Adler University Online Counseling Programs
- MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Leadership
- MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Military + Veterans Behavioral Health emphases
- PhD in Counselor Education + Supervision
- Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
Adler University offers online counseling programs guided by Adlerian values of social interest and community health. Key programs include the master of arts in counseling: clinical mental health counseling, an MA in counseling: clinical mental health counseling with forensic mental health leadership dual degree, an MA in counseling: clinical mental health counseling with military and veterans behavioral health (MVBH) emphasis, a PhD in counselor education and supervision, and a substance abuse counseling certificate.
Programs offer CACREP-accredited training focused on ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed care, and social justice advocacy, with hands-on experiences such as the 200-hour non-clinical social justice practicum, 100-hour clinical practicums, and 600-hour internships for master’s degrees. Online delivery features asynchronous coursework, synchronous sessions, and Chicago residencies for skill-building, culminating in comprehensive exams and licensure preparation, such as the National Counselor Examination.
The MA in counseling: clinical mental health counseling is a 62-credit, two-year full-time program that blends theory, research, and over 700 supervised clinical hours to provide accessible care in diverse communities. Offered online with two Chicago residencies for courses like counseling skills and group counseling, it prepares graduates for roles such as licensed professional counselors in agencies, health systems, schools, and private practice.
The MA in counseling: clinical mental health counseling, forensic mental health leadership dual degree totals 78 credits, training students to assess, treat, and lead at the intersection of mental health and justice systems. It includes CMHC clinical training as well as forensic electives like violence and risk assessment, and correctional counseling and rehabilitation, supporting Illinois LPC/LCPC paths and forensic evaluator certification.
The MA in counseling: clinical mental health counseling, military and veterans behavioral health emphasis, maintains 62 credits and offers a specialized focus on military culture, trauma, and family needs. Unique courses include war, trauma, grief, death, and loss, as well as options like culture and diversity in the military or continuum of care for the military, veterans, and their families.
The PhD in counselor education and supervision is a 60-credit program that can be completed in three years full-time or up to seven years part-time, advancing skills in teaching, supervision, research, and leadership. This online PhD requires 600 internship hours, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation, with an emphasis in advanced clinical theories, trauma-informed counseling, or integrative counseling.
The substance abuse counseling certificate adds 12 credits to select programs, covering theories, core functions, and evidence-based treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. Accredited by IAODAPCA for Illinois certification as an advanced alcohol and other drug abuse counselor, this program includes a 500-hour specialized practicum. In addition to the specialized coursework, students pursuing this certificate will acquire and develop practical skills in the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) core functions through specialized field placements.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA or higher for master’s or certificate programs, with a resume, statement of intent, transcripts, two recommendations, and a faculty interview. The PhD program requires a master’s in counseling or a related field (CACREP preferred), a 3.25 GPA, a prior practicum/internship, and possible equivalency courses. Dual-degree applicants must be accepted into both programs.
Adler University has campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and Vancouver, British Columbia, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). All distinctive practitioner-focused programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), while the substance abuse counseling Certificate holds accreditation from IAODAPCA (Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association).
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MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Leadership
MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Military + Veterans Behavioral Health emphases
PhD in Counselor Education + Supervision
Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
17 N Dearborn StChicago, Illinois
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No
2 – Two on-campus residencies required
62
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as little as 2 years full -time or 2.5-3 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
62
$1,617.00
$100,254.00
$1,617.00
$100,254.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No
2 – Two on-campus residencies required
62
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as little as 2 years full -time or 2.5-3 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
62
$1,617.00
$100,254.00
$1,617.00
$100,254.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No
2 – Two on-campus residencies required
62
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as little as 2 years full -time or 2.5-3 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
62
$1,617.00
$100,254.00
$1,617.00
$100,254.00
Program Essentials
Doctoral Degree
Counseling: Education & Supervision
No
2 – Two on-campus residencies required
60
Spring, Fall
Complete the program in as little as 3 years full-time or up to 7 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.25 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$1,815.00
$108,900.00
$1,815.00
$108,900.00
Program Essentials
Post-Bachelor's Certificate
Counseling: Substance Abuse & Addiction
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
12
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as little as 12 to 18 months
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
12
$1,617.00
$19,404.00
$1,617.00
$19,404.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.