Top Accredited Counseling Schools in Texas

Kick start your counseling career at one of Texas’s best schools. Texas schools awarded 957 counseling psychology degrees last year, ranking 90th among all programs nationwide. The state’s rich mix of urban and rural communities creates endless opportunities. From bustling cities like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio to peaceful countryside settings, counseling services are in high demand. You’ll find excellent programs for every specialty, including family and marriage counseling and online substance abuse counseling.

The career outlook for Texas counseling graduates looks bright. Many professionals find rewarding roles as Family Support Workers or Rehabilitation Specialists that truly help their communities. The money isn’t bad either – Addiction Counselors typically earn $60,080 per year, while Community Outreach Coordinators see around $54,020.

Let’s take a closer look at several top-rated counseling programs across Texas to help you choose the right path for your future career.

1. Texas A&M University – College Station

Texas A&M University – College Station ranks among the top destinations for future counseling professionals who want quality academic training and hands-on clinical experience. This state flagship institution provides specialized programs that shape skilled practitioners and researchers in counseling.

Program overview

The Counseling Psychology doctoral program at Texas A&M follows the scientist-practitioner model to create ethical and skilled professionals. The program has focused on delivering complete training that meets the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation standards for health service psychology.

The PhD program goes beyond regular coursework. Students need a full picture of the professional field and advanced research skills. They must show expertise in their subject matter and know how to conduct independent research. The program also builds strong communication skills so graduates can clearly present complex ideas in writing and speaking.

Students who choose counseling-related degrees at Texas A&M learn both theory and practice. This balanced approach prepares them to work with clients of all backgrounds.

Accreditation and licensure

The Texas A&M Counseling Psychology doctoral program has managed to keep its American Psychological Association accreditation since 1981. This long-running accreditation shows the program’s quality and steadfast dedication to counseling education.

The curriculum meets requirements for the License as a Psychologist (LP), Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) in Texas, and National Certification as a School Psychologist (NCSP). So graduates can easily pursue professional licensure in Texas.

Students who plan to practice in other states will find the curriculum covers most state requirements. States like California and Michigan ask for specific courses. New Jersey and Virgin Islands have different supervision rules than Texas. Future students should check their state’s specific requirements before enrolling.

Tuition and financial aid

Getting your counseling education at Texas A&M is more affordable through various support options. State and federal financial aid helped more than 72% of students at the main campus in fiscal year 2023.

The university provides several ways to fund your education:

• Merit-based and need-based university scholarships
• Federal and state grants that don’t need repayment
• Student loans you repay after graduation
• Part-time work including work-study positions

Out-of-state students should note that any competitive Texas A&M scholarship or fellowship worth $1,000 or more qualifies them for in-state tuition rates. This can save $7,000-$10,000 over the academic year.

Graduate students in the Department of Educational Psychology often get Graduate Assistantship positions within the department or elsewhere in the university. These positions aren’t guaranteed and usually go to students with more experience.

2. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas ranks consistently at the top among Texas counseling schools and offers exceptional graduate programs that create skilled counseling professionals. Their counselor preparation programs frequently rank among the nation’s best.

Program overview

UNT’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS degree needs 60 semester hours minimum, with students taking complete examinations during their final internship. Students can choose from four specialized tracks:

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Child
• College

The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience effectively. Students need to submit their degree plan in their first semester and complete two back-to-back internship semesters (COUN 5720 & COUN 5721) as their final requirement. The admission process is competitive and requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Students must take COUN 5710 and usually COUN 5680 together in their first semester and need B grades or higher to progress.

Accreditation and licensure

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited UNT’s counseling programs through March 31, 2027. The program’s track record is impressive – their School Counseling program has managed to keep accreditation since 1979, while the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (previously Community Counseling) has been accredited since 1980.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets Texas’s educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. UNT cannot currently determine if their programs fulfill licensing requirements outside Texas. Students who plan to practice in other states should check with relevant licensing agencies before enrolling.

Tuition and financial aid

UNT stands out as one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys” for 25 straight years, delivering quality education at reasonable costs. The university gives out about $450 million in scholarships and financial aid each year, which helps about 70% of their students. Students in counseling programs pay $30 more per credit hour on top of standard tuition.

Students need to fill out the FAFSA application at fafsa.gov to get financial aid. Aid payments usually arrive 10 days before classes start, but students must take at least 6 credit hours to stay eligible. Graduate students can also apply for fellowships, scholarships, grants, and assistantships through the Toulouse Graduate School.

3. Texas State University

Texas State University sits in the heart of Texas with campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock. The university stands out with one of the state’s most practical and clinically focused counseling programs. Students get hands-on experience while learning research-based knowledge that prepares them for various counseling careers.

Program overview

The Professional Counseling Master’s program boasts world-renowned faculty and two cutting-edge community counseling clinics. Students get valuable experience helping underserved communities. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program has three specialized tracks:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)
• Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (MCFC)
• School Counseling (SC)

Students build their clinical skills through a well-laid-out sequence of classroom learning and practical activities. The program has core foundations in theories, clinical interventions, assessment, advanced ethics, diversity, and research. Students then complete their clinical practicum in university clinics and internships throughout Central Texas, which creates a complete training experience.

Accreditation and licensure

The Professional Counseling program’s CACREP accreditation means graduates meet national counseling education standards. Students can pursue three different Texas licenses:

• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• All-Level Professional School Counselor certification

Students must earn a ‘B’ or better in all their professional counseling coursework. These high standards help ensure graduates are ready for Texas licensure requirements.

Tuition and financial aid

The university’s Financial Aid office gives out over $370 million in financial aid and scholarships each year. Counseling students can apply for two special scholarships:

The Professional Counseling Endowed Scholarship gives $600 to full-time students who maintain a 3.0+ GPA. The Professional Counseling Faculty Fellowship awards $4,250 (split between two students) to those who’ve finished at least 12 credit hours with a 3.5+ GPA and show dedication to shared research.

The university also offers guaranteed scholarships for eligible students and runs the Bobcat Promise program to make education accessible whatever your financial situation. Students can get grants, work-study positions, and loans. Remember to file your FAFSA by the March 15 priority date.

4. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University stands out among Texas counseling schools with its hands-on approach. Students get ready to make an immediate difference in mental health care. The university serves future counselors through its facilities in Huntsville and The Woodlands across eastern Texas.

Program overview

The university’s Master of Arts in Counseling offers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration. Students complete 60 credit hours through a mix of in-person and online classes. Graduates can work in several settings such as:

• Private practice
• Non-profit counseling agencies
• Hospitals and psychiatric facilities
• Correctional institutions
• College counseling centers
• Substance-abuse treatment facilities

Students learn through ground experience and hands-on training guided by experienced faculty. The university’s teaching clinics provide practical experience. Students can also earn additional Graduate Certificates in Play Therapy or Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling.

Accreditation and licensure

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This recognition matches nationally recognized standards and boosts graduates’ career prospects in counseling.

Students who complete the program meet Texas requirements to apply for Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-Associate) status. They can advance to full LPC licensure after completing supervised practice hours, which opens doors to independent practice.

Tuition and financial aid

The university shows its dedication to making education affordable. 64% of undergraduate students get some type of financial help. The average financial aid package reaches $13,679 per student. SHSU distributed about $200 million in total aid for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Students can access various support options:

• Grants based on financial need
• Loans repayable after graduation
• Merit and need-based scholarships
• Work-study opportunities

The Bearkat Emergency Fund helps students through unexpected financial challenges with the Bearkat Assistance Program. This support keeps temporary money problems from stopping students’ education, showing SHSU’s commitment to student success.

5. University of Houston

The University of Houston stands out among Texas’s top counseling schools with its focus on professional skills and cross-cultural awareness. Students learn specialized skills that prepare them to work with diverse populations in different counseling environments.

Program overview

The Master of Education in Counseling program at the University of Houston requires 60 credit hours (20 classes) that students complete over three years. Students learn counseling theories, skills, and techniques in depth while preparing for professional counseling careers. Many graduates go on to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) through national licensure.

Students can start the program only in fall term. The program has sections for three field experience courses—one practicum and two internships. Faculty members give feedback on skill development, provide clinical practice opportunities, and guide professional development throughout the program. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track teaches students about counselors’ impact when working with diverse communities.

Graduates work in many settings:

• K-12 schools and educational institutions
• Mental and healthcare facilities
• Community agencies
• Probation services
• Career counseling centers
• Employee assistance programs

Accreditation and licensure

The M.Ed. in Counseling program is working toward national accreditation to build a strong educational foundation for professional and personal growth. Notwithstanding that, the university’s Counseling Psychology doctoral program managed to keep its American Psychological Association accreditation since 1987.

The M.Ed. in Counseling program meets Texas licensure requirements. But the university hasn’t yet determined if its curriculum satisfies educational requirements for licensure in other states.

Tuition and financial aid

The estimated tuition and fees for 2025-26 at University of Houston are $11,888 for in-state students and $27,776 for out-of-state students. The Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) is a great way to get support, as it covers tuition for 9 credit hours during the academic year for eligible students taking at least 9 credit hours.

Graduate appointments usually last through the first three years of study but don’t cover mandatory fees or course fees. Students can also explore other financial help options like merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities.

6. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University stands out with its fresh take on counselor education by combining time-tested foundations with cutting-edge techniques. This 50-year-old institution has become a top choice among Texas counseling schools, giving students high-quality education with flexible financial support options.

Program overview

Texas Tech’s Counselor Education program trains clinical mental health counselors, school counselors, and counselor educators. The program lines up with ethical standards from major counseling organizations, especially the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES). The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track needs 60 credit hours to complete and opens doors to careers in private practice, agency counseling, substance abuse counseling, and career counseling.

Accreditation and licensure

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited Texas Tech’s Counseling programs. This national accreditation will give graduates professional recognition in any discipline. Students should know that only the Texas LPC Board can decide on licensure eligibility, even though the program covers all current academic requirements for LPC licensure in Texas. Each state has different requirements – California and Michigan need specific didactic courses, while New Jersey has its own supervisory rules.

Tuition and financial aid

Texas Tech helps students plan their finances with several support options. Most first-year students get a $100,000.00 scholarship that covers out-of-state tuition and fees. Students are guaranteed half-time assistantships (20 hours weekly) for nine months, which might extend to 12 months based on budget. Students with assistantships can also use university employee benefits, including premium health insurance. The Graduate School offers competitive fellowships that make quality education available to more students.

7. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University stands out among counseling schools with a special focus. The university prepares counselors to understand women’s mental health needs while serving people of all backgrounds. This unique approach makes TWU a top choice for students looking at counseling schools in Texas with specialized areas.

Program overview

TWU’s Master of Science in Counseling and Development comes with two concentrations:

• Professional School Counseling (48 credit hours)
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credit hours)

The program combines theory with hands-on experience through supervised clinical work. Students learn essential counseling skills both in classrooms and through ground practice in different settings. Core counseling principles come first through foundation courses. Students then move to specialized courses in either school counseling or clinical mental health counseling. The program wraps up with practicum and internship experiences. These give students a chance to use their skills in actual counseling settings under expert guidance.

Accreditation and licensure

TWU’s counseling program maintains strong accreditation standards that lead to graduate success. Clinical mental health counseling students can meet Texas requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) eligibility. School counseling students prepare for School Counselor certification in Texas schools.

Students get detailed preparation for state licensure exams throughout their studies. The program makes sure graduates know professional ethics and legal requirements that form the base of counseling practice.

Tuition and financial aid

TWU keeps its tuition rates competitive with other Texas counseling schools. Students can access several financial support options:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based grants
• Graduate assistantships
• Federal work-study opportunities
• Student loans

The university’s financial aid office helps students find the best funding options based on their needs. TWU also lets students spread their tuition payments throughout each semester instead of paying all at once.

8. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University stands out among Texas counseling schools by integrating Christian viewpoints into mental health education. The university prepares caring professionals who combine clinical expertise with spiritual awareness to help people with psychological needs.

Program overview

ACU’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology offers a 60-credit hour program that gives students the skills needed for mental health careers in intervention, prevention, and consultation. Students learn about biological, psychological, and social foundations of behavior while mastering individual and group counseling techniques. The university’s on-campus clinic provides hands-on experience under faculty supervision. Students develop their professional identity and clinical skills together. This practical approach prepares graduates to become Licensed Professional Counselors.

Accreditation and licensure

The program meets all coursework requirements for Texas licensure. Students who plan to practice in other states should break down their specific requirements first. Licensing laws vary by a lot between different jurisdictions. ACU suggests students contact relevant licensing boards early in their educational trip to meet state-specific regulations.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2025-2026 academic year costs $1,593 per credit hour, with a block tuition rate of $45,500 plus a $300 Student Activity Fee. ACU’s merit-based scholarships average $20,000 for 48-60 hour programs, with typical distributions of $10,000 yearly over two years. Graduate assistantships provide additional support, paying $1,650 per semester for about 10 weekly hours of research, teaching, or clinical work. Students can choose from 4-month, 5-month, and 6-month payment plans.

9. Houston Christian University

Houston Christian University combines faith with clinical excellence in its counseling programs to develop practitioners who provide spiritually informed therapeutic care.

Program overview

HCU offers two main counseling paths: the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACC) and the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC). The detailed MACMHC program takes 60 credit hours and prepares graduates to become licensed professional counselors. Students become skilled at individual, group, family, and career counseling through the program. The core coursework has professional identity, ethics, human development, multicultural counseling, assessment, psychopathology, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Supervised practicum and internship experiences conclude the curriculum and provide direct client contact hours needed for licensure. Students can specialize in resilience counseling, human sexuality, couples and family work, or grief counseling through elective options.

Accreditation and licensure

Counseling graduate programs must be accredited for licensure, and HCU’s curriculum meets all professional standards. The MACMHC program helps students qualify for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in Texas. Note that students who want certification outside Texas should check requirements with their target state’s licensing board.

Tuition and financial aid

HCU’s tuition for 2025-26 costs $40,530, with total expenses reaching $58,060 including room, board and other costs. The university helps students significantly – 86% of first-year students get need-based financial aid, with average awards of $31,629. The Tuition Equalization Grant provides up to $3,364 for Texas residents who need financial help. Students who qualify can receive merit-based aid averaging $24,144.

10. Amberton University

Amberton University offers a flexible education path that’s available to working adults who want to pursue counseling careers in Texas.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Amberton requires 60 graduate hours and 300 practicum hours. The program stands out because students can complete it 100% online with the option to take in-person classes. Students learn to help individuals, couples, families, and groups in different settings. Amberton’s reputation speaks for itself – the university has been a top choice for counseling students in North Texas over 30 years.

Accreditation and licensure

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has accredited Amberton University. Students who complete the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meet all academic requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Texas. Graduates can start their LPC application process right after finishing the program.

Tuition and financial aid

Amberton makes quality education affordable at $325 per credit hour or $975 per course for 2025-2026. Students can expect to pay around $29,600 annually. The university believes in providing excellent education without burdening students with long-term debt. Students can choose from several payment options including Title IV financial aid, private education loans, and payment deferrals. Federal funding through Pell Grants and Direct Loans might also be available.

11. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) welcomes future counselors with a program that focuses on multicultural skills and serving the community. Students benefit from convenient campus locations in South Texas, where they receive unique counseling education.

Program overview

UTRGV’s Master of Education in Counseling runs a traditional face-to-face program that prepares professionals to support mental health needs in a variety of communities. Students can choose between two specializations:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling

The Clinical Mental Health track gives students excellent flexibility with classes available in Edinburg, Brownsville, and Laredo. Students build their leadership abilities and advocacy skills while working to get their state license. Candidates need a minimum 3.0 GPA in their last 60 undergraduate hours to be considered for admission.

Accreditation and licensure

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited UTRGV’s counseling program. Both specializations maintain CACREP accreditation through October 31, 2026. The program’s students have achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate on licensure examinations.

Tuition and financial aid

Students should use FAFSA code 003599 to apply for federal assistance. UTRGV provides tuition support to eligible students whose family adjusted gross income is $125,000 or less. Students must submit their FAFSA by January 15th to meet the priority deadline for the academic year.

12. Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University creates a learning environment that helps students grow personally while celebrating their individual differences in social and cultural contexts. The department gives students clinical knowledge to become effective client advocates.

Program overview

SMU’s Master of Science in Counseling requires 63 credit hours, complete exams and an internship. Students gain knowledge in education, psychology, human development, sociology, learning theory, and social change. They become skilled at therapy through repeated practice and role-playing with targeted feedback. The program prepares graduates to pursue licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), or School Counselors. Students learn both theoretical foundations and practical applications.

Accreditation and licensure

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the MS in Counseling program. This credential includes three specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling, and School Counseling. Students who complete the Clinical Mental Health Specialty meet Texas’s educational requirements for LPC licensure.

Tuition and financial aid

SMU’s estimated graduate student costs vary by program for 2025-2026. On-campus undergraduates pay $93,090. Students can access several financial options including academic scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study positions. Forbes ranks SMU among the top 5% of institutions with highest-paid graduates in any discipline.

13. Lamar University

Lamar University has trained mental health professionals for over three decades. The university ranks among Texas’s most available counseling schools and uses regional accreditation to help students get their licenses.

Program overview

Students can choose from two 60-hour graduate degrees with three specialized concentrations. The M.Ed. in Counseling and Development offers Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling or Professional School Counseling tracks. The university also provides an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The detailed curriculum helps students excel in school settings, community agencies, or clinical practice. The university holds the third position among affordable colleges for online master’s in school counseling degrees. Working professionals can also earn an 18-hour post-graduate certificate in Mental Health Counseling. This certificate serves professionals who have a 48-hour master’s degree and want to pursue Texas LPC licensure.

Accreditation and licensure

Lamar differs from other institutions on this list by maintaining accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) rather than CACREP. This regional accreditation falls under CHEA and qualifies graduates to get licensed in Texas and most other states. The previous CACREP decision affected only the Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. Students from other states should check with the university’s licensure officer about their state’s requirements.

Tuition and financial aid

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program costs $360 per credit hour or $1,080 per course. Students pay approximately $21,604 total, including university fees. Most full-time students – about 90% – receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half the graduates finish their degrees debt-free. The university gives out more than $20 million in scholarships each year.

Complete List of Schools with Accredited Counseling Programs in Texas

Choose a Texas Counseling School Today

Your rewarding career in mental health starts with picking the right counseling program. Texas has 13 accredited institutions that offer programs of all types – from clinical mental health to marriage and family therapy, school counseling, and substance abuse treatment. Each program brings something special to the table, be it CACREP accreditation, flexible online options, or specialized training facilities.

Money is without doubt one of your biggest concerns at the time of choosing a program. The good news is that most schools give out millions in financial aid every year through scholarships, grants, assistantships, and loans. Texas A&M’s competitive scholarships help students qualify for in-state tuition rates, which can save thousands each year. On top of that, schools like Amberton University have budget-friendly per-credit costs that make quality education available without crushing debt.

Accreditation is definitely worth your attention while selecting a program. CACREP-recognized programs ensure your education meets national standards for counseling professionals. This credential makes licensure applications easier and boosts your job market value. Notwithstanding that, schools with regional accreditation through organizations like SACSCOC also prepare graduates well for Texas licensure requirements.

The job market for counseling graduates looks exceptionally bright in Texas. Your training opens doors to meaningful roles like addiction counselor, rehabilitation specialist, community outreach coordinator, or family support worker. These positions pay competitive salaries between $54,000 and $60,000 yearly and give you the deep satisfaction of making real changes in people’s lives.

Your educational trip starts by finding a program that lines up with your career goals, learning priorities, and budget. Looking at 13 great institutions might feel overwhelming at first, but focusing on program specialization, location, delivery format, and support services will help clear your path. These programs are proven to prepare caring, skilled practitioners who can meet mental health needs in Texas and beyond.