12 CACREP Accredited Online Counseling Programs in California

Looking to build a career in mental health counseling? Now is the perfect time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the mental health industry will grow 25 percent by 2029. Mental health counselors will see a 17% increase in job opportunities by 2030.

California stands out with 34,820 mental health professionals. The numbers make sense here. Los Angeles County data shows about 1.2 million people (12% of the population) deal with anxiety, while 30% of youth don’t deal very well with depression.

California has several CACREP-accredited online counseling programs. These programs will give a solid foundation and training you just need to help with growing mental health concerns. Your job prospects look promising, thanks to California’s steadfast dedication to mental health care through many state-funded initiatives. This piece outlines all your options for 2025 if you’re ready to advance your career with online mental health counseling programs (CACREP accredited).

Concordia University Irvine

Concordia University Irvine partners with the Townsend Institute to deliver a top-tier Master of Arts in Counseling program. This private Christian university ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Top Performers on Social Mobility’.

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Counseling program goes beyond helping people cope – it creates true restoration. Students can choose between two specialized tracks:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 units)
• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (66 units) that meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for MFT licensure

Students learn more than 20 skills to create lasting change through relationships, emotions, and cognitions. The program has grown significantly with over 550 current students.

Accreditation and format

The counseling program earned CACREP accreditation in 2019, the gold standard for counseling programs nationwide. Student cohorts tripled in size as more people looked for “fully accredited, top-notch Christian counseling programs”. This voluntary accreditation means graduates meet most educational requirements for licensure or certification across states.

Students take seven-week courses completely online. The program starts with a unique 4-day campus residency where students meet Dr. John Townsend personally. He’s a New York Times bestselling author and relationship expert who started the institute in 2016.

Tuition and duration

Students typically finish the program in 24-36 months. Tuition costs $695 per unit for the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling track and $710 per unit for other programs. Students should plan for these additional fees:

• Non-refundable application fee: $50 (domestic) or $150 (international)
• Student success fee: $60
• Practicum and fieldwork fees

Concordia’s School of Education alumni get a 10% tuition discount on additional degrees.

Alliant International University

The California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (MACC) program that prepares future mental health counselors. Students can now benefit from one of California’s newest CACREP-accredited online counseling programs.

Program overview

Alliant’s MACC program helps students build practical skills in professional counseling, diagnosis, and treatment. Students work with people who face challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, and relationship issues. The program teaches you to:

• Become skilled at guiding individuals and groups through personal growth
• Learn critical and reflective thinking methods
• Build cultural competence to help diverse populations
• Learn skills to overcome biases when working with people of all backgrounds

On top of that, it has a complete 700-hour internship with at least 280 hours under direct supervision, giving you great real-life experience.

Accreditation and format

Alliant’s MACC program earned its CACREP accreditation on August 8, 2022. This prestigious recognition means students get quality education that meets rigorous standards set by counseling professionals. Program director Dr. David Paul believes this accreditation “ensures that graduates will continue to have even more opportunities to excel in the counseling and mental health fields”.

Students can choose between online and in-person options with the same high-quality curriculum. Working professionals appreciate the online format’s flexibility while getting the same rigorous coursework and field training opportunities. The CACREP-accredited online counseling program helps with out-of-state licensing opportunities, making it perfect for students who want career mobility.

Tuition and duration

Current tuition for the MACC program runs $820 per unit, with an increase to $848 per unit starting August 2025. Most students finish the program in 2-3 years. Other costs include:

• Application fees: $50 (domestic) or $150 (international)
• Books: Approximately $2,250
• Student fees: Around $360 annually

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits Alliant International University, which guarantees high standards for quality and academic outcomes.

Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University stands out for its Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. The program trains counselors to promote mental health, wellness, social justice, and vocational well-being.

Program overview

The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Palo Alto University helps you get licensed through a curriculum that reduces human suffering and makes a positive difference in communities. Students can choose between two emphasis options:

• Clinical Mental Health emphasis – Students can pursue Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure in most U.S. states and territories
• Marriage, Family and Child emphasis – Students meet California requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or dual MFT/LPCC licensure

Students learn to counsel people from different backgrounds while completing coursework that meets Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. The program combines detailed classroom instruction with hands-on training through 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship experience.

Accreditation and format

Palo Alto University earned CACREP accreditation in January 2017 with the maximum eight-year accreditation period. This helps graduates meet educational requirements for licensure in multiple states.

Students can choose from these flexible learning options:

• Hybrid format – Evening classes on campus (Monday-Thursday, 4-6 pm or 6-8 pm) combined with online coursework
• Online format – Remote coursework with two mandatory in-person residencies for intensive experiential learning

First-year students can keep their full-time jobs while studying evenings and weekends. Second-year students should plan for daytime practicum placements since evening spots are limited.

Tuition and duration

Students need to complete 94.5 quarter units for the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Program length varies:

• 9 quarters (hybrid format)
• 11 quarters (online format)

First-year tuition and fees cost about $24,675 for three quarters. Annual costs reach $33,801 with summer quarter included. The full two-year program costs approximately $69,987. Financial aid options can help students manage these costs.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University, located in Pasadena, distinguishes itself through its humanistic approach to mental health training. The counseling program teaches students to handle psychological needs through a contextual, cross-cultural, and hands-on framework.

Program overview

The M.A. in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization at Saybrook will give you the core skills needed for mental health careers of all types. Graduates can work as:

• Mental health counselors
• Adjunct faculty in counseling programs
• Counseling researchers

The curriculum places human experience at its core, considering subjective, historical, and spiritual contexts. Students complete 700 hours of field experience to apply theoretical concepts in real-life situations. While Saybrook doesn’t have an on-site practicum program, students can find suitable internships in their area with help from faculty and the Director of Clinical Training.

Accreditation and format

The counseling program at Saybrook University holds CACREP accreditation through October 2026. This respected recognition shows the program meets professional standards and helps with licensure eligibility in multiple states.

Students experience a low-residency, blended learning approach. They join cohorts for online studies while attending residential learning sessions throughout the program. The hybrid format includes:

• Blend of asynchronous and synchronous course meetings
• Two five-day in-person residential experiences annually (beginning of Fall and Spring semesters)
• Eight to nine semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer) over three years

Tuition and duration

Saybrook’s tuition costs $1,400 per credit for the 2024-2025 academic year and rises to $1,446 per credit for 2025-2026. Students should also plan for:

• University Resources Fee: $1,750 per semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer)
• Optional payment plan fee: $100
• Books, accommodations, and travel costs for residential experiences

The program meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements (sections 4999.32 and 4999.40(a)) for Professional Clinical Counseling. Graduates will meet educational requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC), or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), based on their state.

California State University Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton ranks among California’s leading institutions. Their Master of Science in Counseling program creates pathways for graduates to become licensed mental health professionals.

Program overview

The M.S. in Counseling program at Cal State Fullerton trains clinicians to serve community needs effectively. You’ll learn skills to provide evidence-based brief and long-term counseling while you retain control of your professional identity as a counselor and marriage and family therapist. The program emphasizes multicultural points of view and prepares counselors who understand diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious heritages, lifestyles, and special needs.

Two program options exist:

• Traditional Program – Classes available at flexible times (1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm)
• Evening Cohort – Perfect for working professionals with set schedules and cohort progression

Both tracks prepare you to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California.

Accreditation and format

The program’s prestigious CACREP accreditation runs until October 31, 2031. This ensures high-quality education that meets professional standards. Graduates can work with VA and Tricare after completing the program.

The traditional program lets you choose class times that work best for you. Classes meet once weekly for 2.75 hours. Summer sessions run twice weekly Monday-Thursday. Students can take 2-4 courses per semester in the traditional program. The evening cohort follows a fixed schedule of two courses per semester.

Tuition and duration

The traditional program costs about $25,116 total, while the evening cohort program runs around $39,375. Spring 2025 cohort tuition stands at $675 per unit.

The 63-unit curriculum typically requires:

• Traditional Program: 3-5 years (6 regular semesters + 1 summer semester)
• Evening Cohort: 3 years and one term with year-round study

The evening format works well for working professionals. It offers guaranteed classes and CACREP accredited online counseling credentials.

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University’s Department of Counseling leads the vanguard of social justice-oriented counselor education. The department trains future counseling leaders through an intersectional, participatory approach to mental health services.

Program overview

SFSU’s Department of Counseling provides multiple graduate programs that prepare culturally competent counseling professionals. The university aims to liberate all communities through strengths-based healing, advocacy, and action-oriented research. Students can select from several specialized tracks:

• Career Counseling (one of only five CACREP-accredited programs nationwide)
• College Counseling and Student Affairs
• School Counseling (with PPS Credential)
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

The curriculum develops multicultural competence, community partnerships, and research skills. More than 150 students provide thousands of counseling service hours to San Francisco Bay Area communities. Graduates are ready to take the National Counselor Examination and pursue appropriate licensure or credentialing.

Accreditation and format

All but one of these specializations have CACREP accreditation through March 31, 2027. The School Counseling program also maintains accreditation from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Students complete the school counseling program in two years with full-time study, though part-time options exist.

School counseling students must complete 800 clock hours of field practice in PK-12 settings. Their fieldwork spans multiple school levels and exposes them to diverse student populations. Students need a minimum of 100 hours in social/emotional, college/career, and academic counseling domains.

Tuition and duration

California residents pay approximately $8,256 in tuition fees annually for full-time study. Non-resident students pay additional tuition of $444 per unit. Most students finish their programs in two years with full-time study, while part-time options extend the duration.

The School Counseling program requires 60 graduate units and intensive fieldwork experiences. Students can keep their full-time jobs with evening coursework during their first year. They transition to daytime practicum placements in their second year.

University of San Diego

The University of San Diego stands out with an impressive 96% licensing exam pass rate for its counseling program graduates. This makes it an excellent choice for future mental health professionals.

Program overview

USD’s MA in Counseling program with Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization prepares students to become licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC) through California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences and other state boards nationwide. The program’s complete curriculum has 700 hours of supervised clinical experience. Students gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge that help them succeed. These focused training elements lead to the program’s remarkable 96% success rate on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination.

Accreditation and format

The MA in Counseling program earned prestigious CACREP accreditation for both School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health specializations. USD maintains institutional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges-Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Students enjoy several program benefits:

• A small 18:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures individual attention
• Seven-week courses that work well for professionals
• A single-course format that allows focused learning
• Weekly study requirements of 15-20 hours

Students can easily balance their education with work and personal life through this adaptable format.

Tuition and duration

The 2025-2026 tuition rate is $1,700 per unit. Students need 60 units to graduate, bringing the total estimated tuition to $102,000. Financial support options include:

• Multiple financial assistance paths through scholarships, grants, and loans
• Benefits for military members and veterans
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) availability
• $10,000 stipends for practicum/fieldwork in integrated care settings serving underserved populations

The program is one of just eight CACREP-accredited counseling programs in California. This positions graduates perfectly for success in the expanding mental health field.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. Their student-centered approach helps develop professional skills and clinical expertise.

Program overview

The online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares counselors to connect theory with practice through intensive coursework and supervised clinical training. Students learn to become clinically competent, ethically responsible, and culturally aware professionals. The program equips them to help clients who face mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship difficulties.

The core training areas include:

• Ethics and professional responsibility
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Prevention and advocacy
• Multiculturalism and diversity
• Research and program evaluation

Dedicated faculty members provide individual advising to each student, which creates an educational experience aligned with their career goals.

Accreditation and format

The Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned CACREP accreditation valid through March 31, 2026. This prestigious eight-year accreditation, awarded in February 2018, confirms the program’s high standards in institutional settings, curriculum content, practicum experiences, faculty qualifications, and student support services.

Working adults can benefit from the program’s fully online format that offers maximum flexibility. The cohort-based learning model encourages networking and discussions between classmates and faculty worldwide. The Chicago School has also earned Quality Matters certifications for Teaching Support, Online Learner Success, and Online Learner Support.

Tuition and duration

Master’s level programs cost USD 1,409 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 academic year. Students can complete the program in under four years, including their required fieldwork training.

The practical experience requirements include:

• Practicum: Minimum 100 hours
• Internship 1: 300 hours
• Internship 2: 300 hours

Most students complete their clinical experiences at one site, which gives them extensive exposure to mental health counseling duties. Students must also pay an Institutional Service fee of USD 389 per term or USD 778 per semester.

California State University Los Angeles

Cal State LA’s School-Based Family Counseling (SBFC) Program is a well-laid-out, full-time graduate program in the Department of Special Education and Counseling. The program provides complete training in multicultural conjoint family therapy and focuses on social justice.

Program overview

Students learn to become skilled professionals in both educational and therapeutic environments. The program qualifies you for several professional credentials:

• Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential
• Advanced Authorization in Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license

The program is quite competitive. Each year, more than 300 applicants compete for just 24 positions. Students should get experience in the mental health field before applying. The program’s success shows in its numbers – 97% of graduates find jobs quickly.

Accreditation and format

The MS in Counseling, option in School-Based Family Counseling holds CACREP accreditation through 2027-28. This accreditation will give graduates the educational requirements they need for licensure in most states.

Cal State LA stands out from other CACREP accredited counseling programs by offering in-person classes during late afternoon and evening hours. First-year students usually take five classes each week. Classes meet 2-4 days weekly between 4:30 pm and 10:00 pm. Students also get hands-on experience at Cal State LA’s School-Based Family Counseling Clinic. They work with families under licensed faculty supervision.

Tuition and duration

Students need 73-77 semester units and usually finish in 2.5-3 years. Your total costs depend on how long you take to graduate. Full-time students who complete the program in three years pay around $24,380. This total has:

• Four semesters at full-time rate ($4,200 per semester)
• One summer semester with two classes ($1,980)
• Two semesters of part-time fieldwork ($5,600)

Graduate students taking 6.1+ units will pay $4,571.20 per semester in 2025-2026. Students should plan their finances carefully since tuition might increase during their time in the program.

California State University Fresno

The Kremen School of Education and Human Development at California State University Fresno provides specialized counseling programs. These programs help develop culturally competent professionals who can serve their communities’ diverse needs.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program at CSU Fresno emphasizes cultural competence and ethical practice. Students can choose between two distinct concentrations:

• Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Students develop their counseling skills through practical experiences paired with essential coursework. They get opportunities to apply evidence-based practices in ground settings. The program prepares graduates to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) and National Certified Counselors. Students can also pursue Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials.

The university also offers a CACREP-accredited Master’s in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling program. This program meets California’s requirements to obtain MFT licensure.

Accreditation and format

The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration holds CACREP accreditation until October 31, 2027. This prestigious recognition makes it one of California’s leading CACREP accredited online counseling programs. The program ranks highly in U.S. News and World Report.

The program follows a cohort-based structure. Students must maintain full-time status and take courses that line up with their specific cohort. Classes run during both day and evening hours, usually from 1:00-3:50 pm, 4:00-6:50 pm, and 7:00-9:50 pm.

Tuition and duration

Students typically complete this 60-unit program in 5 semesters (2.5 years). The total cost comes to about $19,000 over the 2.5-year period. International students pay $14,905 for first-year tuition, plus around $9,971 for living expenses.

Graduate students taking 7+ units for Fall 2025 will pay $4,919.50 per semester in tuition and mandatory fees. Students should plan for possible tuition increases during their time in the program.

California State University San Bernardino

California State University San Bernardino offers an M.S. in Counseling program that focuses on postmodern praxis and social justice principles. The program prepares graduates to handle complex challenges in a variety of settings.

Program overview

The M.S. in Counseling at CSUSB helps professionals build successful careers in counseling. Students can choose from three specialized concentrations:

• School Counseling – preparing counselors for grades K-12 with California Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS)
• Professional Counseling – designed for students pursuing Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials
• School and Professional Counseling Dual Concentration – combining both pathways

Students need a GPA of 3.0 or higher from previous academic work and must complete the CSU application process. The program structure builds expertise gradually. Students learn foundational knowledge in their first year, apply theoretical concepts in their second year, and develop practical skills through supervised experiences in their third year.

Accreditation and format

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has granted CSUSB institutional accreditation. The university’s Rehabilitation Counseling program has earned CACREP accreditation valid through March 31, 2026. CORE granted the original accreditation in 1988, which moved to CACREP in July 2017.

The counseling program runs full-time and in-person. Classes are scheduled during late afternoons and evenings to accommodate working professionals. Students head over to the university’s on-campus psychology clinic to get hands-on experience designed for clinical training.

Tuition and duration

Students must complete 60 semester units, with at least 42 units at CSUSB. The dual concentration requires a minimum of 49 units in residency. Most students complete the program in three years.

Graduate students taking 6.1+ units pay $4,571.20 per semester. The base tuition might increase yearly through an Alternative Consultation Process using the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI). These increases won’t exceed 4% annually. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and earn at least B grades in core courses.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide’s Master of Arts in Counseling program specializes in addiction counseling education. The program meets the rising demand for qualified mental health professionals in substance abuse treatment.

Program overview

Touro University Worldwide’s Master of Arts in Counseling with Addiction Counseling Specialization helps professionals develop skills to treat people with addiction and dependency disorders. Students learn complete clinical counseling skills that promote mental health wellness and support recovery. The program equips graduates to:

• Work with individuals, families, and groups who don’t deal very well with substance abuse
• Use evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches
• Become compassionate, skilled substance abuse counselors

Job prospects look promising for graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% job growth in the field over the next decade. The median annual salary stands at $49,710.

Accreditation and format

The MAC curriculum meets both the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) standards and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. The university actively seeks BBS approval and CACREP accreditation. Touro University Worldwide holds institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Students can take the program entirely online through convenient 8-week courses. This setup works great for working professionals. The 60-credit-hour program gives students theoretical knowledge and practical skills without location restrictions.

Tuition and duration

Touro University Worldwide’s Addiction Counseling program costs $400 per semester credit. The total program investment comes to about $24,000 for all required credits.

Students can access several financial assistance options:

• Scholarships and student loans
• Employer tuition assistance programs
• Financial aid counseling services

Touro’s fixed-rate tuition approach means no surprise fees throughout your educational trip. The mix of quality education, online flexibility, and budget-friendly pricing makes Touro University Worldwide a great choice for future addiction counselors

Start Your Career in Mental Health with a CACREP-Accredited Program

Your career path as a mental health professional depends heavily on selecting the right CACREP-accredited counseling program. California offers many exceptional programs that provide quality education through online and hybrid formats to fit your schedule. Students can prepare for their chosen field, whether it’s clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, school counseling, or addiction treatment.

CACREP accreditation is considered the gold standard for counseling education. Programs with this credential meet strict professional standards and help graduates obtain licenses across multiple states. This qualification proves valuable now as California’s mental health challenges grow, with Los Angeles County’s anxiety cases alone affecting 1.2 million people.

Program costs show wide variation. CSU Fresno charges around $19,000, while prestigious private schools like the University of San Diego’s fees exceed $100,000. Full-time students typically complete their programs in 2-3 years. Working professionals can advance their careers without leaving their jobs thanks to evening courses many schools offer.

Mental health counselors will see 17% job growth by 2030. The timing couldn’t be better to start your counseling education. Your final choice should weigh several key factors – cost, format, specialization options, and location. Becoming a licensed mental health professional demands steadfast dedication, but the chance to transform clients’ lives makes this journey worth every step.