What is CACREP? Counseling Program Accreditation
What is CACREP?
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs is a United States specialized counseling accreditor program recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CACREP accredited various specialization areas of counseling programs at both masters and doctoral levels, not just in the United States, but throughout the world. Some of the master’s level counseling areas CACREP accredits are as follows:
Career Counseling
Addiction Counseling
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Marriage, Family, and Couple Counseling
Student Affairs and College Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling
Doctoral programs accredited by CACREP include supervision and counselor education.
How Does CACREP Accreditation Work?
There are two accreditation types in the United States – specialized and institutional. Institutional accreditation focuses on the entire institution, whereas specialized accreditors focus on an institution’s professional preparation programs.
CACREP is a specialized accreditor; however, when CACREP reviews programs there are several standards that deal with issues at the institutional level, like financial aid. However, most of the review and application emphasizes the quality of the graduate degree counseling program. It’s important to note that the college or department that offers the degree program is not being accredited; it is the specific degree program that receives accreditation.
In order to become accredited, a counselor education program must fulfill certain requirements and standards with regard to:
Institutional settings
Program mission and objectives
Program content
Practicum experiences
Student selection and advising
Faculty qualifications and workload
Program governance
Instructional support
Self-evaluation
Why Should I Attend an Accredited Program?
Think of it this way, by completing an accredited program you can get hired by an employer whether they require an accredited program or not, but by not completing an accredited program, you will only be eligible to work for employers that do not require you to have completed an accredited program.
Besides that, if a program is not accredited, how can you be sure that you will learn what you need to know in an ever-changing world that constantly requires upgrades to training programs? It’s for just this reason that some states actually require you to have attended a CACREP-accredited program in order to gain licensure.
The following are more reasons why accreditation is important:
It helps determine if a program or institution meets or exceeds at least minimum standards of quality.
It helps employers determine if an employee is eligible for tuition reimbursement programs.
It helps employers conclude the validity of educational programs and if a graduate received a quality education. Employers often require proof that applicants earned a degree from an accredited program or institution.
It involves faculty, staff, students, and advisory boards in institutional planning and evaluation.
It enables graduates to obtain certifications.
It helps students choose an acceptable program or institution to enroll in.
Alabama
School: Auburn University – Montgomery
Available Programs: School Counselling (M.Ed.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2026
School: Troy University
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
Alabama: Read More
Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.) & School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2020
Alaska: Read More
Arizona
School: Argosy University Phoenix
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2024
School: University of Phoenix - Arizona
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2026
Arizona: Read More
Arkansas
School: Harding University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S./Ed.S.); School Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: Henderson State University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.E.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2026
Arkansas: Read More
California
School: Argosy University Online
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2027
School: Saybrook University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2026
California: Read More
Colorado
School: Regis University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: University of Colorado at Denver
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.A.); School Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2021
Colorado: Read More
Connecticut
School: Fairfield University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.A.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: University of Connecticut
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2023
Connecticut: Read More
Delaware
School: Wilmington University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2021
Delaware: Read More
Florida
School: Florida Atlantic University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (M.Ed.); School Counseling (M.Ed.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: Stetson University
Available Programs: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.S.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2026
Florida: Read More
Georgia
School: Argosy University Atlanta
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ed.D.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: Columbus State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2025
Georgia: Read More
Hawaii
School: University of Hawai'i Manoa
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2019
Hawaii: Read More
Idaho
School: Idaho State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M. Coun.); School Counseling (M. Coun.); College Counseling and Student Affairs (M. Coun.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M. Coun.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: Northwest Nazarene University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.); Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
Idaho: Read More
Illinois
School: Argosy University Chicago
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ed.D.)
Accredited Until: 2026
School: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Online
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2026
Illinois: Read More
Indiana
School: Ball State University
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2021
School: Butler University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2021
Indiana: Read More
Iowa
School: Drake University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: The University of Iowa
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2023
Iowa: Read More
Kansas
School: Kansas State University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
Accredited Until: 2024
School: Emporia State University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2021
Kansas: Read More
Kentucky
School: Asbury Seminary
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2024
School: University of the Cumberlands
Available Programs: Addiction Counseling (M.A.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ed.D./Ph.D.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Kentucky: Read More
Louisiana
School: Louisiana State University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.Ed.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: McNeese State University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Louisiana: Read More
Maine
School: Husson University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: University of Southern Maine
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
Maine: Read More
Maryland
School: Bowie State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Maryland: Read More
Massachusetts
School: Assumption College
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2024
School: Springfield College
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.Ed./M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
Massachusetts: Read More
Michigan
School: Spring Arbor University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); School Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2024
School: University of Detroit Mercy
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.A.); Addiction Counseling (M.A.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Michigan: Read More
Minnesota
School: Walden University
Available Programs: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.S.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); Addiction Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: St. Cloud State University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Minnesota: Read More
Mississippi
School: Mississippi State University
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: University of Mississippi
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.Ed./Ed.S.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Mississippi: Read More
Missouri
School: University of Central Missouri
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2026
School: University of Missouri-St. Louis
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.Ed.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Missouri: Read More
Montana
School: Montana State University Billings
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: Montana State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2023
Nebraska
School: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A./M.S.); School Counseling (M.A./M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2024
School: Wayne State College
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.E.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Nebraska: Read More
Nevada
School: University of Nevada Reno
Available Programs: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.A.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); School Counseling (M.A.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Nevada: Read More
New Hampshire
School: Plymouth State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: Antioch University New England
Available Programs: Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2019
New Hampshire: Read More
New Jersey
School: Monmouth University - CMHC Program
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: Montclair State University
Available Programs: Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); School Counseling (M.A.); Addiction Counseling (M.A.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2025
New Jersey: Read More
New Mexico
School: New Mexico State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: University of New Mexico
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.A.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2020
New Mexico: Read More
New York
School: Canisius College
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: State University of New York at Oswego
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
New York: Read More
North Carolina
School: Campbell University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2026
School: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Available Programs: Student Affairs and College Counseling (M.S./Ed.S.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.S./Ed.S.)
Accredited Until: 2026
North Carolina: Read More
North Dakota
School: Northern State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.Ed.); School Counseling (M.S.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: University of South Dakota
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.A.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2024
North Dakota: Read More
Ohio
School: Heidelberg University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); School Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2027
School: University of Dayton
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.); School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2026
Ohio: Read More
Oklahoma
School: Northeastern State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.); Addiction Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: East Central University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
Oklahoma: Read More
Oregon
School: Lewis & Clark College
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A./M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2027
School: Western Oregon University
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
Oregon: Read More
Pennsylvania
School: West Chester University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: Duquesne University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.Ed.); Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy (M.S.Ed.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2025
Pennsylvania: Read More
Rhode Island
School: Salve Regina University
Available Programs: Rehabilitation Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: Rhode Island College
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Rhode Island: Read More
South Carolina
School: Clemson University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.Ed./Ed.S.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed./Ed.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
School: Winthrop University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.); School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2024
South Carolina: Read More
South Dakota
School: Northern State University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.Ed.); School Counseling (M.S.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: University of South Dakota
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.A.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2024
South Dakota: Read More
Tennessee
School: University of Memphis
Available Programs: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: University of Memphis
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.); Counselor Education and Supervision (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2025
Tennessee: Read More
Texas
School: University of Texas at El Paso
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2027
School: Southern Methodist University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.);
Accredited Until: 2026
Texas: Read More
Utah
School: Westminster College
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2026
School: University of Phoenix - Utah
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2019
Utah: Read More
Vermont
School: University of Vermont
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.); School Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2020
Vermont: Read More
Virginia
School: Eastern Mennonite University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: Marymount University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.A.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ed.D.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2025
Virginia: Read More
Washington
School: City University of Seattle
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2024
School: Seattle University
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.A.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.Ed.)
Accredited Until: 2026
Washington: Read More
West Virginia
School: West Virginia University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.); School Counseling (M.A.)
Accredited Until: 2025
School: West Virginia University
Available Programs: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2023
West Virginia: Read More
Wisconsin
School: University of Wisconsin River Falls
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2024
School: University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2024
Wisconsin: Read More
Wyoming
School: University of Wyoming
Available Programs: School Counseling (M.S.); Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.); Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
Accredited Until: 2020
Wyoming: Read More
Invite to CACREP's Research study Edge! CACREP continuously intends to maintain a study that examines the different influences of certification in addition to linked problems with starting trainee research study, faculty research, and CACREP-commissioned research study on existing events within the counseling career. Right here you will discover info about CACREP's Research study Set up, specialist literature that sustains CACREP's initiatives, and additionally study possibilities for pupils along with professors.
As you can see, choosing a CACREP approved program is a smart selection when you are selecting your LPC or LPCC certificate. The demand for therapy specialists is forecasted to expand to 29 percent by the year 2022. If you want to enter into an area that is broadening much faster than normal, the primary step is getting official training under your belt.
When considering options for a master's or postgraduate degree program in therapy, make certain to select a CACREP-accredited program. Whether you want an on-campus or online program, CACREP qualification signals that the program straightens with expert needs of premium quality, and also you'll obtain a graduate-level counseling education and learning that will certainly aid you develop the understanding and likewise capacities you call for to grow in the area.
Appropriate Educational Programs, commonly referred to as CACREP is an independent accrediting company that guarantees graduate counseling programs throughout the USA as well as also the world to satisfy requirements within the counseling occupation. CACREP accreditation suggests that a program's web content along with top-notch have actually been examined as well as please strict, regular requirements developed by the career.
A streamlined state treatment licensing application procedure. In addition, completing a CACREP-accredited program can accomplish the education and learning required to sit for the National Counselor Test (NCE), the certification test to wind up being a licensed therapist. CACREP-accredited counseling program? Discover online programs: MS in Scientific Mental Health And Wellness Counseling; MS in University Counseling, as well as PhD in Counselor Education And Learning And Understanding as well as Guidance.
CACREP qualification is a requirement for licensure in great deals of states. The MS in Clinical Mental Health and Wellness Counseling program is established to prepare graduates to qualify to relax for licensing examinations in addition to please the academic licensure requirements of numerous state counseling boards. The MS in Establishment Counseling program satisfies the requirements for college counseling licensure or qualification and also is a state-approved program in Minnesota and also Ohio.
The Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs is a CHEA-approved accreditor of educational programs in the US. This is an association of colleges and universities that are accredited to offer accredited training programs. The Council has the responsibility of reviewing and evaluating programs to ensure they are of the highest quality. They also make sure that schools and programs maintain certain standards related to professional competence, student retention, and student progress.
The CACREP program stands for College Credit Recommendation Committee on Education Programs. It is one of six regional accrediting agencies for educational programs. These six organizations represent the disciplines of psychology, social work, education, nursing, and allied health professions. The other seven regional accreditors are the Council of Higher Education, the Association of School and College Commissions, the National Accrediting Commission for Education in Clinical Psychology, the Joint Review Committee for Education in Psychology, the Joint Review Committee for Psychology Education, the National Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Programs, and the North Central Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Programs. These creditors conduct regular evaluations of counseling programs, which are used by professionals, educators, employers, and parents.
Counseling programs are offered by schools, colleges, and universities that participate in the Council's accreditation programs. There are some programs offered by private agencies as well, though not all. The CACREP program is intended to help students recognize that these programs are legitimate, but they do not review individual programs or accredit them. The program does not review programs offered by private agencies and accredits programs offered by the government.
A good CACREP education program will provide both theoretical and practical instruction in addition to continuing education credits for counselors who teach continuing education courses related to their area of expertise. Some programs are designed to train counselors to be certified in a particular discipline, while others are designed to develop a competency that helps future graduates are successful in areas such as clinical psychology, family, marriage, or career therapy. programs. In addition to continuing education, the program helps students with the study of law and legal issues relevant to counseling.
A career counselor is a licensed professional who has completed a master's degree, doctorate, or doctoral level in psychology, social work, education, or related field. This type of counselor is required in many states to practice in residential or private institutions. Although most state laws require licensing, many states permit some counselors to practice without a license when supervised by a licensed psychologist.
Most states require that a career counselor is a member of a professional organization such as the American Psychological Association, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, or the American School Counselors Association. A career counselor must have at least two years of experience in psychological practice. They must also complete a minimum of 500 hours of continuing education credits at least once in their career.
A career counselor must complete the program and pass an examination in order to receive certification. At least 100 hours must be completed on the examination to be a full-fledged certified counselor. In order to be certified, a counselor must take the CACREP test and pass the exam administered by the Council. A counselor must meet specific requirements, including evidence that he or she has a valid educational background, knowledge of the basic skills of psychology, experience in mental health practice, and a demonstrated commitment to continuing education. In addition to passing the CACREP exam, the counselor must demonstrate a commitment to continuing education by working towards passing a national board certification examination.
The counseling program can help you prepare for the licensing examination by providing an overview of the curriculum, a review of the exam, and an evaluation of your progress. A CACREP program also gives you the tools you need to become a good counselor by helping you to apply theory to practice. It also provides you with a practical understanding of mental health practice and what it takes to succeed in this field.