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- Master's in Counseling Degrees in Texas
Master's in Counseling Degrees in Texas - Explore 34 Online and On-Campus Options
A master’s degree in counseling may open doors for you, your future clients and your community at large. There are several ways to become a licensed counselor in the state of Texas.
Programs across the state come in varying formats: online, in-person and hybrid. Schools also offer specialization options, like clinical mental health, school counseling and rehabilitation counseling.
As you explore the degree program options below, it’s important to keep your goals in mind. We know the variety may be overwhelming, so we did some of the homework for you! Read on to compare Texas counseling master’s programs and decide which is right for you.
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In This Article:
- Compare 20 Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
- Compare 11 School Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
- Compare 3 Rehabilitation Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
- Insights into Counseling Degrees in Texas
- Education and Other Requirements for Counseling Licensure in Texas
- Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Texas
- FAQs
Compare 20 Mental Health Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
University Name | Location | Degree Type | GRE Requirement | Accreditation | Time to Complete | Program Characteristics |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX | MA in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling | No | N/A | 1-2 years | Online |
Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX | MS in Counseling Psychology | Yes | N/A | 2 years | Online and on-campus |
Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, TX | MA in Professional Counseling | No | CACREP | 3 years | On-campus |
Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene, TX | MA in Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy | Yes | CACREP | ~ 2 years | On-campus |
Lamar University | Beaumont, TX | M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Yes | CACREP | ~ 2 years | Online and on-campus |
Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, TX | MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling | If undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 | CACREP, SACSCC | 2 years | On-campus |
St. Mary’s University | San Antonio, TX | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 2 years | On-campus |
Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches, TX | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | No | CACREP | 2 years | On-campus |
Texas A&M University | Commerce, TX | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 1-3 years | On-campus and online |
Texas A&M University | Corpus Christi, TX | MS in Professional Counseling, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health | No | CACREP | 2 years | On campus |
Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 2 years | On-campus |
Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | MA in Marriage and Family Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 2 years | On-campus |
Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | M. Ed. In Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Yes (but optional during 2021 and 2022) | CACREP | 3 years | On-campus |
Texas Woman’s University | Denton, TX | MS in Counseling and Development, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health | Yes | CACREP | 3 years | On-campus |
Texas Woman’s University | Denton, TX | MA in Counseling Psychology | Yes | CACREP | 3 years | On-campus |
University of Houston – Victoria | Victoria, TX | M. Ed. Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus and online |
University of Houston – Victoria | Victoria, TX | MA in Counseling Psychology | Yes, if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus and online |
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton, TX | MA in Counseling, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Yes, if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 | CACREP through 2020 | 2-3 years | On-campus |
University of North Texas | Denton, TX | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus |
University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | No | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus |
Compare 11 School Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
University Name | Location | Degree Type | GRE Requirement | Accreditation | Time to Complete | Program Characteristics |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, TX | M. Ed. in School Counseling | No | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus |
Lamar University | Beaumont, TX | M. Ed. In Counseling and Development, Specialization in Professional School Counseling | Yes | N/A | 2 years | Online and on-campus |
Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches, TX | MA in School Counseling | No | CACREP/ NCATE | 2 years | On-campus |
Texas A&M University | Commerce, TX | MS in School Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 2-3 years | Online and on campus |
Texas A&M University | Corpus Christi, TX | MS in Professional School Counseling | No | CACREP | 2 years | On campus |
Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | MA in School Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 2 years | On-campus |
Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | M. Ed. In School Counseling | Yes (but optional during 2021 and 2022) | CACREP | 3 years | On-campus |
University of Houston – Victoria | Victoria, TX | M. Ed. In Counselor Education | Yes | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus and online |
University of North Texas | Denton, TX | M. Ed. In School Counseling | Yes | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus |
University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | M. Ed. In School Counseling | No | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus |
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | M. Ed. in School Counseling | Yes, if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 | CACREP | 2-3 years | On-campus |
Compare 3 Rehabilitation Counseling Degree Programs in Texas
University Name | Location | Degree Type | GRE Requirement | Accreditation | Time to Complete | Program Characteristics |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches, TX | MA in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | No | CACREP | varies | On-campus |
University of North Texas | Denton, TX | MS in Rehabilitation Counseling | No | N/A | 2-3 years | Online or on-campus |
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock, TX | MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling | No | CACREP | 2-3 years | Online |
Insights into Counseling Degrees in Texas
Here are some additional details about the programs included in the tables above:
Angelo State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts Mental Health and Wellness Counseling from Angelo State University
- Program Length: Varies (as little as 1 year)
- Instruction Method: Online
Program Requirements:
- 30 credits
- Full-time or part-time study
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
- All college and university transcripts
- 75 undergraduate GPA or 2.75 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
Angelo State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Angelo State University
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person and online
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Each three credit hours requires 150 clock hours in a supervised practicum setting
- Full-time or part-time
Admission Requirements:
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores if undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0
- Essay
- All college and university transcripts
Dallas Baptist University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Dallas Baptist University
- Program Length: 3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- 3-course sequential practicum/internship with a ‘B’ or higher
- 600-hour internship
- Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
- Four undergraduate-level psychology prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology or general psychology, statistics, and 6 hours of upper-level psychology
- Certificate of Church membership
- GRE or MAT scores
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Undergraduate GPA 3.0 or higher
- Admissions interview
Dallas Baptist University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education in School Counseling from Dallas Baptist University
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 48 credits
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
- Valid Teaching Certificate
- 2+ years in teaching experience in a K-12 public or private school
- GRE or MAT scores
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
Hardin–Simmons University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy from Hardin-Simmons University
- Program Length: Varies
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60-hour faith-based residential program
- 700 hours supervised clinical experience
- Full-time or part-time available
Admission Requirements:
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Twelve undergraduate hours in psychology
- GRE score (GMAT on case-by-case basis)
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Three letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
- Criminal background check
Lamar University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University
- Program Length: Depends on enrollment
- Instruction Method: Online, asynchronous
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- 300-hour internship
- Full-time or part-time study
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with fee of $25
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Essay
- One letter of recommendation
Lamar University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education in Counseling and Development with a Specialization in Professional School Counseling Online from Lamar University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: Online only for Professional School Counselor track (On-campus & online for Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling track)
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- 15-week practicum
- 15-week internship
- One residency
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with fee of $25
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5
- Essay
- University transcripts
- Teaching Certificate
- Two years of teaching experience
- TEA-approved practicum/internship
Sam Houston State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas application
- Official undergraduate transcript
- Three letters of reference
- Personal statement
- GRE scores if college GPA is less than 3.0
St. Mary's University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. Mary's University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
Admission Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Professional and academic recommendations
Personal statement
GRE scores for applicants without a master’s degree
Stephen F. Austin State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person, some online courses
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Full-time and part-time available
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with fee of $50
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Personal Data Form
- Autobiographical letter of application
Stephen F. Austin State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with specialization in School Counseling from Stephen F. Austin University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Full-time and part-time available
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with fee of $50
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Personal Data Form
- Autobiographical letter of application
Stephen F. Austin State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with specialization in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Full-time and part-time available
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with fee of $50
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Personal Data Form
- Autobiographical letter of application
Texas A&M University – Commerce
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University - Commerce
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person and online
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- No thesis requirement
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas application with $50 fee
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- University transcripts
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Counseling essay
- Interview
Texas A&M University – Commerce
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in School Counseling with LPC from Texas A&M University - Commerce
- Program Length: Varies
- Instruction Method: In-person and online
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits (School Counseling track without LPC credential is 51 credits)
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas application with $50 fee
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Valid teaching certificate
- Two years of full-time teaching experience
- University transcripts
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Counseling essay
- Interview
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in Professional Counseling with specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person and online
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Pass written examination to graduate
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas application with $50 fee ($70 for international students)
- Official transcripts
- Essay
- Three references
- Interview
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in Professional School Counseling from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas application with $50 fee ($70 for international students)
- Official transcripts
- Essay
- Three references
- Background disclosure forms
- Interview
Texas State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas State University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Take and pass Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) in order to register for clinical practicum
- Thesis optional
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with $55 fee ($90 for international students)
- Baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited university
- Official transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- GRE scores
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Three forms of recommendation (not general reference letters)
Texas State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling from Texas State University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Thesis optional
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with $55 fee
- Baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited university
- Official transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- GRE scores
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Three forms of recommendation (not general reference letters)
- Informed Consent Form
Texas State University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in professional Counseling, School Counseling Concentration from Texas State University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Thesis optional
- Maintain a grade of B or higher
- Clinical practicum
- Internship
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with $55 fee
- $35 Texas Education Agency technology fee
- Baccalaureate degree from regionally accredited university
- Official transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- GRE scores
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Three forms of recommendation (not general reference letters)
Texas Tech University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Tech University
- Program Length: 3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Internship in year three
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- GRE scores (optional for 2021-2022 academic year)
- Resume
- Applicant Statement
- Three letters of recommendation
Texas Tech University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education in School Counseling from Texas Tech University
- Program Length: 3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 48 credits
- Internship in year three
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- GRE scores (optional for 2021-2022 academic year)
- Resume
- Applicant Statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Valid Teaching Certificate (required for Texas residents)
Texas Tech University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University
- Program Length: Varies
- Instruction Method: Online
Program Requirements:
- 63 credits
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with $75 fee
- Baccalaureate degree (preferably in related discipline like psychology, sociology, occupational therapy, social work, special education, etc.) from regionally accredited institution
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Criminal background check
- Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay
Texas Woman's University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in Counseling and Development from Texas University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Program Concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Professional School Counseling
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 61 credits
- No grade below a ‘B’
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate study and all prior graduate work
- Interview
- Writing sample
- GRE scores
Texas Woman's University
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 61 credits
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA or better in all coursework
- Four semesters of practicum
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate study and all prior graduate work
- Interview
- Writing sample
- GRE scores
University of Houston – Victoria
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Houston - Victoria
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Practicum
- Internship
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Essay
- Test scores
University of Houston – Victoria
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston - Victoria
- Program Length: 2 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- 450-hour practicum
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with $25 fee
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Complete prerequisites in statistics, research, and abnormal psychology
- GRE scores (not required if have a 3.0 or above)
- Essay
- One letter of recommendation
- Interview
University of Houston – Victoria
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education Degree Program in Counselor Education with specialization in Professional School Counseling from the University of Houston - Victoria
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- 600-hour internship
- Practicum required
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas online application
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Three recommendation forms/letters
- GRE or MAT scores
- Criminal background check
- Interview
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Track from the University of Mary-Hardin-Baylor
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- Maintain cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with fee of $35
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- GRE/GMAT scores if undergraduate GPA below 3.0
- Writing sample
- Interview
University of North Texas
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credit minimum
- ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade on all coursework
- Internship
- Practicum required
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas online application with $75 fee
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- GRE scores
- Three reference evaluations
- One-page writing sample
- Group interview
- Criminal background check
University of North Texas
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education in School Counseling from the University of North Texas
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credit minimum
- ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade on all coursework
- Internship
- Practicum required
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas online application with $75 fee
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- GRE scores
- Three reference evaluations
- One-page writing sample
- Group interview
- Criminal background check
University of North Texas
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: Online or on-campus
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- 700 hours supervised fieldwork
- 3 hours practicum
- 6 hours internship
Admission Requirements:
- ApplyTexas online application with $75 fee
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Rehabilitation and Health Services Department (RHSD)-specific application
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Personal statement
- Interview
University of Texas at San Antonio
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 60 credits
- 700-hour practicum and internship
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Undergraduate degree in Education, Psychology or Sociology
- Official transcripts
- Three applicant rating forms
- Statement of Purpose
University of Texas at San Antonio
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree in School Counseling from University of Texas at San Antonio
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements:
- 48 credits
- Internship
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Undergraduate degree in Special Education, Psychology, Sociology, or related field
- Official transcripts
- Three applicant rating forms
- Statement of Purpose
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Program Overview:
- Program: Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Program Concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Professional School Counseling
- Instruction Method: In-person
Program Requirements (for School Counseling):
- 60 credits
- 600-hour internship
- Maintain 3.0 GPA or higher
- Pass Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)
Admission Requirements:
- Online application with no fee
- Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited college in related field
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
- GRE scores - minimum score of 150 in verbal section, 141 in quantitative, and 4.0 in analytical
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation from professional and academic contacts
- Resume
- Criminal background check
- Interview
Education and Other Requirements for Counseling Licensure in Texas
To become a licensed counselor in Texas, there are several state requirements you’ll need to meet as laid out by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
First off, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requires a master’s or higher in counseling from a program accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
These usually include 60 graduate-level credit hours, a supervised internship and a course of practicum that meet the requirements laid out by the Texas licensing board. After completing your degree, you’ll also have to pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) and pay a licensing fee. Licensed counselors in Texas are often also registered with the Texas Counseling Association (TCA).
Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in Texas
Next, you may want to get acquainted with career outlooks and salary expectations as you decide whether becoming a counselor in Texas is the right choice for you. Read on to find information about counseling salaries and job growth rates for various pathways in counseling in Texas, based on data gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Educational, Guidance and Career Counselors and Advisors (also known as School and Career Counselors)
- Annual mean salary for educational, guidance and career counselors in Texas (2019): $60,470
- National projected job growth for school and career counselors (2019-2029): 8%
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Annual mean salary for marriage and family therapists in Texas (2019): $50,840
- National projected job growth for marriage and family therapists (2019-2029): 22%
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Annual mean salary for rehabilitation counselors in Texas (2019): $45,300
- National projected job growth for rehabilitation counselors (2019-2029): 10%
- Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors
- Annual mean salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors in Texas (2019): $49,330
- National projected job growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors (2019-2029): 25%
- Counselors, All Other
- Annual mean salary for counselors in Texas (2019): $55,890
- National projected job growth for counselors (2019-2029): Data not available
FAQs
Wondering about the various counseling career paths available to you in Texas? Explore these questions and answers to learn more:
What degree do I need to become a marriage and family therapist in Texas?
You may want to familiarize yourself with the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensing requirements from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC). To qualify for the LMFT, you need to have completed a master's degree program (or higher) that meets the council’s requirements, two years of full-time supervised work experience, pass an entrance examination and pay a license fee.
How much do mental health therapists make in Texas?
According to data from the BLS, mental health therapists (also called counselors for substance abuse, behavioral disorders and mental health) earn an average of $49,330 in Texas.
What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in counseling in Texas?
You may pursue a range of jobs in Texas with a master’s degree in counseling. It depends on the setting you’re interested in—be it clinical (individual or rehabilitation therapy), educational (K-12 or college school counselors) or private. Career opportunities may include marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor/behavioral therapist, school or vocational counselor, substance abuse counselor, grief and bereavement counselor, case manager and more.
How much money can a counselor make in private practice in Texas?
A range of factors can affect how much a counselor earns, from the city in which they practice to the number of years of experience they have. As you research earning potential for counselors in the state, take note of such factors.
Is mental health counseling a good career in Texas?
Mental health counseling may be a good career in Texas as it could be in any state. Those employed within the field determine whether it is a good fit for them, bearing their personal goals in mind. While the average salary in Texas is about $600 dollars below the national average ($49,330 in Texas, $49,950 nation average), the work itself can be rewarding as there are several opportunities to help others cope with mental health disorders and work through some of life’s most challenging situations.
Additionally, demand for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is rising. As we mentioned earlier, jobs for these professionals will grow 25% from 2019 to 2029.
What is the job outlook for school counselors in Texas?
According to the BLS, the projected growth rate of school counselors in the next ten years is at 8%, indicating a faster-than-average growth rate. Rising student enrollment in elementary, middle and high schools will drive the demand for school counselors.
How much does a school counselor make with a master's degree in Texas?
To become a licensed school counselor in Texas, you need a master’s degree at minimum. According to the BLS, the annual mean salary for educational, guidance and career counselors and advisors in Texas (also called school counselors) is $60,470.
Last updated: December 2020
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