Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Maryland
Counseling Schools Search
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Pursuing a counseling career in the state of Maryland can be a rewarding professional choice. Individuals seeking to establish a counseling career within the state can expect to find many job opportunities due to the state’s proximity to the diverse population of the Washington, DC metro area, as well as the number of challenges burdening the Maryland healthcare system.
Challenges to the state healthcare system include long waiting times for both behavioral health patients and patients with complex needs, a shortage of inpatient psychiatric hospital beds, workforce shortages, and a problematic funding model. Low reimbursement rates from insurance providers, the lingering mental health impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a shortage of providers holding significant cultural competence also present significant challenges.
Furthermore, limited resources available to youth and college-age adults are a particular problem. Recent graduates entering the workforce will thus find significant opportunities to fulfill the mental health needs of varied populations.
The state of Maryland currently features several accredited master’s-level counseling degree programs. Read on to discover how to pursue various counseling careers in Maryland, including detailed information about academic programs and licensing.
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Maryland
Bowie State University offers a master of arts in mental health counseling and a master of education in school counseling.
The master of arts in mental health counseling is a 60-credit program designed to provide graduates with the skills necessary to become licensed in Maryland. After completing foundational coursework and a comprehensive exam, students move on to advanced coursework. This advanced coursework features three field experiences totaling 1,000 pre-degree field hours. These field hours are also necessary for license eligibility. Students may attend on a full or part-time basis.
The master of education in school counseling is a 48-credit program designed to prepare graduates for work with children pre-K to grade 12. Successful graduates possess a comprehensive understanding of human identity and skills in data analysis, program development, and counseling methods.
- Location: Bowie, MD
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $448 per credit for residents; $730 per credit for out-of-state students
The Hood College Department of Psychology and Counseling offers a master of science in counseling degree featuring one of two specialties: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Both programs also offer training in the fields of thanatology and gerontology.
The clinical mental health counseling specialty is a 60-credit program featuring core courses, specialization courses, electives and a 700-hour practicum. Graduates of this program may seek not only state licensure but also seek to become National Certified Counselors (NCCs) through the National Board for Certified Counselors.
The school counseling specialization provides the training to become a certified school counselor in Maryland. The curriculum is also a 60-credit program and features coursework similar to that of the clinical mental health specialization; the primary distinction is the content of specialization courses. All school counseling specialty students must also complete a three-credit hour course on the topic of special education.
Graduates work with individuals and school systems to support the academic, career, and social-emotional growth of students. School counselors may work in a variety of settings, including multi-disciplinary teams in K-12 schools as well as school-based mental health programs.
- Location: Frederick, MD
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $765 per credit
The Johns Hopkins University School of Education offers a 60-credit master of science degree in counseling. Students select one of two concentrations: clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.
The programs feature evidence-based curricula aligned with both national and state standards, designed to provide graduates who will be skilled, ethical, and culturally sensitive counselors. Both programs include a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship requirement. Students of either concentration must complete the program within five years.
The clinical mental health counseling concentration fulfills the licensure requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland and other states. Graduates of the school counseling concentration hold the skills to work in K-12 school environments and may also seek certification as school counselors from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
School counseling concentration students must also pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) before or during their last semester.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Duration: Two to three years; students must complete within five years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $1,100 per credit
The Loyola University Maryland School of Education offers a 60-credit master of arts degree in school counseling. This program is recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). It meets both the requirements necessary to become a licensed professional counselor in Maryland and certification as a school counselor.
The curriculum provides the training necessary to become professional and culturally competent school counselors who will be advocates for both mental health and social justice in a variety of educational environments. School counselors provide not just mental health support but also nurture the social-emotional, career, and educational development of students.
Upon completing courses required by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors, graduates may become licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPCs).
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $675 per credit
The University of Maryland School of Public Health offers a 48-credit master of science degree in couple and family therapy. Students selecting a thesis option complete a total of 51 credits. The curriculum has three primary elements: didactic coursework, clinical practice, and supervised work with clients.
Graduates may pursue several career paths, including working as couple and family therapists, agency administrators, substance abuse counselors, and researchers.
Clinical students accrue experience in supervised client contact beginning in their first semester. Of the 500 contact hours required, 400 must be face-to-face contact and 200 of those hours must be working with couples or families. Students are expected to complete this program requirement by the end of the spring semester of their second year of study.
- Location: College Park, MD
- Duration: Two to three years; students must complete program within five years
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $19,035 per semester
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers a 60-credit master of science degree in rehabilitation counseling (MSRC). The curriculum is designed in alignment with standards provided by the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
Graduates complete various coursework, a final written examination, and an internship. Successful exam completion is necessary before students can begin their internship component. Successful graduates may become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs).
This program prepares graduates to help individuals with disabilities achieve the greatest level of vocational, psychological, economic, and social independence possible. The program conceives of rehabilitation as being a holistic process in which trained professionals recognize, value and incorporate the multiple aspects of an individual’s life into the rehabilitation services and planning they provide to clientele.
- Location: Princess Anne, MD
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Tuition: $828 per credit for Maryland residents; $1,805 per credit
Washington Adventist University
The Washington Adventist University Department of Psychology and Counseling offers two master of arts degrees focused on counseling. One program offers a counseling psychology curriculum, while the other, the clinical mental health counseling degree, offers the training necessary to seek licensure.
The master of arts in counseling psychology is a 39-credit, non-licensure program. Graduates of this program may work under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
The 60-credit master of arts in clinical mental health counseling is similar to the counseling psychology program but features an additional 21 hours of coursework. This curriculum provides graduates the training necessary to seek one of two licenses. Graduates may become Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) or specialize in substance abuse counseling and ultimately become Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADCs). Students become eligible to seek licensure after completing program requirements, which include 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.
- Location: Takoma Park, MD
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Institutional accreditation is provided by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition: $625 per credit
How Much Do Counselors Earn in Maryland?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2022—the latest data available as of November 2023.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 62,880 | 1,070 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $102,740 | $110,690 |
| 10th percentile | $42,760 | $61,250 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $90,130 | $105,440 |
| 90th percentile | $168,790 | $180,840 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 344,970 | 6,570 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $49,710 | $61,090 |
| 10th percentile | $34,580 | $35,840 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,710 | $57,380 |
| 90th percentile | $82,710 | $86,530 |
Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 62,080 | 920 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $63,300 | $81,320 |
| 10th percentile | $36,840 | $50,920 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $56,570 | $71,630 |
| 90th percentile | $98,700 | $127,260 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 82,420 | 2,100 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $46,020 | $43,020 |
| 10th percentile | $29,120 | $29,650 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $39,990 | $37,350 |
| 90th percentile | $71,270 | $63,290 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor Salaries
| United States | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 308,000 | 5,710 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,200 | $71,240 |
| 10th percentile | $38,280 | $46,410 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $60,140 | $64,570 |
| 90th percentile | $98,530 | $103,540 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Maryland
- Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
- Maryland Counseling Association
- Maryland School Counselor Association
- Maryland Association of Addiction Professionals
- Mental Health Association of Maryland
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Maryland: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists | Mental health counselors in Maryland are licensed as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors Candidates first apply to be LGPCs. The requirements include:
To transition from LGPC to LCPC, candidates must meet the above requirements as well as:
|
Counseling licenses in Maryland expire two years after the date they were issued. It costs $301 to renew a counseling license. Counselors must complete 40 continuing education units per renewal. |
School Counseling Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland State Department of Education |
The Maryland State Department of Education issues certification for school counselors. The five options for qualification for this certificate are:
|
School counselor certificates issued in Maryland are valid for five years. To renew, counselors must:
|
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists | The Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists credentials Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADC) and Licensed Graduate Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LGADC). They also certify Certified Supervised Counselors-Alcohol and Drug (CSC-AD), Certified Associate Counselors-Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD), and Alcohol and Drug Trainees (ADT). To earn an ADT certification, applicants must:
To earn a CSC-AD certification, applicants must:
To earn a CAC-AD certification, applicants must:
LGADC license candidates must:
LCADCs must meet all the requirements for LGADCs, as well as:
|
Licenses and certificates issued by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists expire every two years. Renewals for certificate holders or trainees are $200, while renewals for license holders cost $301. All certificate and license holders must complete 40 continuing education hours, of which 30 hours must be formal courses, classes, or lectures. |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation counselors in Maryland are credentialed as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) or Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPCs). Candidates first apply to be LGPCs. The requirements include:
To transition from LGPC to LCPC, candidates must meet the above requirements as well as:
|
Counseling licenses in Maryland expire two years after the date they were issued. It costs $301 to renew a counseling license. Counselors must complete 40 continuing education units per renewal. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists | Behavior Analysts in Maryland are licensed by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Requirements for licensure are:
|
Renewals for licenses in Maryland are required every two years. The fee is $301. To renew, analysts must submit a completed application, as well as proof of current BCBA or BCBA-D certification. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists |
The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist credentials Licensed Graduate Marriage & Family Therapists (LGMFT) and Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapists (LCMFT). LGMFT candidates must:
To transition from an LGMFT to LCMFT, candidates must meet the above requirements, as well as:
|
Marriage and family therapy licenses in Maryland expire two years after the date they were issued. It costs $301 to renew a counseling license. Counselors must complete 40 continuing education units per renewal. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Maryland
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists |
Child therapists in Maryland are credentialed as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) or Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPCs). Candidates first apply to be LGPCs. The requirements include:
To transition from LGPC to LCPC, candidates must meet the above requirements as well as:
|
Counseling licenses in Maryland expire two years after the date they were issued. It costs $301 to renew a counseling license. Counselors must complete 40 continuing education units per renewal. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].