Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Nebraska
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“Theory and foundational knowledge are certainly important and a critical part of our program. However, we begin to weave in clinical skills from the very beginning. Students have an opportunity to practice basic counseling skills from their first course.”
Barb Daubenspeck, PhD, Professor and Director for the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, Bellevue University
Nebraska offers ample opportunity for newly trained counseling professionals to begin a career within the state.
As is true for many states in the High Plains and Midwest, Nebraska is currently experiencing significant mental health care system challenges. The state was recently described as reaching a “cultural crisis point.”
One major problem is the shortage of available counselors. Despite an increase in the number of providers in the last decade, a recent University of Nebraska Medical Center report indicated there were only eight psychiatrists available per 100,000 residents. The national average is 14.
Of Nebraska’s 93 counties, 88 of them recently met the federal threshold to be designated as mental health professional shortage areas. Prospective patients must often leave their own county to seek care, as many Nebraska counties have zero mental health professionals. Waitlists in some areas stretch beyond a year.
The supply of professionals is just one of Nebraska’s difficulties. The Covid-19 pandemic appears to have increased demand for mental health services. The prolonged effects of the Covid pandemic protective measures are still felt by many and have exacerbated issues of loneliness and isolation, factors indicated in research to positively correlate with problems such as depression and anxiety. Heightened caseloads have increased the risk of counselor burnout, with some professionals opting to choose better-paying positions, thereby worsening the state’s workforce shortage.
Vulnerable populations, such as children and minority groups, were hit particularly hard during the pandemic. A lack of professionals skilled in working across different populations has often left these populations to seek care from available providers who are not necessarily especially well-suited to provide targeted care.
Despite these challenges, students can find several quality counseling programs in Nebraska. Licensure as a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP) in Nebraska requires the completion of a master’s or doctorate degree from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), or American Psychological Association (APA) accredited graduate program or equivalent.
Read on to discover how to join various counseling careers in Nebraska, including detailed information about academic programs and licensing.
Ask an Expert: Barb Daubenspeck, PhD, LIMHP, NCC
Barb Daubenspeck, PhD, LIMHP, NCC
Dr. Barb Daubenspeck, LIMHP, LPC, NCC earned a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling degree from Regent University. She also earned a master of science and PhD in psychology from the University of Wyoming.
In addition to her work as a licensed mental health therapist, Dr. Daubenspeck serves as professor and program director for the master of science in clinical mental health counseling program at Bellevue University. She was recently awarded “Nebraska Counselor of the Year” by the Nebraska Counseling Association.
CounselingSchools.com: What are some of the core values or philosophies that guide the curriculum?
Dr. Daubenspeck: Our program mission statement sums things up pretty well: the mission of the master of science in clinical mental health counseling (MSCMHC) program is to prepare students to become clinical mental health counselors through accessible educational experiences aligned with competency-based knowledge and skills, professional standards, and a dedication to life-long learning. Students’ personal and professional growth will evince ethical and critical thinking in the areas of counselor identity, compassionate practice grounded in counseling theory, self-reflection and self-care, and advocacy skills. Students will be prepared to provide counseling services to diverse client populations, with the overarching goal of improving the availability, accessibility, and relevance of mental health services in their communities.
To me what is most notable is our focus on not only helping our students to learn about counseling but, more importantly, to help them to become counselors. Our program is intended to be transformative and help students see themselves, the world, and their role in it, differently.
CounselingSchools.com: How does the Bellevue program balance teaching counseling theory with practical skills training?
Dr. Daubenspeck: Theory and foundational knowledge are certainly important and a critical part of our program. However, we begin to weave in clinical skills from the very beginning. Students have an opportunity to practice basic counseling skills from their first course. Skills are integrated into each of our courses—sometimes with the use of case studies and other times through the use of a video skills platform which allows students to respond (in real time) to a video of a client presenting with a particular issue. Students continue to develop skills by participating in a group counseling course where they get to take on the role of a group leader as well as participant in a process group.
As they near the end of the program, students practice and refine their skills through practicum and internship with the benefit of supervision at their sites as well as through the university. All of our full-time faculty are licensed mental health clinicians. We value practice and bring our real-life expertise and experiences back to our students.
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Nebraska
Bellevue University offers a 60-credit CACREP-accredited master of science degree in counseling. The curriculum consists of 24 credits of foundational coursework, 24 credits of advanced courses, three credits of elective work, and a nine-credit internship. The clinical internship is a 600-hour requirement in which 40 percent of accrued hours must be direct client contact. Students also complete a 100-hour practicum.
Students receive academic credit for both their internship and practicum requirements. Both internship and practicum must be completed under the supervision of a licensed counselor. Designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals, this program can be completed online or at the Omaha-area campus.
- Location: Bellevue, NE
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Chadron State College offers a master of arts degree in education (MAE) in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.
The 60-credit clinical mental health counseling degree provides students the education and experience to work in various settings in the public and private sectors. Of the full coursework requirements, nine credits consist of a practicum and internship. Students must also pass a comprehensive oral exam to be eligible for graduation.
Upon graduation, students have fulfilled the academic requirements to seek out mental health licensure in Nebraska. After passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE), individuals can apply for the Nebraska provisional licensed mental health practitioner (PLMHP). Finally, those interested in providing substance abuse treatment may complete an additional three-credit course and then apply to become a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC).
The 39-credit master of arts in education in school counseling prepares students to work as professional school counselors in Nebraska. Graduates can work with a variety of student populations, including PK-8, PK-12, and 7-12. Applicants with and without prior teaching education and experience are eligible to apply. The academic coursework includes both a practicum and internship requirement. To obtain the Nebraska Department of Education school counselor endorsement, students may choose one of two options.
- Option 1: Students already holding a valid teaching certificate must complete the MAE program and the Praxis Professional School Counselor Subject Assessment. This option is comprised of 39 credits.
- Option 2: Students lacking an undergraduate teaching degree or certification must complete the MAE program, 15 credits of teacher education coursework, the Praxis Professional School Counselor Subject Assessment, and pass the Praxis Core Assessment. Due to the additional teacher education courses, Total academic coursework is 54 credits.
Students seeking additional licensure as licensed mental health practitioners (LMHPs) must complete coursework.
- Location: Chadron, NE
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Concordia University offers a 50- to 62-credit online master of arts degree in school counseling. The curriculum consists of eight-week courses and is designed for experienced teachers seeking a program featuring a combination of theory, practical experience, and values informed by the Lutheran tradition. The program takes an estimated 32 to 40 months to complete.
In addition to traditional classroom instruction, students also complete practicum, internship, and capstone experience requirements. The 100-hour practicum offers students experience in a PK-12 school setting under the supervision of a licensed school counselor. The 450-hour supervised internship consists of two modules, specifically 225 hours in a PK-6 grade level setting and 225 hours in a 7-12 grade level setting. It provides students experience with primary and secondary education populations.
The capstone project consists of creating a comprehensive portfolio designed to highlight a student’s skills, knowledge and experience and prepare graduates for job market success.
- Location: Seward, NE
- Duration: 32 to 40 months
- Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Creighton University offers a Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) approved online master of science degree in school counseling. The program is designed according to the standards contained in the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) national model. Students may customize their coursework to fulfill their particular career goals. Particular specializations include elementary school counseling, secondary school counseling, and PK-12 guidance counseling.
This program incorporates Jesuit values such as compassion, reflection, and humility within a university setting. Project-based learning experiences, such as the required 600-hour internship, provide students the experience necessary to become skilled, compassionate school counselors who can work in various settings effectively.
Students who are already active certified teachers must complete 36 credits to graduate and are offered guaranteed scholarship support. Students lacking a current teaching certification are eligible for admission but must complete an additional practicum which typically extends the total coursework commitment to 48 credits.
Students seeking to establish a career in Catholic schools are encouraged to apply through the university’s specialized, two-year Magis Catholic Teacher Corps experience. Students seeking entry must meet additional admission requirements.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The Doane University College of Education offers a 60-credit master of arts in counseling (MAC) degree. Students must complete at least 150 hours of an approved practicum, in which at least 60 hours consist of direct client contact. They receive one hour per week of supervision by an on-site supervisor.
Graduation also necessitates the completion of a 650-hour internship. The internship begins after the conclusion of the aforementioned practicum. Students complete 260 hours of direct client service, receive on-site supervision, and also attend a weekly internship group facilitated by a faculty member for 90 minutes each week.
Doane University also offers a 48-credit master of education (MEd) in school counseling on the Lincoln campus, meant to offer graduates skills to reflect, work collaboratively, and respond to student needs. Students lacking a teaching certificate are eligible for admission but must complete an additional 12 semester-hours of professional teacher education coursework and also pass the Praxis Core tests. Six credits of the full degree requirements are awarded for completion of both the 150-hour practicum and 450-hour internship. The Nebraska Department of Education requires these site-based experiences as part of the path to obtaining licensure in Nebraska.
- Location: Crete, NE
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
University of Nebraska, Kearney
The University of Nebraska, Kearney offers a master of science in education degree in clinical mental health counseling. This 60-credit hybrid program prepares students to work with individuals, couples, families, and children in various settings in the public and private sectors. Students learn to help clients with a range of issues and help to explore their emotions and experiences, adjust to life challenges, improve relationships, diagnose and treat mental and behavioral disorders, develop coping strategies, and refer to other resources or services in the community.
This program is designed to accommodate working professionals’ needs by offering evening and blended/online courses. Upon completion of program requirements, students are prepared to pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Passage of the NCE is necessary to be eligible to apply for licensure in Nebraska. Training is available to become a licensed mental health practitioner (LMHP) and a licensed drug and alcohol counselor (LADC).
- Location: Kearney, NE
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The University of Nebraska Omaha College of Education, Health and Human Sciences offers a master of science degree in counseling. Students may select from one of three concentrations: clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and student affairs practice in higher education (SAHE). The SAHE concentration is a 39-credit program and is not currently CACREP-accredited.
The 60-credit clinical mental health concentration features a practicum and internship requirement and provides graduates with the training necessary to become licensed mental health professionals in Nebraska.
Students interested in a career emphasizing research may wish to complete a thesis option. This option requires an additional six credits for a total of 66. Students also have the option to specialize in substance abuse treatment by completing two additional elective courses. Completion of these requirements allows one to obtain provisional licensure in alcohol and drug counseling.
The school counseling concentration is a 48-credit program designed to train professionals to become certified school counselors in Nebraska. This program also features a practicum and internship requirement. Students may also complete a thesis in this concentration for an additional six credits. Prospective students who lack a teaching certificate may still apply through the Teaching Program Alternative Permit and as what are known as alternative endorsement applicants. Advisors will work with alternative permit applicants to ensure they complete the appropriate courses to meet this requirement.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Wayne State College offers a master of science in education (MSE) degree in one of three programs of study. These programs include clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and student affairs, and college counseling.
Each of the three programs follows a cohort-delivery style for the initial 36 hours of core coursework provided across all three programs. A cohort model offers the advantage of learning not just from faculty but from the diverse experience of student peers. Such relationships can prove consequential in future career development and professional networking. Classes meet two weekends per semester. Summer courses are only offered online.
- Location: South Sioux City, NE
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
How Much Do Counselors Earn in Nebraska?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of June 2024. In cases where no BLS data were available, Ziprecruiter and Salary.com were referenced to find current information.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 71,730 | 260 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $106,600 | $82,110 |
| 10th percentile | $48,820 | $47,270 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $96,100 | $81,570 |
| 90th percentile | $168,870 | $113,790 |
Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 63,340 | 90 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $68,730 | $50,020 |
| 10th percentile | $39,090 | $33,430 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,510 | $33,430* |
| 90th percentile | $104,710 | $104,000 |
* This is likely a BLS error (June 2024).
Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 84,750 | 500 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $48,430 | $48,790 |
| 10th percentile | $31,390 | $38,400 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,040 | $46,740 |
| 90th percentile | $73,710 | $61,650 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 327,660 | 2,060 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $66,990 | $66,650 |
| 10th percentile | $40,140 | $46,080 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,710 | $64,150 |
| 90th percentile | $100,050 | $88,210 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 397,880 | 1,720 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,080 | $58,720 |
| 10th percentile | $36,700 | $37,350 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,710 | $58,320 |
| 90th percentile | $89,920 | $82,490 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Nebraska
- Nebraska Counseling Association
- Nebraska School Counselor Association
- Nebraska Psychological Association
- Nebraska Association of Addiction Counselors
- Nebraska Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Nebraska: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice |
There are three levels of mental health counseling licenses in Nebraska:
Please note that PLMHPs and LMHPs are not authorized to diagnose major mental illnesses or disorders without consulting with a LIMHP, physician, or psychologist. Any of these licenses may apply for a certified counselor certification endorsement. To be licensed as a PLMHP (with a certified counselor endorsement), applicants must:
To be an LMHP (with a certified counselor endorsement), applicants must meet the PLMHP requirements, in addition to:
To earn LIMHP licensure (with a certified counselor endorsement), a candidate must:
|
Counselors are required to renew their licenses by September 1st of even-numbered years. At the time of renewal, counselors are required to submit 32 continuing education units, two of which must be in ethics. The renewal fee for the license is $155 and $50 for the counseling certification. |
School Counseling Licenses in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Department of Education |
School counselors in Nebraska must hold a valid teaching certificate with a school counselor endorsement. Candidates for this certificate and endorsement must:
|
Nebraska teaching certificates and endorsements are valid for five years. To renew, school counselors must complete one year of work experience or complete six credits of graduate-level coursework related to school counseling. Renewals are completed online. |
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Licensure Unit | The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Licensure Unit issues Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and Provisional Alcohol and Drug Counselor (PLADC) licenses. PLADC license candidates must:
LADC license applicants must already hold a PLADC license and must:
|
Renewals for LADC and PLADC licenses in Nebraska expire September 1 of even-numbered years. Renewal applications must include $175 fee and proof of 40 hours of continuing education, 20 of which must be alcohol and drug-specific. |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
There are three levels of mental health counseling licenses rehabilitation counselors can earn in Nebraska:
Please note that PLMHPs and LMHPs are not authorized to diagnose major mental illnesses or disorders without consulting with a LIMHP, physician, or psychologist. Any of these licenses may apply for a certified counselor endorsement. To be licensed as a PLMHP (with a certified counselor endorsement), applicants must:
To be a LMHP (with a certified counselor endorsement), applicants must meet the PLMHP requirements, in addition to:
To earn a LIMHP licensure (with a certified counselor endorsement), a candidate must:
|
Counselors are required to renew their licenses by September 1st of even-numbered years. At the time of renewal, counselors are required to submit 32 continuing education units, four of which must be in ethics. There are renewal fees for the LMHP, LIMHP, and PLMHP licenses. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for national certification | Legislative Bill 227, also known as the Behavior Analyst Practice Act, was approved approved by the Governor on June 6, 2023. As of May 2024, the rules had not been established and a path to licensing had not been determined yet. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice |
The Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice credentials Licensed Mental Health Practitioners (LMHP), Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioners (LIMHP), and Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioners (PLMHP). Any of these licenses may apply for a certified marriage and family therapist endorsement. To be licensed as a PLMHP with a certified marriage and family therapist endorsement, applicants must:
To be an LMHP with a marriage and family therapist endorsement, applicants must meet the PLMHP requirements, as well as:
Please note that LMHPs are not authorized to diagnose major mental illnesses or disorders without consulting with a LIMHP, physician, or psychologist. To earn a LIMHP licensure with a marriage and family therapist endorsement, candidates must:
|
Mental health practitioners are required to renew their licenses by September 1st of even-numbered years. At the time of renewal, counselors are required to submit 32 continuing education units, two of which must be in ethics. The renewal fee for the license is $155 and $50 for the marriage and family therapy certification. PLMHP licenses are valid for five years and do not renew. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice | There are three levels of mental health counseling licenses child therapists can earn in Nebraska:
Please note that PLMHPs and LMHPs are not authorized to diagnose major mental illnesses or disorders without consulting with a LIMHP, physician, or psychologist. Any of these licenses may apply for a certified counselor certification endorsement. To be licensed as a PLMHP (with a certified counselor endorsement), applicants must:
To earn a LIMHP licensure (with a certified counselor endorsement), a candidate must:
| Counselors are required to renew their licenses by September 1st of even-numbered years. At the time of renewal, counselors must submit 32 continuing education units, two of which must be in ethics. The renewal fee for the license is $155 and $50 for the counseling certification. |
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