Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Mississippi
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“I would tell students to seek out counseling themselves. Every graduate program that I’ve worked with emphasizes this but it’s often something students don’t take seriously. It’s invaluable for aspiring students to have someone to talk to about their background, childhood struggles, and insecurities.”
Richard Sheridan, PhD, Chair of the Psychology Department, William Carey
Pursuing a counseling career in Mississippi can be a rewarding professional choice. Mississippi offers several accredited master’s-level counseling degree programs.
Mississippi has a substantial need for skilled mental health professionals due to its high poverty rate and barriers to healthcare access. According to Mental Health America, Mississippi comes in at number 42 for access to care, making it one of the worst in the nation.
Mississippi’s delivery of mental health care services is also problematic and impacts access efforts. The state frequently incarcerates people while they are waiting for a bed in a state hospital. Such an outcome is attributable partly to an insufficient supply of community-based programs. Jails thus become the de facto waiting stations for people needing substantial mental health care. Some individuals have also been institutionalized when outpatient care in a community program setting would have been the most suitable response.
State system issues ultimately led to federal court action in which Mississippi was determined to have violated the rights of people with mental illnesses. The United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division previously found that the state failed to meet the longstanding Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Despite receiving federal notification of system issues, Mississippi has struggled to address its most pressing deficiencies. A lack of sufficient mental health care resources suggests Mississippi will continue to have a high level of need for new professionals working in specializations such as substance abuse, elder care, and individuals with disabilities.
Read on to discover how to join various counseling careers in Mississippi, including detailed information about academic programs and licensing.
Ask an Expert: Richard Sheridan, PhD, LPC-S
Richard Sheridan, PhD, LPC-S
Dr. Richard Sheridan is the chair of the psychology department at William Carey University, where he has been since 2014. Throughout his career, Dr. Sheridan has provided therapeutic services to diverse populations in various clinical contexts across Nevada, Louisiana, and Mississippi. His doctoral studies focused on Milan Systemic therapy, the MRI group, and the theories of classic marriage and family researchers.
He holds a PhD in marriage and family therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe, a master of arts in marriage and family counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a bachelor of arts in biblical studies and psychology from William Carey College. Additionally, Dr. Sheridan is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the State of Mississippi.
CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about clinical mental health counselors?
Dr. Sheridan: It is important to understand that mental health counseling is a qualified professional position, and people in this field have extensive training in a number of specialties. We have professionals who are great at working with adults, but aren’t up to date with evidence-based practices for children. Some counselors are really skilled at working with people who have anxiety but may not work very well with people who have PTSD.
Sometimes people will go to a counselor, and may not have the best experience, and think counseling isn’t for them and dismiss the whole profession. However, I think that’s because they didn’t find the right match, and they went to a counselor who was not the right fit for them or didn’t have any right expertise. Try different counselors with different specializations.
CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring mental health counseling students in Mississippi?
Dr. Sheridan: Number one, I would tell students to seek out counseling themselves. Every graduate program that I’ve worked with emphasizes this but it’s often something students don’t take seriously. It’s invaluable for aspiring students to have someone to talk to about their background, childhood struggles, and insecurities.
The second piece of advice is having a good supervisor is the most important. In Mississippi, there are not enough counseling supervisors, and the ones that there are tend to be consolidated in higher population areas. Since Mississippi is a rural state, there are big pockets of the state where students may struggle to find a supervisor. Then, what tends to happen is the first eligible supervisor a student finds—they jump on that opportunity. While that supervisor may not be the best fit, it’s the only one they can get.
If you’re matched with a supervisor who doesn’t have the same theoretical approach or a personality that fits with you, it can be hard for a student to complete the steps required for a full independent license. There’s a need for more professionals to take the next step to become supervisors.
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Mississippi
Delta State University offers a master of education degree in counseling. Students select one of two specializations: clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) or school counseling.
CMHC specialization graduates are prepared to work in a variety of counseling settings both within Mississippi and elsewhere in the United States. Upon successfully passing the National Counselor Exam, graduates may seek a provisional licensed professional counselor credential from the relevant state licensing agency.
Graduates of the school counseling specialization possess the training to work in the field nationwide. Students should note, however, that licensing requirements may vary by state. Graduates are eligible to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and, upon satisfactory completion, seek a provisional licensed professional counselor credential.
- Location: Cleveland, MS
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Jackson State University offers three separate counseling degree programs. These are a master of science in education with a school counseling concentration, a master of science in clinical mental health counseling, and a master of science in rehabilitation counseling.
The master of science in education with a concentration in school counseling is a 60-credit program comprising nine hours of core courses, 45 credits of concentration courses, and six credits for a two-semester internship. Several courses must be completed before a student is eligible to begin the internship.
The master of science in clinical mental health counseling is similar to the master of science in education in terms of the number of credits earned from the core, concentration, and internship coursework. The internship in counseling requires the completion of 600 clock hours. The internship is a supervised professional experience that aligns with the student’s specialization. At least 240 of the 600 clock hours must be direct service hours with clients.
The rehabilitation counseling degree is a 60-credit program consisting of 24 credits of foundational coursework, 21 credits designed to foster skills development, six credits of elective credits, and at least 700 clock hours of experience.
- Location: Jackson, MS
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Mississippi College offers three separate 60-credit graduate level counseling programs. These programs are the master of science in mental health counseling, a master of science in marriage and family counseling, and a master of education in school counseling.
The MS in mental health uses a biopsychosocial model to train practitioners in the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective counseling professionals. Graduates may seek national counseling certification and complete the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
The MS degree in marriage and family counseling curriculum provides students the training to work with couples and families in various settings, including churches, service agencies, and hospitals. A supervised clinical training experience is another requirement. Graduates may seek national counseling certification and licensure as licensed professional counselors (LPCs).
The school counseling degree offers a curriculum featuring theory, skills, and clinical experiential courses. Graduates emerge with an understanding of how counselors work within a school system and the skills necessary to work in numerous settings with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Graduates may apply for licensure as a school counselor, seek national counseling certification and also apply to become an LPC.
- Location: Clinton, MS
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The Mississippi State University Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Foundations offers 60-credit master of science degrees in three areas: clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and school counseling.
The clinical mental health counseling program prepares graduates to serve as mental health professionals in numerous settings, including community mental health agencies, inpatient clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, and child and family service agencies. Graduates also may elect to establish their own private practice.
The curriculum consists of 24 credits of core courses, 15 credits of specialized courses, nine credits of clinical training, and 12 credits of elective courses. Students are also expected to participate in professional development and social justice activities. Graduates become eligible to complete the NBCC Certification Examination (NCE) and the Mississippi PLPC credential.
The rehabilitation counseling program emphasizes the critical value of both academic knowledge and hands-on fieldwork experience. Fieldwork consists of both a practicum and an internship. The practicum serves as a prerequisite for the more demanding internship experience. Students may complete the national certification examination in their last semester of study to become certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs). Students who complete 12 additional credits of particular courses can also apply for the State of Mississippi LPC credential.
The master’s degree in school counseling program provides the training necessary for licensure as a school counselor in Mississippi. Requirements include traditional academic coursework as well as practicum and internship experiences. Students who wish to pursue additional training at MSU may complete a doctorate and then become licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Graduates may work in various roles as pre-K-12 counselors, child behavior therapists, and counselors in both community college and university settings.
- Location: Starkville, MS
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Mississippi State University-Meridian
The Mississippi State University Meridian campus offers counseling degree programming. Students can pursue a master of science degree in counseling or become an educational specialist (EdS) with a concentration in either clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Details on the master of science degree programs can be found under the entry for the main MSU campus located in Starkville, just above this entry.
The education specialist in counseling degree requires a minimum of 30 credits. This program is designed for individuals seeking levels of certification or licensure beyond what they could traditionally obtain through completing a master’s degree alone. Students must have earned a master’s degree before application.
Education specialists may work in many environments, including K-12 settings, community mental health agencies, vocational rehabilitation centers, and both community college and university settings.
- Location: Meridian, MS
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
The University of Mississippi offers a 60-credit master of education (MEd) degree in counselor education. Students may choose a track in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.
The clinical mental health counseling track provides students with the training necessary to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in Mississippi. Graduates customarily work with individuals, families, and other groups on several issues, including depression, substance abuse, stress, and grief in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
To graduate, students must complete coursework, a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship. They must also pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). Furthermore, students may take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) in their final semester. This program can be completed over seven academic terms.
The school counseling track can typically be completed within 24 months. Some requirements are typically completed in summer and winter terms. It is similar to the clinical mental health counseling track in terms of practicum and internship requirements and the CPCE requirement. Graduates fulfill the requirements to become licensed as school counselors in Mississippi. Students may complete the PRAXIS exam in school counseling before graduation and the state licensing exam after graduation.
- Location: University, MS
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Accredited by both the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a 60-credit master of science degree in counseling psychology and a 48-credit master of education in school counseling and guidance services.
The master of science in counseling helps students become scientist-practitioners skilled in making evidence-based diagnoses and interventions within diverse populations, settings, and conditions. The curriculum also provides interdisciplinary training opportunities and empowers students to become skilled consumers of psychological research. In addition, the curriculum overlaps with a parallel doctoral program. Students interested in later pursuing doctoral studies will find themselves well-prepared for such advanced study. Clinical training begins early in the curriculum sequence. In their second year of study, students complete a 600-hour internship and a 100-hour practicum.
The master of education in school counseling and guidance services offers a curriculum featuring a mixture of theory, research, and experiential learning designed to be completed over eight semesters. This hybrid program provides online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses and is designed to create culturally and ethically competent school counselors ready to work in various settings. Summer course offerings are strictly on-campus. The program is designed to meet Mississippi licensure requirements for the profession of school counseling.
- Location: Hattiesburg, MS
- Duration: Two years (eight semesters that include two summer terms)
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
William Carey University is a private Christian university offering a masters level counseling degree with several concentrations including school counseling, Christian counseling, counseling, gerontology, child and adolescent counseling, and school psychometry. The curriculum is designed to lead to certification and/or licensure in all concentration areas.
The school counseling concentration is a 48-credit program that requires matriculating students to already possess a standard teaching license/certificate. An alternate program is available for students who do not already hold a license.
The Christian counseling concentration is a 60-credit program created for individuals who wish to practice as licensed professional counselors in religious settings. Up to nine credit hours may be transferred from another educational institution. Those seeking licensure must select certain courses to meet their elective requirements.
Those seeking to serve as unlicensed ministers may select the 36-credit master of science in Christian counseling. However, ministers enrolling in this program must already be ordained. In addition to 30 hours of core courses, students complete six credit hours of elective courses. Such electives help students develop knowledge in particular topics such as research, marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, and aging.
The 60-credit counseling concentration provides training to work with a variety of populations, including families and couples. Students of this concentration complete a practicum in individual counseling and a clinical internship of three to 12 credit credits.
The gerontology and child and adolescent concentrations feature a curriculum similar to the counseling concentration but provide a particular focus on issues specific to aging and child and adolescent health and development, respectively.
The 48-credit-hour school psychometry concentration provides the training necessary to become a school psychometrist. A primary duty of this role is to administer and interpret student assessments to generate reports and individual education plans. Such individuals thus play an important role in meeting the educational planning needs of a diverse student body. This program features 21 credits of specialized coursework specific to the psychometry profession.
- Location: Hattiesburg, MS
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
How Much Do Counselors Earn in Mississippi?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2023)—the latest data available as of April 2024.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salaries
| United States | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 71,730 | 210 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $106,600 | Data unavailable |
| 10th percentile | $48,820 | Data unavailable |
| 50th percentile (median) | $96,100 | Data unavailable |
| 90th percentile | $168,870 | Data unavailable |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor Salaries
| United States | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 397,880 | 1,990 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,080 | $47,500 |
| 10th percentile | $36,700 | $29,640 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,710 | $42,010 |
| 90th percentile | $89,920 | $63,980 |
Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries
| United States | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 63,340 | Data unavailable |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $68,730 | $46,330 |
| 10th percentile | $39,090 | $42,270 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,510 | $46,280 |
| 90th percentile | $104,710 | $52,000 |
Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries
| United States | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 84,750 | 570 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $48,430 | $43,630 |
| 10th percentile | $31,390 | $25,420 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,040 | $41,620 |
| 90th percentile | $73,710 | $64,440 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor Salaries
| United States | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 327,660 | 2,680 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $66,990 | $53,850 |
| 10th percentile | $40,140 | $35,310 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,710 | $54,210 |
| 90th percentile | $100,050 | $73,450 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Mississippi
- Mississippi Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mississippi Licensed Professional Counselor Association
- Mississippi Department of Mental Health
- Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Mississippi Department of Education Licensure Information
- Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Mississippi: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors |
Mississippi licenses Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (P-LPC) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). To earn P-LPC licensure, candidates must:
To be licensed as an LPC, candidates must:
|
Mississippi requires counselors to renew their licenses biennially by June 30th of even-numbered years. LPC licenses cost $220 to renew and P-LPC only $50. Counselors are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, six of which must be in ethics. Additionally, counselors are required to pass the state jurisprudence exam, which counts for three hours of ethics continuing education. A new background check must be completed every six years. |
School Counseling Licenses in Mississippi
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Department of Education |
The Mississippi Department of Education issues a Five Year Educator License in Guidance and Counseling. There are three pathways to qualify for this license. Candidates must fulfill one of the following conditions:
|
School counselor licenses issued in Mississippi must be renewed every five years. To renew, school counselors must do one of the following:
|
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Mississippi
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
The Mississippi Association of Addiction Professionals (MAAP) and the Division of Professional Licensure and Certification of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (PLACE) issue certifications for substance abuse counselors in Mississippi. MAAP issues the reciprocal certifications of Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC-I), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC-II), and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), as well as the nonreciprocal training certification of Certified Intern Counselor (CIC). CIC certificate candidates must:
CADC, CADC-I, and CADC-II requirements are all the same, except for small variations in education and supervision and work experience hours.
CAADC certification candidates must:
PLACE issues Provisionally Certified Addictions Therapist (PCAT) and Certified Addictions Therapist (CAT). PCAT certifications are issued for only two years. Candidates must:
CAT certificate applicants must meet the PCAT requirements, as well as:
| MAAP requires recertification every two years. CICs must complete 20 hours of continuing education and CACDs, CACD-Is, CACD-IIs, and CAADCs must complete 40 hours. Two of those hours must be in ethics and two must be in person-centered planning. Renewal fees are $115. PCAT certifications issued by PLACE do not renew. CAT certificates expire on June 30th of even-numbered years. To renew, counselors must:
|
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Mississippi
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors | In Mississippi, rehabilitation counselors are licensed as Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (P-LPC) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). To earn P-LPC licensure, candidates must:
To be licensed as an LPC, candidates must:
|
Mississippi requires counselors to renew their licenses biennially by June 30th of even-numbered years. LPC licenses cost $220 to renew and P-LPC only $50. Counselors are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, six of which must be in ethics. Additionally, counselors are required to pass the state jurisprudence exam, which counts for three hours of ethics continuing education. A new background check must be completed every six years. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Mississippi
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Licensing Board for the Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis |
The Mississippi Licensing Board for the Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis licenses Behavior Analysts and Assistant Behavior Analysts. Requirements for licensure are:
|
Behavior analyst licenses in Mississippi run concurrently with the BCBA certification. Both the certification and license must be renewed before the certification expires. To renew, applicants must:
|
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Mississippi
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists |
The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists credentials Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associates (LMFTA). Requirements for an LMFTA license are:
Candidates for an LMFT license must meet the LMFTA license requirements as well as:
|
Marriage and family therapist licenses issued in Mississippi must be renewed every two years. LMFTA renewals cost $100 and LMFT renewals cost $200. Therapists must complete 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period. Four of those hours must be in ethics. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Mississippi
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors |
In Mississippi, child therapists are licensed as Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (P-LPC) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). To earn P-LPC licensure, candidates must:
To be licensed as an LPC, candidates must:
|
Mississippi requires counselors to renew their licenses biennially by June 30th of even-numbered years. LPC licenses cost $220 to renew and P-LPC only $50. Counselors must complete 24 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, six of which must be in ethics. Additionally, counselors must pass the state jurisprudence exam, which counts for three hours of ethics continuing education. A new background check must be completed every six years. |
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].
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.