Best Counseling Programs in Kansas (2026)
Top CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Kansas for 2026, with tuition, LPC (supervised) and LCPC (independent practice) licensure requirements, NCE for LPC and NCMHCE for LCPC, 4,000 supervised hours pathway, and the Kansas City bi-state advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas has roughly 6 CACREP-accredited counseling programs, including Wichita State University (CACREP through October 2029), Emporia State (CACREP since 1996, first in KS), Fort Hays State (CACREP online), Pittsburg State (CACREP since 1988), and MidAmerica Nazarene (Olathe KC metro). Note: University of Kansas's counseling program is MPCAC-accredited, NOT CACREP; Friends University offers MS Family Therapy (COAMFTE, not CMHC).
- Kansas uses a two-tier license structure. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the entry-level credential for supervised practice only. LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) is the independent practice license that authorizes mental health diagnosis and treatment.
- Becoming an LCPC in Kansas requires LPC licensure first (60-credit master's + NCE), an LCPC-qualifying practicum, at least 15 graduate semester credits in diagnosis or treatment, 4,000 hours of supervised post-graduate experience over a minimum of 2 years, 1,500 direct client contact hours, 150 hours of clinical supervision (50 individual person-to-person), and passing the NCMHCE.
- Kansas enacted the Counseling Compact via HB 2288, signed April 24, 2023. KS is a Compact member but is not yet operationally issuing privileges as of May 2026. Only Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are actively issuing Compact privileges.
- Kansas reduced reciprocity requirements via HB 2340: the practice-time requirement for endorsement is now 12 months of practice in another state (down from 48-of-last-54 months). One of the most counselor-friendly endorsement rules in the country.
- Kansas City is the state's strongest bi-state advantage. The KC metro spans KS/MO, and both states are enacted Counseling Compact members. Once both activate, an LCPC living in Overland Park or Lenexa will be able to take Missouri telehealth clients via Compact privilege. Until then, dual licensure is the workaround.
- Kansas counselor salaries run below the national median. BLS Kansas OEWS estimates place the median around $50,990 for the combined occupation, roughly 14% below the national median of $59,190. Topeka and Kansas City pay the highest metros; Wichita has the largest behavioral health employer base.
Kansas is one of the more distinctive LCPC markets in the Midwest, primarily because of the LPC vs LCPC two-tier structure. Most states' "associate" or "candidate" tier carries the same scope as the entry-level Kansas LPC (supervised counseling only); Kansas's LCPC tier is what authorizes independent mental health diagnosis and treatment, with the higher supervised hour bar (4,000 vs 3,000) and the diagnosis-specific coursework requirement.
The KS licensing path: complete a 60-credit master's from a CACREP or BSRB-approved program, pass the NCE, and apply for LPC. To upgrade to LCPC, complete an LCPC-qualifying practicum and at least 15 graduate semester credits in diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders, get a pre-approved training plan from the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB), accumulate 4,000 hours of supervised post-graduate experience over at least 2 years (with 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 150 hours of clinical supervision including 50 individual person-to-person), and pass the NCMHCE. Total time from master's to LCPC: typically 2.5 to 3 years.
What makes Kansas distinct: the Kansas City bi-state opportunity. The KC metro spans KS and MO, and both states are enacted Counseling Compact members. Once both activate Compact privilege issuance, KC-area LCPCs will have streamlined bi-state telehealth practice, an unusually strong portability advantage. Combined with Kansas's reduced reciprocity requirements (12 months of practice in another state for endorsement, one of the most counselor-friendly rules in the country), KS offers exceptional career flexibility for LCPCs serving the KC metro and beyond. Wichita (Ascension Via Christi pipeline), rural western Kansas Mental Health HPSAs, and military behavioral health (Fort Leavenworth, Fort Riley) round out the workforce picture.
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Kansas
All 7 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wichita State University | ~$385/credit (~$23,100 total) | On-campus | |
| 2 | Emporia State University | ~$355/credit (~$21,300 total) | Hybrid | |
| 3 | Fort Hays State University | $360.29/credit (online flat rate, ~$21,617 total) | Fully online | |
| 4 | Pittsburg State University | ~$345/credit (~$20,700 total) | On-campus | |
| 5 | MidAmerica Nazarene University | ~$595/credit (private, flat rate, ~$35,700 total) | On-campus day/evening + synchronous online | |
| 6 | Kansas State University | ~$465/credit (~$27,900 total) | On-campus + online | |
| 7 | University of Kansas (MPCAC, NOT CACREP) | ~$485/credit (~$29,100 total) | On-campus |
Wichita State University
In-State
~$385/credit (~$23,100 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,025/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MEd in Counseling with five concentration tracks
- CACREP accreditation through October 2029
- Located in Wichita with placement access to Ascension Via Christi (the largest psychiatric and behavioral health network in KS)
- Prepares for NCE and Kansas LPC
- Strong addiction counseling specialization track
Emporia State University
In-State
~$355/credit (~$21,300 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 in Clinical Counseling with Mental Health Counseling concentration
- <strong>First CACREP-accredited counseling program in Kansas (since 1996)</strong> with the longest accreditation history in the state
- 60 hours (45 core + 15 concentration); thesis and non-thesis options
- Hybrid format with online and on-campus components
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
Fort Hays State University
In-State
$360.29/credit (online flat rate, ~$21,617 total)
Out-of-State
$360.29/credit (online flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in CMHC delivered fully online
- Flat $360.29/credit tuition regardless of residency
- Practicum and internship at student-sourced board-approved sites
- Affordable online tuition serving rural western Kansas and out-of-state students
- Located in Hays serving rural Western Kansas Mental Health HPSA placements
Pittsburg State University
In-State
~$345/credit (~$20,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$895/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited since 1988 (long accreditation history)
- <strong>The only integrated psychology and counseling department in Kansas</strong>
- <strong>The only graduate counseling training within 100 miles in Southeast Kansas</strong>
- Located in Pittsburg with strong rural placement pipeline
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
MidAmerica Nazarene University
In-State
~$595/credit (private, flat rate, ~$35,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$595/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MA in Counseling at MNU's College of Professional and Graduate Studies
- Located in Olathe in the Kansas City bi-state metro
- Flexible day, evening, and synchronous online delivery options
- Nazarene-affiliated private university with values-integrated curriculum welcoming students of all faiths or none
- Strong placement access to KC metro behavioral health employers on both KS and MO sides
Kansas State University
In-State
~$465/credit (~$27,900 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,055/credit
Length
3 to 4 years (60+ credits for EdS/PhD)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- <strong>CACREP-accredited EdS in School Counseling + the only CACREP-accredited doctorate in Kansas (PhD CES)</strong>
- Verify whether K-State currently offers a CACREP-accredited master's in CMHC specifically (search confirms EdS + PhD, master's CMHC status unclear)
- Located in Manhattan near Fort Riley for military behavioral health placement
- PhD CES program for students pursuing counselor education academic careers
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
University of Kansas (MPCAC, NOT CACREP)
In-State
~$485/credit (~$29,100 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,165/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- <strong>NOT CACREP-accredited.</strong> MS in Counseling Psychology is MPCAC-accredited (Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council)
- Kansas BSRB accepts CACREP or "substantially equivalent" programs; <strong>verify with BSRB</strong> that KU's MPCAC program qualifies for KS LPC licensure before enrolling
- Located in Lawrence with placement access to KU Medical Center (Kansas City KS) and Lawrence-area providers
- R1 research university with strong counseling psychology doctoral pipeline
- Listed here for transparency given KU's prominence; CACREP-accredited programs above are the standard KS LPC pathway
LPC and LCPC Licensure Requirements in Kansas
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KS BSRB)
(785) 296-3240
Kansas regulates LPCs and LCPCs through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KS BSRB) in Topeka.
You'll move through two tiers in KS. First, the LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), the entry-level credential for supervised counseling practice only. LPC requires a 60-credit master's and passing the NCE. Second, the full LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), the independent practice license authorizing mental health diagnosis and treatment, earned after 4,000 supervised hours and passing the NCMHCE.
Three KS-specific items: LCPC requires at least 15 graduate semester credits in diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders (separate from the 60-credit master's base requirement), a training plan must be pre-approved by BSRB before hours can be counted toward LCPC, and supervision must occur at a ratio of 1 hour of clinical supervision per 15 hours of client contact. Continuing education is 30 hours every 2 years.
Licensed Professional Counselor (entry-level, supervised practice only)
Supervised counseling practice; cannot diagnose or treat mental disorders independently
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: NCE
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (independent practice with diagnostic authority)
Independent clinical practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, private practice, third-party billing
Hours
4,000
Duration
2 years minimum (50 hours individual person-to-person supervision; 1:15 supervision-to-contact ratio; BSRB-pre-approved training plan required)
Exam: NCMHCE
Kansas offers endorsement for LPCs/LCPCs licensed in other states. Kansas HB 2340 reduced the reciprocity practice-time requirement from 48-of-last-54 months down to 12 months of practice in another state with substantially equivalent licensing. One of the most counselor-friendly endorsement rules in the country. Kansas enacted the Counseling Compact via HB 2288, signed April 24, 2023, making it a Compact member. As of May 2026, KS is not yet operationally issuing privileges; only Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are actively issuing Counseling Compact privileges. Once KS activates, the KC bi-state advantage will be transformative for KC metro counselors.
Counselor Salary in Kansas
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Kansas counselor salaries run below the national median. The BLS Kansas OEWS estimates place the median around $50,990 for the combined occupation, roughly 14% below the national median of $59,190. Topeka and Kansas City metro pay the highest medians; Wichita has the largest behavioral health employer base. Kansas's lower cost of living offsets some of the wage differential.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $70,976 (Topeka)
Mental Health Counselors (excluding substance abuse)
National median: $59,610
Top metro: $58,640 (Kansas City)
Marriage and Family Therapists
National median: $63,780
Top metro: $61,420 (Kansas City)
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors (School Counselors)
National median: $64,210
Top metro: $65,720 (Kansas City)
Kansas Counseling Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Kansas has three distinct workforce regions: Wichita (state's largest behavioral health employer base anchored by Ascension Via Christi), Kansas City metro (bi-state advantage with Missouri), and Topeka (state government and Topeka State Hospital legacy). Rural western Kansas counties carry severe Mental Health HPSA designations.
Major employers include Ascension Via Christi (the largest psychiatric and behavioral health network in Kansas, anchored in Wichita), The University of Kansas Health System (Kansas City KS academic medical center), Stormont Vail Health (Topeka), Wesley Healthcare (Wichita), Children's Mercy Hospital (KC bi-state), the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, Kansas state psychiatric facilities (Larned State Hospital, Osawatomie State Hospital), regional Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, and a growing private group practice sector in KC metro.
Three workforce dynamics shape practice in KS:
Kansas City bi-state opportunity: The KC metro spans KS and MO, and both states are enacted Counseling Compact members. Once both activate Compact privilege issuance, KC-area LCPCs will have streamlined bi-state telehealth practice. Until then, dual licensure (LCPC in KS + LPC in MO) is the workaround.
Wichita Ascension Via Christi: The largest psychiatric and behavioral health network in Kansas, with major Wichita inpatient and outpatient operations. WSU is the natural feeder.
Military behavioral health: Fort Leavenworth (Leavenworth County) and Fort Riley (near Manhattan/Junction City) drive demand for counselors familiar with military culture, PTSD, MST, and TRICARE billing. K-State's location near Fort Riley creates a natural pipeline.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Kansas State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Administered by KDHE. Eligibility includes behavioral/mental health professionals at approved sites in federally designated HPSAs. LMAC (Licensed Masters Addiction Counselors) explicitly added due to opioid crisis. Minimum 2-year service commitment with 20+ hrs/week minimum (18+ hrs direct patient care), 45 weeks/year.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. LPCs and LCPCs are eligible at NHSC-approved sites in mental health HPSAs with score 18 or higher (typical threshold). Up to $50,000 for 2 years full-time service or $25,000 for half-time.
NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce LRP: Up to $75,000 over 3 years for LPCs/LCPCs at SUD-focused NHSC sites. Strong fit for LPCs/LCPCs working in KS's opioid crisis response.
NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program: Up to $100,000 for 3 years at NHSC-approved rural sites. KS has substantial rural HPSA footprint, making this an exceptionally strong opportunity.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): LCPCs employed at KS state agencies, KU Health System, VA Eastern Kansas, Ascension Via Christi nonprofit affiliates, and other qualifying nonprofit health systems all qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How to Choose a Counseling Program in Kansas
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a counseling program in Kansas mostly comes down to two questions: KC bi-state vs Wichita vs rural placement pipeline, and whether you plan to stop at the entry-level LPC tier or continue to LCPC for independent practice. Kansas's two-tier system means LPCs cannot diagnose or treat mental disorders independently; if you want full diagnostic authority and private practice, plan for the LCPC tier from the start.
If you want the strongest Kansas City bi-state pipeline: MidAmerica Nazarene University (Olathe, in KC metro) is the strongest in-KS option for KC-area placement. KC LCPCs benefit from the Compact bi-state advantage once both KS and MO activate Compact privileges.
If you want the strongest Wichita pipeline: Wichita State University is the dominant feeder into Ascension Via Christi (the largest psychiatric and behavioral health network in KS).
If you want rural Kansas / Western KS placement: Fort Hays State University's online MS serves rural Western Kansas Mental Health HPSAs. Strong NHSC and Kansas SLRP loan repayment leverage in these counties.
If you want Southeast Kansas placement: Pittsburg State University is the only graduate counseling training within 100 miles in SE Kansas. The only integrated psychology and counseling department in the state.
If you want military behavioral health placement: Kansas State University (Manhattan, near Fort Riley) creates a natural pipeline for military counseling careers.
If you want the longest CACREP history: Emporia State University has been CACREP-accredited since 1996 (first in Kansas). Pittsburg State has been CACREP-accredited since 1988.
If you want the most affordable option: Pittsburg State at ~$345/credit, Emporia State at ~$355/credit, and Fort Hays State at $360.29/credit (online flat rate) are the most affordable CACREP-accredited counseling programs for KS residents.
If you want fully online delivery: Fort Hays State's online CMHC ($360.29/credit) is the strongest fully online CACREP option for KS students.
If you plan to leverage Counseling Compact portability: KS is a Compact member (since April 2023) but not yet operational. Once KS activates Compact privilege issuance, KS LCPCs will gain practice portability across other member states. The KC bi-state advantage will be transformative.
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, LCPCs, LMHCs, and LPCCs actually do day-to-day
MSW Programs in Kansas
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
- Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB)
- KS BSRB Professional Counselors
- Kansas License Verification
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Kansas Estimates
- NBCC, National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Kansas State Loan Repayment Program (KDHE)
- Counseling Compact, Member States