9 Top-Rated Masters in Counseling Programs in North Texas
Masters in counseling programs in North Texas are experiencing unprecedented demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects careers in mental health counseling to grow 19 percent through 2024. This growth rate outpaces most other professions by a lot and creates exceptional opportunities for graduates. The field continues to expand, and most counties in Texas are designated as shortage areas for mental health professionals, adding to the demand.
Choosing the right program becomes really important in your career success. Texas counseling programs provide excellent academic preparation through various career paths. To cite an instance, the University of North Texas master’s in counseling ranks among the top counselor preparation programs in the nation and the best in masters in counseling Texas programs. Nine exceptional programs exist in North Texas (well, we got as close as we can!). We get into them in this guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. University of North Texas – Master’s in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Track)
Program Overview
The University of North Texas offers a 60-credit Master of Science degree with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling track that prepares you to work in a variety of therapeutic settings. This program stands apart by offering four distinct specialization tracks: child, adolescent, college populations, and adult counseling. You select your area of emphasis at the beginning of the program, which shapes your coursework and clinical experiences throughout your training.
UNT is a leader in play therapy education. The university operates the Center for Play Therapy if you’re interested in this specialized approach. The center provides training, research, publications, counseling services, and scholarships while serving as a clearinghouse for literature in the field. The program’s specialization tracks are specific to UNT and require you to take designated classes and complete client hours during internship within your chosen population.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program holds CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2027. This accreditation dates back to 1980, which means the program has a track record spanning over four decades. The program meets all educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas.
Texas stipulates additional licensure steps beyond meeting the degree requirements. You’ll need to pass the national counseling exam and complete 3,000 clock hours of supervised clinical experience after earning your master’s degree.
Program Format and Duration
You’ll attend classes at the Denton campus. The program does not offer online completion options. Classes meet once weekly during afternoon and evening hours, Monday through Thursday. The estimated completion time is three years.
Non-clinical courses accommodate up to 25 students. Clinic-based classes maintain smaller enrollments of 10 to 15 students. The master’s program requires a passing score on the comprehensive exam (written, oral, or both) administered during your internship enrollment.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is competitive. You must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. GRE scores are not required for application. The program admits students twice yearly with application deadlines of October 15 for spring admission and March 15 for fall admission.
The admission process follows a structured timeline. You can expect to wait approximately 10 weeks from submission to final admission decision based on recent applicant experiences. The sequence has initial application review, interview invitation, participation in the interview process, and final admission notification.
All students receive provisional admission at first. You must enroll in COUN 5710 during your first semester and earn a grade of B or higher. The counseling faculty evaluates your progress after you complete COUN 5680 and COUN 5710 with grades of B or higher. They assess your academic performance, professional development, and personal development to determine full admission status.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Faculty members have earned recognition from the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Texas Counseling Association, The Association for Play Therapy, and Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society. Their research addresses animal-assisted therapy, career counseling across the lifespan, counseling methods and techniques, evidence-based counseling approaches, interpersonal trauma and stress, measurement and evaluation in counseling research, multicultural competencies in counseling, play therapy, and substance use disorders.
Faculty research extends to targeted areas that address suicide prevention, mental health services for low-income clients, counseling and play therapy in schools, and the effect of child-maltreatment and adverse childhood experiences across development.
Career Opportunities
The program prepares you for positions in college and university mental health centers, substance use treatment facilities, child protective services, child counseling clinics, family counseling centers, pastoral counseling settings, and private practice. You’ll complete a practicum requiring 100 total hours in counseling-related activities, with at least 40 hours of direct client contact. The internship just needs at least 600 supervised hours, with 240 hours dedicated to direct service.
2. University of North Texas at Dallas – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Program Overview
UNT Dallas delivers a 60-hour Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that trains you to work in a variety of therapeutic environments. The curriculum spans mental health centers, private counseling agencies, drug abuse treatment centers, centers that counsel older adults, child protective services, child counseling clinics, family counseling centers, pastoral counseling settings, private practice, and business and industry settings.
The program structure has 42 hours of core courses, 9 hours of electives, and 9 hours of supervised practicum and internships. You’ll gain skills to treat clients facing challenges that range from everyday life adjustments to serious mental health issues. If you have an interest in child therapy, you can complete play therapy electives and select a play therapy-focused internship.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program holds CACREP accreditation through April 30, 2034. Graduates have been CACREP graduates since January 13, 2016. Alumni meet the educational requirements to apply as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
The coursework fulfills the educational requirements for Texas State License in Professional Counseling. After graduation, Texas requires you to pass the National Counselor Exam and complete 3,000 clock hours of supervised clinical experience after earning your master’s degree. The program demonstrates strong outcomes, with an 89% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination among students and graduates between Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.
Program Format and Duration
The program uses a hybrid delivery model where some courses meet face-to-face, some combine online and face-to-face components, and some run online entirely. All face-to-face courses and classes are conducted at the UNT Dallas campus, with a few classes at service learning or internship sites. You cannot complete the program remotely.
Classes meet weekday evenings primarily. Part-time enrollment requires 3.5 years to complete. Full-time students finish in 2.5 years.
Admission Requirements
You’ll submit your application with official transcripts showing a minimum 2.8 overall GPA or 3.0 for your last 60 undergraduate hours. The application package requires three confidential reference assessments from a current or former employer, a professor or Certified School Counselor, and a non-family member. You’ll also submit a writing sample that responds to essay questions and is limited to two double-spaced pages. You’ll write an additional onsite essay during the interview.
The priority deadlines for fall admission are January 1, March 1, and August 1, with a final deadline of May 1. Spring enrollment has a final deadline of October 1.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Dr. Samuel Bore serves as Chair of Counseling and Associate Professor and holds LPC-S credentials. Dr. Jennifer Baggerly, a Professor with LPC-S and RPT-S certifications, earned the UNT Dallas Graduate School Outstanding Faculty Award in 2022 and Texas Counseling Association Outstanding Supervisor Award in 2021. Additional faculty include Dr. Deborah Ferguson Cain (Lecturer, LPC-S), Dr. Yu-fen Lin (Professor, LPC-S), Dr. Joy Oliveira (Assistant Professor, LPC Associate), and Dr. Erica Pouncie (LPC-S, LCDC, NCC, CBT).
Career Opportunities
Your supervised practicum requires a minimum of 100 clock hours of onsite experience, with at least 40 hours of direct service to individuals. You’ll complete internship experiences totaling at least 600 hours under professional supervision following practicum, which includes a minimum of 240 hours of direct client service. Internships occur in community counseling settings under the supervision of a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor. You’ll receive one hour per week of individual supervision with your site supervisor and group supervision on campus that averages 1.5 hours weekly with program faculty.
3. Texas Woman’s University – M.S. in Counseling & Development
Program Overview
Texas Woman’s University delivers its M.S. in Counseling & Development at the Denton campus. The program offers three distinct tracks that line up with specific career paths. You can choose Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or a dual track that combines both specializations. This flexibility lets you pursue multiple credentials and expand your career options.
The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices and ethical service delivery for people from all backgrounds. Coursework covers individual and group counseling, assessment techniques, multicultural counseling, and crisis intervention. The Clinical Mental Health track requires 60 credit hours. The School Counseling track needs 51 hours, and the dual specialization asks for 69 hours.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
Both the Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling concentrations hold CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2033. Graduates have been CACREP graduates since April 1, 1999, with accreditation dating back to October 1, 2000. The program met all standards in a satisfactory manner.
Clinical Mental Health track graduates can pursue licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors in Texas. The School Counseling track prepares you for certification as a school counselor in K-12 public schools. The School Counseling track also prepares educator candidates for the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) exam through the State Board for Educator Certification.
Program Format and Duration
Classes run on weekday evenings and work well for professionals. Full-time students complete the program in 2-3 years. Part-time enrollment extends this timeline. The program requires 700 clinical hours total, split between 100 hours in practicum and 600 hours in internships.
Students can start in fall, spring, or summer terms. Fall admission has a February 15 deadline, and spring enrollment closes September 15. All transcripts must arrive before the application deadline.
Admission Requirements
You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA on your last 60 semester credit hours. The application requires official transcripts from all previous schools, three professional references, and a resume that shows relevant experience.
Your letter of intent should use professional business letter format with date, name, and return address. The body must not exceed 350 words and discuss your reason for pursuing the degree, relevant experiences and achievements, and why you fit the program. Applicants moved forward participate in an interview day with program faculty.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Doctoral-level faculty with clinical experience teach in the program. They conduct active research and often cooperate with students on projects, presentations, and publications. Faculty advisors guide you through program requirements and professional growth opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Clinical Mental Health Counseling alumni work in community centers, hospitals, treatment facilities, private practice, and corporate settings. School Counseling graduates serve in K-12 schools, and dual-track graduates can choose from both paths. Many students secure employment before graduation through connections made during internships.
4. Southern Methodist University – M.S. in Counseling
Program Overview
SMU’s Master of Science in Counseling distinguishes itself by offering three CACREP-accredited specialty areas within one program: Clinical Mental Health, Marriage/Couple/Family, and School Counseling. This structure allows you to tailor your education to your specific career goals while completing a 63-credit hour curriculum. The program provides four elective concentrations: addiction, child and adolescent counseling, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, and the art and science of trauma counseling.
The program emphasizes experiential learning through classroom instruction, role-playing, observation of licensed counselors, and supervised clinical practice. SMU maintains small class sizes, enrolling 8-10 students per class, with a maximum of 16 students in introductory courses.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
The Clinical Mental Health specialty holds CACREP accreditation through October 31, 2027, with graduates considered CACREP-certified beginning January 14, 2017. The program was found to meet all standards in a satisfactory manner. The clinical mental health track fulfills requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas.
The marriage and family specialty prepares you to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, while the school counseling track guides you toward Certified School Counselor credentials. You can also pursue Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor certification by selecting the addiction concentration.
Program Format and Duration
All classes meet in person at the Dallas campus, as SMU does not offer online completion. Classes run during afternoon and evening hours to accommodate working professionals. Most students complete the degree in three calendar years.
You must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours before entering the clinical sequence. The program requires passing the MOCCe Exam before starting practicum. So, students needing financial aid (minimum 6 credit hours per semester) or full-time status (minimum 9 credit hours per semester) should plan to take electives concurrent with clinical training.
Admission Requirements
You must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Your GPA below 3.0 requires GRE scores showing minimum scores of 146 in Math, 156 in Verbal, and 3.5 in Writing within the last five years. The application requires a two-page essay, three recommendations, resume, and a non-refundable $40 application fee.
Application deadlines are September 1 for Early Decision and September 15 for Regular Admissions for Spring 2027 enrollment. All applicants meeting minimum requirements participate in PONI Day, a mandatory three-hour information and interview session.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Faculty members guide students through complete training in culturally sensitive counseling practices. The program maintains partnerships with 240+ internship sites in the Dallas area.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work in community agencies, religious institutions, hospitals, private practices, and schools. You’ll complete a minimum of 300 clinical hours during practicum and internship. The total program cost is approximately $62,091, with credit hours priced at $1,029 each. During the 2019-2020 academic year, 26 students earned their master’s degree, with women comprising 80.8% of graduates.
5. East Texas A&M University – M.S. in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Emphasis)
Program Overview
East Texas A&M University structures its 60-credit hour M.S. in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health emphasis to train you to serve people with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges. The hybrid program combines online courses with face-to-face requirements at campuses in Commerce and Dallas. You’ll need 2.5 to 3 years to complete it. The program prepares you through courses tailored to clinical mental health and field experience components that allow you to work with client populations under supervision.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program maintains CACREP accreditation through October 31, 2031. Originally accredited in March 1992 as a Community Counseling program, it transitioned to Clinical Mental Health Counseling in January 2016. The curriculum prepares you for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas. Before graduation, you must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE), a standardized exit exam that reviews core counseling concepts. Approximately 94% of initially enrolled students persist through graduation. An estimated 80% of graduates who seek licensure earn their LPC credential, and about 79% who seek employment in the counseling field find positions within six months of graduation.
Program Format and Duration
The hybrid delivery format provides flexibility through online courses among traditional face-to-face classes at the main Commerce campus, with select offerings available in Dallas and Mesquite. Classes accommodate working professionals through convenient scheduling. You’ll get hands-on experience through internships in clinical settings. These include placements at the university’s counseling center or Harold Murphy Counseling Center.
Admission Requirements
You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The application requires a statement of self-exploration that addresses personal and professional self-development. You need to explain why these qualities matter for counselors-in-training and your specific career goals.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Licensed faculty members deliver instruction and serve as mentors committed to guiding the next generation of counselors. Students benefit from peer-supported study sessions that the honor society hosts.
Career Opportunities
Graduates pursue positions as licensed professional counselors, school counselors, mental health clinicians or crisis intervention specialists in community health organizations, private practice or nonprofit agencies. Field experience requirements include a practicum with 100 contact hours (40 direct service hours) and two internships totaling 600 contact hours (240 direct service hours).
6. Dallas Baptist University – M.A. in Counseling
Program Overview
Dallas Baptist University’s Master of Arts in Professional Counseling received full CACREP accreditation in July 2025, valid through October 2033. This 60-hour graduate program merges biblical principles with clinical mental health counseling theory and trains you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor with optional dual licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. The curriculum blends academic rigor with Christ-centered education and gives you the tools to provide transformational counseling services in clinical settings of all types.
The program structure has 17 content courses plus practicum and internship components that span the final three semesters. You’ll complete a three-course, 700-hour practicum/internship sequence: COUN 6317 Counseling Practicum, COUN 6318 Counseling Internship I, and COUN 6319 Counseling Internship II. These must be completed in order.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
Students receive National Certified Counselor certification at the time of graduation. You can take the National Counselor Exam before you complete your degree. Most graduates pass their NCE, receive their LPC-Associate License, and secure employment before graduation. The program provides coursework required for both the NCE exam for LPC-A licensure and the AMFTRB exam for LMFT-A licensure. Texas requires 3,000 supervised hours within five years after program completion for full licensure.
Program Format and Duration
DBU offers flexible delivery through face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses that meet state requirements and national CACREP standards. You can expect to complete the program in 2-3.5 years. Classes accommodate working professionals through convenient scheduling options.
Admission Requirements
You must complete prerequisites that include Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, and two upper-level psychology courses. The admissions committee assesses the relevance of your career goals, your aptitude for graduate study, your potential for forming effective counseling relationships, and your respect for cultural differences through personal interviews. You’ll sign a Counseling Agreement Contract that commits you to nine characteristics. These include openness, flexibility, and a willingness to accept feedback. You must attend eight personal counseling sessions during your first two semesters.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Dr. Steven Hunter, Program Director, holds degrees from Texas A&M University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, West Texas A&M, and Mid-America Baptist Seminary. Dr. Desiree Stephens serves as Assistant Professor with credentials that include LPC-S, LPC, TLHL LMHC, NCC, and Certified-CCPT. Dr. Kristi Tew earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from University of North Texas and trained under Dr. Garry Landreth at the International Center for Play Therapy.
Career Opportunities
Graduates pursue positions in teaching, private practice, existing counseling practices, public and private schools, university counseling centers, church counseling centers, EAP programs, VA centers, rehabilitation counseling, and substance abuse treatment.
7. Abilene Christian University – M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – closer to West Texas
Program Overview
Abilene Christian University’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology requires 60 credit hours designed to prepare you for professional counseling credentials such as Licensed Professional Counselor. The curriculum provides classroom and practicum training for individual and group counseling with children, adolescents, and adults, along with clinical interviewing, crisis intervention, psychological testing, and professional ethics. You’ll develop skills grounded in the science underlying counseling practice, including biological, psychological, and social bases of behavior.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
The program fulfills all course requirements for licensure in Texas. You must get to know the licensing laws and rules of the licensing board in the state where you plan to pursue licensure, as requirements vary. You’ll have met the educational prerequisites to apply for LPC credentials upon completion.
Program Format and Duration
You’ll complete the program in 2 years. Tuition costs $1,593 per credit hour for the 2026/2027 academic year. Practicum experience occurs at the ACU Psychology Clinic, where graduate students work under supervision of licensed psychologists and counselors. The clinic offers empirically supported therapies and specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy in a Christian environment respectful of all belief systems.
Admission Requirements
You must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program requires passing a detailed exam.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Graduate assistantships provide financial support through 10 hours weekly in research, service, teaching, or clinic work. The award pays $1,650 per semester bi-weekly during the academic year and is available for up to four semesters. All incoming full-time students receive consideration for assistantships matched to teaching or research roles based on career goals.
Career Opportunities
Your degree opens positions as counseling psychologist, behavioral specialist, mental health counselor, guidance counselor, and addiction/substance abuse counselor.
8. Amberton University – M.A. in Professional Counseling
Program Overview
Amberton University has prepared counseling professionals for over 30 years and awarded more than 3,200 mental health degrees since its inception. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, formerly known as Professional Counseling, delivers a 60-hour curriculum designed to help working adults seeking career changes to counseling. This program trains competent, ethical and culturally skilled counselors through education in professional counseling concepts, techniques and skills.
The curriculum has 300 practicum hours minimum and prepares you to work with individuals, couples and families in community, social service and private practice settings. You must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) before enrolling in the Pre-Practicum course.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
Amberton holds SACSCOC accreditation, with programs aligned with Texas licensure academic requirements and practicum standards. The curriculum meets academic requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. Graduates qualify to apply for the LPC credential after graduation, as the program conforms to Texas Board licensing rules.
Program Format and Duration
You can complete this program 100% online with optional in-person classes. Tuition costs $325.00 per credit. So, you must be a permanent resident living in Texas to enroll.
Admission Requirements
The application process requires no entrance exam, and the application is free. You must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Faculty members are practicing professionals in their fields of study and selected for their academic credentials, professional experience and personal character. Both full-time educators and adjunct faculty with specialized expertise deliver instruction.
Career Opportunities
Counseling faculty recommend volunteering at community mental health agencies early in the program, which often opens up practicum site opportunities.
9. Dallas Theological Seminary – M.A. in Biblical Counseling
Program Overview
Dallas Theological Seminary restructured its biblical counseling curriculum to line up with Texas licensure standards while keeping gospel-centered training intact. The Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical) combines biblical principles with modern psychology for church, institutional, or private licensed counseling practices. This 90-hour program added four courses in fall 2017: Addictions and Compulsive Behaviors, Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, Family Systems, and a fourth counseling practicum. Students complete traditional Bible and theology courses with other MA and ThM students. The outside classroom workload is reduced.
CACREP Accreditation and Licensure Path
DTS holds SACSCOC and ATS accreditation. The MAC program is preparing for CACREP review. Students who matriculate in Spring 2025 or later may indicate CACREP program completion if accreditation is granted. This is due to retroactive recognition dating back 18 months. The curriculum makes it possible for graduates to apply for Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure with appropriate state boards.
Program Format and Duration
The MAC offers two cohorts: Dallas requires all counseling classes in-person. Online students complete coursework remotely and attend a one-week Dallas residency during first summer term.
Admission Requirements
Available sources did not detail specific admission criteria.
Faculty Expertise and Mentorship
Dr. Andi Thacker leads the Counseling Ministries Department. She is a licensed professional counselor with trauma healing and play therapy expertise. Dr. Marten’s counseling experience spans over 30 years as LPC-S and LMFT.
Career Opportunities
Graduates enter church, institutional, or private counseling settings. They are prepared with both clinical competence and spiritual wisdom.
Pick Your Path Today
Choosing the right masters in counseling program in North Texas depends on your career goals and preferred learning format. These nine programs offer exceptional preparation for your counseling career, whether you prioritize CACREP accreditation, specialized tracks like play therapy, faith-based education, or flexible online options. Most graduates get their LPC licensure and secure employment within six months of completion. Take time to assess each program’s unique strengths against your personal circumstances. Your investment in graduate education today positions you for a rewarding career and helps others guide through mental health challenges in the long run.