CACREP-Accredited Online Counseling Programs

When embarking on the search for online counseling programs that lead to a graduate degree, there are various factors to consider, such as choosing a specialty and determining the duration of the program. One crucial aspect to take into account is whether the program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which ensures that you receive a high-quality education.

Start your counseling career by requesting information from our sponsored CACREP-accredited program:

In this article:

74 CACREP-Accredited Online Counseling Programs

CACREP certifies each degree program individually. Programs voluntarily submit a self-study to be reviewed by counselors and counselor educators to ensure that students receive a quality educational experience. 

Schools eligible for CACREP certification must have institutional accreditation, so issues such as financial viability and resources are addressed. 

These 49 schools feature 74 CACREP-accredited online counseling degrees.

What is CACREP Accreditation?

CACREP accreditation means online programs meet standards in various areas, such as program mission, content, objectives, student advising, faculty qualifications, support, self-evaluation and more. 

When programs are reviewed by CACREP, some standards address issues at the institutional level (such as financial aid), but most of the application and review focus on the program that offers the graduate degree in counseling. Degree-specific programs hold CACREP accreditation, not the department or college in which it is housed. 

Many CACREP-accredited programs feature courses that focus on common core areas:

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

CACREP-Accredited Counseling Program Coursework

CACREP-accredited counseling programs are dedicated to fostering and facilitating conducive learning environments. Degree specialty areas in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage, couple and family counseling should consist of approved graduate-level study. Each specialty — from career counseling to rehabilitation counseling and more —  adheres to a comprehensive set of standards encompassing foundational knowledge, contextual understanding, and practical skills. These standards integrate coursework, counselor identity development, and fieldwork to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

Many CACREP-accredited programs feature courses that focus on these common core areas:

Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice

History and philosophy of the counseling profession and its specialty areas.

  • Learn the different roles of counselors across all specialties and lifespans.
  • Develop an awareness of advocacy issues in regards to social barriers and equality.
  • Review required administrative counseling credential knowledge including licensing, accreditation and ethical standards.

Social and Cultural Diversity

Multicultural and pluralistic characteristics within and among diverse groups nationally and internationally.

  • Develop a multicultural view of diverse counseling concerns.
  • Explore power and privilege as it relates to the counseling dynamic.
  • Learn techniques and strategies to eliminate these barriers of diversity.

Human Growth and Development

Theories of individual and family development across the lifespan.

  • Grasp theories of learning, human development throughout the lifespan, and abnormal personality development.
  • Develop an inclusive approach to human developmental disorders which includes physiological, neurological and biological factors.
  • Analyze external factors that affect human development and proper counseling intervention techniques.

Career Development

Theories and models of career development, counseling and decision-making.

  • Learn an introduction to different theories of careers, career decision-making and career counseling.
  • Develop an understanding of appropriate evaluations for assessing work conditions and how they apply to a client’s life.
  • Establish specific techniques for developing career skills within the use of assessments and the goal of career planning and exploration.

Counseling and Helping Relationships

Theories and models of counseling.

  • Evaluate different theories and techniques that provide the most measurable outcomes for clients.
  • Explore important helping relationship skills including counseling interventions, case conceptualization and essential interviewing.
  • Develop an understanding of suicide prevention strategies.

Group Counseling and Group Work

Theoretical foundations of group counseling and group work.

  • Understand preferred techniques and counseling interventions for effective group work.
  • Explore theoretical dynamics of a group’s process and development.
  • Expand understanding of the ethical considerations involved in group work.

Assessment and Testing

Historical perspectives concerning the nature and meaning of assessment and testing in counseling.

  • Learn effective methods for conducting appropriate tests and assessments.
  • Apply test results for diagnostics and for planning specific interventions.
  • Understand the importance of reliable and valid testing practices.

Assessment and Testing

Historical perspectives concerning the nature and meaning of assessment and testing in counseling.

  • Learn effective methods for conducting appropriate tests and assessments.
  • Apply test results for diagnostics and for planning specific interventions.
  • Understand the importance of reliable and valid testing practices.

Research and Program Evaluation

The importance of research in advancing the counseling profession.

  • Understand the importance of research in the progression of the counseling field.
  • Evaluate the differences between quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods.
  • Analyze and use data for counseling.

Practicum

Professional hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor.

  • Participate in a fully supervised counseling practicum experience of a minimum of 100 hours over a full academic term.
  • Apply a minimum of 40 hours of direct contact with clients.
  • Interact weekly with supervisors, including a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision and a minimum of 1.5 hours per week of group supervision.

Internship

Professional hands-on experience applying skills, theories and approaches with clients under the supervision of a professional licensed counselor.

  • Participate in a minimum of 600 supervised hours in a relevant specialty area working with clients.
  • Engage in a minimum of 240 hours of direct one-on-one or group client service.
  • Meet minimum supervision requirements of one hour per week of individual supervision and a minimum of 1.5 hours per week of group supervision. All supervision is provided by a CACREP-approved supervisor.

What else should you look for in an online master’s in counseling program?

Discover the important factors to your online counseling degree with these guides.

Online Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs
Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Counseling Licensure

Once you earn a graduate degree in counseling, the next step is typically licensing or certification for practitioners. Some counseling fields require a license or certification to practice and accept insurance payments. Licensing and certification requirements may vary by state or based on the specific type of counseling practice.

Many states have licensing tiers for those who have degrees and are fully certified, and one for those who have completed their master’s degrees but have not yet completed additional coursework, field work, examinations or other training.

Most state counseling licensing and certification requirements include:

  • Master’s degree in counseling
  • Clinical supervision hours
  • Background check
  • Counselor examination
  • Additional certifications for specialities
  • Continuing education

Find out more about how to become a counselor. Also, learn about some counseling specialties below.

How to Become a School Counselor

School counselors provide a wide range of services to students, including evaluation of abilities, identification of issues that impede participation in school, and preparation and presentation of workshops. Counselors also provide referrals, consultation with staff, and collaboration with school personnel and parents.

There are a few common steps to take to become a school counselor:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in behavioral, social science, or education. 
  • Earn a master’s degree in school counseling.
  • Complete graduate internship experience. 
  • Pass any required licensing exams. 
  • Apply for and earn additional certifications.
  • Stay current on trends and changes in the field.

How to Become a Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors diagnose and treat mental, behavioral and emotional issues. Mental health counselors may work with different populations to treat their specific needs, such as adolescents, children, the disabled, the elderly, and military personnel.

These are some of the common steps to become a mental health counselor:

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in behavioral, social science or psychology.
  • Earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling.
  • Complete graduate and postgraduate internship experience. 
  • Pass any required counseling licensure exams.
  • Apply for and earn additional certifications.
  • Stay current on trends and changes in the field.

More counselor career guides

CACREP-accredited online counseling programs are available in other career specializations. Here are some of the other counseling careers to consider:

FAQs

What is CACREP accreditation?

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation process and status indicates to prospective students and other stakeholders that a counseling or related program is committed to educational and professional quality. Last updated in 2020, these standards for CACREP accreditation were created to unify the counseling profession in counselor identification, clarify specializations and with skill development in mind.

Is CACREP accreditation important?

Considering your career goals is crucial in determining the relevance of CACREP accreditation, especially if you are contemplating licensure in the field. CACREP-accredited online counseling programs are certified to provide high-quality education.

Does CACREP accredit online counseling programs?

The CACREP accredits online programs and they meet the same accreditation standards as non-online programs. The standards include key performance indicators so that online programs are evaluated by the university and updated to meet student needs.  

Do all states require CACREP accreditation for licensure?

Each state sets their own rules for licensure and certification. Some states require CACREP-accredited programs or the equivalent, while other states merely require regional accreditation. Make sure to check with your state’s licensing board to see whether or not CACREP accreditation is required for licensure.

Last updated July 2023.