Study Mental Health Counseling in Michigan
Michigan is home to several accredited Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) programs that prepare you for successful careers in mental health counseling. These programs, often accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), emphasize evidence-based practices, ethical standards, and clinical skills.
In an LPC program, you will engage in coursework covering topics like trauma, addiction, and family therapy, complemented by supervised practicum and internship experiences. Accredited programs ensure graduates meet Michigan’s licensure requirements and are well-equipped to address diverse client needs.
This article highlights some of the popular LPC programs in Michigan, detailing their accreditation, curriculum, and unique opportunities to guide you in choosing the right path.
LPC Programs in Michigan
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering LPC programs in Michigan:
- Spring Arbor University
- Central Michigan University
- Wayne State University
- Capella University
- Grand Canyon University
- Butler University
- National University
Spring Arbor University
Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling
The CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program at Spring Arbor University combines classroom instruction with practical experience, preparing you to work in different environments, including those with a faith-based focus.
This program provides a Virtual Classroom Option, which blends online coursework with direct interaction. You can complete your studies from home while participating in live discussions with classmates and instructors.
There are three available paths: Clinical Mental Health, School Counseling, and a Dual Track that combines elements of both. Each option begins with a core curriculum of 60 credit hours. If you choose the School Counseling or Dual Track path, you will complete additional coursework. Those pursuing the Dual Track will also have a longer internship requirement, extending the program by about six months.
Here is an overview of the available tracks:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This option is designed to prepare you for licensure as an LPC in Michigan, qualifying you to work in private practice, mental health centers, and other professional settings.
School Counseling: This path trains you to become a licensed counselor for K-12 schools in Michigan. It also provides the necessary academic foundation for those seeking LPC licensure.
Dual Track: This option allows you to meet the requirements for both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, providing you with a wide range of career opportunities.
Throughout the program, you will complete courses that cover essential subjects such as:
- Understanding Counseling and Diversity: An introduction to the counseling profession, its history, and current practices.
- Advanced Clinical Psychopathology and Abnormal Behavior: Study of various disorders and effective treatment methods.
- Addictions: Basic principles of addiction and treatment approaches.
- Counseling Techniques in Multicultural Settings: Development of counseling skills while considering cultural perspectives.
- Developmental Issues in Counseling: Examination of human growth and its connection to counseling practices.
- Career Counseling: Guidance in assisting individuals with career decision-making.
- Crisis Intervention: Training on how to manage crisis situations effectively.
- Practicum in Counseling: A course that allows you to apply knowledge in a clinical setting.
- Internship: A supervised 300-hour field experience in environments such as schools and community agencies.
If you select the School Counseling path, you will take additional coursework that focuses on school counseling program development, classroom management strategies, and mental health concerns within educational settings.
To qualify for admission, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Provide 2-3 references from academic or professional sources.
- Successfully complete a writing assessment, demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, and computer skills.
- Submit two completed recommendation forms provided by the university.
- Pass a background check and submit a disclosure form verifying a clean record.
Central Michigan University
Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling
The Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling program at Central Michigan University provides an opportunity for you to establish a career where you can make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. This program equips you with the necessary skills to work in schools, universities, community agencies, or even operate your own practice.
This program offers flexibility, allowing you to continue working while completing your studies. You have the option to take courses on-campus, online, or through a combination of both. You can enroll as a full-time or part-time student, selecting the format that works best for you.
The program holds accreditation from the CACREP. If you enroll full-time, you can complete the program in 2.5 years. If you opt for part-time study, the completion time extends to 3.5 years.
Throughout the program, you will receive training designed to help you grow both personally and professionally. You will develop skills that enable you to support social justice and well-being, assisting individuals from various backgrounds in achieving their mental health, educational, and career objectives.
To earn your degree, you must complete at least 60 credit hours, covering essential subjects such as ethics, counseling methods, and career development. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience through supervised training and internships, allowing you to focus on areas that interest you most.
You can specialize in one of the following areas:
- Addiction Counseling: This concentration focuses on understanding the causes of addiction and providing support for prevention and recovery. Completing this track prepares you for licensure as an LPC in Michigan, qualifying you to work in schools, community agencies, and other environments that serve individuals affected by addiction.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This area of study equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to assist people dealing with addiction, trauma, and crisis situations. You will gain experience that allows you to work in private practice, schools, and other settings. This track also prepares you for licensure as an LPC in Michigan.
- School Counseling: If you are interested in supporting students, this concentration focuses on helping young people with academic, social, and career development. You will learn how to provide guidance that ensures fairness and opportunities for all students. This track prepares you for school counseling licensure or an endorsement in Michigan.
Regardless of your chosen concentration, you will participate in hands-on training and internships, working directly with individuals and groups to assist them in overcoming challenges. Some of the core courses you will take include:
- Career Counseling
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
- Introduction to Counseling for Addictions
- Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling
- Counseling Techniques
- Crisis and Trauma Counseling
- Psychopathology in Counseling
As you near the end of the program, you must complete a 100-hour clinical practicum. Before starting this requirement, most of your coursework must be finished. The practicum involves 40 hours of direct client interaction and 2.5 hours of weekly supervision. While the program helps you identify potential practicum sites, it is ultimately your responsibility to secure one. A site supervisor must be present during your training.
Upon successful completion of the practicum, you will advance to a 600-hour clinical internship. This requires 240 hours of direct client interaction and weekly supervision for 2.5 hours. The internship site must be relevant to your specialization. If you are in the school counseling track, your supervisor must be a licensed school counselor. Although the program provides assistance in finding suitable sites, securing an internship is your responsibility.
To apply, you must submit the following:
- Completed graduate application
- Transcripts from previous studies
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.8
- Resume or statement about work and volunteer experience
- Written statement outlining career goals and program expectations
- Two professional recommendation letters
If you meet all requirements, you will be invited to a virtual group interview conducted by faculty. The interview dates will be provided in advance.
Wayne State University
Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling
If you want to support others and are thinking about a career in counseling, Wayne State University provides a CACREP-accredited M.A. in Counseling that may be the right choice for you. This program gives you the academic knowledge and practical experience needed to work in different counseling environments.
This program follows a hybrid structure, meaning some courses will be online while others will take place in a classroom setting.
You will study theories and strategies that are important in counseling. You will explore many subjects, such as human development, ways to strengthen relationships between couples, and methods to assist individuals struggling with addiction. Additionally, you will learn about legal and ethical responsibilities that are necessary in this profession.
The program uses a combination of online and in-person classes to help you build a strong foundation while also developing your clinical abilities. To finish the program, you must complete at least 60 credit hours, which include both academic study and practical training.
An important feature of this program is that you can select from six areas of focus. No matter which one you choose, you will gain direct experience through a supervised practicum and an internship, where you will put your knowledge into action.
Here are the available areas of focus:
Art Therapy
If you want to use art as a way to help people express emotions and improve their well-being, this option may be ideal for you. You will learn how visual art can support self-awareness and emotional growth. To follow this path, you need credits in psychology and studio art. After completing the program, you can earn credentials in both counseling (LPC) and art therapy (A.T.R.). This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Clinical Mental Health
Selecting this area will prepare you to work in many settings, including mental health centers, schools, and community organizations. You can use elective courses and practical training to gain expertise in a particular area of interest. Once you finish the program, you can apply to become an LPC.
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
This option focuses on assisting people with disabilities in finding employment and becoming independent. After graduation, you can apply for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) and also qualify for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.
School Counseling
If you would like to work in a school setting, this is the right choice. You will learn how to guide students in kindergarten through high school, supporting them in their academic and personal growth. To become a licensed school counselor, you will need to pass the required state exam.
Dual Concentration in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling
If you want to expand your knowledge and job possibilities, you may consider this dual option. You must complete an extended internship with a total of 1,200 hours, including 600 additional hours beyond the usual requirement.
Dual Concentration in School Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
This dual option prepares you for both school counseling and rehabilitation counseling. You must complete a 1,200-hour internship, which includes 600 additional hours on top of the standard requirement.
Admission requirements for the program include:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Personal interview with an admissions committee
- Written statement about your personal and professional background and goals
Capella University
Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
At Capella University, you have the chance to enroll in the online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This program gives you a basic understanding of mental health counseling. You will learn how to build relationships, assess and treat clients, understand cultural differences, and follow ethical standards.
Within this program, you will start with core courses that provide a strong foundation in clinical mental health counseling. Once you complete this foundation, you will choose specialized courses based on your interests, which lead to hands-on training experiences.
You will need to finish 13 core courses, four specialization courses, two in-person residencies, one practicum, and two internships. This program is accredited by the CACREP.
You can personalize your studies by choosing one of the following specializations:
- Addiction Treatment and Recovery: This specialization prepares you to understand and address substance-related disorders and addictive behaviors. You will study addiction theories, treatments, and interventions, while also considering cultural, ethical, and legal aspects of treatment.
- Child and Adolescent Counseling: This specialization is designed for those who are interested in supporting the emotional and social growth of children and teenagers. The curriculum covers topics like play therapy, family therapy, and interventions for common challenges faced by young individuals.
- General Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This flexible option allows you to select from various courses within the program, letting you shape your education based on your preferences.
Throughout your studies, you will focus on gaining both basic knowledge and practical skills that are essential for effective clinical mental health counseling. The program emphasizes providing counseling services that respect and understand cultural and ethnic differences.
After completing this 98-credit program, you will be ready to:
- Apply clinical mental health counseling theories and research to real-world practice.
- Provide counseling services that respect and understand cultural and ethnic differences.
- Engage in critical thinking and clear writing within the field of clinical mental health counseling.
- Follow the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics in your professional conduct.
- Communicate with understanding and respect in all professional settings.
- Make sure your professional practices follow state and national standards for clinical mental health counselors.
For admission, you must provide the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Official bachelor’s transcripts and a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Your resume or curriculum vitae.
- A 3–6 page goal statement describing your interest and ability for clinical mental health counseling.
- A valid, government-issued form of photo ID.
Capella offers these options for student loans for master’s programs:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to qualified graduate students, regardless of their financial situation.
- Federal Graduate PLUS Loans can assist in covering educational costs that other financial sources might not cover.
Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grand Canyon University’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 62-credit program that takes about three years to finish. Each course is accelerated and lasts only eight weeks.
The curriculum includes advanced studies in counseling, addiction, trauma, and lifespan development, among others. For example, you will take Substance Use Disorders and Addictions to study the unique processes involved in treating someone with a substance use disorder. Similarly, you will take a Counseling Skills class that looks at various counseling processes, counseling orientations, and techniques you can use to build a trusting relationship with your clients and create a treatment plan to address their needs.
Other key coursework you will complete early in this program includes the following:
- Professional Counseling, Ethical, and Legal Considerations
- Theories and Models of Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Counseling Couples and Families
- Counseling the Culturally Diverse
Other required courses focus on very specific topics. For example, Human Sexuality and Issues of Aging looks at the psychological, social, moral, and biological aspects of sexual development and aging. The Lifespan Development course similarly examines the developmental aspects of the human experience.
Another topic-specific class is Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma Counseling. This course looks at the theories and strategies related to trauma counseling and crisis intervention. Similarly, you will learn about various types of abuse and how to detect it, as well as the legal and ethical issues involved when children are subject to domestic violence and abuse.
You’re required to take numerous classes related to research and assessment, too. These classes include the following:
- Research Methods and Program Evaluation
- Assessment, Tests, and Measurements
- Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Assessment of Mental and Emotional Health Status
Of course, the final parts of this program include a practicum and internship. As is typical of programs like this, the practicum is an introductory experience during which you must complete 100 or more hours of clinical counseling work (40 of which must be in direct contact with clients). In addition to completing these counseling-related activities, you must also participate in at least one hour per week of supervision via zoom.
The two-part internship builds on the practicum experience by giving you more freedom for independent work. You will still be supervised on-site and have weekly supervision with your classmates and professors. However, you will also have greater chances to work one-on-one with clients and handle the daily tasks of being a professional counselor.
The admissions requirements are as follows:
- Have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher. If you don’t meet the GPA requirement, you can submit GRE scores (300 combined verbal and quantitative is the minimum accepted score).
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit a registration form for this degree program.
Once you’ve submitted your application, a GCU counselor will contact you to help guide you through the application process.
How Much Does an LPC Make in Michigan?
As of February 2025, the average annual salary for an LPC in Michigan is $92,200. More experienced LPCs in Michigan earn well over $135,000 per year.