Counselors work with patients to help guide them through difficult life situations, disorders, or addictions. Specific professional responsibilities for counselors vary based on their chosen population.
In Louisiana, about 6,160 professionals currently work as educational, guidance, and career counselors. The state also employs 3,910 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.
Graduates with counseling degrees in Louisiana who want to pursue licensure can look to the Louisiana State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors to explore their options. The board offers seven different licenses, including licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist credentials.
Degree-seekers can refer to the rankings below to learn more about the best counseling programs in the state. These rankings include information on program length, course topics, and credit requirements.
Top 10 Counseling Degree Programs in Louisiana
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Career Outlook for Counselors in Louisiana
Counseling professionals can consider many different specialty areas, allowing them to work with different patient populations. Common specialty areas include rehabilitation counseling, mental health counseling, and school counselors.
Educational, guidance, and career counselors in Louisiana earned an annual mean wage of $55,500 as of May 2019. These counselors experience the highest employment levels in elementary and secondary schools, the highest concentration of employment in educational support services, and the highest pay in the federal executive branch.
School counselors focus on different responsibilities, depending on their grade level. These professionals can work in elementary, middle, or high schools, helping to develop students’ skills, cultivate successful learning environments, and reach academic goals. Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities to live independently.
Counselors working in the rehabilitation discipline in Louisiana earned an annual mean wage of $48,460 as of May 2019. The insurance carrier industry offers the highest salaries for rehabilitation counselors in the state. The vocational rehabilitation services industry offers the highest levels of employment and the highest concentration of employment for the occupation.
Counseling Degree Programs in Louisiana
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Louisiana State University
College of Human Sciences and Education
As one of just 25 universities nationwide holding both land-grant and sea-grant designations, Louisiana State University is the flagship public research institution situated in the state capital of Baton Rouge within the southeastern region of the state. Home to a community of more than 33,000 students and faculty members, LSU is currently ranked as the 135th best college and 68th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Recognized as the 100th best education school, the College of Human Sciences and Education is committed to advancing the cognitive, social, communicative, emotional, and physical development of individuals.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Community Counseling
Designed to prepare students to function as professional counselors in a variety of community-based human service settings ranging from mental health treatment facilities to private practices and college counseling centers, the Master of Arts inCommunity Counselingprogram focuses on developing the knowledge and skill areas specified by current preparation standards as well as the best practices in the counseling profession. As the program meets the educational requirements for licensure to meet the mental health needs of clients in Louisiana or nationwide, graduates from the program are well-prepared for work with diverse populations to foster personal growth.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling
With the goal of producing competent professional counselors who can effectively serve the educational, social, emotional, and developmental needs of K-12 students in elementary and secondary schools across the state, the Master of Education in School Counseling program is centered on the practical skills needed to collaborate with students, their families, and other educators to ensure children reach their fullest potential. Throughout the 54-credit program, students are prepared for licensure in coursework on counseling theories, group dynamics, interventions, family counseling, career development, disabilities, and school counseling practicum.
Accreditations
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
221 Peabody Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
(225) 578-2043
chseinfo@lsu.edu
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Louisiana Tech University
Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
With its reputation for offering an intimate private college atmosphere at a comprehensive public institution, Louisiana Tech University is located in the rural setting of Ruston as the only research university classified with high research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation in northern Louisiana. LTU is currently ranked as the 190th best college and 108th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the 155th best education school, the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to offering programs to serve communities in a diverse and complex ever-evolving society.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Committed to diversity, the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program involves rigorous preparation in research, multiculturalism, wellness, social justice, and counseling skills. Beyond the total 60 credit hours of coursework, the program requires students to complete a series of practicum and a full-time 600-hour internship for valuable hands-on field learning. Therefore, the degree can typically be completed in two to three years of full-time post-baccalaureate study.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Counseling
With the goal of preparing professional school counselors who can provide a supportive and encouraging learning environment for diverse students in elementary and secondary schools, the Master of Arts in School Counseling program prepares graduates for eligibility as a Certified School Counselor in Louisiana. Throughout the two to three year full-time program, students are required to complete a total of 48 credit hours, 100 hours of practicum, and a full-time 600-hour internship in a school-based setting in the final semester.
Accreditations
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
700 West California Avenue
P.O. Box 10048
Ruston, LA 71272
(318) 257-4097
ichauvin@latech.edu
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Loyola University - New Orleans
Department of Counseling
Just 20 minutes from the heart of the French Quarter in the prestigious Uptown section of the "Big Easy," Loyal University – New Orleans is a comprehensive private Catholic institution that emphasizes the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person. Recognized among the top 29 in the nation for service learning programs, Loyola is currently ranked as the 9th best college and 7th top value university in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the College of Social Sciences, the Department of Counseling is dedicated to incorporating academic, experiential, and intrapersonal learning to develop professional counselors for serving in the underserved communities of the state.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Intended to provide training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders that are hindering individuals' quality of life, the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program focuses on performing multicultural counseling to work with clients of various ages and diverse backgrounds. Under the science-practitioner model, students in the program learn how to conceptualize clients using the dimensions that make up a person, including the biological underpinnings of behavior, psychological, interpersonal, and socio-cultural perspectives.
Accreditations
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
Mercy Hall Room 210
6363 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 864-7864
cebrahim@loyno.edu
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Southeastern Louisiana University
Department of Counselor Education
As the third largest public institution in Louisiana that still retains small class sizes for its more than 15,000 students, Southeastern Louisiana University is located in the rural setting of Hammond to serve the educational needs of the entire southeast region of the state. Recipient of the South Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES) Outstanding Master's Program Award, the SLU Department of Counselor Education is committed to preparing future counselors with the core values of diversity, wellness, academic excellence, and the holistic embodiment of counseling.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and effective practices needed to effectively perform a wide range of therapeutic services among diverse clients in various mental health settings, the Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program focuses on understanding the appraisal methods that assess client issues or DSM-IV-TR diagnoses to implement appropriate treatments. Throughout the 60-credit program, students are exposed to the underlying principles of mental health as they relate to prevention, intervention, diagnosis, treatment, advocacy, multicultural competencies, education, and consultation.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
The Master of Education in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program is structured to provide students with the knowledge base and skills necessary for addressing a wide range of issues in the context of families and relationships. Following a unique approach to viewing situations from a systemic perspective, the 60-credit program includes a seamless blend of academic courses, practicum experiences, and two semesters of full-time internships 30 clock hours per week. At the completion of the typically three-year program, graduates are eligible to apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), but will need extra training and experience to pursue licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling
Ideal for students who wish to perform the role of professional school counselor in K-12 settings in order to help promote the academic, personal, career, and social develop of all students from diverse backgrounds, the Master of Education in School Counseling program follows a three-year plan of study in a variety of course delivery formats, including online and hybrid. Requiring students to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours and 700 hours of hands-on experience working as counselors in school environments, the program also provides students with the unique opportunity to shadow a professional school counselor before becoming an intern to better understand the various responsibilities.
Accreditations
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
White Hall Room 108A
Hammond, LA 70402
(985) 549-2309
selucounseling@selu.edu
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Southern University and A&M College
Department of Behavioral Studies
Situated in the heart of the state capital of Baton Rouge, Southern University and A&M College is a comprehensive public institution that provides bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. With more African American graduates earning their degrees from SU A&M than any other institution in the United States, the campus is part of the only historically black land-grant university in the nation. Within the College of Education, the Department of Behavioral Studies is committed to providing students with the psychological foundations of education to meet both academic and mental health needs.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling
Designed to prepare competent professional counselors for the 21st century who can effectively assume leadership and advocacy roles to promote optimal development for all clients and families, especially from culturally diverse populations, the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program is focused on developing the skills of etiology, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Throughout the two to three-year full-time program, students are required to complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of academic credit, 100 clock hours of practicum, and 900 hours of internship experience in an approved mental health facility.
Accreditations
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
242 W.W. Stewart Hall
P.O. Box 9983
Baton Rouge, LA 70813
(225) 771-2890
harry_albert@cxs.subr.edu
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University of Louisiana Monroe
Department of Counseling
As part of the University of Louisiana System situated on an urban 238-acre campus in the heart of downtown Monroe, the University of Louisiana at Monroe is a comprehensive public institution that has been recognized for having the greatest percent of faculty holding PhD degrees and the most nationally accredited academic programs in the state. Within the College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Department of Counseling is dedicated to providing real practical experiences to train professionals to help others lead healthy and productive lives.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
As a revered program that provides students with opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for a professional counseling career in a variety of mental health settings, the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree is focused on contributing to the knowledge in human services and counseling through scholarly contributions and providing service to the greater community. Leading to recognition by the State of Louisiana for meeting the coursework requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), the program requires students to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Marriage and Family Therapy
As one of only a few universities in the nation that offers a program dually accredited by theCOAMFTEand the CACREP, the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program follows an intensive two-year plan of graduate studies for a total of 60 credit hours and meets academic requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana.
Master of Science (M.S.) in School Counseling
Ideal for students with passion to help youth who are interested in pursuing a career as a school counselor, school administration, higher education counselor, career counselor, vocation counselor, or consultant, the Master of Science in School Counseling program is centered on preparing students to provide guidance to children and adolescents on important life and career decisions. Requiring students to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, the program provides the essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for practice in diverse K-12 school communities.
Accreditations
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209
(318) 342-1246
dupre@ulm.edu
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University of New Orleans
Department of Counselor Education
Situated on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain about 20 minutes from the French Quarter, the University of New Orleans is a major public research institution with more than 8,500 students in the heart of the culturally rich international city. Within the College of Education, the UNO Department of Counselor Education is accredited to award students with Master's degrees to begin their professional career as competent and culturally aware counselors.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Designed for individuals who have a desire to serve as counselors in a variety of community mental health settings including substance abuse treatment programs, court systems, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and clinics, the Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program emphasizes prevention of emotional and mental disorders, early intervention, and empowerment of clients. For completion, students are required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, 100 clock hours of practicum, and a 600-hour full-time internship in the last semester under the supervision of faculty.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling
Adapted to the developmental-wellness model of viewing human emotional and mental problems as normal to existence and developmental in nature, the Master of Education in School Counseling program is ideal for qualified students who wish to serve as P-12 school counselors at either the elementary or secondary levels. After completing the required 60 credits hours and 700 hours of field experience in a school environment, graduates can add counseling as an endorsement to their current Louisiana teaching certificate or qualify for initial certification as a Certified School Counselor.
Accreditations
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
2000 Lakeshore Drive
New Orleans, LA 70148
(888) 514-4275
aohanlon@uno.edu
While the demand for more qualified professional counselors continues to steadily grow across various mental health settings, it is the perfect time for students who are interested in making a difference in the lives of others to enter the helping profession. If you are born and raised or considering moving to the “Bayou State,” it is recommended that you further investigate these top-notch accredited counseling degree programs in Louisiana to start your counseling career.
