Best Counseling Programs in Alabama (2026)
Top CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Alabama for 2026, with tuition, ALC and LPC licensure requirements, NCE primary exam policy, UAB academic medical center pipeline, HBCU CACREP options at Alabama State, and the 3,000 supervised hours pathway.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama has roughly 10 CACREP-accredited counseling programs, including University of Alabama, UAB (Birmingham), Auburn University, Auburn at Montgomery, Alabama State (HBCU), Jacksonville State, Troy (online), University of South Alabama (Mobile), University of West Alabama (online), and University of North Alabama. Note: Alabama A&M's CACREP program is in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, not CMHC.
- Alabama uses a two-tier license structure. ALC (Associate Licensed Counselor) is the post-master's supervised credential. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the independent practice license earned after 3,000 supervised hours.
- Becoming an LPC in Alabama requires a 60-credit CACREP master's, 3,000 supervised hours over a minimum of 2 years with at least 2,250 hours of direct client contact (an unusually high direct-contact ratio), 100 hours per year of supervision (half in face-to-face individual sessions), and passing the NCE (Alabama's primary exam; NCMHCE also accepted per ABEC FAQ).
- Alabama enacted the Counseling Compact via SB99, signed March 1, 2022. AL is a Compact member but is not yet issuing/accepting privileges to practice as of mid-2026. As of May 2026, only Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are actively issuing Compact privileges.
- Alabama has strong HBCU representation in counselor education. Alabama State University (Montgomery) offers a CACREP-accredited MS in CMHC (accredited since 2011). Alabama A&M University (Huntsville) offers a CACREP Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration (LPC-eligible, not CMHC).
- In-state tuition runs roughly $429 to $700 per credit at major Alabama public universities. University of West Alabama's online MS at $429/credit is the most affordable. Troy University's fully online MS (since 2024) runs $475/credit in-state with two 3-day in-person residencies.
- Birmingham anchors Alabama's healthcare hub. UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) is one of the Southeast's largest academic medical centers, with UAB Medicine, UAB Hospital behavioral health, and Children's of Alabama all providing practicum density. Huntsville military behavioral health (Redstone Arsenal + Marshall Space Flight Center + Tennessee Valley VA) creates additional demand.
Alabama is one of the more affordable LPC markets in the Southeast, with strong HBCU representation and a dominant UAB academic medical center pipeline in Birmingham. The state has roughly 10 CACREP-accredited counseling programs spread across public universities and regional state schools, with University of West Alabama and Troy University offering particularly affordable online options.
The AL licensing path: complete a 60-credit master's from a CACREP-accredited program, apply for ALC with the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) in Montgomery, accumulate 3,000 supervised hours over a minimum of 2 years with at least 2,250 hours of direct client contact (75% of total hours, an unusually high direct-contact ratio), receive 100 hours per year of supervision (half in face-to-face individual sessions) from a supervisor who has held LPC for at least 2 years, and pass the NCE (NCMHCE also accepted per ABEC FAQ). Total time from master's to LPC: typically 2 to 3 years.
What makes Alabama distinct: the UAB pipeline in Birmingham. UAB is one of the Southeast's largest academic medical centers, providing unmatched practicum density at UAB Medicine, UAB Hospital behavioral health, Children's of Alabama, and the Birmingham VA Medical Center. Combined with Alabama State University's HBCU CACREP CMHC program (in Montgomery, accredited since 2011), Alabama A&M's CACREP Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program (HBCU, Huntsville, accredited through April 2034), and the severe Black Belt mental health workforce shortage, Alabama offers distinctive career trajectory opportunities for CACREP graduates committed to underserved practice.
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Alabama
All 10 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) | ~$555/credit (~$33,300 total) | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Alabama | ~$535/credit (~$32,100 total) | On-campus | |
| 3 | Auburn University | ~$615/credit (~$36,900 total; ~$31,986/yr reported) | On-campus + online tracks | |
| 4 | Alabama State University (HBCU) | ~$495/credit (~$29,700 total) | On-campus | |
| 5 | Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) | ~$485/credit (~$29,100 total) | On-campus | |
| 6 | Jacksonville State University | ~$465/credit (~$27,900 total) | On-campus | |
| 7 | Troy University | $475/credit (~$28,500 total) | <strong>Fully online with two 3-day in-person residencies</strong> | |
| 8 | University of South Alabama | ~$505/credit (~$30,300 total) | On-campus | |
| 9 | University of West Alabama | $429/credit (online flat rate, ~$25,740 total) - most affordable in AL | Online + 4-day on-campus residency | |
| 10 | University of North Alabama | ~$495/credit (~$29,700 total) | On-campus |
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
In-State
~$555/credit (~$33,300 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,225/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MA in Counseling at UAB's School of Education and Human Sciences
- <strong>Sits inside one of the Southeast's largest academic medical centers</strong>
- Practicum sites include UAB Medicine, UAB Hospital behavioral health, and Children's of Alabama
- Two CACREP-accredited concentrations: CMHC and Marriage, Couples & Family Counseling
- Located in Birmingham with placement access to Birmingham VA and surrounding metro behavioral health
University of Alabama
In-State
~$535/credit (~$32,100 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,295/credit
Length
2 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UA's College of Education
- R1 research university and one of Alabama's flagship CACREP programs
- Strong doctoral pipeline with active CACREP-accredited PhD in Counselor Education
- Robust on-campus clinic for early-program practicum
- Located in Tuscaloosa with placements at DCH Regional Medical Center and West Alabama behavioral health
Auburn University
In-State
~$615/credit (~$36,900 total; ~$31,986/yr reported)
Out-of-State
~$1,285/credit
Length
5 semesters / 2 years (60 credits, step-lock cohort)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Step-lock cohort model with 5-semester / 2-year completion
- On-campus and online track options
- Four specialization options including Crisis, Child/Adolescent, and Substance Use Disorders
- Active CACREP-accredited doctoral counselor education program
Alabama State University (HBCU)
In-State
~$495/credit (~$29,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$985/credit
Length
2.5 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (practicum + internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in CMHC at a Historically Black University, accredited since 2011
- <strong>One of two HBCU CACREP CMHC programs in Alabama</strong> (the other is Alabama A&M, focused on Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling)
- Located in Montgomery serving Alabama's Black Belt communities
- Strong placements with Alabama Department of Mental Health and Montgomery-area community mental health
- Affordable HBCU public university tuition
Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)
In-State
~$485/credit (~$29,100 total)
Out-of-State
~$995/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (degree title changed from M.Ed. to MA in July 2025)
- Located in Montgomery near Alabama Department of Mental Health HQ for state-system placements
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
- Capital-city location with strong policy and state agency placement opportunities
- Pathway to NCC + LPC
Jacksonville State University
In-State
~$465/credit (~$27,900 total)
Out-of-State
~$925/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS and EdS pathways in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Located in Northeast Alabama serving Anniston, Gadsden, and surrounding regions
- Meets all 8 CACREP core areas
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
- EdS pathway provides higher-level credentialing than basic master's
Troy University
In-State
$475/credit (~$28,500 total)
Out-of-State
$950/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in CMHC delivered fully online since 2024
- Two 3-day in-person residencies preserve clinical skill development
- Statewide reach across Alabama military communities (close historical military ties)
- CACREP 2016 standards alignment
- Affordable in-state online tuition at $475/credit
University of South Alabama
In-State
~$505/credit (~$30,300 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,015/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in CMHC, accredited January 10, 2013 through March 31, 2031
- <strong>The only Gulf Coast CACREP program in Alabama</strong>
- Placements at USA Health hospital system and Mobile-area community mental health
- Located in Mobile serving the Gulf Coast region
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
University of West Alabama
In-State
$429/credit (online flat rate, ~$25,740 total) - most affordable in AL
Out-of-State
$429/credit (online flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- <strong>Most affordable CACREP online CMHC option in Alabama</strong> at $429/credit flat rate
- Total tuition runs roughly $25,740 for the full 60-credit MS
- CACREP-accredited through October 31, 2027
- Online program with required 4-day on-campus residency (CO 509) in Livingston
- Serves Black Belt region from Sumter County
University of North Alabama
In-State
~$495/credit (~$29,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$995/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MA in CMHC
- Designed for working students with evening course schedules
- Coursework aligned to NCC and CCMHC certifications
- Located in Florence serving the Shoals region (Northwest Alabama)
- Strong placements with Shoals Hospital and Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital
ALC and LPC Licensure Requirements in Alabama
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC)
(334) 318-3347
Alabama regulates LPCs through the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) in Montgomery. The board operates under Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 255.
You'll move through two stages in AL. First, the ALC (Associate Licensed Counselor), the post-master's supervised credential required to begin accruing hours. Second, the full LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), the independent practice license earned after 3,000 supervised hours.
Two AL-specific items: the 2,250-hour direct client contact requirement within the 3,000 total hours (75% of total, an unusually high direct-contact ratio compared to most states), and Alabama's primary exam is the NCE (National Counselor Examination), with NCMHCE accepted as an alternative per the ABEC FAQ. Continuing education differs by tier: ALC requires 10 hours/year with 2 in ethics; LPC requires 40 hours per 2-year renewal with 6 in ethics.
Associate Licensed Counselor
Supervised post-master's counseling practice while accumulating hours toward LPC
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: NCE (Alabama primary) or NCMHCE
Licensed Professional Counselor
Independent clinical practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, private practice, third-party billing
Hours
3,000
Duration
2 years minimum (100 hours/year supervision, half face-to-face individual)
Exam: NCE (primary) or NCMHCE
Alabama offers endorsement for LPCs licensed in other states with substantially equivalent requirements. Alabama enacted the Counseling Compact via SB99, signed March 1, 2022, codified at Code of Alabama Title 34, Ch. 8A, Art. 2. AL is a Compact member but is not yet issuing/accepting privileges to practice as of mid-2026. Only Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are actively issuing Counseling Compact privileges. Once AL activates, AL LPCs will gain Compact privilege portability across other member states.
Counselor Salary in Alabama
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Alabama counselor salaries run below the national median. The BLS Alabama OEWS estimates place median wages around $51,000 for the combined occupation, materially below the national median of $59,190. Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile pay the highest medians; rural Black Belt counties pay materially less but offer the strongest loan repayment leverage.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $54,720 (Birmingham-Hoover)
Mental Health Counselors (excluding substance abuse)
National median: $59,610
Top metro: $53,640 (Birmingham-Hoover)
Marriage and Family Therapists
National median: $63,780
Top metro: $58,210 (Huntsville)
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors (School Counselors)
National median: $64,210
Top metro: $62,140 (Birmingham-Hoover)
Alabama Counseling Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Alabama has three distinct workforce regions: Birmingham metro (UAB academic medical center, the dominant SE academic medical hub), Huntsville (military/defense corridor anchored by Redstone Arsenal and Marshall Space Flight Center), and the Mobile/Gulf Coast (USA Health, regional behavioral health). The 17-county Black Belt region in south-central AL carries severe Mental Health HPSA designations.
Major employers include UAB Medicine (one of the Southeast's largest academic medical centers, anchored in Birmingham), Children's of Alabama (Birmingham), USA Health (Mobile), Birmingham VA Medical Center, Tennessee Valley VA (serving Huntsville's behavioral health needs), Bryce Hospital (state psychiatric facility in Tuscaloosa), the Alabama Department of Mental Health, regional community mental health centers (CMHCs) like AltaPointe Health (Mobile) and JBS Mental Health (Birmingham), and a growing private group practice sector.
Three workforce dynamics shape practice in AL:
UAB pipeline: UAB Medicine + Children's of Alabama in Birmingham provide unmatched practicum density for CACREP students. The Birmingham metro is one of the most concentrated behavioral health labor markets in the Southeast.
HBCU representation: Alabama State University (Montgomery) offers a CACREP CMHC MS, and Alabama A&M (Huntsville) offers a CACREP Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration (LPC-eligible, not CMHC). Both serve Alabama's significant Black population.
Rural Black Belt shortage: The 17-county Black Belt region (Sumter, Marengo, Greene, Hale, Perry, Dallas, Wilcox, Lowndes, Butler, Crenshaw, Bullock, Macon, Russell, Pickens, Choctaw, Barbour, Conecuh) is predominantly Black, rural, persistent-poverty, and a severe mental health provider desert. Strong loan repayment leverage and major opportunity narrative for committed LPCs.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program (primary loan repayment vehicle for AL LPCs). LPCs are eligible at NHSC-approved sites in AL Mental Health HPSAs. Behavioral health award: up to $50,000 for 2 years full-time at an NHSC-approved site in a Mental Health HPSA. 2026 cycle open through March 31, 2026, 6:30 p.m. CT.
NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce LRP: Up to $75,000 over 3 years for LPCs at SUD-focused NHSC sites. Strong fit for LPCs working in AL's opioid crisis response.
Alabama State Loan Repayment Program (NHSC State LRP): Administered through ADPH Office of Primary Care and Rural Health, partnered with NHSC. AL primarily routes funding through the NHSC State LRP partnership. See NHSC contacts at https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loan-repayment/state-loan-repayment-program/contacts
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): LPCs employed at AL state agencies (ADMH), county mental health authorities, VA Medical Centers, UAB nonprofit affiliates, USA Health nonprofit affiliates, and qualifying nonprofits all qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How to Choose a Counseling Program in Alabama
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a counseling program in Alabama mostly comes down to three questions: Birmingham UAB pipeline vs Montgomery/Mobile/Huntsville placement, HBCU vs predominantly-white-institution preference, and on-campus vs online delivery. Alabama's 2,250-hour direct client contact requirement is among the strictest in the country, so plan practicum and supervised practice settings carefully.
If you want the strongest UAB Birmingham pipeline: UAB itself, University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, close to Birmingham), and Alabama A&M (Huntsville for Clinical Rehabilitation, not CMHC) feed the UAB academic medical center network.
If you want the lowest tuition: University of West Alabama's online MS at $429/credit (~$25,740 total) is the most affordable CACREP-accredited counseling program in Alabama. Troy's online MS at $475/credit and AUM/UNA at ~$485-$495/credit are the next most affordable.
If you want fully online delivery: Troy University (fully online with 2 residencies since 2024) and University of West Alabama (online with 4-day residency) are the two CACREP fully online options. Auburn also offers an online track.
If you want an HBCU experience: Alabama State University (Montgomery) is the only HBCU CACREP CMHC program in Alabama. Alabama A&M (Huntsville) offers CACREP Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at an HBCU (not CMHC track).
If you want Montgomery / state agency placement: Auburn at Montgomery (AUM) and Alabama State both serve Montgomery with Alabama Department of Mental Health placements.
If you want Gulf Coast / Mobile placement: University of South Alabama is the only Gulf Coast CACREP program in Alabama. Strong placement with USA Health hospital system.
If you want military behavioral health placement: Troy University (with Alabama military community ties) and Alabama A&M (Huntsville, Redstone Arsenal) serve military behavioral health pathways. Tennessee Valley VA also serves Huntsville.
If you want a Black Belt rural service mission: University of West Alabama (Livingston, in Sumter County in the heart of the Black Belt) is purpose-built for rural service.
If you plan to leverage Counseling Compact portability: AL is a Compact member (since March 2022) but not yet operational. Once AL activates Compact privilege issuance, AL LPCs will gain practice portability across other member states.
Related Pages
Best Online Counseling Programs
National ranking of the top CACREP-accredited online counseling programs
Best Online Master's in Psychology
If you're still weighing psychology vs counseling at the master's level
Counselor Career Guide
What LPCs, LMHCs, and LPCCs actually do day-to-day
MSW Programs in Alabama
If you're weighing the social work pathway instead
Counseling Programs by State
Compare counseling programs across all 50 states
Sources
- CACREP, Directory of Accredited Programs
- Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC)
- ABEC License Lookup
- ABEC NCE Exam FAQ
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Alabama Estimates
- NBCC, National Counselor Examination (NCE)
- Alabama Department of Public Health, NHSC Loan Repayment
- Counseling Compact, Alabama Joins