Top 8 CACREP Accredited Online Christian Counseling Programs | The Complete 2023 Guide

Sit back and hold on tight, because we’re about to give you the full low-down of everything you need to know about CACREP accredited online Christian counseling programs! Do people tend to seek out your advice? Are you known for your listening skills, compassion, faith in God’s power, and a desire to see people thrive? Well if so, you have come to the right place, because it sounds like you might be a Christian counselor in the making.

There are many different counseling paths that you can pursue based on your individual interests. Perhaps you want to help couples in marriage counseling. Or maybe you love kids and want to work in a school. Or maybe you are passionate about helping people plagued by addictions. Whatever your goals, all counselors use various therapeutic techniques to empower others to discover effective paths for healing, understanding, and wholeness.

What Do I Need to Begin Pursuing CACREP Accredited Online Christian Counseling Programs?

There are a couple of different avenues to become a therapist. But we’re guessing you are especially interested in becoming a licensed professional counselor who is qualified for independent practice.

If that’s the case, to begin pursuing this path, you’ll need an undergraduate degree. Some graduate schools also require some undergrad psychology credits and minimum GPA’s. Don’t panic if your bachelor’s is in something other than Psychology, however. Most CACREP programs will admit applicants with other academic backgrounds as long as they are strong students and promising applicants.

Article Navigation: Why is CACREP Accreditation Important | Differences Between Traditional and Christian Counseling Degrees Online | The Top 8 CACREP Accredited Online Christian Counseling Programs Under $50K | What is the Difference Between CACREP and CAEP Accreditation | Minimum Licensing Standards through CACREP Accredited Online Christian Counseling Programs | Find Your Masters Online with GetEducated

Why is CACREP Accreditation Important

CACREP stands for the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Founded in 1981, they evaluate counseling programs at universities across the country and grant accreditation to programs that align with the high standards of the counseling profession. They currently accredit over 900 programs on both the master’s and doctoral levels.

It’s important to note that there may be some types of online Christian counseling degrees that CACREP does not have accreditation standards for and, therefore, cannot accredit. It’s also important to note that CACREP accredits specific degree programs and not entire schools. For example, a school might have a CACREP accredited program in Clinical Mental Health while also having a non-accredited program in Biblical Counseling.

What Programs Does CACREP Accredit?

CACREP provides accreditation for nine types of master’s degrees but only one type of doctoral degree!

CACREP Accredited Online Counseling Programs – Master’s:

• Addiction Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Rehabilitation Counseling/Clinical
• Community Counseling
• Career Counseling
• Gerontological Counseling
• College Counseling/Student Affairs
• School Counseling
• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Online CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs – Doctoral:

• Counseling Education and Supervision

What are CACREP Standards?

All programs are evaluated based on achieving excellence within eight core curricular areas:

1. Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
2. Social and Cultural Diversity
3. Human Growth and Development
4. Career Development
5. Counseling and Helping Relationships
6. Group Counseling and Group Work
7. Assessment and Testing
8. Research and Program Evaluation

In addition to being evaluated in these eight areas, CACREP also has specific specialization standards for each degree.

Differences Between Traditional and Christian Counseling Degrees Online – CACREP Accredited Online Christian Counseling Programs

There are a couple of important facets that set apart CACREP accredited online Christian counseling programs from traditional programs. The main areas where differences will arise are: mission, courses, faith integration, and practical career applications.

• Mission: The mission of a Christian University and Christian program is going to extend beyond academic goals. While these CACREP accredited programs will be just as rigorous as a traditional program, accredited Christian counseling programs anchor their mission on God’s heart for humanity and equip students to share His Kingdom through their counseling practice.
• Courses: Most accredited Christian counseling programs include specific courses on Christianity and on the intersection of faith and counseling.
• Integration: Even when courses aren’t specifically about faith, Christian programs integrate biblical worldviews and principles into lessons to help students understand how to holistically integrate faith into their own professional practice.
• Practical Career Applications: Lots of times students who pursue Christian counseling degrees are working toward being a specifically Christian counselor. They may wish to practice within a church, ministry, etc.
• Christian counseling group: Many of the graduates from these programs will help clients work toward personal healing and growth through best-practice techniques combined with biblical principles and spiritual transformation.

The Top 8 CACREP Accredited Online Christian Counseling Programs Under $50K

It can be super overwhelming to try to sort through all of your options. We know there is no shortage of CACREP accredited online programs. So to point you in the right direction, we gathered a list of the eight best online CACREP counseling programs from Christian universities that we think you should know about.

1. Indiana Wesleyan University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $34,680

   Indiana Wesleyan University offers a robust CACREP accredited online program founded on the integration of counseling and faith. Within their broader Christian counseling degree, IWU offers six different areas of focus. However, the only area that is accredited by CACREP is their Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree.

   This is a 60 credit degree that prepares students for licensure. The program includes 14 core courses, nine electives, and 700 practicum hours (with at least 290 direct contact hours). Core courses include classes like: “Human Growth and Development,” “Integration of Christian Faith in Professional Counseling,” and “Assessment and Intervention in Clinical Mental Health.”

   For admission, students must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, six undergrad credits in Psychology (three of which must be Abnormal Psychology), six undergrad credits in Bible, a writing sample, and three recommendations. Students with a GPA below 3.25 must also submit GRE scores. Before final admission, all prospective students must participate in an interview process.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    

2. Liberty University

   Degrees: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $35,393; $37,193

   Liberty offers several counseling specializations within the Master’s and Doctoral levels. The two CACREP accredited programs are their Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and their PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision.

   Their master’s program is 60 credits and takes an average of 2.5 years to complete. It trains students for state licensure and prepares them to have their own clinical counseling practice. The program includes coursework, a two semester internship, and two on-campus intensives. Core courses include: “Multicultural Counseling,” “Theories of Counseling,” and “Psychopathology.”

   Liberty’s CACREP doctoral program prepares practicing counselors to educate the next generation of counselors. It aims to blend real-world experience with the teaching and supervisory techniques needed to train others. This degree requires courses like “Advanced Theory Application & Orientation” and “Dissemination of Research & Scholarship”. It also requires several hands-on internships.

   Admission requirements vary quite a bit between the Master’s and Doctoral CACREP programs. Check out the links for all the specifics:

   – Admission requirements for Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   – Admission requirements for PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

    

3. Concordia University Irvine

   Degree: Master of Arts in Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $36,040

   The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine was founded by Dr. John Townsend. Best known for his world-renowned and bestselling Boundaries series, Dr. Townsend personally teaches and interacts with students within this CACREP online program.

   The Master of Arts in Counseling is a 60 credit online Christian counseling degree that sets itself apart by emphasizing personal interactions with faculty and classmates. The program begins with a 4-day-long residency—a series of trainings led by Dr. Townsend and other faculty. Throughout the program, students also participate in eight growth groups. The coursework is 100% online, but these requirements help anchor the program with human interaction and mentorship.

   Students looking to apply to Concordia should be prepared to submit:

   – An undergraduate transcript with a 3.0 or above GPA
   – A written essay
   – Two professional references
   – A resume and must also participate in an interview with faculty

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Counseling

    

4. Malone University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Education / Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $37,545

   Malone University offers a 2-3 year online Christian counseling degree. It may be taken either synchronously or asynchronously. Their program is well-rounded and offers a great variety of classes that allow students to gain experience in many facets of mental health. Malone boasts an impressive 99% employment rate after completion of the program. Overall, this school equips students to take Christ’s Kingdom into the counseling field.

   This 60-credit CACREP online program begins with 24 hours of foundations courses. Those are followed by 24 hours of Clinical Mental Health Courses and 3 hours of electives. Foundational courses include classes like “Human Growth & Development” and “Counseling Children & Adolescents” while the Mental Health courses include classes like “Abnormal Psychology” and “Diagnosis of Mental Disorders.” Throughout the program, students will also participate in three different practicum/ internships.

   Malone has a fairly straightforward admissions process. They require an undergrad GPA of at least 3.0, a separate counseling application, and an online group interview.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Education / Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    

5. Grace College & Theological Seminary

   Degree: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $40,440

   Grace College is dedicated to preparing students to be compassionate and excellent counselors. Graduates help others through difficult times through the lens of a biblically faithful worldview. This is a 60-credit online Christian counseling degree that also requires a seven day, in-person residency. During this time on campus, students will form ties with other students and faculty members while also engaging in fast-paced courses, evaluations, spiritual growth development, and more.

   Students enrolled in this program will venture into many facets of counseling. They will start with Theological Foundations and then progress through courses in:

   – Marriage and Family Counseling
   – Psychotherapy and Trauma
   – Addictions Counseling
   – Personality and Counseling Theories

   Throughout the program, students will engage in various forms of hands-on experiences through practicums and internships.

   For admission at Grace, prospective students must submit:

   – An undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
   – A completed application
   – Professional references
   – An interview with a faculty member
   – Pass a background check

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    

6. Colorado Christian University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $44,490

   Colorado Christian offers their Christian counseling degree in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. It is a 60 credit hour program that prepares students to take the National Counselor Exam. CCU offers some interesting additional options for counseling students. Within the MA of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, students can choose to specialize in either Marriage and Family Therapy or Substance Use Disorders. They also offer an attractive dual degree option. This allows students to earn their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling at the same time.

   This program can take as little as 30 months and is comprised of 47 credit hours of courses, 9 credit hours of practicum and internships, and four on-campus residencies. Each of these residencies are five days and occur in Colorado during the summers.

   The admissions process at CCU consists of: a completed application, essays, undergrad transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.5, a background check, a writing sample, and an admissions interview with counseling faculty.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    

7. Regent University

   Degrees: Master of Arts in School Counseling; Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, & Family Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $46,450 (for each)

   Regent University helps students become leading and balanced practitioners in the field of counseling. The program is conducted through a seamless integration of science and faith. All three of their CACREP accredited counseling programs are 60+ credit hours and combine coursework with a series of practicums and two week- long, on-campus residencies.

   Specific required courses will be tailored to the singular degree and focus. But all counseling department students should expect to engage in courses like:

   – “Counseling Skills & Technique,”
   – “Theories of Counseling,”
   – and “Human Growth and Development.”

   Regent’s admission process for all of these degrees includes many of the typical requirements. For example, an application, resume, and undergrad transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Also, the GRE, and an admissions interview. In addition to these requirements, prospective students should be aware that preference is given to students with undergraduate degrees in the humanities.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in School Counseling
   MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling

    

8. Richmont Graduate University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $48,223

   Richmont University is unique on this list in that it is a graduate school that only offers degrees in Counseling and Ministry. Within these two umbrellas, there are several certificates, master’s and doctoral programs available. This school is truly dedicated to the ministry of counseling. It offers many specialization certificates to supplement their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. They also have a pretty impressive 100% pass rate for licensure exams.

   This program is slightly longer than the others at 67 credit hours. The traditional coursework has both asynchronous and synchronous components. In this way, the school provides both structure and flexibility. Students typically finish the program in three to four years total. In addition to the typical coursework and internship requirements, Richmont also requires four on-campus residences on their Georgia campus.

   The basic application requirements are very simple: a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA and three references. While not required, applicants would do well to have some intro psychology and statistics courses under their belts. Interviews may also be conducted if deemed necessary.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    

What is the Difference Between CACREP and CAEP Accreditation

CAEP is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. As the name suggests, this council uses a select set of standards, evaluating university programs intended for teachers and other educators. Because of their emphasis on educational standards, sometimes school counseling programs will be certified by CAEP. However, CAEP does not accredit any counseling programs outside the realm of education (ie. Clinical Mental Health, Addictions Counseling, Marriage Counseling, etc.)

If you are interested in school counseling, a CAEP accredited program would be a great way to go. For any other counseling degree, CACREP is the one and only gold standard.

Minimum Licensing Standards through CACREP Accredited Online Christian Counseling Programs

What are the Requirements to Become a Licensed Counselor?

Licensed counselors are able to open a professional and independent practice. Every state will have their own specific set of standards and some states will allow you to be an associate counselor before having met all the requirements to be an independent licensed counselor. In general, the American Counseling Association reports that all states will require:

• A master's degree in counseling
• A specific number of practicum/internship hours
• The successful completion of a licensure examination

What are the Examination Requirements for Licensure?

There are three main exams that are used for counseling licensure:

1. The National Counselor Examination
2. National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination
3. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination

Check your individual state requirements to see which exam will be required for the state in which you wish to practice.

Also of note—some states require a separate jurisprudence examination. Instead of focusing on counseling best practices and techniques, this exam tests applicants’ knowledge about the state’s board rules, laws, and operating procedures for counselors.

How Much Field Work is Required for Licensure?

The specific number of hours varies by state, but you should generally expect to need to submit between 2,000-3,000 hours of experience. Within those hours, you will also need a certain number of face-to-face supervision hours. It’s important to make sure that the person supervising these hours meets all of the supervision requirements in order for these hours to count toward your licensure.

Do All States Require CACREP Accredited Counseling Programs for Licensure?

While undoubtedly the gold standard in counseling accreditation, only a handful of states require full CACREP accreditation for licensure. That being said, many states require degrees based on CACREP accreditation standards, even if that school doesn’t officially have CACREP standing.

All that to say? If a school is CACREP accredited, that’s a shorthand way of knowing for certain that the education you receive will most definitely fulfill the educational component of your licensure requirements.

If you choose to go to a non-CACREP accredited school, you must be very careful to check that the curriculum will satisfy your state’s requirements for licensure.

Find Your CACREP Accredited Online Christian Counseling Programs with GetEducated

Congratulations! We know that was a lot. But you’re now equipped to start narrowing down your list and find the best online CACREP counseling program for you! Embarking on new endeavors can be daunting, but the world needs more caring Christian counselors like you. We’ll be cheering you on in your journey and can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish.

If you want to learn more about this and other online degrees, check out GetEducated to read all about the amazing online options that are available for you.