Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Missouri
Counseling Schools Search
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Pursuing a counseling career in the state of Missouri can be a rewarding professional choice. Persistent challenges within the state’s mental health care system will likely sustain robust demand for newly trained professionals for years to come.
The 2022 Mental Health America report noted Missouri’s overall ranking as 40th place in the United States. This ranking is generated using metrics designed to measure access to care and outcomes for youth and adults. The state’s specific scores for access to care and adult outcomes are particularly concerning, as both rankings include the state among the ten worst-performing states in the nation.
The Missouri mental health system is beset by some of the same challenges that plague other states. Some of these include a workforce shortage attributable to poor compensation and the demands of the Covid-19 pandemic era. The issue of compensation extends across job categories. For example, low insurance reimbursement rates can often disincentivize highly skilled professionals such as doctors from accepting certain forms of insurance coverage. The time-consuming nature of fulfilling the reimbursement requirements of public insurance systems such as Medicaid is also a problem. Finally, Missouri, like many states, faces a particular workforce shortage in its rural areas.
These issues are further compounded by Missouri’s refusal to enforce a federal law established by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This parity law, created by legislation passed in 2008, requires insurers to provide mental health care no differently than if patients were seeking treatment for physical health concerns. Some Missouri officials have hesitated to comply. In the years since this law was passed, Missouri observed a stark increase in substance abuse and suicide cases. Missouri has had a suicide rate persisting above the national average since 2000. Improved enforcement of the parity law could improve treatment rates for some of Missouri’s worst mental health care problems.
Missouri offers several accredited academic programs for students to pursue training in various counseling specialties. Read on to discover how to join counseling careers in Missouri, including detailed information about academic programs as well as licensing information.
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 Missouri
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Maryville University offers a master of arts in rehabilitation counseling. This 48-credit program comprises 16 evening courses designed to be accessible to working professionals. Program requirements consist of both experiential and evidence-based learning, a 750-hour clinical work requirement (in which 40 percent of those hours are direct service), and passing an oral exam.
Upon graduation, students are prepared to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in Missouri and may additionally seek certification as certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs) or national certified counselors (NCCs).
Maryville University has a robust reputation in Missouri. The university maintains partnerships with many organizations both within St. Louis and throughout the state. These partnerships allow students to enhance their marketable skills and become highly qualified individuals prepared to enter the job market.
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $663 per credit
Lincoln University offers a master of education degree in counseling. Students may select from one of three options: school counseling, community/agency counseling, and addiction counseling.
The school counseling program provides graduates the training to become professional school counselors (PSCs) within Missouri. Students entering the program without a teaching certification must complete a set of courses focused on planning, implementing, and evaluating classroom guidance lessons. Students seeking certification as a PSC must pass the Missouri Content Area Assessment for Counselors.
The community/agency counseling program prepares students to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Upon completion of coursework, graduates must pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE). Students pursuing this option typically apply their skills within community-based providers.
The addictions counseling program prepares students to become certified alcohol and drug counselors (CADCs) according to the standards of the Missouri Credentialing Board. Upon graduation, students must pass the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam to begin practice within Missouri.
- Location: Jefferson City, MO
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $311.50 per credit, Missouri residents; $579, non-residents
The Missouri State University Counseling, Leadership and Special Education Department offers a 60-credit master of science degree in counseling. Students choose from one of two tracks: clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Both tracks feature 47 credits of core coursework and 13 credits specific to the option. Students seeking school counselor certification who enter without a teaching degree or certificate must complete an additional nine credits of teaching coursework to become certified in Missouri.
The program features a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Students must complete a portion of their practicum hour at the Center City Counseling Clinic. Forty percent of the total internship hours must be direct client contact hours.
Near the end of their academic coursework, students must take a comps exam to exit and successfully graduate. Students then must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) to become eligible to apply as provisionally licensed professional counselors (PLPCs).
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Duration: 2.5 (full-time) to four (part-time) years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $3,125, Missouri residents, one semester (nine credits); $5,762 for non-Missouri residents
Northwest Missouri State University
The Northwest Missouri State University School of Health Science and Wellness offers a 45-credit master of science degree in education (MSEd) in school counseling. The curriculum aligns with the tenets of the Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program; it provides graduates with the skills to become successful certified elementary or secondary counselors. Students entering without a BSEd must complete an additional 12 credits of coursework to be eligible to graduate.
Teachers may customize their training according to the student populations they seek to work with. For example, secondary teachers may develop specific expertise in programs such as agriculture, English, health and physical education, history, mathematics, and science education.
- Location: Maryville, MO
- Duration: Two years (includes two summer terms)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $301.60 per credit
Southeast Missouri State University
The Southeast Missouri State University College of Education, Health and Human Studies offers a 60-credit master of arts degree in mental health counseling. To be admitted, students must possess at least nine credits of coursework in the social sciences. Graduates can become eligible for counselor licensure, national certification, and/or pursuit of further study in the university’s PhD in counselor education and supervision program.
Students seeking valuable experience and financial support while completing coursework may seek graduate assistantships. The benefits of being a graduate assistant include cultivating relationships with faculty and administrators, gaining experience in teaching or administration, and receiving a per-year stipend.
- Location: Cape Girardeau, MO
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $344.70 per credit, residents; $621.45, non-residents
University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri offers a master of science degree in counseling. Three concentration options are available: a 54-credit program in either elementary school or secondary school counseling, or a 60-credit hour program in clinical mental health counseling.
The mission of the counseling programs is to develop reflective practitioners prepared to serve society, advocate for both clients and the counseling profession, and follow the ethical standards articulated by the American Counseling Association.
The curriculum is aligned with CACREP standards and the Missouri Standards for the Preparation of Educators. Coursework focuses on topics including human growth and development, helping relationships, and social and cultural diversity. Graduation requires completing a set of core courses, specialization courses focused on intended primary service populations, and an exit exam.
- Location: Warrensburg, MO
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $339 per credit, residents; $678, non-residents
University of Missouri Columbia
The University of Missouri Columbia offers a fully online 60-credit master of education degree with an emphasis in school counseling. The curriculum includes a 12-credit practicum in which students receive ongoing supervision in a counseling setting. Students not already certified as teachers must take nine additional credits to fulfill state requirements. Graduates of this program are eligible for licensure in Missouri at both elementary and secondary school levels.
The curriculum is designed in accord with two models: a science-practitioner model of training and a comprehensive school guidance and counseling program model. Dr. Norm Gysbers, PhD, a former faculty member, is recognized as the “father” of modern school counseling and founder of the program curriculum. He has received national and international recognition as an influential scholar in the school counseling profession.
- Location: Columbia, MO
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
- Tuition: $435.30 per credit
How Much Do Counselors Earn in Missouri?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2021—the latest data available as of November 2022.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salaries
United States | Missouri | |
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Number employed | 58,100 | 1,290 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $99,640 | $72,530 |
10th percentile | $47,010 | $39,280 |
50th percentile (median) | $82,510 | $63,580 |
90th percentile | $167,460 | $100,620 |
Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries
United States | Missouri | |
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Number employed | 54,800 | 380 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $59,660 | $47,930 |
10th percentile | $37,050 | $37,060 |
50th percentile (median) | $49,880 | $47,050 |
90th percentile | $96,520 | $60,190 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries
United States | Missouri | |
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Number employed | 90,310 | 2,020 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $44,740 | $44,520 |
10th percentile | $28,890 | $29,550 |
50th percentile (median) | $38,560 | $43,150 |
90th percentile | $65,880 | $60,030 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor Salaries
United States | Missouri | |
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Number employed | 57,110 | 7,610 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $82,770 | $51,540 |
10th percentile | $49,260 | $36,150 |
50th percentile (median) | $78,780 | $47,500 |
90th percentile | $124,950 | $76,480 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
United States | Missouri | |
---|---|---|
Number employed | 310,880 | 4,220 |
Average annual salary (mean) | $53,490 | $43,270 |
10th percentile | $30,870 | $26,140 |
50th percentile (median) | $48,520 | $38,920 |
90th percentile | $77,980 | $60,310 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Missouri
- Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association
- Missouri School Counselor Association
- Missouri Psychological Association
- Missouri Addiction Counselors’ Association
- Missouri Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Missouri: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
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Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors |
Missouri issues Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPC) licenses. The requirements for PLPCs are:
To become an LPC, PLPCs must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience over a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of five years. Candidates must complete a minimum of 15 hours per week of direct client contact and one hour of face-to-face supervision. Candidates with doctorates are only required to complete one year and 1,500 hours of work experience. |
Licenses in Missouri are renewed every two years. Counselors are required to submit 40 continuing education hours to renew, of which half the hours must be in a professional setting such as seminars or workshops. There is also a $50 renewal fee. |
School Counseling Licenses in Missouri
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
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Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) |
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) certifies Student Services School Counselors. The requirements for the Initial Student Services Certificate (ISS) are:
To upgrade to a Career Student Services Certificate, candidates must:
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Initial certificates for school counselors in Missouri are valid for four years. During those four years, school counselors are expected to meet the requirements to upgrade to a Career Student Services Certificate. Career Student Services Certificates are valid for 99 years. |
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Missouri
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
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The Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) issues Registered Alcohol Drug Counselor – Provisional (RADC-P), Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor I (MAADC I), Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor II (MAADC II), Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRADC), Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CRAADC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certifications. The RADC-P credential is valid for two years and is intended to be held while pursuing a full credential such as CRADC. Candidates must:
Requirements for MAADC I include:
Requirements for MAADC II include:
Requirements for the CADC include:
CRADC applicants must meet all the same requirements at CADC, except they must have:
CRAADC applicants must meet all the CRADC and CADC requirements as well as:
| MCB credentials expire every two years. RADC-P MAADC I do not renew, as they are intended to be stepping stones to more advanced certifications. Requirements for certifications which do renew are:
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Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Missouri
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
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Rehabilitation counselors in Missouri must be either Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPC). The requirements for PLPCs are:
To become an LPC, PLPCs must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience over a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of five years. Candidates must complete a minimum of 15 hours per week of direct client contact and one hour of face-to-face supervision. Candidates with doctorates are only required to complete one year and 1,500 hours of work experience. |
Licenses in Missouri are renewed every two years. Counselors are required to submit 40 continuing education hours to renew, of which half the hours must be in a professional setting such as seminars or workshops. There is also a $50 renewal fee. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Missouri
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
---|---|---|
Missouri Behavior Analyst Advisory Board |
The Missouri Behavior Analyst Advisory Board issues Assistant Behavior Analyst and Behavior Analyst licenses. Requirements for licensure are:
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All Assistant Behavior Analyst or Behavior Analyst licenses issued in Missouri expire on October 31st of odd-numbered years. To renew, analysts must:
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Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Missouri
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
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State Committee of Marital & Family Therapists |
The Missouri State Committee of Marital and Family Therapists credentials Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (PLMFT) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (PLMFT) The requirements for a PLMFT license are:
LMFT license applicants must meet the provisional license requirements, as well as:
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LMFT licenses in Missouri are renewed every two years. Counselors are required to submit 40 continuing education hours to renew, of which half the hours must be in a professional setting, such as seminars or workshops. At least two hours must be in suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management. There is also a $175 renewal fee. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Missouri
Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
---|---|---|
Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors |
Child therapists in Missouri must be either Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPC). The requirements for PLPCs are:
To become an LPC, PLPCs must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience over a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of five years. Candidates must complete a minimum of 15 hours per week of direct client contact and one hour of face-to-face supervision. Candidates with doctorates must only complete one year and 1,500 hours of work experience. |
Licenses in Missouri are renewed every two years. Counselors must submit 40 continuing education hours to renew, of which half the hours must be in a professional setting such as seminars or workshops. There is also a $50 renewal fee. |