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Thinking about pursuing a counseling degree in North Carolina? Read on to learn about the best programs and career opportunities in North Carolina.
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North Carolina needs mental health professionals. Ranking 10th in the nation for mental health care health professional shortage areas, the state faces a shortage of mental health professionals to care for its population of over 3.9 million.
North Carolina offers licensing in clinical counseling, marriage and family therapy, and addiction counseling. Holders of valid licenses in South Carolina, Tennessee, or Kentucky can take advantage of reciprocity agreements in North Carolina.
This page discusses the best counseling programs in North Carolina, what you can expect within these programs, and career outcomes for graduates.
Popular Online Counseling Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Counseling Degree Programs in North Carolina
Explore our ranking of the best counseling degrees in North Carolina. Graduates of these programs can pursue licensure or further education and training.
We use trusted sources like
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestCounselingDegrees.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Counseling Degree Programs in North Carolina
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Credit: In-State | $690 Out-of-State | $690
Credits to Graduate: 61
Lenoir-Rhyne's MA in counseling features two concentrations: school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Each program includes core and specialization courses, a practicum, a two-semester internship, and a two-part comprehensive exam. The school also offers several graduate and post-master's certificates.
At Lenoir-Rhyne, learners can study part or full time at the Hickory and Asheville campus, with options for some online or hybrid offerings. This CACREP-accredited program prepares students for the national licensure examination and certification. More than 95% of the program's alumni received licensure within six months of graduation.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$41,500
Out-of-state
$41,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,060
Out-of-state
$12,060
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
2,405
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Counseling Degree Programs in North Carolina
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Semester: In-State | $5,103 Out-of-State | $5,103
Credits to Graduate: 60-69
Gardner-Webb's MA in clinical mental health counseling prepares graduates for professional licensure in North Carolina. The CACREP-accredited program runs classes at the Boiler Springs and Charlotte locations and features a practicum and two-semesters worth of internships. Gardner-Webb also offers an optional specialization in marriage, couples, and family counseling, plus an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's pathway.
Gardner-Webb's 2023 graduating class obtained a 100% licensure exam pass and job placement rates. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The school recommends an undergraduate psychology background.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$31,220
Out-of-state
$31,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$10,080
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
3,441
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Counseling Degree Programs in North Carolina
Montreat College
Montreat, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Cost per Credit: In-State | $595 Out-of-State | $595
Credits to Graduate: 60
In Montreat's MA in clinical mental health counseling, students can complete their degree online, with the exception of two five-day residency requirements. The CACREP-accredited program includes a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships, meeting the requirements for national licensure examination.
Montreat's online courses run in 15-week blocks and combine self-paced studies and synchronous sessions. Applicants need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, though learners may qualify with a lower GPA by also submitting an essay. Between 2015-2020, the program's job placement numbers ranged 92%-100%.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,212
Out-of-state
$29,212
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,342
Out-of-state
$9,342
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
1,013
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
67%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Accredited Counseling Programs in North Carolina
There are 45 graduate programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) across seven specialities in North Carolina. These include addiction counseling; school counseling; clinical mental health counseling; rehabilitation counseling; counselor education and supervision; career counseling; and marriage, couple, and family counseling.
The accreditation process comprises a voluntary self-assessment and evaluation by peers of a program's missions, objectives, and effectiveness. Attending a CACREP-accredited program ensures you receive an education aligned with industry best practices.
Becoming a licensed counselor or therapist in North Carolina requires the completion of a minimum 60-credit master's degree from an accredited college. Programs must hold CACREP accreditation.
Marriage and family therapists must complete specific coursework that includes the theoretical foundation of marriage and family therapy, assessment and diagnosis, human development and family relations, and clinical practicums. Students must also complete supervised internships.
Counselors need to complete graduate-level coursework on helping relationships in counseling, practicums and internships, human growth and development theories, assessment and diagnosis, research and program evaluation, and social and cultural foundations in counseling. Practicum and internship experiences are required.
Marriage and family therapists start their careers with an associate license. After completing 1,500 clinical experience hours and passing the National Marital and Family Therapy exam, you are eligible to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.
In addictions counseling, you can become a licensed clinical addictions specialist with 4,000 hours of supervised experience and a passing score on the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam.
Counselors at the beginning of their career can apply for a restricted counselor associate license. Once you finish 3,000 professional practice hours and 100 hours of supervision, you can apply to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor. After 5-8 years of clinical counseling experience, you can become a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor.
Counselors must pass a state jurisprudence exam and either the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification, the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam, or the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam.
Salary and Career Outlook for Counselors in North Carolina
A counseling program in North Carolina can lead to careers that are both personally and financially rewarding. Discover more about what counselors earn in the Tar Heel State and projected employment outlook for counselors.
Average Salary for Counselors in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), counselors in North Carolina earn salaries below the national average. However, salaries for counselors can increase with a higher degree, specialized credentials, and experience.
Counselors working in North Carolina also take advantage of a relatively low cost-of-living index. The combined cost of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare is approximately 5% less than the national average.
Average Annual Salary for Counselors in North Carolina
Occupation
Average Annual Salary
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
$52,120
Marriage and Family Therapists
$51,750
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Occupation Outlook for Counselors in North Carolina
Designated a mental health care professional shortage area by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, North Carolina has a 13% unmet need for mental health professionals.
This shortage hinders North Carolinians from accessing services. In a 12-day period in 2023, about 24.9% of North Carolina described having anxiety and or depression disorder symptoms. Between April 27 and May 9 of that year, roughly 18.3% of adults could not get access to therapy treatment for these symptoms.
Career Outlook for Counselors in North Carolina
Occupation
Change in Employment 2022-2032
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
23.9%
Rehabilitation Counselors
9.3%
Marriage and Family Therapists
24.4%
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Degree Programs in North Carolina
How long does it take to become a counselor in North Carolina?
You need at least a master's degree to become a licensed counselor in North Carolina. The average graduate-level counseling programs in North Carolina take about 2-3 years to complete. Learners can finish an accelerated degree in as few as 18 months. You also need to complete an internship and supervised clinical hours to get licensed.
What is the difference between LCMHCA and LCMHC in North Carolina?
Upon graduating, you can pursue a restricted license as a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate (LCMHCA), which allows you to gain clinical hours. Before becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina, you must work as an associate.
How often do counselors have to renew their license in North Carolina?
To keep your counseling license valid in North Carolina, you must renew it every two years by June 20. Newer licenses may require renewal before the two-year mark. You will need to pay the renewal fee of $200.
Does North Carolina have LPC reciprocity?
Yes, North Carolina has a reciprocity agreement. LCMHCs from South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky can apply for licensure through reciprocity in North Carolina. North Carolina also offers licensing pathways and reciprocity for qualified military members and their spouses.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best Counseling Degrees. Page last reviewed March 19, 2024.
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