Best Counseling Programs in Missouri (2026)
Top CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Missouri for 2026, with tuition, PLPC and LPC requirements, Missouri Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Exam, NCE or NCMHCE options, Counseling Compact membership (enacted July 2023), and BJC HealthCare plus SSM Health placement pipelines.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri has roughly eight CACREP-accredited counseling programs, including University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri State (Springfield), Truman State (fully online), Webster University (St. Louis), Missouri Baptist (livestream), and Central Methodist (online). Note: UMKC and Mizzou are MPCAC-accredited (not CACREP); Lindenwood is applying.
- Missouri uses a two-tier license structure. PLPC (Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor) is the post-master's supervised credential. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the independent practice license earned after 3,000 supervised hours over a minimum of 24 months.
- Becoming an LPC in Missouri requires (for applicants enrolled on or after August 28, 2023) a 60-credit master's, 3,000 supervised hours over at least 24 months with 1,200 hours of direct client contact and an average of 15 hours per week, weekly face-to-face supervision (2 weeks per month must be individual), and passing the NCMHCE or NCE plus the Missouri Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (state jurisprudence exam).
- Missouri is a Counseling Compact member via SB 70, signed July 6, 2023 (RSMo 337.550). MO Compact privilege issuance depends on Commission rollout; as of early 2026, Arizona, Minnesota, Ohio, and Louisiana are actively issuing privileges. Once MO activates, MO LPCs will gain practice portability across other member states.
- Missouri counselor salaries run somewhat below the national median. BLS Missouri OEWS estimates place mean hourly wages at approximately $27.23 (~$56,638 annual mean), compared to the national median of $59,190.
- Missouri has one of the most severe Mental Health HPSA footprints in the country, with only ~15.18% of mental health need being met statewide per HRSA quarterly data. The shortage is concentrated in rural Ozarks counties and Delta region. The Missouri Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) offers LPCs up to $65,000 for a 2-year service commitment.
- Kansas City and St. Louis dominate Missouri counselor employment. St. Louis employers include BJC HealthCare (the state's largest health system), SSM Health, and Mercy. Kansas City spans MO and KS state lines, and Counseling Compact membership in both states will eventually streamline bi-state practice. Rural Ozarks employers include Compass Health Network and Burrell Behavioral Health.
Missouri is one of the more interesting LPC markets in the Midwest, with three distinct workforce regions: St. Louis (BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy), Kansas City (bi-state metro with KS Compact membership), and the rural Ozarks (severe Mental Health HPSAs with strong loan repayment leverage). Combined with Counseling Compact membership (enacted July 2023) and the new 60-credit master's requirement for post-August 2023 enrollees, Missouri offers meaningful career trajectory variety.
The MO licensing path: complete a 60-credit master's from a CACREP-accredited or equivalent program (48 credits grandfathered for pre-August 2023 enrollees), apply for PLPC with the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors under the Division of Professional Registration, accumulate 3,000 supervised hours over at least 24 months with 1,200 hours of direct client contact (averaging 15 hours per week), receive weekly face-to-face supervision (2 weeks per month must be individual, not group), pass the NCMHCE or NCE, and pass the Missouri Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (state jurisprudence). Total time from master's to LPC: typically 2 to 3 years.
What makes Missouri distinct: the Compass Health Network and Burrell Behavioral Health. Compass is a major statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) network and one of the most reliable LPC employers in the state, including rural Ozarks counties. Burrell anchors the Springfield/Columbia behavioral health markets. Both regularly hire newly licensed PLPCs and LPCs and provide structured supervision pathways. For students interested in community mental health practice in particular, Missouri's CCBHC infrastructure is one of the most developed in the country.
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Missouri
All 8 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) | ~$525/credit (~$31,500 total) | On-campus + hybrid | |
| 2 | Missouri State University | ~$343/credit (~$20,580 total) | Hybrid | |
| 3 | Truman State University | $584/credit (fully online flat rate, ~$35,040 total) | Fully online with 24-student cohort | |
| 4 | Webster University | $775/credit (private, flat rate, ~$46,500 total) | On-ground evenings + 2 asynchronous online courses | |
| 5 | Missouri Baptist University | $724/credit (private, flat rate, ~$43,440 total) | Livestream + 2 in-person residencies | |
| 6 | Central Methodist University | ~$595/credit (private online flat rate, ~$35,700 total) | Fully online | |
| 7 | Avila University | ~$685/credit (private, flat rate, ~$41,100 total) | Evening on-campus | |
| 8 | Lindenwood University | $551/credit (private, flat rate, ~$26,448 total at 48 credits) | On-campus + online |
University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL)
In-State
~$525/credit (~$31,500 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,425/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MEd in CMHC at UMSL's College of Education
- Located in St. Louis with placement access to BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy
- On-campus and hybrid delivery options
- Affordable in-state public university tuition
- Strong urban counseling practice emphasis serving St. Louis' diverse populations
Missouri State University
In-State
~$343/credit (~$20,580 total)
Out-of-State
~$696/credit
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in Counseling with CMHC concentration
- <strong>Most affordable CACREP CMHC program in Missouri</strong> at $343/credit for residents
- Located in Springfield serving the Ozarks region
- Strong placements with Burrell Behavioral Health (regional anchor) and Cox Health
- Hybrid delivery with on-campus and online components
Truman State University
In-State
$584/credit (fully online flat rate, ~$35,040 total)
Out-of-State
$584/credit (online flat rate)
Length
2 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited fully online MA at Truman's College of Education
- Small 24-student cohort model preserves intimate faculty mentoring online
- Flat $584/credit tuition regardless of residency
- Field placements coordinated in students' local Missouri communities
- Strong NCE pass rates and post-graduate licensure outcomes
Webster University
In-State
$775/credit (private, flat rate, ~$46,500 total)
Out-of-State
$775/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 with CMHC emphasis
- On-ground evening classes + 2 asynchronous online courses for working adults
- Located in Webster Groves serving the St. Louis metro
- Strong placements with BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Compass Health Network
- 2025-26 tuition $775/credit (~$46,500 total)
Missouri Baptist University
In-State
$724/credit (private, flat rate, ~$43,440 total)
Out-of-State
$724/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MA in CMHC with livestream delivery + 2 in-person residencies
- Baptist-affiliated university with values-integrated curriculum welcoming students of all faiths or none
- Located in St. Louis with placement access to BJC, SSM Health, and Mercy
- Distinctive livestream format preserves real-time faculty interaction
- 2 in-person residencies preserve clinical skill assessment
Central Methodist University
In-State
~$595/credit (private online flat rate, ~$35,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$595/credit (online flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited fully online MS in Clinical Counseling
- United Methodist heritage with values-integrated curriculum welcoming students of all faiths or none
- Located in Fayette but delivered fully online for statewide access
- Field placements coordinated in students' local communities
- Affordable private online tuition compared to St. Louis private alternatives
Avila University
In-State
~$685/credit (private, flat rate, ~$41,100 total)
Out-of-State
~$685/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- MS in Counseling Psychology meeting MO LPC educational requirements
- Catholic Sisters of St. Joseph heritage with values-integrated curriculum welcoming students of all faiths or none
- Located in Kansas City with strong KC metro placement access
- Evening on-campus format built around working adults
- Verify current CACREP accreditation status before enrollment
Lindenwood University
In-State
$551/credit (private, flat rate, ~$26,448 total at 48 credits)
Out-of-State
$551/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2 to 3 years (48 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- MA in Counseling with CMHC track at Lindenwood
- Currently applying for CACREP accreditation (not yet accredited)
- 48-credit program suitable for pre-August 2023 enrollees (grandfathered under prior MO LPC rules)
- Located in St. Charles serving St. Louis metro placement region
- On-campus and online delivery options
PLPC and LPC Licensure Requirements in Missouri
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors (Division of Professional Registration)
(573) 751-0018
Missouri regulates LPCs through the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors, housed within the Division of Professional Registration under the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. The board operates under RSMo Chapter 337 and 20 CSR 2095.
You'll move through two stages in MO. First, the PLPC (Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor), the post-master's supervised credential. Second, the full LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), the independent practice license earned after 3,000 supervised hours over a minimum of 24 months (and up to 5 years). Missouri also offers LPC-Specialist credentials (e.g., addictions) for LPCs pursuing scope-specific certification.
Two MO-specific items: the 60-credit master's requirement for new applicants enrolled on or after August 28, 2023 (48 credits still accepted for pre-August 2023 enrollees), and the Missouri Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (state jurisprudence exam, required in addition to NCE or NCMHCE).
Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor
Supervised post-master's counseling practice while accumulating hours toward LPC
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: No exam at PLPC; NCE/NCMHCE + MO Legal and Ethical Exam required for LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Independent clinical practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, private practice, third-party billing
Hours
3,000
Duration
24 months (up to 5 years allowed), average 15 hrs/week, weekly face-to-face supervision
Exam: NCE or NCMHCE + Missouri Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
Missouri offers endorsement via RSMo 337.510 for out-of-state LPCs with substantially equivalent requirements. Missouri is a Counseling Compact member, having enacted SB 70 on July 6, 2023 (codified at RSMo 337.550). Compact privilege issuance depends on Commission rollout; as of early 2026, Arizona, Minnesota, Ohio, and Louisiana are actively issuing Counseling Compact privileges. Once MO activates, MO LPCs will gain practice portability across other member states, which is particularly meaningful for KC metro counselors given Kansas is also a Compact member.
Counselor Salary in Missouri
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Missouri counselor salaries run somewhat below the national median. The BLS Missouri OEWS estimates place mean hourly wages around $27.23 (approximately $56,638 annual mean), versus the national median of $59,190. Kansas City and St. Louis pay above state median; Springfield, Columbia, and rural Ozarks counties pay lower nominal wages but offer dramatically better cost-of-living ratios and strong loan repayment leverage.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $60,840 (Kansas City)
Mental Health Counselors (excluding substance abuse)
National median: $59,610
Top metro: $58,920 (St. Louis)
Marriage and Family Therapists
National median: $63,780
Top metro: $63,720 (Kansas City)
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors (School Counselors)
National median: $64,210
Top metro: $67,840 (St. Louis)
Missouri Counseling Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Missouri has one of the most severe Mental Health HPSA footprints in the country, with only ~15.18% of mental health need being met per HRSA quarterly data. The shortage is most severe in rural Ozarks counties (Ozark, Douglas, Wright, Texas, Shannon, Reynolds, Iron) and Mississippi/Missouri Delta parishes. HRSA estimates approximately 114 additional practitioners are needed to remove Missouri's shortage designations.
Major employers include BJC HealthCare (St. Louis' largest health system, with BJC Behavioral Health as the largest community MH provider in eastern MO), SSM Health, Mercy, University of Missouri Health Care (Columbia, Mid-MO anchor with the Missouri Psychiatric Center), Compass Health Network (a large MO CCBHC network and one of the most reliable statewide LPC employers including rural Ozarks), Burrell Behavioral Health (Springfield/Columbia regional anchor), Truman Medical Centers / University Health in Kansas City, the Missouri Department of Mental Health, VA hospitals in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and Poplar Bluff, and a growing private group practice sector in KC and STL.
Three workforce dynamics shape practice in MO:
Kansas City bi-state advantage: KC metro spans MO and KS, and both states are Counseling Compact members. Once both go operational, KC LPCs will have streamlined cross-state practice, an unusually strong portability advantage.
CCBHC infrastructure: Missouri is a national leader in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic development. Compass Health, Burrell, and other CCBHCs offer structured supervision pathways for PLPCs and reliable post-graduate employment.
Rural Ozarks crisis: Southern Missouri counties carry severe Mental Health HPSA designations. Telehealth + Compact privilege will eventually let KC/STL grads serve these counties remotely; loan repayment leverage is exceptional.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Missouri Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP): Administered by DHSS Office of Rural Health and Primary Care. Up to $65,000 toward qualifying educational debt for LPCs serving in a Missouri HPSA. Minimum 2-year full-time service commitment. Application window typically September 1 to November 1 (verify 2026 dates).
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. LPCs are eligible at NHSC-approved sites in MO Mental Health HPSAs. Up to $50,000 for 2 years full-time service or $25,000 for half-time. Missouri has extensive NHSC site availability across rural Ozarks counties and the Bootheel.
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 MO's opioid crisis response, particularly in the Bootheel and Ozarks.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): LPCs employed at MO state agencies (Department of Mental Health), county mental health authorities, VA hospitals, BJC Behavioral Health (when in qualifying nonprofit roles), Compass Health, Burrell, and other qualifying nonprofits qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How to Choose a Counseling Program in Missouri
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a counseling program in Missouri mostly comes down to two questions: St. Louis vs Kansas City vs rural placement pipeline, and whether you enrolled before or after August 28, 2023 (which determines whether you need 48 or 60 credits). Missouri's CCBHC infrastructure and Counseling Compact membership make any MO LPC unusually well-positioned for community mental health practice and eventual interstate portability.
If you want the lowest tuition: Missouri State at $343/credit ($20,580 total) is by far the most affordable CACREP-accredited counseling program in Missouri for residents. UMSL at ~$525/credit and Lindenwood at $551/credit are the next most affordable.
If you want the strongest St. Louis metro pipeline: UMSL, Webster, and Missouri Baptist all have established placement relationships with BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy.
If you want the strongest Kansas City pipeline: Avila University serves the KC metro directly. Many KC-area students also pursue Truman State's online MA or Central Methodist's online MA.
If you want the strongest Springfield / Ozarks pipeline: Missouri State (Springfield) is the dominant feeder into Burrell Behavioral Health, Cox Health, and Mercy Springfield.
If you want fully online delivery: Truman State's 24-student cohort online MA, Central Methodist's online MS, and Missouri Baptist's livestream MA are the three strongest CACREP online options for MO students. Truman's cohort model preserves small-program intimacy online.
If you want a faith-integrated curriculum: Missouri Baptist, Central Methodist (United Methodist), and Avila (Catholic) all integrate values-based formation while welcoming students of all faiths or none.
If you have a pre-August 2023 enrollment: You're grandfathered under the 48-credit rule. Lindenwood's 48-credit MA is the only program purpose-built for this cohort.
If you plan to leverage Counseling Compact portability: Missouri is a Compact member (since July 2023) but not yet operational. Once MO activates, MO LPCs will gain practice portability across other member states. The Kansas City bi-state advantage is particularly meaningful.
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 Missouri
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
- Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors
- Missouri License Verification
- RSMo 337.550 (Counseling Compact)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Missouri Estimates
- NBCC, National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Missouri Health Professional Loan Repayment Program
- Counseling Compact, Member States