How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor?

HomeFAQsHow Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor?

In short, it typically takes four to six years to become a counselor after graduating from high school. The various paths are described below.

Jobs in mental health are on the rise, especially for those holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The mental health sector is experiencing a surge in demand for qualified professionals, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) predicting a robust 18 percent growth in employment for mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032. This is six times the national average for all occupations (3 percent) and will create 71,500 new jobs in the coming decade.

This highlights an urgent need for more trained individuals to step into roles that help others navigate life’s challenges. If you’re considering a career in this rewarding field, you might wonder, “How long does it take to become a counselor?”

For individuals with a master’s degree in mental health counseling, various career paths are available, including roles as a licensed mental health counselor, social worker, geriatric counselor, and substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor. While it’s generally true that having a master’s degree in psychology or mental health counseling leads to better job prospects and higher pay, those with a bachelor’s degree have promising opportunities. In many states, positions such as licensed alcohol and drug counselor and elementary school counselor jobs in health psychology are accessible to bachelor’s degree holders. In both cases, the current job market presents ample opportunities for a rewarding career in mental health.

This comprehensive guide delves into the educational, direct supervision hours, and state and professional certification requirements for becoming a counselor. We’ll explore the pathways available to those with four-year bachelor’s and two-year master’s degrees in relevant fields such as psychology and counseling. From understanding the time commitment required for each degree to insights into hands-on training and licensure, this guide aims to answer common questions to help people begin fulfilling careers in mental health counseling.

Four-Year Option: Guide to Become a Counselor

Becoming a counselor involves a multi-step process that requires four years of education, experience, and certification beyond high school. Here’s a step-by-step guide to pursuing a career in mental health counseling with a bachelor’s degree.

Step 1: Get a High School Diploma or GED (Four Years)

The journey begins with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Consider taking courses in psychology or sociology, as they can provide a good foundation for future undergraduate studies.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)

The next step is to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Aspiring counselors can technically choose any major, but degrees in psychology, social work, or related fields are most relevant. Coursework might include classes in human development, abnormal psychology, and counseling techniques.

For more program options, please see our comprehensive guide to online bachelor’s degrees in counseling and psychology.

Step 3: Earn Certification (Timeline Varies)

Professional certification may be required to work legally, depending on the specific counseling career path.

Here are some examples of professional and state-level certification for bachelor’s degree holders:

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) certification is required for those wishing to work in vocational rehabilitation and are currently enrolled graduate students.
Oregon allows those with qualifying bachelor’s degrees to earn certification as Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHA).

Please see our guide to “What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Psychology?“ for a detailed list of career options.

Six-Year Option: Guide to Become a Counselor

Becoming a counselor with a master’s degree is a multi-step process that requires commitment, dedication, and a deep passion for helping others. Here is a step-by-step guide to earn a master’s degree and become a licensed counselor in approximately six years.

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Earn a GED (Four Years)

The first crucial step involves completing high school or equivalent education. During these formative years, students who aspire to become counselors should focus on courses like psychology and sociology to lay a solid foundation for their future studies.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)

Next, the individual must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in a field related to psychology or human services. This step provides the necessary grounding in the theories and principles of human behavior, which will be expanded upon in graduate studies.

Step 3: Complete an Accredited Master’s Degree (Two Years)

Upon completing the undergraduate degree, the next step is to pursue a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited program. This advanced degree typically takes two to three years to complete and delves deeper into specialized areas of counseling. It also includes practical experience through internships or practicum placements.

For more program options, please see our comprehensive guide to online master’s degrees in counseling and psychology.

Step 4: Earn a Counseling License (Timeline Varies)

Earning state licensure as a mental health counselor involves meeting specific educational, experiential, and examination requirements. After earning a master’s degree, most states legally allow graduates to work as mental health counselors, but they must meet a specific number of hours to obtain state licensure.

State licensure requirements vary by state, but typically include:

Earning a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution
Completing post-graduate clinical hours
Passing a state-approved examination

For instance, Washington State requires 36 months of full-time counseling experience or 3,000 hours of supervised postgraduate mental health counseling experience. In Pennsylvania, applicants must complete an exam and 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience within 2-6 years of graduation.

State licensure is required for most counseling practitioners across all 50 states, except for some entry-level positions and supportive administrative roles.

Step 5: Get Certified (Timeline Varies)

Earning professional counseling certification is the final step, and while not always required, it’s recommended to show a counselor has met high standards of professional ethics and care.

Various unique certifications are available depending on the individual’s area of interest. Here are some examples:

The National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) certification is available for those who wish to work in schools.
The Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification is geared toward those interested in providing various services, including assessments, diagnoses, and counseling.
For those interested in marriage and family therapy, the Marriage and Family Therapy Certification is offered by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

To learn more about detailed pathways for those with master’s degrees in counseling, please see our comprehensive careers in counseling page.

Counseling School Accreditation

Master’s in counseling programs can hold two types of accreditation:

Institutional: the entire institution is accredited by a regional organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Programmatic: the mental health counseling program holds accreditation status from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

CACREP-accredited graduate programs indicate a program has met the highest industry standards for educational quality. While not every state requires mental health counselors to graduate from a CACREP-accredited program, more than half of all 50 states need graduates to meet this requirement to be licensed and work legally as mental health counselors.

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

Rachel Drummond has used her expertise in education and mindfulness to guide aspiring counselors since 2020. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating reflective mindfulness into counseling techniques, helping readers understand how mental and physical well-being can enhance their professional practice and personal development in counseling.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.