Master’s in Counseling Degrees in Colorado – Explore 5 Online and On-Campus Options

If you’re looking to become a counselor, you may consider doing so in Colorado. The most common pathway to becoming a counselor in the state is by earning a master’s degree and obtaining Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure. This license may open doors for you to work in a variety of roles and professional areas like helping kids in schools, working with people in rehabilitation centers, or providing valuable mental health counseling services. This guide is designed to help you find a program that aligns with your interests. 

In This Article:

Education and Other Requirements for Counseling Licensure in Colorado

Becoming a counselor in Colorado requires completing a specific set of requirements. To obtain your LPC credential, the first step is completing an accredited master’s program—the minimum degree required. Accreditation ensures your degree touches on the areas of study necessary to prepare you for work as a counselor, including human growth and development, relationships, and more. 

While in your master’s program, you will need to complete 700 hours of supervised internship hours working directly with clients. Following your program, you must complete another 2,000 supervised professional hours to become eligible for the LPC credential.

Once you’ve completed your degree and postgraduate work experience, you may apply for LPC licensure and complete national and state-level exams. The licensure process in Colorado is managed by the Colorado State Board of Professional Counselor Examiners. 

The Colorado Counseling Association (CCA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting aspiring and practicing counselors across the state. Once you’re an LPC, you may decide to join a professional organization like CCA to build your network and gain access to valuable resources.

Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Colorado

Part of your career decisions may come down to the potential salary and job outlook. What does that look like in Colorado? We’ve gathered some information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

FAQs

Still wondering about potential counseling jobs and pay? Here are some questions and answers you may reference as you gather information about this field.

How much do mental health therapists make in Colorado?

According to BLS data, Colorado therapists working with clients on their mental health made a mean yearly salary of $71,530 in 2021.

What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in counseling in Colorado?

With a master’s degree in counseling and a valid license, you may pursue jobs in schools, in mental health practices, in rehab facilities, or provide family and marriage counseling services.  

How much money can a counselor make in private practice?

Counselors in individual and family services earned a median annual salary of $45,160 in 2021, according to the BLS. They may make more or less depending on their employer.

Is mental health counseling a good career in Colorado?

If you are passionate about helping people work through a variety of mental health conditions and transform their mindsets, working as a mental health counselor in Colorado might be a viable option for you. According to the BLS, mental health counselors in Colorado earned an average salary of $57,900 in 2021.

What is the job outlook for school counselors in Colorado?

The state of Colorado employed more than 5,560 educational, guidance and career counselors in 2021. Between 2020 and 2030, nationwide employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 11%.

How much does a school counselor make with a master’s degree in Colorado?

In 2021, the annual mean salary for school counselors across the United States ranged from $37,550 to -$98,190. These figures come from national estimates, but your salary could vary depending on where you work.

Last updated: May 2022