13 Best Masters in Counseling Programs in NY for 2026
A master’s in counseling from New York could launch your career in a rewarding field with bright prospects ahead. New York state offers more than 50 master’s programs, and the job market looks promising. Mental health counselors will see an 18% job growth through 2032, while marriage and family therapists can expect a 15% rise in opportunities.
The earning potential makes these programs even more appealing. School and career counselors make a median salary of $60,140 yearly, and marriage and family therapists earn about $68,730 annually. Many universities in New York state now offer flexible study options that help you balance your studies with life’s demands. These 13 outstanding programs give you the training and credentials you’ll need to succeed – whether you want to focus on mental health counseling, addiction treatment, school counseling, or family therapy.
1. Syracuse University – M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Syracuse University’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program is the longest-running COAMFTE-accredited program of its kind. The program has more than 50 years of excellence in training mental health professionals. This masters in counseling New York program helps you tackle relationship problems, parenting challenges, and marital difficulties through complete clinical training.
Program description
The program features a strong 60-credit curriculum with 51 required credits and 9 elective credits. Small class sizes help students build close mentorship bonds with faculty. The program’s focus on culturally sensitive therapy and development of the “self of the therapist” has got national recognition. Students can choose between full-time (2-year completion) or part-time (3-year completion) study options that work well for both traditional students and working professionals.
Accreditation and licensure
Syracuse’s MFT program holds prestigious accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This most important accreditation makes licensure easier in almost all states. The program meets licensure requirements in 49 states, though California requires two additional courses for full licensure. Graduates achieve excellent licensure rates – ranging between 75-100% based on cohort year.
Practicum and internship
Students must complete 500 direct client contact hours, including 250 relational hours. Campus-based students start their clinical work at the university’s Couple and Family Therapy Center, which offers complete video and live supervision. They gain additional experience at community-based sites later. The program requires one hour of supervision for every five client hours, maintaining a 1:5 ratio. AAMFT-approved site supervisors stay in regular contact with the university’s internship coordinator.
Online learning format
Working professionals can benefit from Syracuse’s part-time online MFT program. Students attend live synchronous evening classes in Eastern Time. The clinical work begins in the fifth semester, and students complete their 500 clinical hours at approved sites in their local communities. The online program maintains the same high standards as on-campus learning. The 2020-2021 cohort achieved impressive results with 100% job placement and 95% licensure rates.
2. Mercy University – M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
Mercy University has a strong M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program that shapes counselors who transform their communities. This complete masters in counseling New York program blends hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge to create skilled mental health professionals.
Program description
The program features a 60-credit curriculum split into three progressive levels:
- Level I: 18 credits that build foundational knowledge, theories, and skills
- Level II: 24 credits covering intermediate pre-internship preparation, social basis of behavior, and assessment
- Level III: 18 credits focused on advanced specialty concentration and internship
Students can earn their Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Certificate (CASAC-T) while studying. This certification gives graduates an edge in the job market. The program’s ground orientation helps students succeed in treatment centers of all sizes, from community agencies to private practice.
Fieldwork and clinical hours
Hands-on experience is the foundation of Mercy’s program. Students must complete a practicum and a full-year internship that typically needs 16 hours per week. These clinical experiences help apply classroom concepts while building valuable professional networks throughout the greater New York area.
The fieldwork path includes CNSL 669 (Practicum) followed by CNSL 686 and CNSL 687 (Internship I and II), with each internship course requiring 6 credits. This approach helps students develop clinical skills gradually under proper supervision.
Licensure preparation
Graduates qualify to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The program provides test preparation and tools that help students succeed in this vital examination.
The curriculum meets mental health counseling licensure requirements in 39 states, including New York. Graduates need 3,000 hours of supervised experience to get full licensure in New York State. State rules allow two years (with possible extensions) to finish these hours.
Flexibility and scheduling
The program understands busy professionals’ needs and offers flexible scheduling. Students can study part-time or full-time. Classes run during day and evening hours at both Dobbs Ferry and Bronx campuses. This flexibility helps balance education with other commitments.
Some courses are available online, though not all. Full-time students can take up to nine credits each semester, with advisor approval needed for twelve credits. This adaptable structure makes Mercy a great choice for masters in counseling New York state students with different scheduling needs.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at St. Bonaventure University shapes compassionate counselors who serve their communities. This masters in counseling New York option combines rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experience. Students become well-rounded mental health professionals ready to create positive change.
Program description
The M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at St. Bonaventure prepares you to work in a variety of community-based settings. You can serve in mental health agencies, social services, college counseling centers, and probation departments. The curriculum builds research-based knowledge and skills in group counseling, individual counseling, testing, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Our program’s mission helps counselors practice in multicultural societies while upholding the highest standards of counselor education.
The program meets standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and follows principles from the American Counseling Association. Guided by Franciscan values, graduates develop a professional identity based on:
- Compassion for all individuals and belief in the dignity of all members of society
- Commitment to seeking wisdom and authentic living
- Integrity through ethical and competent reflective practice
Online format and flexibility
The program runs in a fully online format that works perfectly if you have just entered the field or are a practicing counselor seeking licensure. You’ll help clients overcome personal challenges and reach their goals through engaging coursework and clinical practice. Working professionals appreciate the flexible online format while benefiting from the program’s academic rigor and quality.
Practicum and internship
Students complete one practicum and two track-specific internships, totaling 600 clock hours (300 hours per internship) of supervised experience. This hands-on training takes place in community settings. Qualified supervisors with at least three years of experience and appropriate mental health licensure guide students. The Director of Program Administration works with students to arrange meaningful clinical experiences that prepare them for professional practice.
Licensure outcomes
St. Bonaventure’s graduates have achieved remarkable success with a 100% pass rate on the licensed professional counselor exam. The program has earned an impressive 93% job placement rate, which reflects both educational excellence and growing opportunities for mental health professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 25% employment growth for mental health counselors from 2019 to 2029—more than triple the average for all occupations.
You’ll be ready to meet New York State licensure requirements for mental health counselors, though states have additional requirements beyond degree completion. The New York State Department of Education has approved the program for diagnostic privilege designation, which enhances graduates’ professional capabilities.
4. Touro University – M.S. in Counseling with Addiction Specialization
Touro University Worldwide has made its mark among masters in counseling New York programs by focusing on addiction treatment. Their online Master of Arts in Counseling with Addiction Counseling specialization helps you tackle the rising demand for qualified professionals in substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
Program description
Students can choose between two tracks based on their career goals and state licensing needs:
- Standard MAC Track: 60 credits including 14 core courses, 2 practicum courses (100 clock hours), and 4 internship courses (600 clock hours)
- Advanced Topics Track: 72 credits specifically designed for California BBS licensure requirements
Both tracks meet Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. The program helps you develop essential skills in evidence-based treatment strategies, ethical decision-making, and culturally competent counseling approaches. Most full-time students finish the standard track in 2 years, while the advanced track takes about 2.5 years.
Addiction specialization
The curriculum gives you the tools for a rewarding career in substance abuse treatment by blending theoretical knowledge with ground application. You’ll learn about substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, crisis intervention, and relapse prevention strategies. The program stands out by combining supervised clinical training with research-based methods to provide complete preparation.
Tuition and affordability
The program costs $500 per credit, making it one of the more budget-friendly masters in counseling options in New York state. Students must pay a non-refundable $70 application fee and $100 per semester administrative/registration fee. Full-time students taking 9 credits across Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters can expect a total annual cost of attendance of $69,923, including living expenses.
Licensure and certification
The program prepares you to become a licensed substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor. Students get access to NCMHCE and Addiction Counselor study materials through a one-time $49.99 fee during the capstone course. The job market looks promising with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 17% job growth over the next decade. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $59,190.
5. CUNY Lehman College – M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
CUNY Lehman College shapes culturally responsive professionals through its M.S.Ed. in School Counseling program. These professionals serve diverse urban school environments effectively. The masters in counseling New York program stands out because of its dual accreditation and detailed training approach.
Program description
Students complete a 60-credit, part-time, year-round curriculum over three years. The program holds the distinction of being the first New York City Counselor Education/School Counseling program with accreditation from both the Council on the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Programs (CAEP). Students learn to promote social justice and help others build academic, social-emotional, and career competencies. The program leads to New York State School Counselor Certification, and students can pursue additional bilingual counseling credentials.
Hybrid format
Working professionals find this program particularly appealing due to its mix of online and in-person instruction. Classes blend synchronous and asynchronous delivery methods, so students can balance their education with other commitments. The program maintains its high standards and clinical practice expectations all the same.
Social justice focus
The program goes beyond basic counseling preparation. Students learn to tackle institutional barriers and promote equity in urban educational settings. Anti-racist and anti-oppression practices are woven throughout coursework and fieldwork. The program helps students learn about serving economically and linguistically diverse communities while advocating for social justice.
Certification readiness
Hands-on training includes 50 hours of pre-practicum, 100 hours of practicum, and 600 hours of internship in K-12 schools. Graduates qualify for initial certification and can pursue professional certification after gaining work experience. Students interested in bilingual counseling can complete an extension that requires extra coursework and passing the Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA) exam. This preparation creates school counselors who can serve New York’s diverse communities effectively.
6. Fordham University – M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling
Fordham University offers a rigorous M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling that shapes ethical, culturally responsive practitioners who serve diverse communities. Students looking for a masters in counseling in New York will find this program combines academic excellence with hands-on training. The program prepares graduates for rewarding careers in mental health settings.
Program description
The 60-credit program takes a practitioner-scientist approach with a strong emphasis on multicultural and social justice counseling. Students can finish their degree full-time in two years with summers included or part-time in three years. The program stands out because it delivers all courses in an on-ground format at their campus. Fordham’s curriculum lines up with their Jesuit education’s focus on “care of the whole person.” Graduates find opportunities in mental health clinics, community centers, hospitals, university counseling centers, and corporate settings.
Accreditation and standards
The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited the program through January 2026. Students must meet several standards to graduate:
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Complete the prescribed 60-credit curriculum
- Strictly follow academic integrity principles
- Complete required fieldwork components
- Pass an end-of-program comprehensive assessment
Practicum and fieldwork
The program’s standout feature is its 600-hour, on-site, supervised internship during fall and spring semesters. Students gain vital hands-on experience under professional guidance. The program includes PSGE 6651 in fall and PSGE 6653 in spring. This approach helps students develop clinical skills while putting theoretical knowledge to real-life use.
Career outcomes
Graduates can sit for the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Licensure exam. New York State’s full licensure requires 3,000 hours of supervised post-degree mental health counseling practice. The program boasts impressive retention rates – 94.6% of students continue into their second year, and 86.5% graduate within two years. The program’s strong foundation in ethics, multicultural counseling, and practical experience opens doors for graduates in mental health settings. Many go on to establish private practices after getting their license.
7. New York University – M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
NYU Steinhardt’s M.A. in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program gives students the skills to become effective counselors who work with people of all backgrounds. This masters in counseling New York program combines strong theoretical foundations with hands-on skills development.
Program description
The program requires 60 graduate-level credits to develop vital counseling competencies. Students learn to build effective helping relationships with clients from different backgrounds while becoming skilled at assessment, case conceptualization, and advocacy. You can personalize your learning through elective courses in specialized areas such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Substance-related disorders
- Marriage and family counseling
- Trauma response
- Immigrant-origin youth counseling
After graduation, you’ll be ready to work in various settings like community mental health programs, college counseling centers, trauma-focused programs, and substance abuse treatment centers.
Online delivery and flexibility
NYU offers this program both on-campus and online, so you don’t need to relocate. The online format features weekly live classes with streamed video and audio. Classes stay small to enable breakout sessions and meaningful interaction. This structure lets you:
- Connect with professors during faculty office hours
- Access course materials 24/7 through faculty-designed asynchronous content
- Use a mobile app for referencing coursework and materials
- Track assignments and grades through a user-friendly dashboard
Licensure alignment
The program has accreditation from the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) through 2025. Yes, it is registered by New York State as a license-qualifying program in mental health counseling. Graduates can diagnose mental disorders and create assessment-based treatment plans in New York State—skills many employers prefer or require. The program meets New York licensure requirements, but students who want licensure in other states should check their specific state requirements.
GRE requirements and duration
The program welcomes students without GRE scores for admission. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Full-time students can finish the program in as few as five terms. International students whose native language isn’t English need a minimum TOEFL score of 100, unless they completed a four-year US undergraduate degree in English.
8. SUNY Brockport – M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
SUNY Brockport’s Mental Health Counseling program shows remarkable results. 99% of graduates have found counseling jobs in the last 12 years. The 60-credit program will give you the skills needed to work in mental health settings of all types through a balanced mix of theory and hands-on experience.
Program description
The program starts with “Self in Society,” a special course that helps you develop self-reflection and interpersonal skills before clinical work begins. You will learn therapeutic techniques through discussions and practice sessions while focusing on social justice and inclusion. The program also lets qualified undergraduate addictions and behavioral health majors take up to 12 graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates through an accelerated pathway.
CACREP accreditation
SUNY Brockport became the first program in New York State to receive CACREP accreditation, making its credentials highly valued by employers. This prestigious recognition means your degree meets strict national standards for counselor education. You can take the National Counselor Examination during your final semester.
Internship and practicum
Students get hands-on experience at the on-campus counseling clinic while completing their required clinical hours. You’ll need one semester of practicum (about 20 hours weekly) and two semesters of internship (around 30 hours weekly). Students can work in many settings, from mental health agencies to university counseling centers.
Licensure preparation
After graduation, you can take the New York State Mental Health Counselor licensure examination. The program’s well-designed curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure in 46 states. This gives you the freedom to work almost anywhere in your counseling career.
9. St. John Fisher University – M.S. in Mental Health Counseling
St. John Fisher University offers a Mental Health Counseling program that helps students treat people with emotional, mental, and physical challenges in professional settings of all types. This masters in counseling New York program combines cultural awareness training with hands-on experience.
Program description
The 60-credit curriculum gets into psychological foundations of mental health and focuses on diagnostic assessment skills. Students learn evidence-based intervention strategies and culturally relevant approaches to client care. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited this program that really prepares graduates to work in community agencies, hospitals, behavioral health organizations, and many other settings.
Internship and fieldwork
Students need to complete at least 600 supervised internship hours in approved clinical settings. This hands-on experience lets them apply theoretical knowledge in ground environments. The fieldwork helps build professional skills under qualified supervision to prepare students for independent practice after graduation.
Job placement rate
The program boasts exceptional career outcomes with a 96% job placement rate. The Class of 2024 reported that 93% of their first jobs were very related to their career goals. The program also maintains a strong 90% graduation rate.
Study options
Students can finish their degree full-time in two years or part-time in 3.5 years. Late afternoon and evening classes make it easier to balance busy schedules. Psychology majors can also choose a five-year fast-track option and start their graduate studies during their fourth year.
10. Hunter College – M.S. in School Counseling
Hunter College’s School Counseling program shapes graduates to work with students from all backgrounds in various educational settings. The masters in counseling New York program builds clinical insight, cultural humility, and ethical practice to serve NYC’s diverse communities.
Program description
Students will complete a 60-credit curriculum that gives them skills to provide detailed services to students and families. The coursework centers on adjustment issues, academic advisement, career guidance, and advocacy. Graduates can work in K-12 schools, colleges, correctional facilities, hospitals, or community organizations. The program cultivates education that sparks curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, and self-awareness while teaching evidence-based interventions.
Fieldwork and practicum
Students must complete 700 field hours at two different locations—elementary/middle school and high school—over three semesters. The fieldwork has a one-semester practicum (100 hours) and a two-semester internship (300 hours per semester). Site supervisors provide weekly supervision and review recorded client sessions to ensure strong professional development.
Certification eligibility
The program guides students toward New York State certification in School Counseling. Certification requirements include state workshops, fingerprint clearance, and passing the School Counseling Content Specialty Test. Graduates can apply through the NY State Education Department TEACH Online Services.
Affordability
Hunter College ranks among the most affordable graduate counseling programs, offering exceptional value—75% of students graduate without any debt. This financial benefit helps launch careers without the burden of student loans.
11. Niagara University – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This 28-year old program at Niagara University was the first Mental Health Counseling program in New York State. The M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling gives you everything you need to succeed in today’s growing mental health field.
Program description
The CACREP-accredited program needs 60 credit hours to complete. You’ll learn psychotherapy principles, human development, learning theory, and treating psychopathology. Mental health counseling ranks among the 20 fastest growing careers in the United States. You’ll find great opportunities in a variety of settings after graduation. These settings include clinics, healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, addictions services, and university settings.
Internship hours
Ground experience is the foundation of this program. The field placement requirement is 1,000 hours – this is a big deal as it means that it goes beyond the NYSED minimum of 700 hours. You’ll start with a 100-hour practicum and then complete two internship experiences. These internships total 600 hours under licensed mental health professionals’ supervision. This hands-on training prepares you for real-life clinical practice.
Licensure readiness
The program qualifies you for New York State licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). On top of that, it makes you eligible for licensing in all 50 states and three territories. Canadian graduates can pursue registration as Registered Psychotherapists through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Admission requirements
The admission process matches standard graduate education requirements, but you must attend an interview. You’ll have nonmatriculated status during application review. You can register for up to three graduate courses, but this doesn’t guarantee your acceptance into the program.
12. SUNY Plattsburgh – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
SUNY Plattsburgh’s nationally recognized M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has managed to keep its prestigious CACREP accreditation since 2008, with an extension through October 2029. This valuable credential opens doors to immediate job opportunities and higher professional standing.
Program description
The complete 60-credit curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical approaches to client services. Faculty members focus on a multi-layered approach to counselor preparation that emphasizes self-awareness, counseling processes, and ethical practice. Students can choose between full-time and part-time study until they reach the internship phase. The program prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings, from community mental health clinics to substance abuse treatment facilities.
Hands-on training
The program includes extensive clinical experience through well-laid-out practicum and internship courses, which total 12 credits. Practical skills remain at the heart of the program. Qualified students can access innovative opportunities like peer counseling.
Licensure alignment
Graduates become eligible to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE). The program meets all academic requirements needed to become a licensed mental health counselor in New York State.
Affordability
New York residents will pay $5,655 per semester in tuition for 2025-2026, while non-residents pay $11,550. On top of that, students who qualify can apply for the Behavioral Health Workforce Education & Training Program, which offers $25,000 stipends.
13. Adelphi University – M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
Adelphi University’s M.A. in Mental Health Counseling program stands out for its clinical excellence and rigorous curriculum that shapes skilled practitioners. Students who choose this masters in counseling program in New York receive exceptional preparation to work in various healthcare settings.
Program description
Students complete 60 credits to build their clinical competencies through comprehensive coursework in personality assessment, psychopathology diagnosis, research design, and developmental psychology. The program maintains high standards with admission requirements that include a 3.1 GPA minimum, GRE scores, two recommendation letters, and an interview. Graduates find rewarding careers in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, and community organizations.
Substance abuse concentration
The program’s addiction counseling specialty ranks #24 nationally. Students can earn their Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T) certification after completing 350 educational hours through this concentration within the Mental Health Counseling program. The job placement rate remains strong, with graduates finding positions in substance abuse treatment right after completion.
Practicum and internship
The program’s hands-on approach helps students develop their clinical skills through supervised experiences in healthcare settings, agencies, and community services. Students build valuable professional networks throughout the New York area while strengthening their capabilities.
Evening class options
The program accommodates working professionals through evening classes in its full-time schedule. Students can advance their careers in mental health counseling while maintaining their current jobs through this flexible arrangement.
Get Started Now
Your professional future depends on picking the right master’s in counseling program in New York. You’ll find 13 outstanding programs that offer specializations to match your career goals. These programs give you the credentials and practical experience you need to become a mental health counselor, family therapist, school counselor, or addiction specialist.
The job market looks bright for counseling professionals. Mental health counselors will see an 18% job growth through 2032. Marriage and family therapists can expect a 15% increase in opportunities. With median annual salaries between $56,570 and $60,140, counseling offers both purpose and financial stability.
Many programs understand your busy schedule. You can choose evening classes, part-time schedules, and online options to balance your education with work and life. Universities also let you focus on specific counseling areas through specialized tracks and concentrations.
Program accreditation matters a lot. CACREP, COAMFTE, and MPCAC certifications guarantee your degree meets national standards. This gives you an edge when you apply for licenses and jobs. Most programs include practicums and internships that provide hands-on experience you need to grow professionally.
Money plays a big part in choosing your program. You have options that fit different budgets – from affordable SUNY and CUNY programs to top private universities with various financial aid packages.
Your counseling education goes beyond just earning a degree. It prepares you to help others direct their way through life’s challenges. The right program will match your career goals and personal needs. You’ll gain knowledge, skills, and credentials to make a real difference in your clients’ lives.