7 Best Masters of Counseling Programs in Maine for 2025
You want to enter a career field with great earning potential. Marriage and family therapists in Maine earn a median salary of over $86,000 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Maine’s limited economic opportunities have created a strong need for qualified counselors statewide. Students can choose from 10 schools that offer programs in five core counseling specialties: mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. These mental health counseling master’s programs deliver impressive results. The University of Southern Maine’s program stands out with its remarkable 99% success rate on national exams.
Students who need to balance work or family commitments can benefit from hybrid and online counseling degrees offered by five Maine schools. These best masters of counseling programs prepare you for a rewarding career helping Maine residents overcome challenges. Programs range from school counseling tracks requiring 700-1000 hours of field experience to specialized clinical practice paths.
University of Southern Maine – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of Southern Maine’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration stands among the best master’s programs in mental health counseling. This nationally recognized program will give you the skills to help clients with acute problems and developmental life issues.
Program overview
Students must complete 63 credit hours of coursework to earn their Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration. The curriculum combines historical, philosophical, societal, cultural, economic, and political aspects of mental health systems. Students learn about human development, individual counseling theory, group dynamics, research methodology, and psychological measurement.
This program’s distinctive feature lies in its comprehensive viewpoint that balances wellness and prevention with counselor self-care. Students learn to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental and emotional disorders, psychological trauma, and promote optimal mental health.
The program strengthens your critical thinking and builds diagnostic and ethical decision-making abilities. You’ll learn to support community resources, multiculturalism, trauma-informed care, and social justice.
Specializations offered
Students can customize their education through specialized electives. Many choose an Area of Expertise without adding extra credits to their program requirements. These specializations use existing elective credits.
The program offers two formal Areas of Expertise:
- Family Systems: Students gain theoretical and practical experience in counseling couples and families. The coursework emphasizes systemic perspectives, with 300 of 900 internship hours dedicated to site-specific work.
- Substance Misuse: This track prepares students to diagnose and treat co-occurring substance use disorders. Graduates can take the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) exam in Maine.
Students can also choose specialized electives in children’s counseling, creative arts approaches, mind-body techniques, spirituality, or college mental health.
Accreditation & licensure
The Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) has fully accredited this program. The program’s original CACREP accreditation dates back to April 1995. It managed to keep its accreditation while evolving from Community Counseling to Mental Health Counseling in 2002, and finally to Clinical Mental Health Counseling in July 2010.
Graduates qualify to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). The program boasts a 99% pass rate on both the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) and the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Recent data shows 99% of students completed the program, and 98% found jobs right after graduation.
The program meets educational requirements for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) licensure in Maine. Students who complete the Substance Abuse specialty can also qualify for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) certification.
Tuition & format
The program offers flexibility through interactive, face-to-face classroom experiences combined with blended, hybrid, and online components. Students must complete 25% of courses face-to-face to develop experiential and interpersonal skills.
Tuition rates for 2025-2026 vary by residency:
| Residency Status | Tuition per Credit Hour | Mandatory Fees | Total per Credit Hour |
| In-state & Canadian | $475.00 | $99.00 | $574 |
| NEBHE Program | $808.00 | $99.00 | $907 |
| Out-of-state | $1,435.00 | $99.00 | $1,534 |
Clinical training starts with a 100-hour practicum after completing 21 credit hours, including 40 hours of direct client work. Students then complete a 900-hour internship with 360 hours of direct client work over 2-5 semesters, depending on enrollment status. Faculty and on-site professionals provide extensive supervision throughout both experiences to develop strong clinical skills before graduation.
University of Southern Maine – School Counseling
The School Counseling concentration at University of Southern Maine creates skilled educational promoters who balance academic guidance with emotional support. This track stands as one of Maine’s premier masters of counseling programs. You’ll get the specialized knowledge to guide students through their educational trip and personal growth.
Program overview
The School Counseling concentration offers a complete 48-credit hour degree program built for working professionals who want to make a difference in educational settings. The program will help you become a developmental specialist who can address student needs in academic, social-emotional, and career areas.
Core curriculum components focus on:
- Developmental phases from childhood through adolescence
- Individual counseling practice and consultation foundations
- Group counseling theories and processes
- Comprehensive School Counseling Program development
- Informed programming strategies that boost student success
The program stands out because it puts counselor identity first. It builds complete school counseling programs that emphasize leadership development and critical thinking skills. The curriculum links research with practice. This prepares you to be an effective supporter for Pre-K–12 students and their families.
School Counselor graduates work as bridge-builders and leaders. They promote students’ interests while working with school professionals, community members, and families. Your work will help identify strengths in all students. You’ll coach them to develop adaptive behaviors and skills during school and home transitions.
Specializations offered
While the School Counseling program doesn’t have formal specialization tracks, its curriculum focuses on several key areas. Students learn culturally responsive practices for different populations. On top of that, you’ll learn data analysis and program evaluation to make sure school counseling initiatives support student success.
Students must complete two field experiences to apply counseling theories: a one-semester Practicum and a full academic year Internship. Many working teachers can complete these field experiences at their current schools, which creates a smooth transition from theory to practice.
Accreditation & licensure
The School Counseling program has full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP). This recognition makes it one of only two CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Maine. Such accreditation will give a program that meets national standards for counselor education.
After completing this program, you can pursue:
- Professional School Counselor Certification through the Maine Department of Education (K-12)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials in Maine
- National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE)
- Praxis II exam
Students interested in clinical counseling practice can become Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) with extra coursework and a 900-hour clinical internship.
Tuition & format
The program offers flexible scheduling that works well for working professionals. You’ll find a mix of online, face-to-face, and hybrid courses. We offered fall and spring classes online, while summer courses meet face-to-face once weekly during the 8-week semester.
Most students take six credit hours (two classes) each semester and finish in eight semesters. The program combines hands-on learning with theoretical foundations.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition rates vary based on residency status:
| Residency Status | Tuition per Credit | Mandatory Fees | Notes |
| In-state & Canadian | Variable | Applies to all students | Differential tuition levels apply |
| Out-of-state | Higher than in-state | Same as in-state | E-tuition rates for online courses |
| NEBHE Program | Between in-state and out-of-state | Same as in-state | For New England residents |
Your tuition costs depend on your program of study, residency status (in-state, out-of-state, or Canadian), and how you study (fully online, in-person, blended, hyflex, or low residency). Beyond tuition, you should plan for mandatory fees, books, and other program-related expenses.
The university offers graduate scholarships and other financial aid options to help with costs. The University of Southern Maine’s financial services department can give you personalized guidance about available resources.
You can apply by February 15 for fall enrollment and October 1 for spring enrollment. This gives you multiple chances to start your path toward becoming a professional school counselor.
University of Maine at Farmington – M.S. in Counseling
The University of Maine at Farmington has a one-of-a-kind Master’s in Counseling program that emphasizes creative arts—making it unique in Maine. This fresh approach helps counselors work with people who might not respond well to traditional talk therapy, such as those with dementia or autism.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with its creative arts emphasis gives students a strong clinical foundation while weaving creative arts into counseling practice. This detailed 64-credit graduate program combines theory with hands-on experience. Six core principles shape the program: community experience, long-term mentoring relationships, teaching excellence, theoretical eclecticism, interdisciplinary education, and personal growth.
UMF’s approach stands out from typical counseling programs. Students develop their own perspective on how arts can enhance the counseling process instead of following a specific creative or expressive art therapy vision. This mindset comes from the program’s foundation in UMF’s Division of Psychology and Human Development, an academic community that delivers innovative psychology curricula rooted in humanistic tradition.
Students graduate ready to lead as creative, productive, service-oriented professionals in counseling. They can help people with special needs that might not respond to conventional counseling methods.
Specializations offered
The program’s creative arts focus makes it stand out from other masters of counseling programs in Maine. This special emphasis lets counselors work with people who need more than just talk therapy.
Students learn how music, art, and other creative expressions can:
- Guide and regulate emotions beyond words
- Create universal communication methods
- Spark responses that surpass verbal limits
- Reach people with different communication abilities
The program integrates creative arts throughout, eliminating the need for students to pick a formal specialization track.
Accreditation & licensure
Graduates can take the National Counselor exam to get their conditional Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) license. After graduation, they complete supervised clinical counseling experience for full licensure.
The program specifically prepares students for Maine licensure. Students planning to practice elsewhere should check the UMaine System State Authorization & Licensure page for requirements in other states and territories.
Tuition & format
Students can choose between two program formats:
- Full-time format: A two-year program with Friday in-person classes
- Part-time format: Maine’s quickest part-time option, finished in four years with bi-weekly Saturday classes
Both options use a hybrid model: 30% in-person and 70% online learning. This mix offers flexibility while developing essential counseling skills.
Graduate tuition for 2025-2026 breaks down as follows:
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Tuition per course (3 credits) | $1,413.00 |
| Tuition per credit hour | $471.00 |
| Academic Support Fee (1-6 credits) | $97.00 |
| Academic Support Fee (7-11.5 credits) | $194.00 |
| Academic Support Fee (12+ credits) | $381.00 |
Students need 21 courses (64 credits) to complete the Master’s in Counseling Psychology. Non-degree graduate students pay a $50.00 Outreach Fee each semester they take graduate courses.
Three credits count as full-time for graduate programs, making matriculated students eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans or private source loans. Financial aid requires admission to the Master’s Degree Program—certificate program and non-degree students don’t qualify.
This program helps address Maine’s mental health needs, where people often wait up to four months to see a therapist. The University of Maine at Farmington strengthens mental health education in Maine through its full and part-time pathways with creative arts integration.
Husson University – School Counseling
Husson University in Bangor ranks among the top masters of counseling programs. Their School Counseling program takes pride in its collaborative education approach. Students get the skills they need to excel in modern school environments and make real differences in students’ lives.
Program overview
The M.S. in School Counseling at Husson features a resilient 60-credit-hour curriculum. The program prepares graduates to become school counselors in PK-12 settings. Students learn to work collaboratively in educational environments and become strong advocates for student success.
Graduates of this program are ready to take on various responsibilities including:
- Classroom guidance instruction
- Individualized student counseling
- Needs-based group work
- Parent and teacher consultation
- Program development collaboration
- Student empowerment for appropriate life decisions
Students work directly with faculty to understand counseling theories and techniques for educational settings. The curriculum builds expertise in both individual and group counseling – significant skills that address today’s students’ complex needs.
Specializations offered
The program delivers a detailed school counseling preparation instead of formal specialization tracks. In spite of that, the coursework gives you extensive background in key counseling domains for various career paths.
The program covers everything in counseling:
- Individual and group counseling theories and skills
- Ethical, professional, and legal considerations
- Social and cultural diversity factors in counseling
- Human development across the lifespan
- Career development theories and interventions
- Assessment techniques in counseling
- Research application and program evaluation
The breadth of training opens doors beyond traditional school settings. Graduates succeed in mental health, human services, education, private practice, government, military, business, and industry.
Accreditation & licensure
The School Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This credential shows the program meets national standards for counselor education and carries weight with employers.
Graduates qualify for K-12 school guidance counselor certification through Maine’s Department of Education. Maine certification requires passing the PRAXIS Exam #075 (School Counselor). Students planning to practice in other states should check specific requirements as laws vary by location.
Tuition & format
Husson’s 2025 tuition structure for the School Counseling program shows:
| Fee Component | Amount |
| First Year Tuition | $12,906 |
| Cost per Credit | $746 |
| Estimated Annual Living Expenses | $12,682 |
Some professional charges apply to certain coursework in the School of Education, particularly for the MS in Counseling program. The Student Accounts Office at (207) 941-7150 can provide specific charge details.
Students complete a semester-long practicum and a two-semester internship totaling at least 600 hours. This hands-on experience helps develop practical skills under supervision before entering the profession.
The program requires GRE/MAT scores only if your overall GPA falls below 3.0. Husson’s practical approach to counselor education and CACREP accreditation ensures graduates can contribute immediately as school counselors while meeting professional licensing requirements.
Walden University – Dual MS in Clinical Mental Health & School Counseling
Maine residents can now pursue a dual degree option at Walden University – the MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling program. Students earn two CACREP-accredited master’s degrees at the same time. This program creates greater career flexibility and expanded professional opportunities.
Program overview
The dual degree program helps you make the most of your educational investment. You’ll be ready for two distinct counseling careers after graduation. Your credentials in both clinical mental health counseling and school counseling will give you a major advantage in today’s job market.
Students need 121 credit hours of core courses to build strong foundations in counseling theories, techniques, assessment, and research. Two pre-practicum labs come near the end of your studies. These labs let you practice intensive skills before starting field experiences.
This program stands out because it follows CACREP’s dual degree policy. Students usually find it hard to earn two separate master’s degrees in counseling. Many institutions restrict getting a second degree in a similar field. This dual degree program becomes the quickest way to get credentials in both disciplines.
Specializations offered
The program goes beyond its General track with several specialized options:
- Addiction Counseling
- Forensic Counseling
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
- Military Families and Culture
- Play Therapy
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Trauma and Crisis Counseling
- Telehealth Counseling, Private Practice, and Supervision
Each option includes focused coursework while meeting core requirements for both counseling credentials.
Accreditation & licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits both parts of the dual degree program. Many states require this prestigious accreditation for licensure.
The program prepares you to:
- Take licensure exams in both mental health counseling and school counseling
- Meet academic licensure requirements for many state counseling boards
- Become certified as both a mental health counselor and school counselor
Licensure requirements differ by state. Students should research specific requirements where they plan to practice.
Tuition & format
Maine residents can complete their education online without moving. Here’s what the program costs:
| Component | Cost |
| Tuition per quarter hour | $535 |
| Total tuition (121 credits) | $64,735 |
| Pre-Practicum Labs | $1,450 each (virtual) $1,550 each (in-person: travel, lodging, and other expenses are additional) |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter |
| Total program cost | $70,335–$70,535 |
The Believe & Achieve Scholarship can reduce tuition by about $10,700.00. This brings the total cost down to around $59,635.00.
Students participate in skills simulations throughout the program. These help refine counseling techniques through practice, reflection, and faculty feedback. Such hands-on experience ensures success in both school and clinical mental health settings.
University of Maine at Augusta – Mental Health & Human Services
The University of Maine at Augusta’s complete Bachelor of Science in Mental Health & Human Services program provides a strong foundation to pursue graduate studies in counseling. This program serves as an excellent starting point for future mental health professionals.
Program overview
Students in the Mental Health & Human Services program develop into behavioral health leaders through evidence-based curriculum. The program helps students master assessment, planning, documentation, interviewing techniques, and therapeutic interventions. Graduates receive training to provide community support, crisis services, and psychosocial rehabilitation while promoting ethical practice guidelines.
Students must complete 69 credit hours of major coursework along with general education requirements. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with real-world application through extensive fieldwork experiences.
Specializations offered
Students can choose from four distinct concentrations:
- Mental Health & Human Service Generalist
- Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation
- Addiction Counseling
- Child & Family Services
UMA’s Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders enrolled 19 students at launch. This certificate gives professionals a path toward advanced credentials in addiction treatment.
Accreditation & licensure
The Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE) has granted national accreditation to the program. This recognition ensures graduates meet industry-wide professional standards. The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits the university.
The program’s graduates qualify for the Licensed Social Worker-Conditional (LSX) credential. Students who complete the Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation concentration earn the MHRT/C credential.
Tuition & format
| Fee Component | Amount |
| Academic Support Fee | $53.00/credit hour |
| Student Activity Fee | $2.25/credit hour (Fall & Spring) |
Students experience a blend of classroom learning and practical training that includes a 3-credit practicum and 9-credit internship. The program’s flexible scheduling options prepare graduates to enter the workforce or advance to master’s-level counseling programs.
University of Southern Maine – Rehabilitation Counseling
The University of Southern Maine’s Rehabilitation Counseling program completes their counseling offerings with a focus on serving people with disabilities. Students who graduate from this concentration can work in rehabilitation settings of all types while helping clients become independent.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Counseling with a Rehabilitation concentration gives you the skills to serve persons with disabilities in different settings. The program’s mission aims to promote quality rehabilitation services by preparing qualified professionals, providing services to rehabilitation organizations, and supporting rehabilitation-related research. The curriculum combines counseling fundamentals with specialized rehabilitation knowledge to prepare students for vocational rehabilitation. Your degree will let you work in state vocational rehabilitation facilities, independent living centers, rehabilitation hospitals, and private rehabilitation companies.
Specializations offered
The program features a Vocational Rehabilitation specialization that prepares you to help clients with disabilities reach their employment goals. Your studies include practicum and internship experiences at sites that match your location, schedule, and career goals. The program staff helps with placement and even assists out-of-state students to find fieldwork opportunities near their homes.
Accreditation & licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) fully accredits this program. Students who graduate can qualify for Certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and apply for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). On top of that, it lets you get Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certifications during your studies.
Tuition & format
Students need 54 credit hours of coursework and typically complete the program in two years. You can apply by February 15 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission. The curriculum uses a hybrid approach that combines face-to-face, online, and blended formats. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through field placements that include both practicum (100 hours) and internship (600 hours) requirements.
Choose a Maine Master’s in Counseling Today
Maine’s seven master’s programs provide excellent counseling education paths. Each program has its own strengths that match your goals in clinical mental health, school counseling, rehabilitation, or creative arts therapy. The programs offer flexible formats—from fully online to hybrid and weekend options—so you can balance your studies with work and life.
CACREP accreditation is a key feature of many programs, which ensures your education meets national standards and prepares you for licensing exams. While tuition varies by a lot between programs, you’ll find many financial aid options to help manage your educational costs.
These counseling programs lead to great career results. The University of Southern Maine students achieve a 99% pass rate on national exams, and most programs report high job placement rates. Maine’s mental health professionals earn median salaries of $86,000, and this is a big deal as it means that job opportunities are growing throughout the state.
Hands-on experience is vital in all programs. You’ll gain real-world skills through 100-hour practicums to 900-hour internships under supervision before starting your career. This means you’ll graduate with both knowledge and experience that employers value.
You’ll find many specialization options in these programs. Maine schools give you paths to build expertise in substance misuse counseling, family systems, creative arts therapy, or school counseling that match your career goals.
Starting a counseling master’s degree puts you on track to achieve a rewarding career helping others. Maine’s programs give you the skills, credentials, and experience to make a real difference in your community while building a satisfying professional life with strong career prospects.