Study Master’s in Counseling in Arizona

Online master’s counseling programs are tailored for individuals who have a passion for helping others but need the convenience of studying from anywhere. Arizona offers several online master’s counseling programs, making it easier for you to get a top-notch education without being in a traditional classroom. Studying online allows you to balance your education with other responsibilities, like work or family.

By the end of your studies, you will be ready to guide and support people through their challenges, all thanks to the online programs available in Arizona. Whether you are in a bustling city or a quiet town in Arizona, a fulfilling journey in counseling is right at your fingertips with these programs.

Best Accredited Online Masters in Counseling Degrees and Schools in Arizona

Online Master’s in Counseling in Arizona

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online master’s in counseling in Arizona:

  • Grand Canyon University
  • University of Phoenix
  • Capella University
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Creighton University
  • Walden University
  • Pepperdine University

Grand Canyon University

Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

If you are drawn to helping others navigate life’s challenges and reach their best, Grand Canyon University offers a 66-credit Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

This master’s program is available both online and in evening classes. It provides a thorough understanding of counseling, focusing on evidence-based methods and hands-on applications.

You will learn about current social and cultural trends and be prepared to assist a wide range of individuals. The program also ensures you are familiar with the professional standards and ethics of counseling.

The program at Grand Canyon University aligns with the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

The program touches on many areas, equipping you to assist various clients. Whether it’s helping those facing trauma, substance abuse, or depression, this degree readies you for a meaningful career. Potential workplaces include hospitals, clinics, private practices, or online platforms.

If you are aiming to become a licensed counselor in Arizona, this program meets the academic requirements. If you are considering practicing in another state, it’s a good idea to check that state’s specific requirements.

Good counselors are great listeners, compassionate, and skilled in connecting with their clients. In this program, you will delve into the counselor-client relationship, learn to set boundaries, and understand how to use research in your practice. The program also includes a course on career counseling, offering insights into career choices and development.

Courses like Substance Use Disorders and Addictions, Counseling the Culturally Diverse, and Group Counseling will cover:

  • Understanding substance use disorders and their effects.
  • Multicultural counseling theories.
  • Group counseling methods and ethics.
  • Proper assessment methods for understanding a client’s mental state.
  • Basic ideas behind psychopharmacology and the impact of certain substances.

The program covers all aspects of the psychology of mental health and the ethical considerations into the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. You will also get real-world experience through a practicum (100 hours) and two internships (300 hours), ensuring you are ready for the field. The practicum is completed prior to the internship.

To join this program at Grand Canyon University, you should have a bachelor’s degree from an approved college with a GPA of 2.8 or higher.

Applying to the university is straightforward, and they offer support throughout the application process, all without any application fee. Plus, Grand Canyon University provides scholarship opportunities for eligible students, making education more affordable. If you are a military member, there are special tuition discounts for online programs.

This master’s degree also allows you the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and with individuals, groups and families of diverse ages and backgrounds.

University of Phoenix

Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

At the University of Phoenix, you can enroll in the online Master of Science in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This program is designed to teach you the skills needed to support clients facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and abuse.

To complete this program, you will need to complete 60 credits. Depending on any previous credits you might have, your course plan might vary. This program is designed to prepare students for professional counselor licensure in state where where it is offered.

The program’s mission is to shape students into knowledgeable and confident clinical mental health counselors. You will gain insights into:

  • Professional and ethical practices in counseling.
  • Recognizing and valuing social and cultural differences.
  • Understanding human growth and development.
  • Guiding individuals in their career paths.
  • Building effective counselor-client relationships.
  • Techniques and dynamics of group counseling.
  • Proper methods of client assessment and testing.
  • The importance of research and program evaluation in counseling.

During the program, you will dive deep into both educational and clinical training, giving you the chance to practice a wide array of skills. You will be introduced to developmental and systemic models, ensuring a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Furthermore, you will be guided on, and expected to uphold, the core values of the counseling profession as set out in the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics.

By completing the online Master of Science in Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling, you will possess a set of practical skills for your career. You will be trained to:

  • Establish a professional identity in counseling.
  • Incorporate understanding of social and cultural diversity in your practice.
  • Apply knowledge of human growth and development.
  • Guide clients in their career development.
  • Implement various counseling theories and models.
  • Facilitate group counseling sessions.
  • Conduct thorough counseling assessments.
  • Use research to inform and enhance your counseling methods.

The program also delves into pressing issues in the field of clinical mental health counseling. It includes supervised practicum and internship experiences, ensuring you gain hands-on experience before graduating. As a program requirement, students must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).

The program includes three essential residencies. These are two-week courses designed to prepare students for skills development and assessment. The first and third residencies require students to travel to the Phoenix campus for three days of face-to-face skills practice. During these sessions, faculty members provide intensive coaching in individual and group counseling skills. The second residency is conducted in a virtual environment. Each residency starts with 10 days of classroom instruction, followed by three days of skills practice and assessment.

To apply for this program, you should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Your GPA should be 2.5 or higher.

Regarding tuition and expenses, there are options like federal grants and loans. The university’s finance advisors can assist you in understanding financial aid. The University of Phoenix believes in making education affordable. They offer numerous scholarships, and if you meet the criteria, you can receive one. New qualifying students can be awarded a scholarship worth up to $1,000 from their first course onwards.

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. This program provides you with a foundational understanding of mental health counseling. You will acquire skills in building relationships, assessing and treating clients, understanding cultural differences, and maintaining ethical standards.

Within this program, you will begin with core courses that establish a base of knowledge in clinical mental health counseling. After this foundation, you will select specialized courses based on your interests, leading up to hands-on training experiences.

You will need to complete 13 core courses, four specialization courses, two in-person residencies, one practicum and two internships. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

You can tailor your studies with one of the following specializations:

  • Addiction Treatment and Recovery: This specialization equips you to understand and address substance-related disorders and addictive behaviors. You will delve into 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 keen on supporting the emotional and social growth of children and teenagers. The curriculum covers areas 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 choose from a variety of courses within the program, letting you shape your education based on your preferences.

Throughout your studies, you will focus on acquiring both foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for effective clinical mental health counseling. Emphasis is placed on delivering counseling services that are sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences.

Upon completing this 98-credit program, you will be prepared 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 realm of clinical mental health counseling.
  • Adhere to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics in your professional conduct.
  • Communicate with understanding and respect in all professional settings.
  • Ensure your professional practices align with state and national standards for clinical mental health counselors.

You must provide the following information for admission:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Official bachelor’s transcripts and 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 aptitude for clinical mental health counseling.
  • A valid, government-issued form of photo ID.

Options for student loans for master’s programs at Capella include:

Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Established in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit school with over 160,000 alumni nationwide. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

At SNHU, you can enroll in the 60-credit Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program to prepare yourself to meet the educational criteria needed for licensure in many states. The program is accredited by the CACREP through 2028.

This program emphasizes nurturing a “counselor identity” in you, encouraging you to perceive the role of a counselor as a fundamental aspect of who you are, rather than just a profession. It facilitates a secure environment for you to engage in self-reflection, helping you to understand your personality deeper and how to incorporate it into a counseling relationship.

The curriculum is structured around four central themes: fostering ethical reasoning, appreciating diversity, encouraging critical thinking, and merging theory with practice in clinical settings. You will be trained to use suitable counseling theories and strategies to build professional skills for client consultation, treatment, and intervention. Moreover, you will learn to identify and apply the right strategies for group counseling and work in various settings with diverse clients.

All CACREP-accredited programs must ensure students master the 8 core curricular areas:

  • Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
  • Human growth and development
  • Social and cultural diversity
  • Career development
  • Counseling and helping relationships
  • Group counseling and group work
  • Assessment and testing
  • Research and program evaluation

An essential part of the program involves completing two residencies, each spanning five days. These residencies, which take place in New Hampshire or other specified locations, offer a vibrant platform for you to connect with peers and faculty through individual and small group sessions. Here, you will have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained, under the expert supervision of skilled faculty members.

You will attend the first residency in your initial year and the second one before starting your practicum and internship courses. These residencies are integrated into a full 10-week course, with online instruction before and after to help you make the most of the in-person experience. The university arranges lodging and most meals, covered by a separate fee, and you can use financial aid to manage travel costs.

You will also undertake a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships during your time in the program. The university assists students in meeting any additional hours or coursework needed for licensure in certain states.

This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a rewarding career in clinical mental health counseling, fostering a deep understanding of the role and responsibilities of a counselor.

Admission requirements specific to this program include:

  • A personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A form acknowledging awareness of both the program requirements and the state licensure requirements applicable to you.

SNHU believes in making education affordable for everyone. That’s why they have kept their tuition rates competitive, boasting some of the most budget-friendly online rates around. Your past studies and work experience can help you save both time and money. At SNHU, you can transfer up to 12 credits from another institution. Plus, your prior work experience might earn you college credits.

Financial aid can further reduce your expenses for the online master’s in mental health counseling program. If you qualify for aid, the Student Services team will be ready to guide you on the best options to consider.

Ready to join? Here’s how to start:

  • Fill out the free graduate application.
  • Provide your undergraduate transcripts.
  • Connect with an admission counselor to discuss financial choices and understand the application steps.

Do You Need a License to be a Counselor in Arizona?

Yes, in Arizona, as in many other states, you generally cannot practice as a “licensed” counselor without obtaining the necessary licensure. The title “licensed professional counselor” or “LPC” is a protected title in Arizona, and using this title without the appropriate licensure is against the law.

How Much Does a Licensed Counselor Make in Arizona?

As of September 2023, the average annual salary for a licensed counselor working in Arizona is $74,516. More experienced and top earning licensed counselors working in Arizona make over $110,000 per year.

Do You Need a Master’s to be a School Counselor in Arizona?

Yes, you need a master’s degree to be a school counselor in Arizona.

What Master’s Degree Do You Need to be a School Counselor in Arizona?

To become a school counselor in Arizona, you must earn a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field. More specifically, your degree must be in one of the four specific areas of study. You must do one of the following:

  • Complete a Guidance and Counseling Graduate Program.
  • Complete a Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology Graduate Program.
  • Hold a valid Behavioral Health License.
  • Complete an Academic Advising Graduate Program.

Furthermore, your master’s degree must include six semester hours of courses in school counseling, college and career guidance, or academic advising.

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