The 11 Best Youth Counseling Degree Programs in Texas for 2026 (Accredited)
A youth counseling degree in Texas has never been more timely. Employment of mental health and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to grow by 16.8% through 2034, with 42,000 counselor openings becoming available each year.
With that growth, understanding youth counselor requirements and what is a youth counselor becomes critical for your career planning. Youth counselors serve as advocates, leaders and consultants who support young people through developmental challenges in schools, community agencies and private sectors.
In this guide we get into 11 accredited Texas programs to help you find the right fit.
Texas Southern University – Department of Counseling
Texas Southern University’s Department of Counseling prepares master’s and doctoral students to address challenges facing urban and non-urban communities. The program is located in Houston. The curriculum emphasizes culturally and linguistically diverse populations and combines knowledge-based coursework with hands-on internships in urban settings. This focus on equity and inclusion positions graduates to serve diverse youth populations throughout Texas.
Degree Options and Specializations
The department offers Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees in three specializations relevant to youth counseling work: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling. Campus-based and online formats are available for the M.Ed. and give flexibility to working professionals.
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program requires 60 semester hours and operates on campus only. This program is designed for advanced practitioners. All master’s students complete a 600-hour counseling internship in approved clinical settings and gain practical experience with young clients.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track prepares you for community agency work and private practice. The School Counseling specialization focuses on PreK-12 settings. Candidates become familiar with comprehensive developmental guidance models. Rehabilitation Counseling qualifies graduates to take the Certified Rehabilitation Counseling Examination (CRC).
Each concentration requires 60 credit hours total. These hours are divided into pre-qualifying courses, core requirements, specialization courses, and institutional requirements. Core courses cover appraisal techniques, counseling research, crisis intervention, and group counseling. The program has enrichment options such as Counseling Children and Adolescents, Play Therapy, and Family Counseling.
Accreditation and Certification
The College of Education holds NCATE accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation programs. The college maintains accreditation from the Texas Education Agency, Texas Workforce Commission, and Texas Association of Colleges. This recognition comes alongside the institutional accreditation.
The Clinical Mental Health track meets requirements for the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (LPC) and National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). School Counseling graduates qualify for Texas School Counselor Certification.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
You need to submit applications through the Graduate School to meet youth counselor requirements. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 2.50 GPA overall or 3.0 on your last 60 undergraduate hours is required. GRE scores are required. An Analytical Writing score of 3.5 or above fulfills English proficiency requirements. The GRE must be taken within five years of application.
TOEFL scores of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) are needed for international applicants. The Department of Counseling Admissions Committee reviews completed applications and invites qualified candidates for interviews. You must file a degree plan once admitted, pass the Qualifying Examination by 18 credit hours, and complete the College of Education Comprehensive Examination.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate costs for 2025-2026 total $31,920 per year for in-state students and $44,162 for out-of-state students. Specific graduate tuition rates were not provided. More than two-thirds of TSU students receive financial assistance. Aid options include merit-based and need-based grants, scholarships, Federal Work-Study, and subsidized loans. Apply using FAFSA with school code 003642.
University of North Texas – Counseling Program
The University of North Texas Department of Counseling and Higher Education has managed to keep its position as the #1 counseling program in Texas and ranks among the top 20 programs nationwide. The department is 37 years old and promotes human development through education, research and service. UNT adopts a student-centered approach that models healthy relationships and pursues a collective purpose based on transparency, integrity and community participation.
The program operates the Counseling and Human Development Center, which delivers affordable counseling services to individuals and families in Denton and surrounding areas. Advanced master’s and doctoral students provide these services under faculty supervision. On top of that, the Center for Play Therapy encourages children’s development and emotional growth while serving as a clearinghouse for literature in the field.
Degree Options and Specializations
UNT offers a 60-hour Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with four specialized tracks: Adolescent, Adult, Child and College. The Clinical Mental Health program gives you the ability to work in college mental health centers, substance use treatment facilities, child protective services and family counseling centers.
The School Counseling program is available in both MS and MEd formats and admits students once each year for summer enrollment. The PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision requires a minimum of 72 semester hours beyond the master’s degree if you have advanced credentials to pursue.
Students complete a practicum that requires 100 total hours with at least 40 hours of direct client contact. The internship just needs at least 600 supervised hours, with 240 hours of direct service.
Accreditation and Certification
CACREP has accredited UNT’s counseling programs through March 31, 2027. The Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program and School Counseling programs have managed to keep accreditation since 1979, while the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program earned its accreditation in 1980.
The Clinical Mental Health track meets all educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. School Counseling graduates qualify for Texas School Counselor Certification, though the state also requires two years of teaching experience and passing the TExES Counselor Exam.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
You’ll need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to meet eligibility requirements. Clinical Mental Health Counseling accepts applications until February 1st for fall admission and October 1st for spring enrollment. School Counseling admits students once each year with a February 1st deadline for summer entry.
Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended, three reference evaluation forms specific to the counseling program, a one-page writing sample and your resume. Selected candidates receive invitations to group interviews after application deadlines. Provisional admission requires completing a satisfactory Criminal History Background Check.
Tuition and Financial Aid
UNT awards $450 million in scholarships and financial aid each year, with 70% of students receiving support. The Toulouse Graduate School provides fellowships, scholarships and grants that range from $500 per semester to $34,000 each year, including health benefits. Texas residents can lock in their tuition rate for four years through the Save and Soar Tuition Plan.
Texas Tech University – Counselor Education
Texas Tech University’s Counselor Education program trains school counselors, clinical mental health counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors who enter the profession with firm professional identities. The Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership houses the program, which holds a key difference as the only CACREP-accredited counseling program west of Dallas and east of Albuquerque.
Faculty subscribe to ethical standards recognized by the American Counseling Association (ACA), Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), and American School Counseling Association (ASCA). The program’s objectives center on establishing professional counseling identity, encouraging personal growth, creating ethically responsible counselors, promoting specialized contributions, and developing promoters who serve clients and communities.
Degree Options and Specializations
The master’s-level offerings include a 60-hour M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a 48-hour M.Ed. in School Counseling. Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares you for private practice and agency work. Graduates find opportunities in substance abuse counseling, career counseling, human resources, employee-assistance programs, grief counseling, adult/juvenile probation, case management, and agency management.
A 48-hour Certification in School Counseling provides the coursework needed for Texas school counselor certification to those holding master’s degrees in other areas. The program also offers 15-hour certificates in Mental Health Counseling and College Student Counseling for professionals seeking specialized training beyond their master’s degree.
The doctoral Ph.D. in Counselor Education prepares faculty members, administrators, private practitioners, researchers, supervisors, and consultants at the highest degree of professional expertise.
Accreditation and Certification
CACREP has accredited the Counselor Education programs for more than 20 years. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides academic coursework required for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas. School Counseling meets Texas certification requirements, though the Texas Education Agency requires teacher certification and two years of teaching experience in addition.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
Applications require your resume, personal statement, and three professional recommendations from supervisors or former professors. The TTUHSC Clinical Mental Health program requires a bachelor’s degree, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, two letters of recommendation, and an essay describing your goals and experiences with diverse populations. GRE scores are not required.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate tuition ranges from $415 to $500 per credit hour based on residency status. Total graduate program costs reach $30,225 for Texas residents and $38,625 for non-residents annually.
University of Texas at Austin – Counselor Education
The 18-month Master of Education in Counselor Education at UT Austin emphasizes rigorous study in education, psychology and counseling. Your preparation extends to working in schools and universities. You gain practical experience through the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC). The CMHC operates as the first university counseling center-based internship program accredited by the American Psychological Association and has managed to keep continuous accreditation for over 50 years.
Degree Options and Specializations
The M.Ed. in Counselor Education positions graduates to pursue employment as academic advisers, career counselors and student affairs officials in colleges and universities. You can pursue doctoral studies in counseling psychology or seek certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor or School Counselor.
Core coursework covers Theories in Counseling, Ethics in Counseling, Research Methodology for Practitioners, Helping and Counseling Skills, Career Development, Group Counseling, Multicultural Counseling, Psychopathology, Individual Through the Life Cycle, Overview of Psychoeducational Assessment, Assessment in Counseling and School Counseling.
The CMHC practicum features three distinct tracks. The Counseling Practicum requires 13.5 hours weekly and includes 8 hours of direct clinical services, 2 hours of individual supervision and 1.5 hours of seminar participation. The CARE track embeds students with counselors within academic schools and colleges and requires 14 hours weekly. The Integrated Health track blends CMHC and University Health Services for health psychology-focused interventions.
Accreditation and Certification
The Counseling Psychology doctoral program has managed to keep continuous APA accreditation since 1953. The next re-accreditation visit is scheduled for 2033. The M.Ed. program meets youth counselor requirements for LPC and School Counselor certification pathways in Texas.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Submit your admission application with application fee, transcripts, official GRE scores, statement of purpose, curriculum vitae or resume and letters of recommendation. International applicants must provide official TOEFL scores.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual tuition costs $9,274 for in-state students and $18,032 for out-of-state students. Complete your FAFSA using school code 003658 to access financial aid. The Texas Advance Commitment guarantees need-based aid for in-state students from families with adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000 who demonstrate financial need.
Texas A&M University – Educational Psychology
The Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University provides 4 master’s degree programs geared toward professionals working in schools, academia and corporate environments. Graduates pursue careers as master teachers, instructional designers, intervention specialists, behavior analysts, school counselors and technology leaders. The department emphasizes learning sciences, human development and individual differences while promoting an orientation toward human development and supportive relationships.
Degree Options and Specializations
The M.Ed. in Educational Psychology offers four emphasis areas: Creativity & Cognition, Developmental Sciences, Research, Measurement & Statistics, and School Counseling. Both online and traditional formats serve different specializations. Some programs are available online exclusively.
The School Counseling emphasis prepares you to work in PreK-12 settings and operates online in asynchronous and synchronous formats. You complete 400 on-site hours of counseling activities with weekly one-hour supervision during a two-semester internship at a TEA accredited or approved Texas school. The estimated program cost ranges from $25,000 to $30,000. Keep in mind that this program prepares students to obtain Texas school counselor certification, not LPC licensure.
Texas A&M offers Ph.D. programs in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology to doctoral students. The Counseling Psychology program has managed to keep continuous APA accreditation since 1981. Both doctoral tracks require a minimum of 64 hours if students hold master’s degrees or 96 hours if they enter with bachelor’s degrees.
Accreditation and Certification
The Counseling Psychology doctoral program holds accreditation from the American Psychological Association, a status it has managed to keep since 1981. The School Psychology Program earned full APA accreditation and approval from the National Association of School Psychologists as well.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
Applications require a non-refundable fee of $89 if you are a domestic applicant and $114 if you are an international student. Submit official transcripts from all attended institutions. International transcripts require certified translation and conversion to a 4.0 scale. Application deadlines vary by program: School Counseling accepts applications from August 1 through March 22 if you want summer and fall entry, while other Educational Psychology emphases accept spring applications from April 1 through October 15.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Texas A&M offers scholarships, loans, grants and work-study programs to offset educational costs. Most EPSY graduate students secure GA positions within the department, grant projects or other university departments, though positions are not guaranteed. Out-of-state students receiving competitive Texas A&M scholarships or fellowships of $1,000 or more qualify to pay in-state tuition rates. This saves $7,000 to $10,000 each year.
University of Houston – Counseling Program
The Master of Education in Counseling program at University of Houston gives you the counseling theories, skills and techniques you need while preparing you to serve a variety of populations. The mission centers on preparing masters-level counselors to excel in professional skill development, theoretical knowledge, personal disposition growth and cross-cultural awareness. You can access coursework through face-to-face, hybrid and online formats at both the UH Main campus and Sugar Land campus.
The 60-credit-hour program spans three years. Candidates are accepted in fall terms only. Your curriculum has three field experience courses, one practicum course and two internship experiences. Faculty provide consistent feedback on your skill development throughout.
Degree Options and Specializations
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track requires 60 credit hours and positions you to work in K-12 schools, community colleges and universities, mental health care facilities, community agencies, probation counseling, career counseling and employee assistance programs. The program meets applicable licensure requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas.
Coursework addresses counseling theories and techniques for a variety of populations, legal and ethical responsibilities in clinical mental health counseling, empirical research applications and assessment and evaluation competencies. You learn about the counselor’s role when serving diverse cultural, ethnic, religious, gendered and social populations.
Accreditation and Certification
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) holds full accreditation from the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS). The CAPS pre-doctoral internship in professional psychology has managed to keep continuous American Psychological Association accreditation since 1988. Both the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. and School Psychology Ph.D. programs hold APA accreditation.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
You need a minimum 2.6 cumulative GPA for undergraduate coursework or over your last 60 credit hours, though a 3.0 GPA is preferred. The College requires a 3.0 minimum for graduate coursework. GRE scores are not required for this program.
Submit your application through ApplyWeb with official transcripts, three reference rating forms and a statement of interest. Your statement must address understanding of the counseling profession, motivation to become a counselor, preferred populations to work with and future career goals. Format your statement as a maximum of 2 pages, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font with 1-inch margins. An interview is required. The admissions committee will notify you about scheduling directly.
Note that this program does not meet F-1 or J-1 visa requirements for international students.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Estimated undergraduate tuition totals $11,888 for in-state students and $27,776 for out-of-state students each year. Graduate tuition varies by department and residence status.
The Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) provides tuition remission for 9 credit hours to students who enroll in at least 9 hours and hold 20-hour graduate appointments as Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, Instructional Assistants, Research Assistants or Graduate Assistants. Graduate appointments become available during your first three years of study typically, though the program does not cover mandatory fees or course fees. Submit FAFSA using school code 003652 to access federal financial aid.
Texas State University – Counseling and School Psychology
The Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology (CLAS) at Texas State University gives you access to two distinct pathways for youth counseling degree Texas preparation. Dating back to 1969, the School Psychology program offers detailed training approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the International School Psychology Association. The Professional Counseling program operates through CACREP accreditation. It prepares students in three degree tracks. Faculty involve themselves in applied and theoretical research on topics that include counseling interventions for children with affective disorders and early predictors of school success. They also study school-based assessment for children with traumatic brain injury.
Degree Options and Specializations
The Professional Counseling program provides a Master of Arts with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 hours), Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (60 hours), and School Counseling (60 hours or 48 hours for certification only). The School Psychology track requires 69 credit hours. This includes 600 hours of practicum and a 1,200-hour professional internship. Coursework builds competencies in school-based psychoeducational assessment and counseling. Students also develop skills in consultation, brain behavior relationships, and assessment of social and emotional functioning.
Accreditation and Certification
CACREP has accredited all three Professional Counseling concentrations. The School Psychology program holds NASP approval. Graduates qualify for licensure from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
School Psychology admits cohorts annually with a January 15 deadline. You need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or psychology. Undergraduate coursework in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and statistics must be completed with grades of B or above. Submit three letters of recommendation and competitive GRE scores.
Tuition and Financial Aid
School psychologists meeting eligibility requirements can receive a $60,000 student loan repayment award through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Mental Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program as of September 1, 2025. Professional Counseling students can access scholarships of $600 and fellowships of $4,250 split between two students.
Baylor University – Educational Psychology
Baylor University’s Department of Educational Psychology ranks in the top 10% of programs nationally according to Academic Analytics evaluations. The department focuses on exceptionalities and learning development, school psychology, and quantitative methods through associated research centers and clinics. Faculty mentor students to conduct research and prepare them to serve children and families in settings of all types.
Degree Options and Specializations
The department offers Master of Science in Education (MSEd) that requires 36 hours, Education Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology that requires 60 hours, and doctoral programs in Educational Psychology (72 hours) and School Psychology (101 hours). Specializations include Applied Behavior Analysis, Gifted and Talented Education, Quantitative Methods, School Psychology, and Special Education. The MSEd provides concentrations in general educational psychology, gifted and talented, or ABA.
Accreditation and Certification
Master’s programs in Educational Psychology with Applied Behavioral Analysis concentration fulfill Texas educational requirements for professional licenses with additional post-graduation requirements.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
Apply by February 1 to enter in summer or fall and get the best scholarship and assistantship opportunities. Spring applicants should complete applications by October 1.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Most PhD students qualify for full tuition scholarships awarded at admission. Graduate assistantships provide average monthly stipends of $2,000 for 20 hours weekly. Funding renews for up to 4 years contingent upon good standing.
Sam Houston State University – Counselor Education
Sam Houston State University’s Department of Counselor Education aids development of professional counseling generalists who improve individual and family wellness. The department has campuses in Huntsville and at the Woodlands Center. It prepares counselors and leaders for schools, agencies and private practices.
Degree Options and Specializations
The department awards a Master of Arts in Counseling, Master of Education in School Counseling, and Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education. The School Counseling M.Ed. requires 60 hours and operates at both Huntsville and Woodlands campuses. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education requires 60 hours of post-master’s graduate credit.
Graduate Certificates include Play Therapy, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Trauma and Loss.
Accreditation and Certification
CACREP has accredited the Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A., School Counseling M.Ed., and Counselor Education Ph.D.. The Counselor Education doctoral program maintains accreditation through October 31, 2031.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
Qualified applicants need a CACREP-accredited master’s degree or 60-hour equivalent. A master’s GPA of 3.5 or higher is required. Below that threshold, GRE scores are required. The application deadline falls on March 1. The program follows a cohort model and begins each fall semester.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition totals $11,370 for in-state students and $23,520 for out-of-state students. About 64% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, with average awards reaching $13,679.
Texas Woman’s University – Counseling and Development
Texas Woman’s University’s MS in Counseling & Development promotes excellence in twenty-first-century counseling through education and research while facilitating competency development in an inclusive environment. Mental health counseling careers are projected to grow 19 percent through 2024. The program features small class sizes with individualized faculty attention, online and evening classes designed to accommodate working students, and innovative strategies including play therapy.
Degree Options and Specializations
The program offers two CACREP-accredited concentrations. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track prepares you for agencies, private practice, and government settings. Professional School Counseling qualifies you for K-12 certification in Texas public schools. Both tracks lead to eligibility for Licensed Professional Counselor examination in Texas.
Accreditation and Certification
CACREP has accredited the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration through March 2033 and School Counseling through March 2025. Graduates achieve a 100% employment rate six months post-graduation and 100% pass rate on the NCE.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
You need a bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 undergraduate hours and all prior graduate work.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual tuition costs $10,540 for in-state and $22,840 for out-of-state students, which is 9% lower than the state university average. The Zero Tuition Guarantee covers tuition and fees for eligible Pell Grant recipients enrolled full-time. 78% of first-year students received need-based help, with average awards reaching $12,539. Submit FAFSA using school code 003646.
St. Mary’s University – Counseling Programs
St. Mary’s University’s Department of Counseling and Human Services sits in San Antonio and prepares professional counselors who integrate Marianist values related to promoting justice, peace and human dignity. The department operates the Family Life Center, a community counseling center that provides low-cost services to the public. Students staff the center under licensed faculty supervision.
Degree Options and Specializations
The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires 60 semester hours. Core courses cover group counseling, assessment, career planning, counseling theories and techniques, abnormal behavior, substance use disorders, research methods, couples and family counseling, and professional ethics. Clinical courses include practicum and two internship experiences. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision prepares advanced clinicians, educators, supervisors, leaders and researchers.
Accreditation and Certification
CACREP has accredited both the Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. and Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D. The Clinical Mental Health program maintains accreditation through March 31, 2029. The program received its original accreditation January 1, 2005.
Youth Counselor Requirements and Admission
Students must pass a complete examination as degree requirements. The program uses traditional classroom methods, role play, clinical experiences and online assignments to instruct.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program organizes coursework to accommodate full-time or part-time study across three clinical experience semesters.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve explored these 11 accredited programs, you can identify which youth counseling degree Texas offers best matches your career goals and financial situation. Each program provides advantages, whether you prioritize CACREP accreditation, specialized tracks like play therapy, flexible online formats or competitive financial aid packages. The 16.8% growth projection for mental health counselors positions you well in the job market.
Your next step involves evaluating program locations and comparing tuition costs. You also need to determine whether Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling better serves your intended population. Take time to visit campuses and connect with faculty. Review specific youth counselor requirements for your chosen path.