7 Accredited PhD Programs in Counseling Texas Universities Offer in 2026

Looking to pursue a PhD in Counseling at Texas universities? You’ll find an impressive array of doctoral paths that could reshape your mental health career.

Texas hosts several counseling psychology PhD programs with American Psychological Association accreditation. Each program brings its own unique focus and requirements. Texas A&M’s Counseling Psychology doctoral program has managed to keep its APA accreditation since 1981. Texas Woman’s University stands out by offering the country’s only explicitly feminist-oriented counseling psychology doctoral program. The programs demand rigorous academic commitment—some require about 69 hours of coursework beyond master’s requirements.

These seven accredited programs could take your counseling career to new heights through doctoral education. You’ll find programs that emphasize clinical skills through extensive practicum and internship courses, while others focus on research, education, or specialized theoretical approaches. This piece will help you direct your path toward the program that best matches your career goals.

Texas A&M University – Counseling Psychology PhD

Texas A&M University is among the best PhD Programs in Counseling Texas has to offer. Their Counseling Psychology doctoral program blends scientific training with hands-on clinical experience to shape tomorrow’s leaders in the field.

Program Overview

Texas A&M University’s Counseling Psychology doctoral program has managed to keep continuous accreditation by the American Psychological Association since 1981. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model and trains clinically competent counseling psychologists who meet APA Commission on Accreditation standards for health service psychology.

Students learn traditional counseling psychology values with a focus on evidence-based services that help both individuals and communities thrive. The curriculum tackles multiculturalism, community involvement, and working across disciplines. These priorities line up with Texas A&M University’s core values: Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service.

Admission Requirements

The deadline for Fall admissions is December 1st. Strong academic records and research experience make candidates stand out. The GRE requirement doesn’t apply for Fall admissions (except for Industrial & Organizational PhD Psychology applications). Most successful applicants have GPAs of 3.50 or higher.

You’ll need these application materials:

• Statement of purpose that shows your qualifications, research experience, and career plans
• Three recommendation letters submitted through the electronic system
• Curriculum vitae/resume
• Official transcripts (sent only after admission)

International students must prove English language proficiency through TOEFL scores. This requirement doesn’t apply if you have a four-year degree from an English-speaking country or score above 146 on the GRE verbal section.

Curriculum Highlights

The program length depends on your previous education:

• Students with a master’s degree need at least 64 credit hours
• Students with a bachelor’s degree need at least 96 credit hours

Bachelor’s degree holders can get a non-thesis M.Ed. after finishing their first 36 graduate credit hours. Training builds step by step through classes, clinical work, and field placements that become more challenging over time.

The program might waive up to 9 credit hours for accepted students. These waivers only apply to Group Counseling, Lifespan Development, and Counseling Techniques (if you’re a post-master’s student with practicum experience).

Accreditation and Licensure

This PhD program sets you up for licensure in most states. The PhD in Counseling Psychology meets educational requirements for licensure in 47 states, including Texas. California, Michigan, and New Jersey are the only exceptions.

State licensing boards usually ask for extra training and tests beyond your degree. The program isn’t subject to the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and allows up to 130 doctoral hours.

Tuition and Financial Aid

First-year students can expect these costs:

• In-state tuition: $9,062.02
• Out-of-state tuition: $18,629.20
• University/institution fees: $5,086.00
• Other costs (books, travel, etc.): $22,144.00

These numbers cover 9 credits per semester (Fall and Spring). Many students take up to 13 credits in Fall/Spring and 6 in summer, which costs extra.

PhD students usually get funding through assistantships. These positions cover all tuition and required fees, plus yearly stipends between $18,000-$22,000 for 20 weekly hours of teaching or research work. Students also get access to the graduate student health insurance plan.

Career Outcomes

The numbers speak for themselves. From 2014-2024, 71 students finished the program in about 5.65 years on average. Most students (59.2%) graduate in 5 years, while 22.5% take 6 years.

Every student in the last decade (2014-2024) landed an APA/CPA-accredited internship. Even better, 81.8% of graduates from 2014-2022 became licensed psychologists within ten years.

These results show how well the program prepares students. Graduates don’t just finish their degrees – they become licensed counseling psychologists who make a difference through research, clinical work, and community service.

University of Texas at Austin – Counseling Psychology PhD

The Counseling Psychology PhD program at the University of Texas at Austin started in the early 1950s and has become essential among PhD Programs in Counseling Texas institutions. The program is one of the oldest APA-accredited counseling psychology programs in the country and has managed to keep this status since 1953.

Program Overview

The UT Austin Counseling Psychology doctoral program uses the scientist-practitioner model to prepare PhD psychologists who can help with human behavior problems in social processes and systems of all types. The program’s faculty members respect and value human experiences in all forms, which shows their dedication to honoring cultural identities and creating a sense of belonging. Students work toward four main goals: becoming sophisticated researchers and scholars, developing into competent practitioners, growing into socially responsible and ethical professionals, and learning to be culturally competent psychologists.

Admission Requirements

Students need to apply through the Graduate School by December 1. Online interviews usually happen in late January. The program looks at several factors when selecting students:

• Undergraduate academic performance
• Letters of recommendation
• Relevant professional activities
• Research interest and productivity
• How well student and faculty interests match

The program uses a mentorship model where students work directly with professors in their area of expertise. Ricardo Ainslie, Chris Brownson, Chris McCarthy, Jennifer Mootz, and Afroze Shaikh will review applications for the 2026 admission cycle.

Curriculum Highlights

Students need to complete about 98 credit hours that cover:

• Required professional courses (theories, assessment, ethics, multicultural counseling)
• Research methods and statistics courses
• Qualifying process (2 semesters)
• Master’s report (if you don’t have a master’s degree)
• Dissertation (minimum 2 semesters)
• At least 5 semesters of practicum training

The practicum training builds step by step. Students start with basic assessment training at the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center in their second year. Third-year students can train at hospitals, VA centers, or community clinics. This step-by-step approach helps students build their skills before their required full-time clinical internship.

Accreditation and Licensure

The American Psychological Association has continuously accredited the Counseling Psychology doctoral program since 1953. The next re-accreditation visit will happen in 2033. The program received its latest accreditation renewal in Spring 2024. Graduates can meet licensure requirements in most states, but state licensing boards usually need additional training and exams beyond the degree.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The Department of Psychology offers strong financial support to doctoral students:

• 12-month stipend minimum of $30,000
• Full tuition assistance ($4,464 per semester)
• Free health insurance for students in benefits-eligible positions or on fellowships

Students can receive support for at least five years if they maintain good academic progress. They can also apply for extra funding from the National Research Council, National Science Foundation, and private foundations.

UniCareer Outcomes

UT Austin’s Counseling Psychology PhD graduates work in many different settings. You’ll find them in university counseling centers, private practices, academic teaching positions, and research institutions. The program’s focus on both research methods and clinical training creates many career opportunities.

Many students complete their practicum training at UT Austin’s Counseling and Mental Health Center. The center reports that its psychology interns often find post-doctoral residency positions in university counseling centers and private practices. The complete training at UT Austin helps students succeed in many professional settings, which shows why it’s one of the best PhD Programs in Counseling Texas offers.

Texas Woman’s University – Counseling Psychology PhD

Texas Woman’s University is well-known among PhD Programs in Counseling Texas with its feminist orientation. The program is the only explicitly feminist-oriented counseling psychology doctoral program in the nation. This makes it an excellent choice for students who want this theoretical foundation.

Program Overview

TWU’s Counseling Psychology PhD program builds on feminist multicultural viewpoints to prepare future licensed psychologists. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model of training. Students learn both research and clinical practice throughout their studies. The program weaves social justice advocacy, multicultural competence, and feminist theory into every training aspect.

Small cohorts of 6-8 students each year help create close relationships between faculty and students. Students get individual guidance as they work toward their doctorate in this collaborative setting.

Admission Requirements

Students must submit applications by December 1st to be considered for fall admission. The process needs:

• Online application through the TWU Graduate School
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work
• Competitive GRE scores (temporarily waived for some recent admission cycles)
• Personal statement describing career goals and research interests
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience

The admissions team looks at each candidate’s full picture. They check academic achievement, research potential, clinical aptitude, and how well candidates match the program’s feminist multicultural values.

Curriculum Highlights

Students must complete approximately 103 credit hours beyond their bachelor’s degree. Those with a master’s degree in counseling or psychology can transfer up to 30 credit hours if faculty approve. The curriculum has:

• Core psychology coursework (biological, cognitive, social, and developmental foundations)
• Research methods and statistics
• Counseling theories and techniques
• Assessment and intervention skills
• Multicultural and feminist perspectives
• Supervised practicum experiences
• Dissertation research

Students train in different settings like the TWU Counseling Center, community mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices. This broad training helps graduates work with people of all backgrounds in various settings.

Accreditation and Licensure

The American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation fully accredits the program. Without doubt, this shows the program meets national standards for doctoral training in psychology.

The curriculum meets psychology licensure requirements in Texas and most other states. Students who want to practice elsewhere should check their target state’s licensing board requirements, as these can differ by location.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2025-2026, tuition rates are:

• Texas residents: $326 per credit hour
• Non-residents: $739 per credit hour

The program helps offset these costs through several support options. Teaching and research assistantships come with tuition benefits and yearly stipends between $12,000-$18,000. Students might also qualify for scholarships, grants, and federal loans based on their academic performance and financial needs.

Career Outcomes

TWU’s Counseling Psychology PhD graduates work in many fields. Most become licensed psychologists in:

• University counseling centers
• Community mental health clinics
• Private practice
• Academic positions
• Medical centers and hospitals
• Government agencies

Students match well with APA-accredited internship sites—a vital step for counseling psychologists’ career growth. After graduating, they complete post-doctoral fellowships to get supervised hours for licensure.

TWU graduates excel because of their feminist multicultural training. They know how to work with diverse populations and tackle systemic oppression in their clinical practice and research. This specialized background creates opportunities in social justice-oriented psychological services.

University of North Texas – Counseling Psychology PhD

The University of North Texas (UNT) is prominent among PhD Programs in Counseling Texas with its unique training options. Their sport psychology concentration has earned widespread recognition. Students become skilled counseling psychologists ready to help people with various mental health challenges in different settings.

Program Overview

UNT’s Counseling Psychology doctoral program follows the scientist-practitioner model. Students learn to blend research methodology with clinical practice effectively. The program aims to train health service professional psychologists who value individual and cultural diversity while understanding social contexts.

One of the program’s greatest strengths lies in its sport psychology elective cluster. It’s among the few programs nationwide that combines sport psychology specialization with an APA-accredited counseling psychology program. Graduates get comprehensive training as licensed psychologists and specialized knowledge to work with athletes, coaches, and sport teams.

Admission Requirements

Students need to submit their applications by December 1st to start in fall. Virtual interviews usually take place in late January or early February. Successful applicants must meet at least one of these requirements:

• 0 overall GPA on a bachelor’s degree
• 5 GPA on the last 60 credits of a bachelor’s degree
• 5 GPA in undergraduate psychology coursework
• 5 GPA on a completed master’s degree in related fields

You’ll need these application materials:

• Official transcripts
• Curriculum vitae
• Goal statement (500-1000 words)
• Three recommendation letters
• Indication of preferred elective cluster(s)

The program takes an all-encompassing approach to admissions. They value your achievements, drive, aptitude, and potential contributions to enrich the program.

Curriculum Highlights

Students must complete 99 semester hours of graduate-level coursework and practica beyond their bachelor’s degree. A one-year pre-doctoral internship is also required. Students with a master’s degree can request course waivers to reduce their required hours.

Hands-on training starts in your first semester through the Psychology Clinic Practicum Team and University Counseling and Testing Services. Second-year students spend 12-20 hours each week on practicum activities in the clinic.

Sport psychology elective cluster requires additional courses:

• Applied Sport Psychology II (3 credit hours)
• Theory and Practice of Sport & Performance Psychology (3 credit hours)
• Sport Psychology Practicum for at least three years

Accreditation and Licensure

The program has managed to keep its accreditation from the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation since December 5, 1978. This recognition shows the program meets national standards for doctoral training in psychology.

After graduation, you can pursue licensure as a psychologist anywhere in the U.S.. Students who complete the sport psychology elective cluster will meet most requirements to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• In-state graduate tuition: $459 per credit hour
• Out-of-state graduate tuition: $868 per credit hour
• Average annual cost for Texas residents: $26,774

UNT gives out about $450 million in scholarships and financial aid each year. About 70% of UNT students get some form of aid. Once you’re admitted, you’ll receive 20-hour assistantships, partial tuition remission for at least 12 credits yearly, and in-state tuition rates for four years if you maintain good academic standing.

Career Outcomes

The program’s track record speaks for itself. From 2015 to 2024, 75 students finished the program in an average of 6.03 years. Most students (59%) complete their degree in 6 years.

Students have excellent success with internship placements. Between 2015-2025, almost everyone secured internships, mostly at APA/CPA accredited sites. Even better, 94% of graduates from 2015-2023 became licensed psychologists within ten years.

Graduates work in many different settings. You’ll find them in university counseling centers, community mental health centers, university athletic departments, VA medical centers, hospitals, academic positions, and private practice.

Texas Tech University – Counseling Psychology PhD

Texas Tech University’s Counseling Psychology doctoral program is reputable among PhD Programs in Counseling in Texas. The program delivers exceptional outcomes and shows steadfast dedication to balanced professional training.

Program Overview

The Counseling Psychology PhD program at Texas Tech prepares future counseling psychologists through a balanced training approach. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model and gives you the skills needed in multiple areas – from statistical analysis to therapeutic intervention. Students become well-rounded professionals ready for careers in psychological services through this APA-accredited program that emphasizes both research methodology and clinical practice.

Students gain specialized experience in forensics, health psychology, and neuropsychology. Texas Tech values both personal and professional growth when training counseling psychologists.

Admission Requirements

Students must submit applications by December 1st to be considered for fall admission. The program uses a mentorship model where applicants typically choose specific faculty members based on shared research interests. Essential requirements include:

• 18 credit hours minimum of psychology courses (including one statistics course)
• GRE scores are optional
• Three recommendation letters
• Personal statement answering program-specific questions
• Proven research experience and academic achievements

Strong letters of recommendation, clear relevant self-statements, research experience, and values that match the program’s philosophy make successful applicants stand out.

Curriculum Highlights

Students need at least 93 credit hours, though most complete between 105-109 credits. This detailed curriculum has:

• Department core courses (biological, cognitive, social bases of behavior)
• Counseling psychology applied requirements (39 credit hours)
• Assessment courses (7 credit hours)
• Advanced statistics (8 required hours)
• Research requirements (21 credit hours)
• One elective course

Second-year students start practicum experiences and later move to external placements. Most students finish in 6 years, with the final year spent completing a full-time pre-doctoral internship.

Accreditation and Licensure

The American Psychological Association fully accredits the program, with the next review set for 2033. The program’s outcomes speak volumes – a 100% EPPP pass rate and 95% licensure rate.

Students can check the Professional Licensure by State Table to understand how the program meets different jurisdictions’ educational requirements for licensure.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Texas residents pay about $9,518 yearly in tuition and fees, while non-residents pay around $17,918. The program offers substantial financial support packages:

• 12-month guaranteed half-time funding (20 hours weekly)
• First-year students often receive $100,000 scholarships that waive most out-of-state tuition
• Health insurance benefits with half-time assistantships
• Teaching and research opportunities after the first year

Career Outcomes

Best Counseling Degrees ranked this program as the nation’s second-best counseling psychology doctoral program in 2018. Students typically graduate in 6.2 years, achieving a 100% EPPP pass rate and 95% licensure rate.

Licensed psychologists who graduate from this program work in healthcare institutions, educational organizations, private practice, research positions, and community mental health centers.

Our Lady of the Lake University – Counseling PsyD

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) provides a unique Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program that focuses on professional practice rather than research. This program serves as an excellent alternative to traditional PhD Programs in Counseling Texas institutions.

Program Overview

OLLU pioneered the first PsyD degree program in counseling psychology nationwide. The program follows the practitioner-scholar model with American Psychological Association accreditation. The university managed to keep its accreditation status since 1995. Students learn to practice assessment and intervention independently with individuals, couples, families, and groups. The university’s Community Counseling Service (CCS) lets students work with clients under faculty supervision.

Admission Requirements

OLLU sets itself apart from other doctoral programs. Students need a master’s degree in psychology or a related field with at least 45 semester hours from a regionally accredited institution. On top of that, it requires a cumulative GPA of 3.50 in the master’s program. The application package should include:

• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a former professor)
• Personal statement outlining background, expectations, and goals
• Criminal background check
• On-campus interview

Students must submit all admission materials by January 15 to enroll in fall.

Curriculum Highlights

The program requires 117 core credits and 12 elective hours. Key focus areas are:

• Psychotherapy skills
• Psychological assessment
• Ethical and legal principles
• Multicultural competence
• Evaluation of clinical practice

Students start their internship at the university’s CCS during their first year. They work in treatment teams under doctoral faculty supervision. The program also offers special electives in psychological services for Spanish-speaking populations, biofeedback, and psychological hypnosis.

Accreditation and Licensure

The American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation fully accredits the Counseling Psychology PsyD program. The program prepares students for psychologist licensure in Texas and most other states. As of 2020, all but one of these states accepted the program’s credentials. California, Michigan, New Jersey, North Dakota, and New York had different requirements at that time.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Doctoral tuition will cost $1,108 per credit hour in the 2026-2027 academic year. Graduate assistant positions pay tuition for 6 hours in exchange for 12 weekly work hours. More than 95% of students get some type of financial help.

Career Outcomes

Licensed psychologists from this program work in settings of all sizes. Graduates can earn up to $141,910, showing the program’s strong earning potential. The job market looks promising with 6% projected growth from 2022 to 2032. This is a big deal as it means that psychologist jobs will grow faster than average occupations. Strong clinical training combined with cultural and linguistic skills makes graduates highly competitive in the job market.

University of Houston – Counseling Psychology PhD

The University of Houston adds value to Texas’s PhD Programs in Counseling through its urban-focused approach. The university shows a steadfast dedication to addressing mental health inequities in various communities.

Program Overview

The Counseling Psychology PhD program has maintained American Psychological Association accreditation since 1987. Students become skilled at both health service psychology and psychological research. The program’s location in one of America’s most diverse cities creates opportunities for research in behavioral health, multiculturalism, and social justice. Students follow the scientist-practitioner model where science and practice inform each other. New students can work with five faculty members: Dr. Blake Allan, Dr. Consuelo Arbona, Dr. Chakema Carmack, Dr. Robert McPherson, and Dr. Nathan Smith.

Admission Requirements

The program accepts applications until December 1st for fall admission. Students don’t need GRE scores if they have a 3.00+ overall undergraduate GPA or 3.50+ GPA from a completed master’s degree. The application package should include:

• Online application with statement of interest
• Resume/CV and writing sample
• Recommendation letters
• Official transcripts

Curriculum Highlights

Students must complete 102 credit hours with at least four years of full-time study. The program includes coursework, a candidacy research project, comprehensive examination, practicum, dissertation, and pre-doctoral internship. First-year students usually take 9-12 credit hours each semester. Students interested in Health Psychology can take nine extra didactic credits and two health-focused practicum courses.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program meets Texas’s licensure requirements. Students need to check requirements for other states on their own since the university hasn’t determined if the curriculum works outside Texas.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Texas residents pay about $386 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay around $894. Of course, students can get financial help through Graduate Tuition Fellowships that cover nine credit hours during academic terms. Graduate appointments are usually available for students’ first two years.

Career Outcomes

Licensed psychologists who graduate from this program work in hospitals, university psychology departments, college counseling centers, community agencies, private practice, and K-12 schools. The program’s focus on eliminating mental health inequities helps graduates serve urban populations effectively.

Make Your Choice Today

Your choice of a doctoral program in counseling psychology will shape your career path. Seven APA-accredited programs exist in Texas. Each program brings something special to the table. Texas Woman’s University focuses on feminist views while UNT specializes in sport psychology. These options help you line up your career goals with the right program.

APA accreditation is a vital part of program selection. These seven institutions are all APA-accredited. Their programs meet quality standards that are decades old. This status helps with getting your license after graduation, though state rules can differ.

Money is one of the most important factors to think over. Most schools give financial help through assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships. Texas A&M covers full tuition and gives stipends for PhD assistantships. UT Austin provides at least $30,000 yearly with health insurance.

These programs show excellent career outcomes. Graduates regularly match with APA-accredited internships – a key step toward licensure. On top of that, alumni work in a variety of settings. They find roles in university counseling centers, hospitals, private practice, academic positions, and community mental health agencies.

Entry requirements differ slightly between schools. Most ask for good GPAs, recommendation letters, personal statements, and interviews. Many programs have put GRE requirements on hold for upcoming admissions.

Take time to review each program’s course structure, specialty options, mentoring, and location. Reaching out to current students or faculty members is a great way to get insights into program culture and what they expect.

Texas offers outstanding doctoral education in counseling psychology. You can choose between research-focused PhD programs or OLLU’s practice-oriented PsyD program. These seven schools prepare you to become a licensed psychologist who can serve different communities in many settings.