Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Maryland
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“As counselors, we are trained healthcare professionals, not just ‘paid friends’ or advice-givers. Counselors are trained not to give advice but to help clients navigate their own lives and concerns. We utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s need while following strict ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements.”
Erik Messinger, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling, Hood College (Frederick, Maryland)
Pursuing a counseling career in the state of Maryland can be a rewarding professional choice. Individuals seeking to establish a counseling career within the state can expect to find many job opportunities due to the state’s proximity to the diverse population of the Washington, D.C. metro area, as well as the number of challenges burdening the Maryland healthcare system.
Challenges to the state healthcare system include long waiting times for both behavioral health patients and patients with complex needs, a shortage of inpatient psychiatric hospital beds, workforce shortages, and a problematic funding model. Low reimbursement rates from insurance providers, the lingering mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a shortage of providers holding significant cultural competence also present significant challenges.
Furthermore, limited resources available to youth and college-age adults are a particular problem. Recent graduates entering the workforce will thus find significant opportunities to fulfill the mental health needs of varied populations.
Maryland ranks fairly well when it comes to mental illness rates versus access to care, with Mental Health America ranking the state seventh overall.
Still, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that counseling careers will continue growing nationally at a rate of 14 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations in that same period. The BLS predicts the job outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow at an even higher rate: 19 percent. Demand for rehabilitation counselors is expected to grow at a rate of 2 percent from 2023 to 2033 while the job outlook for marriage and family therapists is expected to grow at a rate of 16 percent in the same period.
The state of Maryland currently features several accredited master’s-level counseling degree programs. Read on to discover how to pursue various counseling careers in Maryland, including detailed information about academic programs and licensing.
Meet the Expert: Erik Messinger, PhD
Dr. Erik Messinger is an assistant professor of psychology and counseling and the program director for clinical mental health counseling, trauma, crisis, grief, and loss certificate, and thanatology certificate at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. He is also a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina, a nationally certified counselor (NCC), and an approved clinical supervisor (ACS).
Specializing in dual diagnosis, Dr. Messinger has extensive experience in counseling adults and adolescents in outpatient community and substance use treatment settings. He currently sees both adults and adolescents within community mental health, focusing on both mental health and substance use concerns. His research is primarily focused on meeting the mental health needs of first responders, which stems from his work as a volunteer EMT and firefighter. He also completes research within the supervision and teaching of counselors in training, along with an interest in substance use counseling. Focused on service to the counseling profession, he is active in state, regional, and national professional organizations.
Counselingschools.com: What do you wish the public understood about mental health counselors in Maryland?
Dr. Messinger: Counselors undergo extensive education, which entails completing a master’s degree plus 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after the master’s degree is completed. Additionally, we must pass the National Counseling Exam (NCE) as part of the licensure process. After obtaining licensure, we are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain that counseling license. Many counselors will also pursue additional specialized certifications in areas like trauma, addiction, supervision, or specific therapeutic modalities, which require more advanced training and continuing education.
As counselors, we are trained healthcare professionals, not just “paid friends” or advice-givers. Counselors are trained not to give advice but to help clients navigate their own lives and concerns. We utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each client’s need while following strict ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements. Counselors also work in diverse settings such as private practice, hospitals, schools, community centers, and telehealth practices.
Counselingschools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring mental health counseling students in Maryland?
Dr. Messinger: I advise aspiring counselors to choose a CACREP-accredited program if possible, as it streamlines licensure and provides comprehensive training. When you get later in the program, take advantage of practicum and internship opportunities in diverse settings. You never know where your passion may lie. Start networking early through professional associations like the Maryland Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association.
Additionally, begin building your self-care routine now. It’s essential for long-term sustainability. It can be a tough job to hear a lot of negative things people go through. Seek your own therapy to understand the client experience and process personal material as you prepare to do that work with others.
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Maryland
Bowie State University – Department of Counseling and Psychological Studies
Bowie State University offers a master of arts in counseling psychology, mental health counseling, and a master of education in school counseling.
The master of arts in mental health counseling is a 60-credit program designed to provide graduates with the skills necessary to become licensed in Maryland. After completing foundational coursework and a comprehensive exam, students move on to advanced coursework. This advanced coursework features three field experiences totaling 1,000 pre-degree field hours. These field hours are also necessary for license eligibility. Students may attend on a full or part-time basis.
The master of education in school counseling is a 48-credit program designed to prepare graduates for work with children pre-K to grade 12. Successful graduates possess a comprehensive understanding of human identity and skills in data analysis, program development, and counseling methods.
The counseling psychology program is also 48 credits, though students can enroll in a certificate program to gain the remaining 12 credits needed for licensure. The program as a whole is designed to prepare students to become a psychologist and/or counselor in a mental health organization or university.
- Location: Bowie, MD
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Hood College – Department of Psychology and Counseling
The Hood College Department of Psychology and Counseling offers a master of science in counseling degree featuring one of two specialties: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Both programs also offer training in the fields of thanatology and gerontology.
The clinical mental health counseling specialty is a 60-credit program featuring core courses, specialization courses, electives and a 700-hour practicum. Graduates of this program may seek not only state licensure but also seek to become National Certified Counselors (NCCs) through the National Board for Certified Counselors.
The school counseling specialization provides the training to become a certified school counselor in Maryland. The curriculum is also a 60-credit program and features coursework similar to the clinical mental health specialization; the primary distinction is the content of specialization courses. All school counseling specialty students must also complete a three-credit hour course on special education.
Graduates work with individuals and school systems to support students’ academic, career, and social-emotional growth. School counselors may work in various settings, including multi-disciplinary teams in K-12 schools and school-based mental health programs.
- Location: Frederick, MD
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Johns Hopkins University – School of Education
The Johns Hopkins University School of Education offers a 60-credit master of science degree in counseling. Students select one of two concentrations: clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.
The programs feature evidence-based curricula aligned with both national and state standards, designed to provide graduates who will be skilled, ethical, and culturally sensitive counselors. Both programs include a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship requirement. Students of either concentration must complete the program within five years.
The clinical mental health counseling concentration fulfills the licensure requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland and other states. Graduates of the school counseling concentration hold the skills to work in K-12 school environments and may also seek certification as school counselors from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
School counseling concentration students must also pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) before or during their last semester.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Duration: Two to three years; students must complete within five years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Loyola University Maryland – School of Education
The Loyola University Maryland School of Education offers a 60-credit master of arts degree in school counseling. This program is recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). It meets both the requirements necessary to become a licensed professional counselor in Maryland and certification as a school counselor.
The curriculum provides the training necessary to become professional and culturally competent school counselors who will advocate for both mental health and social justice in various educational environments. School counselors provide mental health support and nurture students’ social-emotional, career, and educational development.
Upon completing courses required by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors, graduates may become licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs).
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
University of Maryland – School of Public Health
The University of Maryland School of Public Health offers a 48-credit master of science degree in couple and family therapy. Students selecting a thesis option complete a total of 51 credits. The curriculum has three primary elements: didactic coursework, clinical practice, and supervised work with clients.
Graduates may pursue several career paths, including working as couple and family therapists, agency administrators, substance abuse counselors, and researchers.
Clinical students accrue experience in supervised client contact beginning in their first semester. Of the 500 contact hours required, 400 must be face-to-face contact, and 200 of those hours must be working with couples or families. Students are expected to complete this program requirement by the end of the spring semester of their second year of study.
- Location: College Park, MD
- Duration: Two to three years; students must complete the program within five years
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore – Department of Rehabilitation
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers a 60-credit master of science degree in rehabilitation counseling (MSRC). The curriculum is designed in alignment with standards provided by the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
Graduates complete various coursework, a final written examination, and an internship. Successful exam completion is necessary before students can begin their internship component. Successful graduates may become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs).
This program prepares graduates to help individuals with disabilities achieve the greatest level of vocational, psychological, economic, and social independence possible. The program conceives of rehabilitation as being a holistic process in which trained professionals recognize, value and incorporate the multiple aspects of an individual’s life into the rehabilitation services and planning they provide to clientele.
- Location: Princess Anne, MD
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Washington Adventist University – School of Graduate and Professional Studies
The Washington Adventist University School of Graduate and Professional Studies
offers two master of arts degrees focused on counseling. One program offers a counseling psychology curriculum, while the other, the clinical mental health counseling degree, offers the training necessary to seek licensure.
The master of arts in counseling psychology is a 39-credit, non-licensure program. Graduates of this program may work under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
The 60-credit master of arts in clinical mental health counseling is similar to the counseling psychology program but features an additional 21 hours of coursework. This curriculum provides graduates the training necessary to seek one of two licenses. Graduates may become LCPCs or specialize in substance abuse counseling and ultimately become LCADCs. Students become eligible to seek licensure after completing program requirements, which include 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
The university also offers a 48-credit school counseling master of education degree to prepare graduates to meet the diverse needs of K-12 student across various educational settings. It is designed for students looking to obtain Maryland State Certification for licensure as a school counselor.
- Location: Takoma Park, MD
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Institutional accreditation is provided by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
How Much Do Counselors Earn in Maryland?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of January 2025. In cases without BLS data, Ziprecruiter and Salary.com were consulted to find current information.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 71,730 | 2,460 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $106,600 | $116,560 |
| 10th percentile | $48,820 | $64,680 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $96,100 | $102,680 |
| 90th percentile | $168,870 | $192,740 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 397,880 | 7,690 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,080 | $61,860 |
| 10th percentile | $36,700 | $38,640 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,710 | $54,460 |
| 90th percentile | $89,920 | $86,320 |
Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 63,340 | 540 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $68,730 | $87,090 |
| 10th percentile | $39,090 | $51,550 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,510 | $67,050 |
| 90th percentile | $104,710 | $131,310 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 84,750 | 3,900 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $48,430 | $44,800 |
| 10th percentile | $31,390 | $31,990 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,040 | $38,650 |
| 90th percentile | $73,710 | $64,930 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 327,660 | 5,830 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $66,990 | $76,250 |
| 10th percentile | $40,140 | $50,380 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,710 | $73,040 |
| 90th percentile | $100,050 | $109,070 |
All Other Counselors
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 35,580 | 1,440 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $52,360 | $61,710 |
| 10th percentile | $33,300 | $32,160 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,130 | $51,820 |
| 90th percentile | $79,880 | $98,300 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Maryland
- Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
- Maryland Counseling Association (MCA)
- Maryland School Counselor Association (MSCA)
- Maryland Association of Addiction Professionals (MAAP)
- Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD)
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Maryland: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists | Mental health counselors in Maryland are licensed as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors Candidates first apply to be LGPCs. The requirements include:
To transition from LGPC to LCPC, candidates must meet the above requirements as well as:
|
Counseling licenses in Maryland expire two years after the date they were issued. It costs $301 to renew a counseling license. Counselors must complete 40 continuing education units per renewal. |
School Counseling Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland State Department of Education |
The Maryland State Department of Education issues certification for school counselors. The five options for qualification for this certificate are:
|
School counselor certificates issued in Maryland are valid for five years. To renew, counselors must:
|
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists | The Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists credentials Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADC) and Licensed Graduate Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LGADC). They also certify Certified Supervised Counselors-Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD), Certified Associate Counselors-Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD), and Alcohol and Drug Trainees (ADT). To earn an ADT certification, applicants must:
To earn a CSC-AD certification, applicants must:
To earn a CAC-AD certification, applicants must:
LGADC license candidates must:
LCADCs must meet all the requirements for LGADCs, as well as:
|
Licenses and certificates issued by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists expire every two years. Renewals for certificate holders or trainees are $200, while renewals for license holders cost $301. All certificate and license holders must complete 40 continuing education hours, of which 30 hours must be formal courses, classes, or lectures. |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation counselors in Maryland are credentialed as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) or Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPCs). Candidates first apply to be LGPCs. The requirements include:
To transition from LGPC to LCPC, candidates must meet the above requirements as well as:
|
Counseling licenses in Maryland expire two years after the date they were issued. It costs a fee to renew a counseling license. Counselors must complete 40 continuing education units per renewal. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists | Behavior Analysts in Maryland are licensed by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Requirements for licensure are:
|
Renewals for licenses in Maryland are required every two years. The fee is $301. To renew, analysts must submit a completed application, as well as proof of current BCBA or BCBA-D certification. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists |
The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist credentials Licensed Graduate Marriage & Family Therapists (LGMFT) and Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapists (LCMFT). LGMFT candidates must:
To transition from an LGMFT to LCMFT, candidates must meet the above requirements, as well as:
|
Marriage and family therapy licenses in Maryland expire two years after the date they were issued. It costs $301 to renew a counseling license. Counselors must complete 40 continuing education units per renewal. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists |
Child therapists in Maryland are credentialed as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) or Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPCs). Candidates first apply to be LGPCs. The requirements include:
To transition from LGPC to LCPC, candidates must meet the above requirements as well as:
|
Counseling licenses in Maryland expire two years after the date they were issued. It costs $301 to renew a counseling license. Counselors must complete 40 continuing education units per renewal. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.