Counseling Degrees & Licenses in North Dakota
Counseling Schools Search
When you click on a sponsoring school or program advertised on our site, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“Counselors in North Dakota face a unique set of challenges, many of which stem from the state’s rural and frontier geography. One of the most pressing concerns is access to mental health services.”
Christina Jurekovic, PhD, Chair of Graduate Counseling Programs, University of Mary
Like most states, in order to work as a counselor in North Dakota, applicants must have a master’s degree in counseling. Here, approved master’s degrees at accredited schools have to consist of a minimum of 60 semester-credits (or 90 quarter-hours) related to counseling. Additionally, people applying for a counseling license in North Dakota must have completed a minimum 100-hour counseling practicum and a minimum 600-hour supervised internship.
These requirements closely align with the requirements put forth by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation. CACREP accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling and its specialties in the United States and throughout the world. CACREP certifies all counseling specialties, including rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, and addiction counseling. CACREP accreditation is often the first thing that employers look for to be sure that the school’s core counseling program meets high-quality, non-arbitrary standards.
CACREP accreditation is important because it asserts that the program meets a broad range of requirements designed to give the students the highest-quality educational experience. It evaluates a school on its overall learning environment, the level of education of core faculty, and the resources available to the students. To ensure the best chances of success in the field, the student should strongly consider a CACREP-accredited school to receive their counseling degree and license in North Dakota, and in most other states as well.
Please note that some community colleges in North Dakota offer substance abuse and addiction counseling programs at the bachelor’s degree level. The Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, formerly known as Fort Berthold Community College, is managed by the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation headquarters at New Town, North Dakota. That school’s associate of arts in addiction studies requires 36 general education credits and 29 core required credits for a total of 65 credits.
Minot State University, in Minot, North Dakota, also offers a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies that requires a total of 66 credits. The University of Mary, a faith-based school in Bismarck, North Dakota, offers an undergraduate addictions counseling minor that requires 33 core credits.
North Dakota requires licensed marriage and family therapists to have completed a master’s or doctorate degree program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). As of November 2024, there are no COAMFTE-approved programs in North Dakota.
The state of North Dakota also offers credentials for a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
A 960-hour, six-month clinical experience is required for North Dakota as a licensed addictions counselor, but is not required for the degree. A minimum of 700 hours of clinical training are required for a licensed master addictions counselor in the state. Graduates who complete their academic requirements are eligible to take the national licensure exam, which is also required by the North Dakota to work as an addictions counselor.
Read on to discover accredited counseling programs in North Dakota, how to achieve professional licensure, and the perspective of two local professors.
Meet the Expert: Christina Jurekovic, PhD
Dr. Christina Jurekovic is chair of graduate counseling and assistant professor of counseling at the University of Mary’s Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. With experience spanning school counseling and private practice, she brings over a decade of applied expertise to her teaching. Her work focuses on comprehensive school counseling strategies, suicide prevention, and multicultural counseling techniques.
A graduate of Adams State University (PhD, counselor education and supervision), the University of Colorado (MA, counseling), and Seattle Pacific University (BA, psychology), she is committed to helping students integrate their faith and values into an authentic counseling practice. She also advises students in the university’s online counseling cohort.
CounselingSchools.com: What are the top concerns for counselors in North Dakota?
Dr. Jurekovic: Counselors in North Dakota face a unique set of challenges, many of which stem from the state’s rural and frontier geography. One of the most pressing concerns is access to mental health services. In many parts of the state, clients must drive long distances—or wait weeks or even months—to see a counselor. This shortage of providers is particularly evident in school and community-based settings, where one counselor may serve several towns or multiple school districts. In these roles, counselors are often expected to manage academic advising, crisis response, and mental health support with limited resources.
Another ongoing concern is the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in smaller, tight-knit communities where anonymity is difficult to maintain. Individuals may be hesitant to seek help due to fear of judgment or being labeled. This creates an added layer of difficulty for counselors, who must work to reduce stigma while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Additionally, the demands of licensure and ongoing professional development can be more difficult to meet in rural areas. Access to supervision, continuing education, and peer support can be limited, especially for new counselors. There’s also a lack of culturally responsive care in some areas, particularly in services for Indigenous populations, which creates a gap in meeting the needs of all residents.
CounselingSchools.com: Is there any advice you’d give to counselors planning to practice in North Dakota?
Dr. Jurekovic: For counselors considering a move to North Dakota or starting their careers in the state, it’s essential to approach the role with flexibility, resourcefulness, and a deep respect for community values. In many rural and underserved areas, counselors take on a wide range of responsibilities that go beyond traditional talk therapy. You might be offering individual counseling one moment, leading a school-wide prevention program the next, and coordinating care with other community professionals later that same day.
Because you may be the only counselor in your region or school district, it’s important to proactively seek out supervision and support networks. This may mean joining online peer consultation groups or engaging with professional associations like the North Dakota Counseling Association, which can provide both connection and advocacy. Tele-supervision can also be a great tool for staying grounded and continuing your development as a professional.
Developing cultural humility is another key piece of advice, especially for those who may work with Native American communities or clients from agricultural backgrounds. Taking time to understand local traditions, communication styles, and community dynamics can make a significant difference in building trust and delivering effective care. Finally, counselors should be well-versed in telehealth delivery, as it plays an increasingly important role in expanding access across the state.
CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of counseling look like in North Dakota?
Dr. Jurekovic: The future of counseling in North Dakota holds real potential for growth and innovation, especially as awareness of mental health continues to expand across all sectors of society. Over the past decade, there’s been a notable shift toward recognizing the value of mental health support in schools, medical settings, and community organizations. This momentum is creating new opportunities for counselors to step into leadership roles and design programs that respond directly to local needs.
One of the most promising developments is the rise of telehealth. What began as a necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic has become a powerful tool for reaching clients in rural or isolated areas. With reliable internet infrastructure becoming more widely available, counselors now have greater capacity to serve clients remotely while maintaining strong therapeutic relationships.
There’s also a growing need for counselors who can provide culturally responsive care, particularly in working with Indigenous populations and multilingual communities. As North Dakota continues to diversify, counselors who are trained to navigate cultural differences and offer trauma-informed services will be especially valuable.
Workforce development is another priority for the future. Efforts to recruit and retain counselors—especially those willing to live and work in rural communities—are gaining traction through loan repayment programs, scholarships, and expanded training pathways. Graduate programs in the region are also evolving to include more field-based experiences and technology training to prepare students for the realities of rural practice. All of these factors suggest that while challenges remain, the future of counseling in North Dakota is one of progress, resilience, and growing community impact.
Meet the Expert: Todd F. Lewis, PhD
Dr. Todd Lewis is a professor, doctoral program coordinator, and interim coordinator for the counselor education program in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at North Dakota State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences. A past president and treasurer of the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors (IAAOC), he has also served as IAAOC’s representative on the American Counseling Association’s Governing Council.
Dr. Lewis’s research focuses on substance use, collegiate drinking, and theoretical approaches to addiction treatment. He is a two-time recipient of IAAOC’s Exemplary Research Award and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). He also leads a consulting practice that provides training in motivational interviewing to mental health professionals, educators, and health promotion specialists.
CounselingSchools.com: What are the top concerns for counselors in North Dakota?
Dr. Lewis: One of the top concerns for counselors in North Dakota is ensuring access to quality mental health care in rural and underserved communities. With our state’s large geographic footprint and relatively low population density, it’s crucial that we continue to find innovative ways—such as telehealth and school-based services—to reach clients who may not have easy access to traditional counseling settings.
Another ongoing concern is supporting the mental health of farmers, ranchers, and other rural professionals, who often face unique stressors related to isolation, economic uncertainty, and cultural stigma around seeking help.
Additionally, like many states, we’re also seeing a need for counselors who are trained to work with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns, especially as we address the ripple effects of the opioid crisis and related public health challenges.
CounselingSchools.com: Is there any advice you’d give to counselors planning to practice in North Dakota?
Dr. Lewis: Build strong relationships—both with clients and within your professional community. In a place like North Dakota, where communities are often close-knit, relationships matter deeply. Having cultural humility, being mindful of local values, and showing genuine care and consistency go a long way here. I also encourage new counselors to explore opportunities beyond urban centers. The need is great in rural areas, and the work can be incredibly meaningful.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of collaboration. In North Dakota, counselors often work hand-in-hand with schools, healthcare providers, tribal communities, and other human service professionals to provide comprehensive care. Being open to multidisciplinary work can really enrich your practice.
CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of counseling look like in North Dakota?
Dr. Lewis: The future of counseling in North Dakota is promising and adaptive. We’re seeing greater recognition of the importance of mental health across all sectors—education, agriculture,
business, and government—which is opening up new doors for counselors to make a difference.
There’s also a growing emphasis on trauma-informed care, culturally responsive services, and
telehealth, which will continue to expand access and improve outcomes.
At North Dakota State University (NDSU), our counseling program, at both the master’s and doctoral levels, is preparing students not only to meet today’s needs but also to lead in shaping what comes next. I’m hopeful that our state will continue to be a place where innovation and heart-driven practice go hand-in-hand.
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota State University – School of Education
The North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is a public research university founded in 1890. The school’s two counselor education programs are CACREP-accredited.
They also have a CACREP-accredited PhD program in counselor education and supervision. The counselor education program offers either a master of education (MEd) or master of science (MS) in counselor education with program specializations available in school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. The counselor education program meets all credentialing, licensure, and/or certification requirements in the state of North Dakota.
- Location: Fargo, North Dakota
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: CACREP
University of Mary
The University of Mary was founded by the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery in 1959 and continues to sponsor it today. The school welcomes people of all faiths.
The master of science in clinical mental health counseling degree offers classes mostly online with classes once per week at the Bismarck location or via online video conferencing. Students can complete the program in as little as 20 months on the accelerated track. Students must complete the 43-credit master of science in counseling along with 17 specialization credits for a total of 60 credits. Specializations are available in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and school counseling.
The university also offers three graduate certificates, aimed to enrich counselor skillsets and techniques: Catholic anthropology for counselors (5 courses/5 credits), clinical mental health counseling (7 courses/17 credits), and school counseling (5 courses/15 credits).
- Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
- Duration: 60 credits, two years or 20 months (accelerated track)
- Accreditation: The University of Mary has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and CACREP
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is a public research university that was established by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in 1883, six years before the establishment of the state of North Dakota. The university has the only schools of law and medicine in the state of North Dakota. The school has a master of arts in counseling degree that provides different tracks based on whether the student is in the on-campus program or the online program.
On-campus tracks include addiction counseling, community mental health counseling, child adolescent counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. Online tracks include addiction counseling, community mental health counseling, K-12 school counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. On-campus tracks are full time, while online tracks are part time.
The online MA in counseling is approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices for School Counselor Competencies (ESPB).
- Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Duration: 60 to 66 credits, depending on the track; two to three years
- Accreditation: The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; the online counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices for School Counselor Competencies (ESPB). The university is pursuing accreditation with the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
University of Jamestown
The University of Jamestown is a private liberal arts university located in Jamestown, North Dakota. Known as Jamestown College until 2013, the school was founded by the Presbyterian Church in 1883. The university has an accelerated online division, with small class sizes and flexibility designed for a wide variety of students and professionals.
The university offers an online-only master of science degree in clinical counseling, with a required one-week in-person residency on the UJ Jamestown campus during the first summer of the program. The program is designed to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors and includes field experience through practicum and internship during the second year.
- Location: Jamestown, North Dakota
- Duration: 60 credits; two years
- Accreditation: The University of Jamestown is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
How Much Do Counselors Make in North Dakota?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2024—the latest data available as of May 2025.
Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 65,870 | 40 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $72,720 | $70,330 |
| 10th percentile | $42,610 | $35,090 |
| 25th percentile | $48,600 | $43,150 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $63,780 | $58,180 |
| 75th percentile | $85,020 | $90,600 |
| 90th percentile | $111,610 | $113,040 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 440,380 | 1,180 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $65,100 | $68,220 |
| 10th percentile | $39,090 | $42,520 |
| 25th percentile | $47,170 | $50,810 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,190 | $66,450 |
| 75th percentile | $76,230 | $75,120 |
| 90th percentile | $98,210 | $86,550 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 342,350 | 770 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $71,520 | $62,500 |
| 10th percentile | $43,580 | $46,400 |
| 25th percentile | $51,690 | $52,760 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $65,140 | $60,330 |
| 75th percentile | $83,490 | $69,560 |
| 90th percentile | $105,870 | $84,380 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 88,930 | 200 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $51,260 | $61,530 |
| 10th percentile | $34,480 | $52,590 |
| 25th percentile | $38,700 | $58,410 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,110 | $60,730 |
| 75th percentile | $59,040 | $66,170 |
| 90th percentile | $77,200 | $72,820 |
All Other Counselors
| United States | North Dakota | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 33,340 | 90 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $58,070 | $80,780 |
| 10th percentile | $36,160 | $59,860 |
| 25th percentile | $42,760 | $67,460 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,830 | $81,260 |
| 75th percentile | $66,510 | $86,810 |
| 90th percentile | $91,420 | $93,480 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in North Dakota
- North Dakota Counseling Association (NDCA)
- North Dakota Mental Health Counselors Association (NDMHCA)
- North Dakota School Counselor Association (NDSCA)
- North Dakota Behavioral Health Division
- The North Dakota Addiction Counselor Association (NDACA)
- North Dakota Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners (NDBACE)
- The North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE)
- North Dakota Career Development Association (NDCDA)
- The North Dakota Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board (NDMFTLB)
- The Dakota Association for College Admission Counseling (DACAC)
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in North Dakota: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE) |
North Dakota licenses three levels of mental health counselors:
LAPC applicants must:
To become an LPC, candidates must meet the above requirements in addition to having 100 hours of direct supervision and 400 hours of direct client contact over the course of two years. For LPCC licensure, candidates must already hold an LPC license, as well as:
|
LPCCs and LPCs are required to renew their licenses every two years in South Dakota. The fee to renew is $150. LPCCs are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education activities, and LPCs are required to complete 30. Of those hours, 15 must be face-to-face attendance for LPCs and 20 hours for LPCCs. Both types of licensees must submit three hours of ethics. Renewals also must be accompanied by a Statement of Professional Intent, which details the scope of practice, how the practice is delivered, and who is the primary clientele. |
School Counseling Licenses in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Department of Public Instruction |
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction issues School Counselor Credentials. Applicants may apply for a School Counselor Plan of Study if they have not yet completed their program. The requirements are:
To earn a full School Counselor Credential, candidates must meet the above requirements as well as:
|
School counselor credentials issued in North Dakota expire every five years. To renew, school counselors must maintain a current Professional Educators License, complete an online application, and earn six semester hours, with two of the six being in the area of counseling. Counselors who hold a lifetime teaching license only need to complete four semester hours every five years. |
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners (NDBACE) | The Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners (NDBACE) in North Dakota issues Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and Master’s Licensed Addiction Counselor (MLAC) licenses. LAC licensure requirements include:
LMAC candidates must:
| LAC and MLAC licenses issued by the NDBACE expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years. Renewals cost $300. Counselors are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. At least six hours must be in ethics. |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE) | Rehabilitation counselors in North Dakota can earn one of three levels of mental health counselors licenses:
LAPC applicants must:
To become an LPC, candidates must meet the above requirements and additionally:
For LPCC licensure, candidates must already hold an LPC license, as well as:
|
LPCCs and LPCs are required to renew their licenses every two years in North Dakota. There is a fee to renew. The LAPC license is good for two years and cannot be renewed. However, an extension can be requested via recommendation of an associate professional counselor’s supervisor; log of individual, group, and client contact hours to date; and a proposed schedule to finish the required supervision and client contact hours. There are associated fees. LPCCs are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education, along with 10 additional hours of clinical professional development. LPCs are required to complete 30 continuing education hours. Of those hours, 15 must be face-to-face attendance for LPCs and 20 hours for LPCCs. Both types of licensees must submit three hours of ethics. Renewals also must be accompanied by a Statement of Professional Intent, which details the scope of practice, how the practice is delivered, and who is the primary clientele. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Board of Integrative Health Care | To become a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of North Dakota, candidates must first earn BCBA certification. Upon earning BCBA status, candidates can then submit an application through the North Dakota Board of Integrative Health Care and pay an application fee of $500 and a license origination fee of $50. | Applied behavior analyst licenses expire every two years in North Dakota. The cost to renew is $100. Thirty-two continuing education hours are required to be completed every two-year cycle. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board |
The North Dakota Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board issues Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) credentials. Requirements for an LAMFT license are:
LMFT license applicants must meet LMFTA license requirements, as well as:
|
Marriage and family therapy licenses issued in North Dakota must be renewed every two years. LAMFT licenses cost $130 to renew and may only be renewed once for 36 months. LMFT license renewals cost $400. LMFTs are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education, of which six must be in ethics, while LAMFTs must complete 15 hours, three of which must be in ethics. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in North Dakota
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE) | Child therapists in North Dakota can earn one of three levels of mental health counselors licenses:
LAPC applicants must:
To become an LPC, candidates must meet the above requirements in addition to having 100 hours of direct supervision and 400 hours of direct client contact over the course of two years. For LPCC licensure, candidates must already hold an LPC license, as well as:
| LPCCs and LPCs are required to renew their licenses every two years in South Dakota. The fee to renew is $225. LPCCs are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education activities, and LPCs are required to complete 30. Of those hours, 15 must be face-to-face attendance for LPCs and 20 hours for LPCCs. Both types of licensees must submit three hours of ethics. Renewals also must be accompanied by a Statement of Professional Intent, which details the scope of practice, how the practice is delivered, and who is the primary clientele. |
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2020, he’s written extensively about how counselors and other behavioral health professionals are working to address the nation’s mental health and substance use crises, with a particular focus on community-driven and interdisciplinary approaches. His articles have included detailed interviews with leaders and subject matter experts from the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Vanessa Salvia
WriterVanessa Salvia is an Oregon-based freelance writer and editor with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. As fun as rigorous studies in math and science were, Vanessa took an independent path and developed a prolific career covering lifestyle and healthcare topics for magazines and newspapers, important industries such as concrete construction and building waterproofing, and even hard science. You can get in touch at Sage Media and Marketing.