Most Affordable CACREP Counseling Programs in Texas for 2026

Looking for affordable CACREP accredited counseling programs in Texas? The state boasts excellent graduate counseling programs that prepare students for rewarding mental health careers. The right program plays a vital role in your career path, whether you plan to pursue licensure or work with military families and veterans.

CACREP accreditation means more than just a credential – it shows how well a program prepares you for licensure. Texas counseling programs have proven their worth, with some ranking #1 in the state and landing spots among the top 20 nationwide. LPC masters programs give students complete training, including 600 supervised hours with real clients in community settings of all types.

These programs stand out because of their competitive advantages. A 60-hour Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree helps students get ahead when they seek licensure or apply for Federal employment. Students can now choose 100% online programs that meet Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors requirements. This flexibility doesn’t compromise the quality of education.

We’ve put together a list of 8 budget-friendly CACREP accredited counseling programs in Texas for 2026. This guide will help you learn about top-tier counseling education options across the Lone Star State.

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

Texas A&M University-Kingsville stands out among CACREP accredited counseling programs in Texas. Their Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (EDCM) degree prepares students to become Licensed Professional Counselors in Texas.

Program Overview

The EDCM program at Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a complete counselor education through a 60 semester hour curriculum. Students become ready for careers in mental health of all types. The program gives you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to work in community agencies, mental health facilities, university wellness centers, substance abuse treatment centers, and private practice. Students learn to help culturally diverse populations and get the educational and experiential tools they need to secure positions in mental health settings of all types. The program offers three unique focus areas: School Counseling, Rural Mental Health (the only such program nationwide), and Sandtray Therapy.

Tuition and Fees

The program costs less than many other CACREP-accredited programs:

• In-state students: $6,157 per year
• Out-of-state and international students: $14,561 per year

These rates make quality counseling education available without breaking the bank.

Program Format and Duration

Students love the program’s flexibility—you can complete all 60 semester hours online. This setup lets you finish your education while keeping up with work and family life. While you must complete everything within seven years of starting, most students finish in 2-3 years of full-time study. Part-time students typically take up to 84 months.

Key Features

The EDCM program has several unique aspects that make it different from other counseling programs in Texas:

• Unique Specializations: You can choose from three focus areas:
  • Rural Mental Health Counseling (exclusive nationwide offering)
  • School Counseling (prepares you for Texas school counselor examination)
  • Sandtray Therapy
• Complete Curriculum: Core courses include Theories of Counseling, Counseling Techniques, Abnormal Human Behavior, Substance Abuse & Addictions Counseling, Research in Counseling, Diagnosis in Counseling, Marriage Family Counseling, and Multicultural Counseling.
• Clinical Experience: You’ll get hands-on practice through practicum and internship experiences with diverse client populations.
• Emphasis on Cultural Competence: Understanding and embracing cultural diversity is at the program’s heart, so you can serve diverse populations effectively.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The program’s full CACREP accreditation shows that its content and quality meet the counseling profession’s standards. This recognition helps students in several ways:

• Direct Path to Licensure: After graduating, you can take the National Counselor’s Examination (NCE) and Texas Jurisprudence Examination. Passing these exams lets you apply for an LPC Associate license in Texas.
• Post-Graduation Requirements: LPC Associates need 3,000 supervised clock hours under a board-approved Licensed Professional Counselors Supervisor (LPC-S) to get full LPC licensure.
• Exam Preparation: You must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) before graduating. The CPCE has 160 multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of key counseling areas.
• Licensure Eligibility: The program meets Texas counselor licensure requirements. Students planning to practice in other states should check their specific requirements early.

Clinical courses give students practical experience that prepares them to provide counseling services in settings of all types with diverse client populations.

2. Lamar University – Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Lamar University’s Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program gives students a complete skill set to provide counseling services in a variety of professional settings. Graduates can help address mental health challenges in clinics, hospitals, school-based mental health programs, and private practices.

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling has a 60-hour curriculum that serves people with a bachelor’s degree who want to become clinical mental health counselors. Students learn to help clients handle transitional difficulties, mental and emotional challenges, and disorders. The master’s program prepares graduates to provide clinical counseling services to diverse populations while meeting professional licensure requirements. The curriculum combines theory with hands-on practice so students become skilled at multiple therapeutic approaches and techniques.

Tuition and Fees

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lamar University comes with competitive pricing:

• Per credit hour: $360
• Per course: $1,080
• Total program cost: $21,604

These costs include university fees, and qualified applicants can use financial aid. Students can pay tuition by course, which helps working professionals manage their expenses. The program’s cost makes it an available option among Texas counseling programs for students who want quality education without a heavy financial burden.

Program Format and Duration

The program adapts to busy professionals’ schedules:

• Courses run in accelerated 5-week formats
• Students start with one course per five-week term
• Advanced rotation courses last 12-15 weeks, letting students take two courses at once
• Students can start in Spring I-III, Summer I-II, or Fall I-III

The program has intensive practicum and internship experiences that run for 15 weeks in fall or spring semesters, or 10 weeks in summer. Students can complete everything online, which helps them balance work and personal life.

Key Features

The M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling stands out with these elements:

• Complete Curriculum: The program has core courses in human growth and development, counseling theories, multicultural counseling, psychopathology, crisis intervention, and research methods
• Hands-on Experience: Students finish one practicum (40 hours of direct counseling service plus 60-110 indirect hours) and two internship courses (each needing 120 hours of direct service and 180 indirect hours)
• Supervised Practice: Students get weekly one-hour individual site supervision, university group supervision, and formal observation by university field supervisors
• Online Learning Environment: Students join discussion boards, watch live or recorded lectures, and complete weekly written assignments
• Professional Development: Students examine their personal beliefs, values, and wellness throughout the program

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The program has regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), though it’s not CACREP accredited. This accreditation works for licensure in Texas and many other states. The curriculum meets Texas’s educational requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Graduates can:

• Apply for licensure credentials as professional counselors in their state
• Use various counseling strategies to help clients in different clinical settings
• Meet Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors requirements

Lamar also offers an 18-hour Certificate in Mental Health Counseling for students who already have a 48-hour master’s degree in counseling. This certificate helps meet Texas LPC licensure’s 60-credit requirement and costs about $6,481 total ($360 per credit hour).

3. Midwestern State University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

MSU Texas offers an affordable way to become a Licensed Professional Counselor through its Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students at this Wichita Falls campus learn state-of-the-art research methods and get practical training with complete supervision needed for professional licensure.

Program Overview

MSU Texas’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling needs 60 semester hours of coursework. The program’s mission helps develop knowledgeable, ethical, and competent counselors who value diversity and maintain a strong professional identity. Graduates can work in settings of all types including private practice, hospitals, and community clinics.

Students who want to pursue school counseling can choose a 63-semester-hour concentration. This path prepares them to provide guidance services in educational settings. They learn to work with students, talk to parents and administrators, and help with classroom guidance activities.

Both paths focus on professional growth, multicultural skills, and ethical practice. Students get really prepared for the National Counselor Examination, which is a vital step to get a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate license.

Tuition and Fees

MSU Texas has competitive prices among CACREP accredited counseling programs in Texas:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 hours):

• Texas Resident: $24,268 total program cost
• Non-Texas Resident: $31,168 total program cost
• Non-U.S. Resident: $51,868 total program cost

Clinical Mental Health with School Counseling Concentration (63 hours):

• Texas Resident: $25,453 total program cost
• Non-Texas Resident: $32,698 total program cost
• Non-U.S. Resident: $54,433 total program cost

Each semester costs between $4,034 for Texas residents and $8,174 for international students, based on 9 credit hours. These estimates don’t include textbooks or supplies. Students can get financial help through graduate assistantships and scholarships using MSU’s online scholarship matching system.

Program Format and Duration

Students enjoy great flexibility with both hybrid and fully online options. Working professionals find the course structure balances academic standards with hands-on experience. Full-time students usually take 12 hours in fall and spring semesters, plus summer courses.

Starting Fall 2026, CACREP Policy A.2.e requires all counseling students to attend two mandatory synchronous intensives. These two-day sessions happen during the first and second fall semesters. They focus on evaluating students’ professional qualities and counseling abilities.

Key Features

The program offers:

• Complete Curriculum: Topics cover professional ethics, counseling theories, human development, career counseling, group dynamics, assessment, diagnosis, and multicultural counseling
• Clinical Experience: Students must complete a practicum with 100 hours of supervised counseling practice, followed by two internship courses
• Teaching-Centered Approach: Faculty members stay available to help students throughout the program
• Licensure Preparation: The curriculum gets students ready for the National Counselor Examination
• Specialization Options: Students choose between clinical mental health counseling or school counseling

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at MSU holds CACREP accreditation for hybrid and online formats through October 31, 2028. This recognition shows the program meets national counselor education standards.

Graduates can take the National Counselor Examination and apply for a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate license in Texas. They must then finish a 3,000-hour supervised internship under a board-approved Licensed Professional Counselors Supervisor to get full LPC licensure.

School counseling concentration graduates need to complete the approved degree, have two years of teaching experience, and pass the state-mandated TExES examination for Texas Counselor certification. This preparation lets graduates explore various counseling career paths.

4. Texas A&M International University – Master of Science in School Counseling

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is distinguished from other schools with its Master of Science in School Counseling program’s focus on cultural competence. Students can complete this program entirely online to become school counselors in Texas K-12 schools. The program excels at preparing counselors who can work with students from different backgrounds.

Program Overview

Students need to complete 48 semester hours of graduate coursework to earn their M.S. in School Counseling at TAMIU. The main goal is to prepare skilled, culturally aware counselors for K-12 Texas schools. Students learn counseling theory and get hands-on experience through practicum and internships.

Students must have a valid Texas Teacher Certificate and two years of teaching experience to apply. They also need a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 credit hours. The application needs official transcripts, a FERPA form, and a purpose statement limited to 700 words.

Tuition and Fees

TAMIU’s tuition rates make it an affordable choice among CACREP accredited counseling programs in Texas:

• In-State Tuition: $367 per credit hour, totaling approximately $17,616 for the entire program
• Out-of-State Tuition: $1,030 per credit hour, totaling approximately $49,440 for the entire program

The university’s official document shows graduate resident tuition at $77 per semester credit hour, while non-residents pay $487 per semester credit hour. Additional fees apply: student service fee ($28.20/SCH, $250 maximum), student health fee ($75/semester), and recreational sports fee ($82/semester).

Program Format and Duration

Working professionals will find the program’s online format fits their schedule:

• 100% online delivery with 7-week courses
• Six start dates available throughout the year
• No residency requirements
• Most students finish in two calendar years

Students usually take six graduate hours during fall and spring semesters and 12 graduate hours in summer. This schedule lets educators keep working while getting their degree.

Key Features

The program offers several unique benefits:

• Complete Curriculum: Students learn counseling theories and techniques to help students with academic, emotional, and mental challenges
• Cultural Competence Focus: Students learn age-appropriate and culturally sensitive counseling practices
• Practical Application: Students head over to explore various counseling areas from family issues to crisis intervention and addiction
• Professional Preparation: Students don’t need to write a thesis
• TExES Exam Success: 99% of students pass the TExES 152 for School Counselors

Graduates get the skills to lead and advocate by creating, implementing, and evaluating counseling programs in different settings.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The Texas State Board for Educator Certification has accredited TAMIU’s College of Education. The program meets the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards.

After graduation, students can:

• Take the TExES School Counselor exam with confidence
• Meet Texas Education Agency’s certification requirements
• Work with parents, teachers, and other professionals using professional, ethical, and legal principles

So, graduates can become certified school counselors and licensed professional counselors (LPC) in Texas. People who already have a master’s degree in another field can get a Professional Counselor Certificate without earning another master’s degree. They typically need about 36 graduate semester hours in the program.

5. West Texas A&M University – Licensed Professional Counseling Program

West Texas A&M University offers a complete Licensed Professional Counseling Program that prepares graduates for mental health careers of all types. The program combines affordability with quality education in Amarillo for future counseling professionals.

Program Overview

West Texas A&M University’s Licensed Professional Counseling Program creates ethical, culturally competent counselors who provide professional services in various clinical settings. Students learn to work in mental health centers, state hospitals, training schools, facilities for clients with dual diagnoses, and multipurpose mental health agencies. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a 2.75 undergraduate GPA (last 60 hours), completion of WTAMU Graduate School Application, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. The program doesn’t require GRE scores for admission. Students can apply by August 1 for fall, December 1 for spring, and May 1 for summer admission.

Tuition and Fees

West Texas A&M University’s counseling program is one of Texas’s most affordable options:

• In-state tuition: $9,664 for 30 undergraduate hours
• Out-of-state students: In-state rate plus $30 per credit hour
• Total out-of-state rate: $11,376 per year

These rates make WTAMU substantially more affordable than similar institutions. The university’s costs are lower than University of Oklahoma ($13,400), Colorado State University ($12,874), and Kansas State University ($11,633).

Program Format and Duration

Students can complete the program entirely online through asynchronous courses with some scheduled Zoom sessions. Program completion takes 3 to 5 years, based on each semester’s credit load. The core team recommends taking 2-3 courses (6-9 credits) each semester. Students must complete 60 credit hours, including supervised practicum and internship experiences, and pass a comprehensive exam.

Key Features

The program’s exceptional elements include:

• State-of-the-art facilities: WTAMU’s Harrington Academic Hall in downtown Amarillo provides state-of-the-art teaching and supervision facilities
• Complete curriculum: 54-57 hours of required courses cover theories of counseling, ethical standards, counseling interventions, career counseling, group counseling, cross-cultural counseling, and more
• Specialized electives: Students can choose from Introduction to Play Therapy, Sexuality Across the Lifespan, and Special Topics in Counseling
• Flexible format: Students maintain their professional commitments while studying without campus visits

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The program meets Texas’s academic requirements for licensure. Graduates seeking licensure must pass the National Counselor Exam and Texas Jurisprudence Exam, then apply for an LPC-Associate license through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. LPC-Associate license holders complete 3,000 supervised clock hours under a board-approved Licensed Professional Counselors Supervisor (LPC-S). Students planning to practice outside Texas should verify their state’s specific requirements early in their studies.

6. Texas A&M University-Commerce – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

East Texas A&M (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce) offers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that balances affordability with quality education. Students aiming to become Licensed Professional Counselors will find this CACREP accredited program matches their goals perfectly.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health emphasis needs 60 semester hours of complete study. Students take core counseling courses, specialty courses and gain field experience working directly with clients under professional supervision. New students must take COUN 501 and COUN 510 in their first semester, then COUN 516 and COUN 528 in their second semester. This well-laid-out approach helps students build basic skills before moving to advanced content. The program prepares graduates thoroughly for state and national licensing exams.

Tuition and Fees

East Texas A&M ranks among the most budget-friendly counseling programs in Texas:

• Texas residents: $3,669 for nine credit hours
• Non-residents: $7,341 for nine credit hours

Students may need to pay extra for online courses ($50 per hour), remote locations ($20 per hour), and lab courses ($5-$30 per course).

Program Format and Duration

Students enjoy excellent flexibility through hybrid learning options:

• Classes available online and face-to-face in Commerce and Dallas
• Most students finish in 2.5 to 3 years
• No thesis needed
• No foreign language credits required

Key Features

The program shines with these distinctive elements:

• Rich field experiences through practicum and internships
• Practicum includes minimum 100 contact hours (40 direct client service)
• Each internship needs 300 contact hours (120 direct client service)
• Students prepare for the National Counselor Examination (NCE)
• Graduates learn to help clients with mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The program’s CACREP accreditation runs through October 31, 2031. Graduation requirements include passing the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), a nationally standardized exit exam. Students take this computer-based test on campus once each semester. Most students also take the National Counselor Exam – a requirement for Texas counselor licensure. Students must earn an A or B grade in key foundation courses: COUN 501, 510, 516, 528, and 548.

7. Sul Ross State University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Sul Ross State University runs a vital Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that brings exceptional value to Texas rural communities. The program ranks as the sixth most affordable counseling program nationwide.

Program Overview

The university’s Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling needs 60 semester credit hours to complete. Students who graduate from this CACREP-aligned program can become Licensed Professional Counselors and work in schools, mental health agencies, and private practices. The program’s core team brings impressive credentials – they are all Licensed Professional Counselors or LPC-Supervisors with a combined graduate teaching experience of over 131 years.

Tuition and Fees

The program is known for its competitive pricing. Full-time graduate in-state tuition costs $4,792 per year. Students pay about $1,869 in additional fees. Part-time graduate students who live in-state pay $266 per hour. The university’s total costs place it among the lowest 20% in the country.

Program Format and Duration

The program makes learning accessible through online classes and weekend virtual sessions, helping students overcome geographic barriers. Students can take up to 9 semester hours during fall and spring terms, plus 6 semester hours in each summer session. The program welcomes new students at the start of any term.

Key Features

Sul Ross enhances its standard curriculum with several unique benefits:

• BHWET grants give $25,000 stipends to students who complete internships in underserved communities
• The program serves 10 rural counties including Brewster, Culberson, and Presidio
• Students learn specialized skills for rural mental health challenges

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

Graduates can start their journey toward becoming Licensed Professional Counselors in Texas after completing the program. They must complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours under an LPC Supervisor. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors oversees this licensing process.

8. Angelo State University – School Counseling Online Program

Angelo State University ranks #6 nationwide for its affordable online master’s in counseling programs according to GradSchoolCenter.com. The School Counseling M.Ed. program has earned national recognition for its excellence.

Program Overview

The School Counseling M.Ed. is a 48-credit hour program that prepares students to become certified Texas school counselors. The detailed curriculum has courses in social and cultural influences, individual counseling, group counseling, career counseling, and dysfunctional behavior. Students who graduate qualify to take the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) for the Texas School Counselor Certificate.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate students benefit from competitive tuition rates:

• Texas Residents: $7,577.20 (based on 9 semester credit hours for two semesters)
• Non-residents: $15,281.20 (based on 9 semester credit hours for two semesters)
• International students: Additional annual insurance coverage of $3,123

Program Format and Duration

Students can take all courses online through an 8-week asynchronous format that works well for busy professionals. The practicum and internship components need on-site experience. Most students finish their degree while managing their career and family commitments.

Key Features

The program’s success shows in its near-100% pass rate on the School Counselor 252 certification exam. Many courses have earned the prestigious Blackboard Exemplary Course Award. The program received the Online Learning Consortium 2020 John R. Bourne Outstanding Online Program Award.

Accreditation and Licensure Preparation

The Texas Education Agency accredits Angelo State University to recommend candidates for educator certification. Graduates are well-prepared for the School Counselor 252 certification exam.

Next Steps

Picking the right counseling program is a vital step toward a rewarding career in mental health. These eight CACREP accredited programs across Texas give you great value without sacrificing educational quality. Without doubt, each school brings its own strengths – from Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s unique Rural Mental Health focus to Angelo State University’s award-winning online curriculum.

These programs share one big advantage – they’re all affordable with tuition rates that are nowhere near the national averages. The programs also offer flexible learning formats that help you balance education with life and work. You’ll find online and hybrid options that make quality counseling education available whatever your location in the Lone Star State.

CACREP accreditation is something you need to think about while choosing a program. This credential shows your chosen program meets strict national standards for counselor education. It becomes especially valuable when you want to become a Professional Counselor in Texas or other states.

Take time to review each program’s focus before you decide. Some programs emphasize clinical mental health settings, while others prepare you for school counseling roles. All programs teach core counseling skills, but their specialized tracks match different career paths.

Getting licensed as a counselor takes dedication after graduation. You’ll need to pass licensing exams and complete supervised clinical hours. These eight programs will give you a complete preparation for these next steps through their curricula and hands-on field experiences.

Maybe you want to help students in schools or provide therapy in clinical settings. Either way, these affordable Texas programs are the foundations for your counseling career. Your experience to become a mental health professional starts by picking the program that fits your goals, learning style, and budget.