3 Accredited Idaho Graduate Programs for Counseling

Idaho ranks 39th out of 50 states for mental health according to Mental Health America, and many people call it a “mental health desert.” Your career choice becomes especially meaningful as you think over graduate programs for counseling in Idaho, given this critical shortage.

The counseling profession in Idaho presents promising paths forward, despite these challenges. Counselors in the state can expect a remarkable 20% growth rate. Mental health counselors earn an average of $58,360—exceeding the national average of $53,710. The state faces a significant challenge as more than 1.2 million Idaho residents lack proper access to mental health resources. This situation creates an urgent need for qualified professionals.

Idaho provides several excellent graduate programs for clinical mental health counseling to help you build this rewarding career. This piece gets into three CACREP-accredited options. The ISU counseling program needs at least four full semesters of coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree. Boise State University’s program graduates typically earn about $44,140 within their first five years. These programs are a great way to get specializations and pathways to licensure that match your career goals.

Idaho State University Counseling Program

Idaho State University (ISU) ranks among the top institutions that offer graduate counseling programs in Idaho. The university started its counseling program in 1958, awarded its first degrees in 1960, and made history by becoming the first counseling program in the United States to receive national accreditation in 1981. The program has grown steadily while keeping its dedication to excellence in counselor education.

Program overview

Idaho State University’s Master of Counseling (M.COUN.) degree equips students to become professional counselors who can meet diverse individual and community needs. Students develop a strong professional identity, build a solid knowledge foundation, and master expert counseling skills.

The program’s mission focuses on preparing quality counselors who can work in various settings across Idaho and the nation. Faculty members equip the next generation of skilled and ethical counseling professionals through education based on proven practices. The program creates a welcoming environment that reflects the diverse world where counselors work.

Students who earn their Master of Counseling degree build a strong foundation for a lifelong career in helping professions. They learn to handle society’s changes and adapt to the growing counseling profession.

The curriculum has eight core areas of counseling education:

1. Human Growth and Development
2. Social and Cultural Foundations
3. Counseling and Consultation processes
4. Group dynamics and counseling
5. Career development
6. Assessment and evaluation
7. Research methods and program evaluation
8. Professional counseling identity and ethics

The department tracks each student’s progress through specific outcome measures tied to professional objectives. Students experience a challenging yet supportive program that balances academic learning with hands-on experience.

Program accreditation

Idaho State University’s counseling programs have maintained consistent accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which sets the standard for quality in counseling education. This accreditation ensures the programs meet rigorous standards and prepare students to excel in their future careers.

Currently, four of ISU’s counseling programs hold CACREP accreditation with impressive long-term status:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.COUN.): Accredited from 5/1/1993 to 10/31/2025
• College Counseling and Student Affairs (M.COUN.): Accredited from 8/1/1978 to 10/31/2025
• Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.COUN.): Accredited from 9/1/2000 to 10/31/2025
• School Counseling (M.COUN.): Accredited from 8/1/1978 to 10/31/2025
• D. in Counselor Education and Supervision: Accredited from 8/1/1978 to 10/31/2025

The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program, which began in fall 2020, is currently seeking initial CACREP accreditation, with the review scheduled for 2025. This demonstrates the department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest educational standards across all specialty areas.

The CACREP accreditation is particularly valuable for students because it often streamlines the licensure process and enhances job prospects after graduation. Consequently, graduates from accredited programs typically face fewer barriers when applying for professional licenses in various states.

Program specializations

The ISU counseling program offers five distinct specializations within its Master of Counseling degree, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals:

1. Clinical Mental Health Counseling This specialty prepares students to address a wide variety of circumstances within clinical mental health settings. The program focuses on developing culturally competent counselors who utilize evidence-based practices and serve diverse client populations across various service delivery models. Students learn to develop holistic treatment plans, engage in advocacy initiatives, interface with third-party systems like managed care, and apply trauma-informed approaches.
2. Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling This specialization prepares counselors to work specifically with families and couples. The program began in 2000 and received CACREP accreditation in 2002. Students develop expertise in family systems theory, family assessment, and specialized interventions for family dynamics.
3. School Counseling The School Counseling program prepares graduates to work as certified school counselors in K-12 educational settings. Students learn to address the unique developmental needs of children and adolescents within the school environment, implement comprehensive school counseling programs, and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents.
4. Student Affairs and College Counseling This specialization focuses on preparing counselors to work in higher education settings such as advising offices, residence halls, and career centers. The curriculum covers foundations of student affairs, administration of student affairs practice, and specialized internship experiences in college settings.
5. Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling As the newest addition to ISU’s counseling specializations, this program prepares counselors to work specifically with individuals with disabilities. The department was awarded a five-year $1,000,000 Rehabilitation Training grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which includes scholarships for qualified students.

Each specialization requires completion of both the core counseling curriculum and specialized coursework, with a minimum of 60 semester hours total. Throughout all specializations, students gain hands-on experience through practicum and internship placements, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Tuition and fees

Graduate programs for counseling at Idaho State University involve several costs that prospective students should consider when planning their education. The following breakdown outlines the primary expenses:

Application Fees:

• ISU Graduate School application: $65
• ISU Department of Counseling application: $30
• Total application cost: $95

Tuition (per semester):

• Full-time resident (9+ credits): $4,486.22
• Full-time non-resident (9+ credits): $14,086.22
• Part-time resident (per credit): $498.13
• Part-time non-resident (per credit): $1,198.13

Mandatory Fees:

• Consolidated fees for full-time students (per semester): $1,333.78
• Consolidated fees for part-time students (per credit): $93.87
• Program/Professional fee (fall and spring semesters): $843
• Professional liability insurance: $15 per year

Total per semester (including mandatory fees):

• Full-time resident: $5,820
• Full-time non-resident: $15,420
• Part-time resident (per credit): $592
• Part-time non-resident (per credit): $1,292

Students must also budget for additional expenses like books, learning materials, graduation fees, and registration fees for professional conferences. For Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling students, there may be scholarship opportunities through the Rehabilitation Training grant, which can help offset some of these costs.

The mandatory consolidated fee consists of facilities fees, technology fees, and activity fees. These are not new fees but have been reorganized following the State Board of Education’s decision to present a clearer breakdown of total tuition assessed.

When calculating total program costs, students should consider that the Master of Counseling degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours, which typically takes at least four full semesters of resident graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Delivery format

The ISU counseling program offers flexibility in both location and scheduling to accommodate diverse student needs. The university maintains three primary locations where students can pursue their counseling education:

1. Pocatello – The main campus, which admits a maximum of 30-35 Master of Counseling students each year
2. Meridian – Admits 25-30 Master of Counseling students annually
3. Idaho Falls and Twin Falls – Additional options for students across Idaho

Classes for both locations begin in the fall semester of each year, and the program offers flexible daytime and evening classes to accommodate working adults. This format allows students to maintain employment while pursuing their graduate education.

The program structure follows a cohort model, with students progressing through their coursework as a group. For the Master of Counseling degree, students must complete the equivalent of at least four full semesters of resident graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree. The minimum total for each program must equal 60 semester hours.

The curriculum balances classroom learning with practical experience. Students complete both a practicum and an internship, with placements available in various settings including mental health centers, state hospitals, rehabilitation counseling offices, juvenile homes, youth ranches, private practices, and substance abuse treatment centers.

In terms of the learning environment, ISU emphasizes the importance of small class sizes to ensure quality education. For example, practicum sections are limited to just six students, allowing for intensive supervision and personalized feedback.

Licensure outcomes

Graduates of ISU’s counseling programs consistently achieve strong licensure outcomes. The department has designed its curriculum specifically to meet educational requirements for professional counselors in Idaho, with each specialization preparing students for relevant credentials.

For all specializations, the program prepares students to obtain state licensure as professional counselors (LPC). Additionally, specific outcomes include:

• School Counseling graduates meet requirements for the Idaho School Counselor Pupil Service Staff Certificate
• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling graduates meet requirements to apply for the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification

To qualify for licensure in Idaho, graduates must complete 1,000 hours of supervised experience in counseling, with 400 of those hours being direct client contact. The supervised experience must include a minimum of one hour of face-to-face supervision for every 20 hours of job/internship experience.

The department’s recent job placement rates demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in preparing counselors for the workforce. In 2023, the program reported a 100% job placement rate across all specializations:

• Marriage, Couple, Family Counseling: 100% job placement
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: 100% job placement
• School Counseling: 100% job placement
• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling: 100% job placement

Completion rates also remain strong, with 2025 projections showing:

• Marriage, Couple, Family Counseling: 100% completion rate
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: 92% completion rate
• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling: 100% completion rate
• School Counseling: 100% completion rate

While the program is designed to meet Idaho licensure requirements, students planning to practice in other states should research specific requirements in their intended location, as these vary by state. The department recommends contacting the appropriate licensing agency directly to confirm how ISU’s program aligns with out-of-state requirements.

For students seeking supervised experience, the Department of Counseling prefers placements with licensed professional counselors before considering sites with supervision from different mental health professionals. This preference stems from the importance of mentoring by professional counselors during clinical supervision, which is vital for developing professional counselor identity.

Boise State University Counseling Program

Boise State University gives aspiring counselors another excellent path to graduate-level education in Idaho. The university’s 25-year-old counseling program has built a strong reputation. It prepares qualified mental health professionals through a program that balances theory with hands-on experience.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling program at Boise State University prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors who can work in many settings. The program helps professionals adopt ethical practice, advocacy, and self-reflection within multicultural and pluralistic contexts.

The curriculum meets the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. Students become experts in eight critical areas, each backed by specific key performance indicators (KPIs).

Students take part in various learning experiences that build essential counseling skills:

• Understanding biopsychosocial factors that influence development across the lifespan
• Learning career development importance and ways to help clients create career plans
• Mastering evidence-based counseling theories and skills for tailored client approaches
• Studying group formation and leadership in diverse settings
• Learning ethical assessment administration and interpretation
• Building research methodology skills for data-informed decisions

Students need 60 semester hours of coursework, including practicum and internship experiences. This structure will give graduates the theoretical knowledge and practical skills they need for successful counseling careers.

Accreditation

The counseling program holds several important accreditations that verify its quality and rigor. The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) have accredited the program.

Both School Counseling and Addiction Counseling tracks have earned CACREP accreditation. This prestigious recognition shows the program meets national standards for counselor education excellence.

The School Counseling track’s CACREP accreditation started September 1, 1998, and remains valid through October 31, 2033. This long-term status shows the program’s steady quality and steadfast dedication to high educational standards.

Boise State University also holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This institutional recognition shows Boise State meets quality standards through peer review. Students can trust the quality of education they’ll receive.

These accreditations mean graduates meet Idaho State Board of Occupational Licenses’ requirements for counselor licensure. Students know their degree will prepare them for professional practice.

Program specializations

The counseling program offers two distinct tracks that let students focus their education based on career goals:

1. School Counseling Track

This track prepares professionals to work with K-12 students and support their academic, career, and personal growth. Students learn to:

• Design and implement detailed school guidance programs
• Develop individual and group counseling skills
• Master classroom guidance techniques
• Build consultation skills for school settings

Graduates work in public and private schools at elementary, middle, and high school levels. Idaho certification needs 700 clock hours of field experience, with 600 hours in K-12 settings. The program boasts 95% job placement and regularly produces “Idaho School Counselors of the Year”.

2. Addiction Counseling Track

This track prepares counselors to help individuals and families affected by substance abuse and addictive behaviors. Students focus on:

• Assessment and treatment planning for addiction
• Relapse prevention strategies
• Prevention and intervention models
• Family system dynamics in addiction contexts

Most graduates start private practices or join community agencies that offer addiction and behavioral health counseling.

Both tracks follow a three-year study plan. All students take core professional identity courses that build fundamental counseling knowledge and skills.

Tuition and fees

The cost of attending Boise State University’s graduate counseling program varies based on residency status and credit load. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the following tuition and fee structure applies:

Resident Graduate Students:

• Full-time (9-16 credits): $5,593 per semester or $11,186 for both semesters
• Part-time (1-8 credits): $544 per credit
• Credits over 16 hours: Additional $252 per credit

Non-Resident Graduate Students:

• Full-time (9-16 credits): $15,150 per semester or $30,300 for both semesters
• Part-time (1-8 credits): $997 per credit
• Credits over 16 hours: Additional $252 per credit [121]

Additional fees may apply, including:

• New Student Curriculum Fee: $230
• Bronco Card Fee: $38
• Various course fees (amounts vary)
• Undergraduate Advising Fee: $50
• Library Subscription and Materials Fee: $35
• Drop Fees: $10
• Deadline Penalty: $50

Unlike some programs, Boise State’s Genetic Counseling program notes there is no tuition differential for in-state versus out-of-state students, though it’s unclear if this applies to all counseling programs.

Students should factor in additional expenses beyond tuition, such as personal computers, webcams, headphones with microphones, and reliable internet access. All students participating in clinical fieldwork must also maintain medical insurance coverage.

For employees, it’s worth noting that tuition waivers may not apply to certain programs, so prospective students should verify waiver eligibility before enrolling.

Delivery format

Boise State University’s counseling program utilizes a cohort model where students admitted in the fall progress through their three-year program together. This structured approach fosters a supportive learning community while ensuring students develop competencies in a logical sequence.

The program curriculum follows a carefully designed course sequence for each cognate area. For example, the Addiction Counseling cognate includes:

Year 1 (Fall):

• Counseling Theories
• Lifespan Development
• Foundations of Addiction Counseling

Year 1 (Spring):

• Counseling Skills
• Culturally Aware Counseling
• Diagnosis, Assessment & Treatment Planning

Similar structured sequences exist for all years of study in both cognates, building skills progressively from foundational knowledge to advanced practice.

Clinical training is a cornerstone of the program. Students complete a 100-clock-hour practicum experience over one semester, followed by a 700-clock-hour internship spread across two semesters (350 hours per semester). These experiences include both direct client contact and supervision hours, meeting CACREP standards and Idaho licensure requirements.

The program requires attendance at all scheduled individual and group supervision sessions, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance during clinical skill development. This supervision is critical not only for meeting CACREP standards but for ensuring students develop the competencies needed for eventual licensure.

Licensure outcomes

Graduates of Boise State University’s counseling program are well-positioned to pursue professional licensure. The program is specifically designed to meet the State Board of Occupational Licenses’ criteria for licensure as a professional counselor in Idaho, though licensure itself remains a student responsibility.

To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) after graduation, students must:

1. Accrue additional clinical hours beyond program requirements
2. Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE)

While not mandatory for graduation, faculty strongly recommend that all students pursue licensure to maximize their professional opportunities.

For School Counseling cognate graduates seeking Idaho school counselor certification, the program fulfills all educational requirements. Students must complete 700 clock hours of field experience, with at least 600 hours specifically in K-12 settings. This comprehensive preparation contributes to the program’s impressive 95% job placement rate for school counseling graduates.

The program maintains strong performance metrics that indicate student success. When surveyed, third-year Master’s students reported satisfaction levels ranging from 68-84% for most program areas, with particularly high satisfaction (79-84%) for clinical courses including practicum quality (84%), internship availability (79%), and internship quality (79%).

All students who took the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) in Spring 2021 ultimately passed all sections, demonstrating mastery of core counseling knowledge areas. Additionally, survey findings show MA students achieving program objectives with average performance ratings between 3.6-4.7 for mid-term outcomes and 3.9-5.0 for long-term outcomes.

The program’s effectiveness is further evidenced by strong enrollment numbers. As of fall 2021, 71 students were enrolled in the MA Counseling Program, with cohorts averaging 20-25 students each. Approximately 59% of students specialize in the school counseling cognate, while 41% pursue the addiction counseling cognate.

Through its combination of rigorous academic training and supervised clinical experience, Boise State University’s counseling program effectively prepares graduates to meet professional licensure requirements and succeed in diverse counseling roles throughout Idaho and beyond.

Northwest Nazarene University Counseling Program

Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) stands as Idaho’s third-largest provider of graduate counseling programs. The university’s campus in Nampa takes a unique approach by integrating spiritual elements into counselor education. NNU’s Counselor Education Department has become a hub that trains mental health professionals who excel in both competence and compassion.

Program overview

NNU’s counseling program aims to prepare “competent, compassionate, and spiritually grounded counselors to assist members of our diverse society as they face developmental transitions, life challenges, and mental health issues in non-metropolitan clinical mental health, marriage and family, and school settings”. This vision shapes a program that combines challenging academic work with meaningful personal growth.

The Counselor Education Department’s Master of Science in Counseling degree comes with three specialized tracks:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• School Counseling

Students must complete 60 credit hours of coursework spanning eight semesters (33 months). The program requires 1,000 hours of practicum/internship experience. Students need to pass the national comprehensive exam (CPCE), take the National Counselor Exam (NCE), and participate in personal growth activities including individual and group counseling sessions as clients.

The program builds on a Critical Social Conceptual Framework. This framework acknowledges that counselors should reach beyond their immediate environment to serve clients’ needs in our diverse society. While NNU has Wesleyan roots, the university welcomes students from all backgrounds and traditions.

Program accreditation

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits NNU’s counseling programs. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body that the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes. Many states require this accreditation for licensure.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program’s accreditation dates back to July 2005 when it started as a Community Counseling program. January 2016 saw its transformation into a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, with current accreditation valid through October 31, 2033.

The program also holds approval from Idaho’s State Board of Education. This approval lets the school provide institutional recommendations for state certification in Pupil Personnel: Counseling. The post-graduate pre-certification program in Play Therapy readies students for Association for Play Therapy (APT) certification nationally. NNU’s Adventure Play Therapy Center has earned recognition as an approved Center of Play Therapy Education.

Specializations

NNU offers three primary counseling specializations, each designed to prepare students for specific career paths:

1. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) This program focuses on preparing counselors for entry-level counseling and therapeutic direct service delivery in various mental health settings. Beyond core courses, CMHC students learn about mental health agency funding, inter-agency consultation, and serving clients with limited ability to pay. The program emphasizes developing sensitivity and skills for working with diverse populations.
2. Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (MCFC) This specialization provides knowledge and skills for working with couples and families in clinical settings. Students gain strong understanding of marriage, couple, and family counseling theory and therapy, with specific focus on systems theory, human sexuality, and family interventions. Upon graduation, MCFC students can apply for both Licensed Professional Counselor credential and Associate Marriage and Family Therapy credential in Idaho.
3. School Counseling (SC) The School Counseling program prepares professionals to serve in K-12 educational environments. In Idaho, school counselors don’t need teaching certification, allowing students from various undergraduate backgrounds to enter this field. Coursework focuses on components of the National Model, youth counseling skills, and helping students with special learning needs.

Uniquely, students in any track can enhance their expertise through optional emphasis areas, similar to undergraduate minors, in:

1. Play Therapy
2. Trauma, Grief and Crisis
3. Acceptance and Mindfulness Informed Therapies
4. Addictions
5. Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy
6. Primary Care Behavioral Health

Tuition and fees

For prospective students considering NNU’s graduate counseling programs, tuition costs $598 per credit with an additional $150 per semester technology fee. Given the 60-credit requirement for program completion, students can estimate total tuition costs accordingly.

The financial aid process at NNU begins after program acceptance and FAFSA completion. Subsequently, the Office of Financial Aid reviews eligibility and sends award notifications. Students planning to use federal loans must complete entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note unless they borrowed federal student loans in the previous year.

Funds disburse to student accounts after enrollment and first class attendance. For those needing books before classes begin, book vouchers may be available through the Business Office if aid is ready to disburse. The university reminds students to reapply for financial aid annually.

Program delivery format

NNU offers a flexible format designed to accommodate working professionals. Classes typically meet one to two nights per week at the NNU campus, with new cohorts starting every August (fall) and January (spring). The majority of classes meet in person, with one fully online course and several hybrid formats.

The program follows a non-cohort model, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Although students typically complete the program in eight semesters (approximately 33 months), they have up to six years to fulfill all requirements.

Clinical training forms a cornerstone of the experience, with students completing both practicum and internship requirements. Select students from all three tracks have the opportunity to intern at Families ETC, the private non-profit counseling center associated with the department, which provides couples, individual, play therapy, and youth assessment services. Students specializing in play therapy can work under supervision of a registered play therapist.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is primarily delivered through traditional on-site methods at NNU, yet it’s available in rural locations through weekend, face-to-face delivery combined with blended online coursework.

Program licensure outcomes

Upon completing NNU’s counseling programs, graduates are well-positioned for professional licensure. All three program areas provide the necessary coursework for applying as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Idaho. Marriage, Couple, and Family Program graduates may additionally apply for Associate Marriage and Family Therapy (AMFT) certification in Idaho.

Program graduates typically complete all licensure requirements while still enrolled—including the national exam—and apply for counselor licensure after graduation. The rigorous 1,000-hour practicum/internship requirement ensures students gain substantial supervised experience before entering the profession.

For school counseling graduates, the program leads to eligibility for the Department of Education Pupil Personnel Services Certification, qualifying them for K-12 school counseling positions.

Nevertheless, since licensure requirements vary by state, NNU advises students that completing an Idaho-approved program doesn’t guarantee licensure in other states. Therefore, students planning to practice outside Idaho should contact the chair of their academic program or licensing agencies in their target states to understand specific requirements.

The university’s Professional Licensure Disclosures indicate that while NNU’s programs meet or exceed Idaho’s educational requirements and hold national accreditation, other states may require additional coursework, examinations, fees, residency requirements, or fieldwork prior to issuing licenses.

Choose from One of Idaho’s Master’s in Counseling Programs

These three CACREP-accredited programs in Idaho give you excellent paths to become a licensed counselor. Idaho State University’s counseling program was the first to get national accreditation in the United States. Boise State University trains you in addiction and school counseling. On top of that, Northwest Nazarene University takes a spiritual approach with focus areas like play therapy and logotherapy.

Your career will affect many lives, whatever program you pick. Idaho needs mental health professionals badly, so your skills will help real people in communities. The state ranks low in mental health access, but this creates chances for new counselors to step in and make changes.

Each program comes with its own strengths. Idaho State University gives you five specializations and gets graduates into jobs fast. Boise State University’s cohort learning style helps students pass licensing exams. Northwest Nazarene University lets you add special focus areas to your main track, which makes your profile more versatile.

Money definitely matters when picking a program. Tuition costs are different at each school, especially if you’re from out of state. The good news is all three universities offer financial aid, and some tracks like Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at ISU sometimes have special funding.

Program schedules work differently at each school. Idaho State has many campus locations. Boise State moves students through as a group. Northwest Nazarene holds evening classes that work well for people with jobs, so you can keep working while getting your degree.

Your final choice depends on what you want to do and how the program fits your life. These Idaho programs give you solid ground to start from, and the state needs qualified counselors now more than ever.