Study Mental Health Counseling in Missouri
Licensed professional counselor (LPC) programs in Missouri offer a structured path to earning your professional counseling credential. These programs are carefully crafted to meet the rigorous standards set by the state for licensure.
Through an LPC program, you will have the chance to learn from seasoned professionals while covering a broad spectrum of topics. These include psychotherapy techniques and ethical practices in counseling. Online programs are particularly advantageous if you need flexibility to manage work and family commitments.
This guide provides an overview of some of the popular schools offering LPC programs in Missouri, helping you narrow your options and select the school that aligns most closely with your goals.
LPC Programs in Missouri
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering LPC programs in Missouri:
- Truman State University
- Walden University
- Capella University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Missouri State University
- Missouri Baptist University
- National University
- The Chicago School
- Grand Canyon University
Truman State University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
The Master of Arts in Counseling from Truman State University provides a specialization in mental health counseling, offering 100 percent online coursework combined with detailed field-based learning to prepare you for a career as a licensed mental health counselor. This program is specifically designed for working professionals and features a curriculum taught by professors who are experienced professionals in the counseling field.
The program follows a research-based cohort model, allowing you to progress through the curriculum with the same group of classmates from the first day until graduation. This approach helps you build professional relationships with fellow prospective counselors who can support and assist you as you advance in your career.
To graduate, you must complete 60 credits. The majority of these credits consist of core requirement courses delivered online. Some of the courses focus on specific counseling topics, such as:
- Assessment and Appraisal
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
- Counseling Skills
- Diagnosis in Counseling
- Group Counseling
Other courses address broader topics, such as Research Methods in Counseling, where you will study quantitative and qualitative research methods used by social scientists to better understand human behavior.
A unique course, Counselor as Consultant and Agent of Change, focuses on your role in the client-therapist relationship. This class introduces techniques like psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing, which you can apply to support clients in achieving meaningful life changes.
Additional required courses include:
- Career Development
- Theories and Techniques of Counseling
- Human Growth and Development
- Child and Adolescent Counseling
- Intervention, Prevention, and Crisis Response
A course on Family and Couples Counseling introduces you to marriage and family therapy concepts. While this class does not qualify you to practice as a marriage and family therapist, it provides valuable insights into the dynamics of working with families and couples.
Professional practice components include a practicum and an internship. The practicum involves a one-term supervised experience at a site near your location, coordinated by Truman State University. You will work under the guidance of a licensed counselor and gain feedback on your progress.
The internship requires six credits and takes place over one year. During this time, you will work as a full-time counselor with an appropriate caseload of clients. This experience is supervised, offering guidance as you develop your counseling skills.
To apply for this program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- Provide three professional references.
- Complete a criminal background check.
- Submit a personal statement explaining your interest in becoming a counselor and why this program suits your goals.
Walden University
Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addiction Counseling
Addiction affects many individuals, and Walden University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addiction Counseling program equips you with the knowledge and skills to assist those struggling with substance abuse. This CACREP-accredited program requires the completion of at least 100 quarter credits, which typically takes about three years. Upon fulfilling the program requirements, you will likely be eligible to apply for licensure as a licensed professional counselor.
The program begins with core courses designed to establish a strong foundation in counseling principles. Early courses you will take include:
- Professional Dispositions and New Student Orientation
- Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Techniques in Counseling
- Theories of Counseling
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
A required course, Multicultural Counseling, helps you enhance your understanding of client diversity while improving self-awareness. This course encourages you to reflect on your own cultural identity, values, beliefs, biases, and prejudices.
Another foundational course, Assessment in Counseling and Education, examines various testing methods and their application in counseling settings. You will learn to analyze and interpret test results and use the data collected to guide your client interactions.
Building on this knowledge, Diagnosis and Assessment further explores diagnostic criteria, emphasizing the use of the DSM to identify potential client disorders. The course also incorporates considerations for multicultural and diversity-related issues, highlighting the complexities of diagnostic processes.
You will also complete skills-based courses such as:
- Group Process and Dynamics
- Research Methodology and Program Evaluation
- Couples and Family Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Counseling Addictive Disorders
Two specialization courses focus specifically on addiction counseling. Theories, Treatment, and Case Management of Addiction teaches you about treatment models, relapse prevention, recovery, and relevant policies and regulations. Assessment in Counseling and Addiction introduces diagnostic tools and explores sociocultural, legal, and ethical concerns in addiction counseling.
Field experiences are a critical part of your training. The 100-hour practicum takes place in a supervised addiction counseling setting, such as an inpatient treatment center. During this experience, you will assess, diagnose, and treat clients under the supervision of an experienced counselor, gaining exposure to individual and group therapy.
The 600-hour internship follows, providing an intensive professional experience where you will work full-time in a supervised counseling environment. You will handle case conceptualizations, assessments, diagnoses, and documentation while providing direct client services for at least 240 hours.
To apply, you must meet these requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- Provide contact information for two references.
Capella University
Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
At Capella University, you have the opportunity to enroll in the online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, designed to provide you with a foundational understanding of mental health counseling. You will gain skills in building relationships, assessing and treating clients, understanding cultural differences, and maintaining ethical standards.
This program begins with core courses that establish essential knowledge in clinical mental health counseling. After building this foundation, you will choose specialized courses based on your interests, leading up to hands-on training experiences.
To complete the program, you are required to complete 13 core courses, four specialization courses, two in-person residencies, one practicum, and two internships. This program is accredited by the CACREP.
You can customize your studies by selecting one of the following specializations:
- Addiction Treatment and Recovery: This specialization prepares you to address substance-related disorders and addictive behaviors. You will study addiction theories, treatments, and interventions, along with cultural, ethical, and legal considerations.
- Child and Adolescent Counseling: Designed for those interested in supporting the emotional and social development of young individuals, this track covers topics like play therapy, family therapy, and interventions for challenges faced by children and teenagers.
- General Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This flexible option allows you to choose courses across the program, tailoring your education to suit your preferences.
Throughout the program, you will focus on gaining both foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective clinical mental health counseling. The curriculum emphasizes delivering counseling services that are culturally and ethnically sensitive.
Upon completing the 98-credit program, you will be prepared to:
- Apply clinical mental health counseling theories and research to practical settings.
- Provide counseling services that respect cultural and ethnic differences.
- Engage in critical thinking and articulate your ideas clearly in writing.
- Follow the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics.
- Communicate professionally with respect in all settings.
- Ensure compliance with state and national standards for clinical mental health counselors.
To apply, you must provide:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Official bachelor’s transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
- A 3–6 page goal statement describing your interest and aptitude for clinical mental health counseling.
- A government-issued photo ID.
You can explore financial assistance options such as:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans for graduate students regardless of financial need.
- Federal Graduate PLUS Loans to cover additional educational expenses.
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
You have the opportunity to enroll in the 60-credit online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Southern New Hampshire University, which is designed to help you meet the educational criteria required for licensure in many states. Accredited by CACREP through 2028, this program equips you with the essential knowledge and skills for a fulfilling career in clinical mental health counseling.
The program emphasizes developing your identity as a counselor, encouraging you to view the counseling role as a core aspect of who you are rather than just a profession. You will engage in self-reflection to understand your personality and learn how to integrate it effectively into counseling relationships. Through guided instruction, you will identify your strengths and areas where growth is needed as a counselor.
The curriculum focuses on four primary themes: ethical reasoning, appreciation for diversity, critical thinking, and applying theory to clinical practice. You will learn to use counseling theories and strategies for client consultation, treatment, and intervention. Additionally, the program will teach you how to select appropriate strategies for group counseling and work effectively with diverse clients across various settings.
The courses you will take include:
- Human Development
- Career Counseling
- Theories of Counseling
- Diversity in Counseling
- Assessment and Evaluation in Counseling
- Diagnosis of Emotional and Mental Disorders
- Substance Use Disorders and Process Addictions
- Prevention and Intervention of Crisis and Trauma
The program includes two five-day residencies, which will provide opportunities to engage with peers and faculty in individual and group sessions. Under expert supervision, you will apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
- Residency I: COU-540 Helping Skills and Techniques focuses on foundational counseling skills and occurs during the first year.
- Residency II: COU-690 Advanced Individual and Group Helping Skills and Techniques is completed before the practicum, allowing you to demonstrate your competencies in group counseling.
Each residency is part of a 10-week course, with online components before and after the in-person sessions. Lodging and most meals are arranged by the university, and financial aid may be available to cover travel expenses.
You will also complete a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships as part of the program. These field experiences provide hands-on skills development, and the university will assist you in meeting any additional requirements specific to your state.
To apply, you must submit:
- A personal statement.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A form acknowledging your understanding of program and state licensure requirements.
How Much Does an LPC Get Paid in Missouri?
As of January 2025, the average annual salary for an LPC in Missouri is $112,898. More experienced LPCs in Missouri earn well over $150,000 per year.