:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 2.8 GPA (or 2.5 unweighted GPA with alternative requirements)

This makes the program available to career-changers and working professionals who want advanced credentials without taking standardized tests.

7. University of Phoenix – MS in Counseling

University of Phoenix has created a 60-credit Master of Science in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling that working adults can use to earn their professional counseling credentials. The program blends theoretical foundations with hands-on skills development.

Program overview

The MS in Counseling program teaches graduates how to assess and treat clients who have various mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and abuse. Students learn eight core areas that include professional counseling orientation, social diversity, human development, and counseling relationships. The program requires three residencies in Phoenix, Arizona, which combine online learning with face-to-face skills development.

Licensure eligibility

Students can get licensed in multiple states through this program, which helps them become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). California residents can register as Associate Professional Clinical Counselors and become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors after completing their supervised hours.

Tuition and flexibility

Each credit costs $698 with a $195 resource fee per course, bringing the total to $2,289 per course. The university’s Tuition Guarantee will keep your rate the same from when you start until you graduate. Students who have prior credits can save up to $6,800.

Military-friendly features

The university gives active-duty service members special military rates of $250 per credit for undergraduate programs, which saves $444 for each three-credit course. Resource fees are waived for eligible military undergraduates. The university ranks among top military-friendly schools, with more than 300 faculty and staff members who have military experience.

Choose an Arizona Masters in Counseling Program

Your choice of a Masters in Counseling program will shape your future career in mental health. Arizona stands out with exceptional opportunities. Job growth projections show a 54% increase by 2030, which outpaces most other fields substantially.

CACREP accreditation is a vital factor in program evaluation. This credential will give a solid foundation for your licensure journey. Prescott College, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University have earned this prestigious recognition. Other programs might still meet state licensure requirements.

Program format should match your lifestyle and needs. Ottawa University and Grand Canyon University’s fully online options give you maximum flexibility. Prescott College takes a different approach with its limited-residency model. The University of Arizona combines in-person training with online elements to help you reach your educational goals.

Each program’s specializations set them apart. Prescott College shines with specialized tracks like Human Sexuality Counseling and Somatic Counseling. Ottawa University specializes in addiction treatment. Your career goals should guide this choice.

Money matters will influence your decision. Tuition starts at Ottawa University’s $659 per credit hour and goes up at larger schools, especially for out-of-state students. Most programs offer financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans to ease the burden.

The program’s ability to prepare you for licensure determines its real value. All seven programs ready graduates for professional counseling licensure with varying credentials. Make sure your chosen program meets requirements in the state where you’ll practice.

Arizona’s counseling education has changed to meet growing mental health needs locally and nationally. These seven programs open doors to meaningful careers. You can make a difference in clinical mental health, addiction counseling, or school counseling by helping others overcome life’s challenges.