Best Accredited Programs in Texas for Future Counselors (2026)

Want to find CACREP accredited programs in Texas? That’s a smart career move. Texas will need 28% more mental health counselors by 2030 according to O*Net Online. This growth has led to many counseling programs popping up across the state.

Your choice of a CACREP-accredited program matters more than you might think. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council says you must graduate from a CACREP-accredited counseling program to become a licensed professional counselor in the state. These programs shape your professional counselor identity and build your expertise in key content areas.

CACREP accreditation means you’ll get a solid program structure that focuses on both personal and professional growth. The coursework brings together mental health, research, service and advocacy. Texas’s counseling programs give you hands-on clinical experience. To name just one example, see UT Tyler’s program where students complete 100 hours of clinical skills training and 600 supervised hours with real clients in community settings.

You might prefer a fully online program like Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s 60-semester-hour Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or something different. This piece will help you find the best CACREP-accredited options to kickstart your counseling career in Texas.

1. Texas A&M University-Kingsville – Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville stands out with its online program that prepares counselors to work in mental health settings of all types. Students complete 60 semester hours while getting specialized training that meets strict accreditation standards.

Program Overview and Accreditation

Texas A&M University-Kingsville runs a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that you can complete online. This respected accreditation will give a solid foundation in counseling and lets you trust the program’s stability and complete curriculum. The program helps create skilled counselors who can work with people from many cultural backgrounds in mental health and school environments.

The program shows its dedication to diversity – 60% of those who graduate come from racial-ethnic minority backgrounds. The program also appeals strongly to women, who made up the entire graduating class in 2019-2020.

Degree Options and Specializations

You’ll need 60 semester hours to meet Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors requirements for licensure. The program has three special focus areas to shape your education:

• School Counseling – Prepares you for certification as a school counselor in Texas
• Rural Mental Health – A unique focus that only this school offers nationwide
• Sandtray Therapy – Specialized therapeutic technique training

Students can also choose a 48-semester-hour Master of Science in Counseling & Guidance (not CACREP-accredited) if they want Texas School Counselor certification or don’t need licensure.

The core courses cover counseling theories, techniques, abnormal human behavior, substance abuse counseling, research, and multicultural counseling. Students put their knowledge to work through practicum and internship experiences in real settings.

Admission Requirements

The program needs you to:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work (3.0+ in graduate courses for transfers)
• Submit a purpose statement and current resume
• No GRE or MAT scores needed

Application deadlines change by term. Summer 2026 applications must reach by April 30, 2026. Starting July 2026, you’ll need to visit campus twice as part of the residency requirement.

You can transfer up to 15 credit hours if your previous courses meet CACREP standards. Once you’re in, you must keep a 3.0 GPA and earn only “A” or “B” grades.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Here’s what full-time students (9 credit hours) paid in 2025-2026:

Your costs will depend on where you live (at home, dorm, or off-campus)

About two-thirds of Texas A&M University-Kingsville students get some type of financial help. You can apply for scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships.

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

This CACREP-accredited program lets you work in veteran centers and take the National Counselor’s Examination and Texas Jurisprudence Examination. You can then become a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas.

Getting your license means completing 3,000 supervised hours under a board-approved Licensed Professional Counselors Supervisor (LPC-S) after graduation. After that, you’ll submit paperwork to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council for your full LPC license.

Graduates work in community and state mental health agencies, university wellness centers, substance abuse treatment centers, and private practice. Students showed strong performance with a 79% pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) in 2024-2025.

2. University of Texas at Tyler – Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

UT Tyler’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program delivers hands-on training right in the classroom. Students become skilled counselors through real-world experience. The program ranks among Texas’s top CACREP accredited programs and emphasizes practical learning and professional growth.

Program Overview and Accreditation

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) fully accredits this master’s program. Unlike other Texas counseling programs that offer online options, students learn exclusively in person. They receive valuable face-to-face mentoring and hands-on learning opportunities. Students must complete 60 credit hours of graduate coursework. The program follows CACREP’s strict standards to prepare students who can help clients from all backgrounds.

The program aims to develop ethical and skilled professional counselors ready to help clients with various psychological challenges. Faculty create a supportive yet challenging environment where students grow personally and professionally. Students develop deep self-awareness and build a strong counselor identity that brings together mental health, research, service, and advocacy.

Degree Options and Specializations

Students complete both classroom learning and clinical work in this 60-credit program. The curriculum starts with 36 hours of core classes covering key topics like diagnosis and treatment planning, counseling theories, cultural diversity, addiction counseling, and career assessment. Students then move on to 15 hours of hands-on clinical skills training.

While there aren’t specific specialization tracks, students can shape their education through electives. Popular choices include counseling children and adolescents, trauma-informed counseling, play therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and couples counseling.

Admission Requirements

The program accepts about 20 students each fall and spring semester. You’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A preferred 3.0 GPA or higher (each application gets individual review)
• A completed Department Information Sheet with Statement of Purpose
• Three recommendation letters (at least one from faculty)
• A DISA Healthcare Technology background check ($45 fee)

Fall admission deadline is March 1st, and spring deadline is October 1st. The program looks at your full picture – academic ability, motivation, work experience, and goals – not just GPA.

Tuition and Financial Aid

UT Tyler is one of the most affordable University of Texas System schools. Full-time, in-state students pay around $26,250 for the entire program. More than 80% of students receive financial help.

Money for school comes from:

• Merit, talent, and need-based scholarships
• Federal and state grants
• Veterans benefits
• Work-study opportunities
• Student loans

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

After graduation, you can apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. The license requires:

1. Passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE)
2. Completing 3,000 supervised practice hours after graduation

The program’s clinical training gives you real experience. You’ll complete 100 hours of hands-on training during practicum (40 hours with clients) and 600 supervised hours (240 with clients) at community sites.

Graduates work in psychiatric hospitals, mental health centers, or private practices. The program’s CACREP accreditation opens doors to jobs with the U.S. Military (Tricare) and Veterans Administration mental health care systems.

3. Texas Tech University – Counselor Education Programs

Texas Tech University runs nationally recognized counseling programs that have managed to keep CACREP accreditation for more than 20 years. The programs shape professionals who excel in both theory and practice, preparing them for rewarding careers in counseling settings throughout Texas and beyond.

Program Overview and Accreditation

The Counselor Education programs at Texas Tech University hold CACREP accreditation. This will give graduates a professional counselor identity and expertise in eight core areas. These areas cover Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice, Social and Cultural Diversity, Human Growth and Development, Career Development, Counseling and Helping Relationships, Group Counseling, Assessment and Testing, and Research and Evaluation.

Five core objectives guide these programs: building a strong professional counseling identity, encouraging professional and personal growth, developing ethical counselors, supporting unique contributions to the field, and building advocacy and social justice approaches. Students, graduates, supervisors, advisory board members, and employers helped shape these objectives, making them practical and relevant.

Degree Options and Specializations

Students can pick from several CACREP-accredited programs:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.): A 60-hour program that readies students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Texas and get certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors. Graduates work in private practice, substance abuse counseling, career counseling, human resources, and various agency settings.
• School Counseling (M.Ed.): A 48-hour program that prepares professional school counselors for Texas certification. Students learn mostly online with required live sessions. The program focuses on ethical practice, equity, and evidence-based interventions.
• Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.): Students become faculty members, administrators, practitioners, researchers, supervisors, and consultants. Most students bring in 30 hours from a qualifying Master’s program.

Admission Requirements

Programs have slightly different admission standards but usually need:

• For Master’s programs: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0
• For Ph.D. programs: Completed Master’s degree (usually in a related field)
• Personal statement that matches the admission rubric criteria
• Resume or CV showing relevant experience
• Letters of recommendation

Ph.D. students typically start in fall, but they can begin non-counseling requirements in other terms. School Counseling students join as a cohort each fall and move through a structured curriculum together.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Your residency status as Texas Resident, Non-Resident, or Foreign determines tuition rates. The university provides $220 million in scholarships and grants, and 84% of students receive some form of aid.

Students can get financial help through:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Federal and state aid through FAFSA
• Graduate assistantships (teaching, research, administration)
• Loans (federal, private, and state-sponsored)
• On-campus employment opportunities

Doctoral students usually get 12 months of half-time funding (20 hours per week) and quality health insurance with half-time assistantships.

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

Texas Tech’s counseling programs give graduates solid preparation for licensure and certification. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets all academic requirements for LPC licensure in Texas, a state with more than 40,000 licensed counselors.

Graduates work in various roles:

• Private practice counseling
• Mental health agencies
• Substance abuse counseling
• Career counseling and human resources
• School counseling (with appropriate certification)
• Agency management and case management
• University positions (for doctoral graduates)

CACREP accreditation means graduates meet the field’s highest standards, making them strong candidates for positions in many settings. Yes, it is clear that Texas Tech’s counseling programs have earned their prominent reputation through their unmatched national accreditation.

4. University of North Texas – Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The University of North Texas ranks #1 in Texas for counseling programs. Their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program helps students build strong professional identities as future counselors. UNT’s counseling program is among the highest-regarded CACREP accredited programs in Texas. Students receive both rigorous academic training and extensive clinical experience.

Program Overview and Accreditation

UNT offers a campus-based, CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that requires 60 credit hours to complete. This accreditation shows the program meets high standards for counseling education excellence. Students take a detailed exam during their internship year, which marks one of their most important steps toward becoming professionals.

The program consistently ranks #1 in Texas and often appears among the top 20 counseling programs nationwide. The faculty features well-known experts who have received recognition from the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and Texas Counseling Association.

Clinical training is the heart of the program. Students complete a 100-hour practicum with at least 40 direct client hours, followed by a two-semester internship at approved sites. All classes take place in-person on the Denton campus, which creates valuable face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers.

Degree Options and Specializations

While students earn a single degree (MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling), they can choose from four specialization tracks at the start of their studies:

• Adolescent counseling
• Adult counseling
• Child counseling
• College counseling

These specializations help graduates work effectively with specific populations in various settings. The curriculum has research-informed courses on animal-assisted therapy, play therapy, substance use disorders, and interpersonal trauma.

Admission Requirements

UNT’s counseling program maintains competitive admission due to facility limitations. Students need:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• One-page writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation
• Group interview
• No GRE requirement

Students can apply by October 15 for spring admission and March 15 for fall admission. Provisional admits must take COUN 5710 in their first semester and earn a B or higher. The program encourages students to take COUN 5680 and COUN 5710 at the same time.

Faculty members assess students based on their academic performance, professional development, and personal growth needed to succeed as professional counselors.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate student costs vary based on living arrangements:

Additional costs may apply for transportation and personal expenses

Students can access multiple financial aid options through FAFSA, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Students must take at least 6 credit hours to qualify for financial aid.

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

The program meets all Texas educational requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. Graduates can apply for LPC-Associate status and complete 3,000 supervised post-degree hours to get full licensure.

Graduates find positions in:

• College and university mental health centers
• Community mental health agencies
• Substance use treatment facilities
• Child protective services
• Family counseling centers
• Private practice settings

UNT faculty research covers vital areas like suicide prevention, mental health services for low-income clients, counseling in schools, and how adverse childhood experiences affect people. This advanced research enhances both classroom learning and clinical practice. Students learn to address complex mental health needs of people from various backgrounds in Texas and beyond.

5. Texas State University – Counseling Programs in Texas

Texas State University runs CACREP-accredited counseling programs at its San Marcos and Round Rock campuses. These programs give students a perfect mix of theory and hands-on learning. The Professional Counseling graduate program helps students prepare for different counseling careers with close guidance from faculty members.

Program Overview and Accreditation

Texas State University’s Professional Counseling program has earned full CACREP accreditation for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling, and School Counseling concentrations. Students get to work with world-renowned faculty and gain experience at two modern community counseling clinics that serve people who need mental health support. The program builds strong foundations in advanced ethics, professional development, self-awareness, and diversity—key skills that every competent counselor needs. Right now, you can take courses at both San Marcos and Round Rock campuses.

Degree Options and Specializations

Texas State offers several paths to earn a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling:

Students who complete the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track can become Licensed Professional Counselor Associates in Texas. The Marriage & Family track lets graduates qualify for both LPC Associate and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate credentials. The School Counseling tracks lead to school counseling certification, and the 60-hour option meets LPC Associate requirements too.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need these things to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
• Minimum 3.0 GPA overall or in last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
• Official GRE scores (you might not need these if you have a master’s/doctoral degree)
• Detailed resume/CV showing relevant experience
• Statement of purpose (max 750 words) about your professional goals and views on diversity
• Three recommendation forms

Students from other countries must also get passing TOEFL scores.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The program offers two special scholarships:

• Professional Counseling Endowed Scholarship ($600) for full-time students with 3.0+ GPA
• Research Fellowship ($4,250 split between two students) for those with 3.5+ GPA after 12 credit hours

Texas State gives out more than $370 million in financial aid each year. Submit your FAFSA by January 15 for priority consideration, and by March 1 for summer aid. You’ll need to keep your grades up and finish at least 67% of your courses to keep getting aid.

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

Graduates can become certified Texas School Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Our students do really well on state and national exams. Faculty members focus their research on play therapy, animal-assisted counseling, mindfulness, addictions, and domestic violence—giving students advanced preparation for their careers. Jobs are available all across Texas, where all but one of these counties need more mental health professionals.

6. University of Houston – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

The University of Houston offers a cutting-edge M.Ed. in Counseling program that gives graduates the skills needed in today’s mental health world. Students can choose flexible learning options while preparing for Texas licensure through this detailed program.

Program Overview and Accreditation

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at University of Houston earned its CACREP accreditation in January 2022, valid through March 2030. This recognition showcases the program’s steadfast dedication to excellence in counseling education. Students can attend classes at the main Houston campus or Sugar Land location through face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses that blend theory with hands-on practice.

Degree Options and Specializations

Students complete a 60-credit hour M.Ed. in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health focus over three years through 20 well-laid-out classes. The curriculum follows a careful sequence that has:

• Core counseling theories and techniques courses
• Three field experience components (practicum and two internships)
• Specialized coursework in crisis counseling, addiction, and family counseling

Admission Requirements

Candidates need to provide:

• Bachelor’s degree transcript (minimum 2.6 GPA, though 3.0 is preferred)
• Two-page statement about their understanding of counseling profession, motivation, preferred populations, and career goals
• Three recommendations through the ApplyWeb system
• Resume/CV
• $50 application fee ($80 for international applicants)

The competitive admission process requires candidates to complete an interview after their application review.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students can access several financial support options:

• Graduate Tuition Fellowship with tuition remission for qualifying students
• Federal loan programs
• Special Circumstance Appeals for students facing financial hardships

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

Graduates meet Texas’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) academic requirements. The program concludes with the CPCE Comprehensive Exam in the final year. Alumni work in settings like:

• K-12 schools
• Community colleges and universities
• Mental health agencies
• Private practice
• Career counseling centers

The program creates counselors ready to serve Texas’s growing mental health needs in a variety of clinical settings.

7. Texas A&M University-Commerce – Online Counseling Programs in Texas

East Texas A&M University-Commerce offers flexible hybrid and online counseling programs. These programs blend quality education with accessibility and are perfect for working professionals who want advanced credentials in mental health.

Program Overview and Accreditation

The counseling programs at East Texas A&M have earned prestigious CACREP accreditation, which ensures the curriculum meets industry standards. Students can choose from multiple formats. The university offers hybrid online programs with face-to-face components in Commerce and Dallas. Starting Fall 2025, fully online options will be available. The online format combines synchronous and asynchronous courses with two in-person residencies. This structure works great for students who need to balance their work and personal lives.

Degree Options and Specializations

Students can choose from several paths:

• MS in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health: 60 credit hours that prepare students for LPC licensure
• MS in Counseling – School Counseling: 48 credit hours needed for school counselor certification
• MEd in Counseling – College Student Affairs: 30 credit hours delivered online for bachelor-level student affairs professionals who want to advance their careers

Each program features field experiences where students work with real clients under supervision.

Admission Requirements

Students need to provide:

• Application through ApplyTexas by December 31st deadline
• Official transcripts from previous institutions
• Criminal background check
• Personal statement (1-2 pages) about professional goals
• Three recommendation forms

Students must also participate in a program interview with graduate faculty. This helps assess their personal qualities and professional goals.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The university’s tuition rates rank among Texas’s most competitive:

More than 60% of students get financial aid or scholarships. Students should budget for distance learning fees ($50/credit hour) and program delivery fees for off-campus locations.

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

Our graduates excel in licensure examinations, especially the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Clinical Mental Health Counseling students complete a practicum (minimum 100 hours) and two internships (300 hours each). This meets the requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor application in Texas. Graduates find success in community health organizations, private practice, school counseling, mental health clinics, and crisis intervention.

8. Our Lady of the Lake University – Master of Arts in Counseling

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has a Master of Arts in Counseling program that runs fully online. The program focuses on empathy, advocacy, and making a difference on the ground. OLLU brings a fresh viewpoint to counselor education as a Catholic, Hispanic-serving institution.

Program Overview and Accreditation

The counseling program suits working professionals who need learning flexibility. It follows the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards and is currently in the accreditation process. Forbes Advisor placed OLLU’s online Master of Arts in Counseling among the top 10 programs in the U.S. recently.

Degree Options and Specializations

Students can complete the 60-credit hour program in three specializations:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Gets you ready for private practice, agencies, and community organizations
• School Counseling: Uses the American School Counselor Association framework
• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling: Helps people with disabilities

Each path has supervised practicum (100 hours) and internship experiences (600 hours).

Admission Requirements

You’ll need these to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 minimum GPA
• Official transcripts
• Current resume
• Personal statement
• Three reference forms
• Background check ($10 fee)
• No entrance exams needed

Tuition and Financial Aid

The program costs $991 per credit hour, with a total of about $59,460. The university gives various financial aid options through scholarships and grants. About 95% of OLLU graduates find jobs or continue their education.

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

Graduates can apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor exam after completing the program. Small class sizes with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio mean you get tailored attention. The coursework matches state licensure requirements, helping graduates build careers in schools, hospitals, clinics, and community settings.

Next Steps

Your future career as a mental health professional in Texas will benefit greatly from a CACREP-accredited counseling program. Eight outstanding programs are available with different specializations and teaching methods to help you reach your educational and career goals. You can choose from various options – Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s fully online format, UT Tyler’s in-person classes, or Texas A&M University-Commerce’s hybrid approach. Each program offers solid training that follows professional standards.

A CACREP accreditation shows that your education meets Texas’s highest quality standards for licensure. Most programs give you detailed training through 60 credit hours of coursework. You’ll get hands-on clinical experience with practicums and internships. The specialized courses prepare you to work in different counseling settings. Expert faculty, modern facilities, and strong community ties will boost your learning experience.

Texas really needs qualified mental health professionals in community agencies, schools, universities, private practices, and substance abuse treatment centers. These programs have excellent track records for graduates passing licensure exams, which sets you up for success in this growing field.

Program costs differ between schools, but you’ll find many financial aid options. These include scholarships, grants, assistantships, and federal loans. Many universities work hard to keep their programs affordable through competitive pricing and generous financial support.

A CACREP-accredited counseling program is your path to a fulfilling career helping others while meeting Texas’s critical mental health needs. These highlighted programs are great starting points to become a licensed professional counselor who makes a real difference in their community.