CACREP-accredited online counseling programs

When embarking on the search for online counseling programs that lead to a graduate degree, there are various factors to consider, such as choosing a specialty and determining the duration of the program. One crucial aspect to take into account is whether the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which helps ensure that you receive a high-quality education.

The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in 2020. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

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Online CACREP-Accredited counseling programs

CACREP certifies each degree program individually. Programs voluntarily submit a self-study to be reviewed by counselors and counselor educators to ensure that students receive a quality educational experience. 

Schools eligible for CACREP certification must have institutional accreditation, so issues such as financial viability and resources are addressed. 

These schools feature CACREP-accredited online counseling degrees.

What is CACREP accreditation?

Interested in learning more about what CACREP is? CACREP accreditation indicates that a counselor education program meets certain minimum standards in various areas, such as program mission and objectives, content, student advising, faculty qualifications, support, self-evaluation, and more. 

CACREP is a specialized accreditor — it evaluates the professional program, not the entire university. Some of the standards address institutional aspects, such as financial aid, but the primary evaluation focus is program-specific. The degree holds CACREP accreditation, not the department or college.

Coursework for online CACREP counseling programs

CACREP-accredited counseling programs are dedicated to fostering and facilitating conducive learning environments. Degree specialty areas in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage, couple, and family counseling should consist of approved graduate-level study. Each specialty — from career counseling to rehabilitation counseling and more —  adheres to a comprehensive set of standards encompassing foundational knowledge, contextual understanding, and practical skills. These standards integrate coursework, counselor identity development, and fieldwork to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

According to 2024 CACREP Standards (PDF, 384 KB), accredited programs feature courses that focus on these common core areas:

Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice

  • Understand the history and philosophy of the counseling profession and its speciality areas.
  • Learn the different roles of counselors across all specialties and lifespans.
  • Develop an awareness of advocacy issues in regards to social barriers and equality.
  • Review required administrative counseling credential knowledge including licensing, accreditation, and ethical standards.

Social and cultural identities and experiences

  • Learn about theories and models of multicultural counseling, social justice, and advocacy.
  • Develop a multicultural view of diverse counseling concerns.
  • Explore power and privilege as it relates to the counseling dynamic.
  • Learn techniques and strategies to identify and eliminate barriers of diversity.

Lifespan development

  • Learn about theories of individual and family development across the lifespan.
  • Grasp theories of learning, cultural identity development, and personality development.
  • Develop models of psychosocial adjustment and adaptation to illness and disability.
  • Analyze external factors that affect human development and proper counseling intervention techniques.

Career development

  • Learn about the theories and models of career development, counseling, and decision making.
  • Develop approaches for navigating the interrelationships between self and work, wellness, relationships, and other life roles.
  • Explore strategies for advocating for employment support for individuals facing barriers in the workplace.
  • Establish specific techniques for developing career skills within the use of assessments and the goal of career planning and exploration.

Counseling practice and relationships

  • Learn about the theories and models of counseling and consultation.
  • Evaluate different theories and techniques that provide the most measurable outcomes for clients.
  • Explore important helping relationship skills including counseling interventions, case conceptualization, and essential interviewing.
  • Develop an understanding of suicide prevention strategies.

Group counseling and group work

  • Learn the theoretical foundations of group counseling and group work.
  • Understand the dynamics and therapeutic factors of group work and how they contribute to group effectiveness.
  • Explore approaches to group formation and selecting members.
  • Expand understanding of the ethical and legal considerations involved in the delivery of group counseling.

Assessment and diagnostic processes

  • Learn about the historical perspectives concerning the nature and meaning of assessment and testing in counseling.
  • Explore effective methods for selecting and conducting appropriate tests and assessments.
  • Apply statistical concepts to test results for diagnostics and for planning specific interventions.
  • Understand the ethical and legal considerations for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessments.

Research and program evaluation

  • Learn about the importance of research in advancing the counseling profession.
  • Identify and evaluate the evidence base for counseling theories, interventions, and practices.
  • Evaluate the differences between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods.
  • Explore how to analyze and use data for counseling.

What else should you look for in an online master’s in counseling program?

Discover the important factors to your online counseling degree with these guides.

Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs
Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Counseling licensure

Once you earn a graduate degree in counseling, the next step is often licensing or certification for practitioners. Some counseling fields require a license or certification to practice and accept insurance payments. Licensing and certification requirements may vary by state or based on the specific type of counseling practice.

Many states have licensing tiers for those who have degrees and are fully certified, and one for those who have completed their master’s degrees but have not yet completed additional coursework, field work, examinations, or other training.

Most state counseling licensing and certification requirements include:

  • Master’s degree in counseling
  • Clinical supervision hours
  • Background check
  • Counselor examination
  • Additional certifications for specialities
  • Continuing education

Find out more about how to become a counselor. Also, learn about some counseling specialties below.

How to become a school counselor

School counselors provide a wide range of services to students, including evaluation of abilities, identification of issues that impede participation in school, and preparation and presentation of workshops. Counselors also provide referrals, consult with staff, and collaborate with school personnel and parents.

One example of the steps to become a mental health counselor is:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral, social science, or education field. 
  • Earn a master’s degree in school counseling.
  • Complete graduate internship experience for certification/licensure requirements. 
  • Pass any required exams for certification/licensure.
  • Apply for certification/licensure.
  • Continue your education and stay up to date on school counseling trends and changes.

How to become a mental health counselor

Mental health counselors diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. Mental health counselors may work with different populations to treat their specific needs, such as adolescents, children, the disabled, the elderly, and military personnel.

These are some of the common steps to become a mental health counselor:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral, social science, or psychology field.
  • Earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling.
  • Complete graduate and postgraduate internship experience for certification/licensure requirements.
  • Pass any required counseling exams for licensure.
  • Apply for licensure.
  • Apply for and earn additional mental health certifications.
  • Continue your education and stay up to date on mental health counseling trends and changes.

More counselor career guides

CACREP-accredited online counseling programs are available in other career specializations. Here are some of the other counseling careers to consider:

FAQs

What is CACREP accreditation?

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation process and status indicates to prospective students and other stakeholders that a counseling or related program is committed to educational and professional quality. These standards for CACREP accreditation were created to unify the counseling profession in counselor identification, clarify specializations, and with skill development in mind.

Is CACREP accreditation important?

Considering your career goals is crucial in determining the relevance of CACREP accreditation, especially if you are contemplating licensure in the field. CACREP-accredited online counseling programs are certified to provide high-quality education.

Does CACREP accredit online counseling programs?

The CACREP accredits online programs and they must meet the same accreditation standards as non-online programs. For online mental health counseling programs (CACREP-accredited), the standards include key performance indicators so that programs are evaluated by the university and updated to meet student needs. 

Do all states require CACREP accreditation for licensure?

Each state sets their own rules for licensure and certification. Some states require completion of a CACREP-accredited program or the equivalent, while other states merely require regional accreditation. Make sure to check with your state’s licensing board to see whether or not CACREP accreditation is required for licensure.

How long does CACREP accreditation take?

It takes about 15–18 months from the submission of the program’s application for CACREP to return an accreditation decision, according to CACREP. If you are considering applying to a program that is working on accreditation, you can check the CACREP website to learn whether an application has been submitted yet.

What are the different CACREP counseling specialties?

In CACREP accredited programs, all entry-level students must be enrolled in at least one specialized practice area, each with their own curriculum standards. Students should complete their specialization prepared to address a wide range of issues in a culturally sensitive way and across several delivery modalities. The eight counseling specialties are: addiction counseling, career counseling, clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, college counseling and student affairs, marriage, couple, and family counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and school counseling.

Last updated August 2024.