Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Arkansas
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Students will have to meet some specific requirements for counseling degrees and licenses in Arkansas. The state requires a potential counselor to complete an approved master’s degree (or higher) with a minimum of 60 graduate hours to be licensed to provide counseling services to the public.
Arkansas also mandates individuals to have a minimum of two years teaching experience in order to become school counselors in the state of Arkansas. Students have two paths to receive certification from the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Individuals who already hold a teaching license in the state of Arkansas take the Professional School Counselor Praxis test. Individuals who are not currently licensed teachers in Arkansas are required to pass the Professional School Counselor Praxis test, and one of the Principles of Learning and Teaching exams: K-6, 5-9, or 7-12 grades.
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification administers the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) test for rehabilitation counselor certification. Arkansas is one of 12 states that recognize the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam (CRCE) in general counseling licensure. Students who complete an approved rehabilitation counselor education program in Arkansas are encouraged to earn the CRCE credential as it provides for salary increases and easier job placements.
Arkansas also has an office dedicated to addictions counseling certification and licensure. Licensure can be obtained by submitting an application and other required documentation to the Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. The board offers three credentials: a Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC), which requires a master’s degree in the health or behavioral sciences field from an accredited college or university; a Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC), which requires a bachelor’s degree in the health or behavioral sciences field from an accredited college or university; and a Certified Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Technician (CADAT), which requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy offers licensure for Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC), Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (LAMFT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). In Arkansas, LACs must complete 3,000 direct hours with clients over approximately three years in order to become an LPC. In addition, Arkansas law requires all counselors to take the National Counselors Exam (or the National Marital and Family Therapy Examination for MFTs) and pass an oral exam, taken in front of board members in which the applicant is expected to answer questions regarding the rules, regulations, and policies in Arkansas.
According to HealthGrad (2023), average counselor salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2 percent higher than average counselor salaries for job postings nationwide. There is an increased demand for licensed counselors, in Arkansas and everywhere. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) forecasts that careers in counseling fields will grow 18 percent nationally from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The need for counselors, in general, will grow as a growing population seeks mental health counseling. Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow at a rate of 2 percent. On the other hand, the job outlook for marriage and family therapists is expected to grow at a rate of 15 percent during that same decade.
Read on for licensed and accredited programs offering counseling degrees and licenses in Arkansas.
Featured Counseling Programs | ||
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Grand Canyon University | Graduate Certificate - Christian Counseling | Program Website |
Grand Canyon University | MS - Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Program Website |
Grand Canyon University | MS - Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders | Program Website |
Northwestern University | Online MA - Counseling | Program Website |
Northwestern University | Online MA - Counseling: Child and Adolescent Emphasis | Program Website |
Lamar University | M.Ed. - Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Program Website |
Lamar University | M.Ed. - Counseling & Development - Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling | Program Website |
Lamar University | M.Ed. - Counseling & Development - Professional School Counseling | Program Website |
Southern New Hampshire University | Online BA in Psychology - Addictions | Program Website |
Southern New Hampshire University | Online BA in Psychology - Mental Health | Program Website |
Arizona State University | Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders (Graduate Certificate) | Program Website |
Arizona State University | Behavioral Health - Clinical (DBH) | Program Website |
Arizona State University | Counseling and Applied Psychological Science (BS) | Program Website |
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Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas State University – College of Education & Behavioral Science
Arkansas State University is the flagship public campus and the second-largest university in Arkansas. The university was founded in 1909.
The Psychology and Counseling department offers a Specialist in Education (EdS) degree, which leads to state licensure in counseling, school psychology, and psychology. Three tracks are available: school psychology, clinical and mental health counseling, and a flexible option, which is based on that student’s career goals and experience.
The school psychology emphasis prepares students for careers as school psychologists. These professionals work with parents, teachers, students, educators, and others to best meet the educational and mental health needs of children. Students who complete the clinical mental health counseling specialization are eligible to become licensed as School Psychology Specialists with the Arkansas Department of Education (or Licensed School Psychologists in other states). Students who complete the program are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) in order to qualify for both National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Arkansas Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) status.
Online options include a school counseling program with a specialization in crisis and trauma. The MSE in school counseling program offers an emphasis on special populations. This optimizes a student’s chances of working with students from subgroup populations, including gifted and talented, English language learners, and special education.
These Arkansas State University school counseling online programs prepare students to practice in public or private schools. In addition, the school offers graduate certificates in addiction studies, clinical mental health studies, and play therapy.
- Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Duration: The school psychology specialization is 67 credits; the clinical mental health counseling specialization is 60 credits; the school counseling programs are 48 credits
- Accreditation: The clinical mental health counseling program is accredited by CACREP
- Tuition: $10,200 total
Harding University – College of Education
Harding University, established in 1924, is a private liberal arts university that is the largest private university in Arkansas. The College of Education’s Mental Health and Wellness department includes master of science degrees in marriage and family counseling/therapy, professional school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and an educational specialist program in counseling. In addition, the school offers a certificate in counseling skills.
Students who complete the marriage and family counseling/therapy program can graduate and immediately pursue licensure for both LMFT and LPC. The professional school counseling program is approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. The clinical mental health counseling program can lead to professional credentialing as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
The educational specialist in counseling program prepares candidates to become practitioners in three concentrations with additional credits completed: marriage and family counseling/therapy (15 credits), professional clinical mental health counseling (15 credits), and professional school counseling (12 credits).
- Location: Searcy, Arkansas
- Duration: 60 to 75 credits
- Accreditation: The marriage and family counseling/therapy program is seeking CACREP accreditation
- Tuition: $550 per credit
Henderson State University is a public university founded in 1890. The Henderson graduate school offers a master of science in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and an online educational specialist degree.
The clinical mental health counseling program prepares students to attain their Licensed Counseling Associate credentialing. Graduates of this program may achieve full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arkansas.
The school counseling program prepares students to work in public or private elementary, middle, or secondary schools in the state of Arkansas. The master of science in education degree in school counseling is a state-approved accredited school counselor preparation program.
- Location: Arkadelphia, Arkansas
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: CACREP; the MSE in school counseling is also accredited by NCATE
- Tuition: $7,704 per year, plus fees, Arkansas residents; $9,632, non-residents
The University of Arkansas is a public research university that is the largest university in Arkansas. The Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Arkansas offers degrees in counseling with four concentrations: clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and addiction counseling.
School counseling students must meet certain Arkansas Department of Education requirements in addition to completing the master’s degree.
- Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: The counselor education program’s school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and rehabilitation counseling programs are accredited by CACREP
- Tuition: $10,500 per year for 24 credits, Arkansas residents; $28,560 per year for 24 credits, non-residents; the standard in-state graduate tuition rate is $437.54 per credit
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public research university established in 1927. The Education department offers a master of arts in counseling with an emphasis in rehabilitation counseling. The master of arts in counseling (COUN) offers classes in a 24-month sequence.
All coursework is web-based with the exception of two skill-building courses. The two courses require on campus activities for three days each. Students are admitted on a full- or part-time basis. Graduates of this program qualify for licensure as professional counselors in Arkansas and many other states.
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Duration: Two years, full- or part-time
- Accreditation: The rehabilitation counseling program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and recognized by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling
- Tuition: $325 plus fees per credit, Arkansas residents; $737 plus fees, non-residents
How Much Do Counselors Make in Arkansas?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2022—the latest data available as of November 2023.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
United States | Arkansas | |
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Number employed | 308,000 | 2,220 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $64,200 | $55,950 |
10th percentile | $38,280 | $37,970 |
50th percentile (median) | $60,140 | $55,190 |
90th percentile | $98,530 | $73,570 |
Marriage and Family Therapists
United States | Arkansas | |
---|---|---|
Number employed | 62,080 | Not available |
Average annual salary (mean) | $63,300 | $42,620 |
10th percentile | $36,840 | $36,270 |
50th percentile (median) | $56,570 | $37,950 |
90th percentile | $98,700 | $57,940 |
Rehabilitation Counselors
United States | Arkansas | |
---|---|---|
Number employed | 82,420 | 260 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $46,020 | $35,430 |
10th percentile | $29,120 | $23,700 |
50th percentile (median) | $39,990 | $32,340 |
90th percentile | $71,270 | $48,940 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
United States | Arkansas | |
---|---|---|
Number employed | 344,970 | 2,190 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $56,230 | $63,250 |
10th percentile | $34,580 | $28,830 |
50th percentile (median) | $49,710 | $52,680 |
90th percentile | $82,710 | $104,940 |
All Other Counselors
United States | Arkansas | |
---|---|---|
Number employed | 37,270 | 160 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $49,770 | $42,380 |
10th percentile | $31,930 | $38,340 |
50th percentile (median) | $43,390 | $40,200 |
90th percentile | $75,340 | $46,520 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Arkansas
- Arkansas Association for Play Therapy (ArAPT)
- Arkansas Counseling Association (ArCA)
- Arkansas School Counselor Association (ArSCA)
- Arkansas Mental Health Counselors Association (ArMHCA)
- Family Violence Prevention and Rape Crisis Center (S.A.I.L.)
- Women and Children First: Center Against Family Violence
- Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter
- The Haven of Northeast Arkansas
- Women’s Crisis Center of Southern Arkansas
- Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas
- Southwest Arkansas Crisis Center
- Committee Against Spouse Abuse (CASA)
- White County Domestic Violence Prevention
- Association For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgender Issues In Counseling
- Arkansas Physical Therapy Association
- Arkansas Addiction Professionals Association (ARAPA)
- Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board
- Mental Health Council of Arkansas
- Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC)
- Northeast Arkansas Migrant Education Cooperative
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Arkansas: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
---|---|---|
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy |
All prospective counselors in Arkansas are first credentialed as Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC). There are several steps to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). For the initial application, they must:
For the written exams and file building, the board issues an authorization for the candidate to take the NCE exam through the NBCC upon verification that education requirements have been met. Candidates schedule, pay for, and take the exam after they:
Candidates then prepare for an oral interview and file completion. They should verify with the board that they have received official transcripts, official test scores, and background check results. Candidates then schedule an oral interview once the board has sent the email requesting the candidate to do so. They may attend other oral interviews to know the format and better prepare. Finally, after passing the oral interview, they can obtain an LAC license. To do this, they must:
To become an LPC, LACs must provide evidence of three years of full-time employment in counseling. One year of experience may be substituted for 30 semester-hours of graduate coursework beyond the initial master’s in counseling. Once the work experience is complete, candidates can submit a petition to the board to become an LPC. |
Arkansas LAC and LPC licenses are renewed biennially on May 31st in even-numbered years. Renewals cost $250 for LACs and $300 for LPCs. In addition, counselors must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours. |
School Counseling Licenses in Arkansas
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
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Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy |
School counselors in Arkansas apply for endorsement through the school district. The requirements are:
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Teaching licenses with a counseling endorsement must be renewed every five years. To renew, candidates must:
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Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Arkansas
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
---|---|---|
Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC) |
The Arkansas State Board of Examiners of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (SBEADAC) and the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board (ASACB) are the two agencies certifying substance abuse counselors in Arkansas. SBEADAC issues both Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC) and Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) certifications. Applicants for the certifications must:
Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) certifications are issued by the ASACB. Requirements for an ADC credential include:
AADC certification applicants must meet the requirements for ADC, as well as:
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SBEADAC renewals are required every two years. The requirements are:
ASACB renewals are on a two-year certification cycle and expire November 1 of odd numbered years. Renewal fees are $250 per biennium and must be accompanied by 40 hours of approved continuing education, of which six hours must be in ethics. |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Arkansas
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
---|---|---|
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy | Rehabilitation counselors in Arkansas must be Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). All prospective counselors in Arkansas are first credentialed as Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC). There are several steps to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). For the initial application, they must:
For the written exams and file building, the board issues an authorization for the candidate to take the NCE exam through the NBCC upon verification that education requirements have been met. Candidates schedule, pay for, and take the exam after they:
Candidates then prepare for an oral interview and file completion. They should verify with the board that they have received official transcripts, official test scores, and background check results. Candidates then schedule an oral interview once the board has sent the email requesting the candidate to do so. They may attend other oral interviews to know the format and better prepare. Finally, after passing the oral interview, they can obtain an LAC license. To do this, they must:
To become an LPC, LACs must provide evidence of three years of full-time employment in counseling. One year of experience may be substituted for 30 semester-hours of graduate coursework beyond the initial master’s in counseling. Once the work experience is complete, candidates can submit a petition to the board to become an LPC. | SBEADAC renewals are required every two years. The requirements are:
Arkansas LAC and LPC licenses are renewed biennially on May 31st on even-numbered years. Renewals cost $200 for LACs and $250 for LPCs. In addition, counselors must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours with at least three of those hours in ethics. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Arkansas
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
---|---|---|
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy |
There are no state requirements for licensing behavior analysts in the state of Arkansas. Board-certified behavior analysts with BCBA certification can enroll in the state registry to be eligible to bill Medicaid. However, applied behavior analysts who have completed graduate education in counseling can be Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and submit an application for a specialized license as a Behavior Analyst. LPCs must first earn a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) license. The steps for licensure are:
To become an LPC, LACs must provide evidence of three years of full-time employment in counseling. One year of experience may be substituted for 30 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the initial master’s in counseling. Once the work experience is complete, candidates can submit a petition to the board to become an LPC. After an LPC license has been approved, candidates may pay a $100 fee and submit an application for a behavior analyst specialization, including proof of BCBA certification. |
Arkansas LPC licenses must be renewed biennially on May 31st on odd-numbered years. Renewals cost $300 for LPCs. For each renewal cycle, counselors must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours, including at least two hours of ethics. LPCs must renew their specialized Behavior Analyst license concurrently. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Arkansas
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
---|---|---|
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy |
The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling issues Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licenses. The requirements for an LAMFT license are:
To become an LMFT, applicants must:
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Arkansas LAMFT and LMFT licenses are renewed biennially on May 31st on even-numbered years. Renewals cost $200 for LAMFTs and $250 for LMFTs. In addition, LMFTs must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours, two of which must be in ethics. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Arkansas
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
---|---|---|
Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy |
Child therapists in Arkansas must be Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). While there is no specialization in pediatric counseling, child therapists can apply for a play therapy specialization. All prospective counselors in Arkansas are first credentialed as Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC). There are several steps to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). For the initial application, they must:
For the written exams and file building, the board issues an authorization for the candidate to take the NCE exam through the NBCC and the AR Jurisprudence Exam upon verification that education requirements have been met. Candidates schedule, pay for, and take the exams after they:
Candidates then prepare for an oral interview and file completion. They should verify with the board that they have received official transcripts, official test scores, and background check results. Candidates then schedule an oral interview once the board has sent the email requesting the candidate to do so. They may attend other oral interviews to know the format and better prepare. Finally, after passing the oral interview, they can obtain an LAC license. To do this, they must:
To become an LPC, LACs must provide evidence of three years of full-time employment in counseling. One year of experience may be substituted for 30 semester-hours of graduate coursework beyond the initial master’s in counseling. Once the work experience is complete, candidates can submit a petition to the board to become an LPC. |
Arkansas LAC and LPC licenses are renewed biennially on May 31st on even-numbered years. Renewals cost $250 for LACs and $300 for LPCs. In addition, counselors must submit proof of 24 continuing education hours, including three hours of ethics. |