Best Counseling Programs in North Dakota (2026)
Top CACREP-accredited counseling programs in North Dakota for 2026, with tuition, ND's unique three-tier LAPC/LPC/LPCC credentialing ladder, NCMHCE for LPCC, 3,000 supervised hours pathway, Bakken oil patch mental health crisis, and Counseling Compact membership.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota has 3 CACREP-accredited counseling programs: University of North Dakota (UND, Grand Forks), North Dakota State University (NDSU, Fargo), and University of Mary (Bismarck, Catholic, CACREP through 2031). Note: Minot State and Valley City State do NOT offer CACREP CMHC programs.
- North Dakota uses a unique three-tier license structure: LAPC (Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, 48+ credit master's, pre-licensure) → LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor, master's-level practice) → LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, independent clinical practice). Most states have two tiers; ND's three-tier ladder is rare.
- Becoming an LPCC in North Dakota requires holding LPC + a 60-credit CACREP-aligned master's, 3,000 hours of supervised experience (can be completed in 2 years), supervision by an LPCC (NOT an LPC), and passing the NCMHCE.
- North Dakota enacted the Counseling Compact via SB 2187 on April 27, 2023. ND is a member state but is not yet operationally issuing privileges. Only Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are actively issuing privileges.
- The Bakken oil patch mental health crisis creates extreme demand in Western ND. Williston and Dickinson have zero psychiatric inpatient beds. 26% of hospital transfers from Williston in 2018-19 (415 of 1,575) were psychiatric. 79% of Williston respondents rated behavioral health access "poor."
- 5 federally recognized tribes in ND: MHA Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes - Fort Berthold), Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (straddles ND/SD), Spirit Lake Tribe, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate (straddles ND/SD), and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. Significant IHS LRP eligibility.
- The ND State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) offers LPCs/LPCCs up to $50,000 for 2-year service commitment at NHSC-approved sites in HPSAs (score 15+) in team-based integrated care settings.
North Dakota is one of the most distinctive LPCC markets in the country because of two factors: the unique three-tier LAPC → LPC → LPCC ladder (most states use a two-tier structure where the entry license already authorizes independent practice) and the Bakken oil patch mental health crisis (Williston, Watford City, and Dickinson described as a "mental health care desert" with zero psychiatric inpatient beds in either Williston or Dickinson).
The ND licensing path: complete a 48+ credit master's for LAPC entry (60-credit CACREP master's required for LPCC), accumulate post-graduate supervised hours under a Plan of Supervision filed with the ND Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE), advance to LPC after meeting direct client contact and supervision requirements, then complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience under an LPCC supervisor (NOT an LPC) and pass the NCMHCE to upgrade to LPCC. Total time from master's to LPCC: typically 3-4 years.
What makes North Dakota distinct beyond the three-tier ladder and Bakken crisis: 5 federally recognized tribes (MHA Nation/Three Affiliated Tribes, Standing Rock Sioux, Spirit Lake, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) creating substantial IHS Loan Repayment Program eligibility. Combined with Sanford Health's Fargo HQ (largest rural nonprofit health system in the US, employing LPCs/LPCCs across ND, MN, SD), Altru Health System in Grand Forks, and ND's 8 regional state-run Human Service Centers (the biggest LAPC → LPC pipeline employer), ND offers career trajectory leverage despite severe geographic isolation. Roughly 75% of ND counties qualify as frontier (fewer than 6 people per square mile).
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in North Dakota
All 3 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Dakota (UND) | $418/credit (~$25,080 total at 60 credits) | On-campus + online tracks | |
| 2 | North Dakota State University (NDSU) | ~$425/credit (~$25,500 total) | Primarily face-to-face | |
| 3 | University of Mary | ~$595/credit (private flat rate, ~$35,700 total) | Blended |
University of North Dakota (UND)
In-State
$418/credit (~$25,080 total at 60 credits)
Out-of-State
$531/credit (MN reciprocity rate)
Length
2.5 to 3 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- MA in Counseling at UND with Community Mental Health track among 4 emphases
- On-campus and online tracks available
- MN reciprocity tuition at $531/credit for Minnesota residents
- R1 institution with strong Sanford Health and Altru Health placement access
- Verify CACREP status track-by-track at CACREP directory before enrollment
North Dakota State University (NDSU)
In-State
~$425/credit (~$25,500 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,135/credit
Length
~3 years (60 credits + comprehensive exam)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum at Community Counseling Services clinic + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS/MEd in Counselor Education - CMHC track at NDSU
- <strong>Also offers CACREP PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision</strong>
- 100 practicum hours at NDSU's Community Counseling Services on-campus clinic
- Located in Fargo with direct Sanford Health pipeline
- Primarily face-to-face delivery; comprehensive exam required
University of Mary
In-State
~$595/credit (private flat rate, ~$35,700 total)
Out-of-State
~$595/credit (private flat rate)
Length
20-32 months (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (100 practicum + 600 internship)
Concentrations
- CACREP-accredited MS in Counseling - CMHC at University of Mary, accredited through 2031
- Catholic/faith-integrated counseling formation with values welcoming students of all faiths or none
- Blended format: online courses + one weekly session on Bismarck campus or video conference
- 20-32 month completion depending on track
- Located in Bismarck for state government and ND state hospital placement access
LAPC, LPC, and LPCC Licensure Requirements in North Dakota
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE)
(701) 667-5969
North Dakota regulates counselors through the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners (NDBCE).
What makes North Dakota distinct is the three-tier license structure (rare nationally; most states have two tiers). LAPC (Licensed Associate Professional Counselor) is the entry-level pre-licensure tier, valid for 2 years, requiring a 48+ credit master's. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the master's-level licensed practitioner after meeting direct client contact and supervision requirements. LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) is independent clinical practice requiring a 60-credit CACREP-aligned master's + 3,000 hours of supervised experience under an LPCC supervisor (not an LPC) + passing the NCMHCE.
Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (entry-level pre-licensure, valid 2 years)
Supervised pre-licensure practice
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: No exam at LAPC
Licensed Professional Counselor (master's-level licensed practice)
Licensed master's-level counseling practice
Hours
N/A
Duration
2 years (200 direct client contact hours/year, min 10 clients/year with 5 individual; 100 supervision hours over 2 years with 60 individual)
Exam: Verify with NDBCE
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (independent clinical practice)
Independent clinical practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, private practice, third-party billing
Hours
3,000
Duration
~2 years (3,000 hours supervised experience; supervision MUST be by an LPCC, not an LPC)
Exam: NCMHCE
North Dakota offers endorsement via NDBCE for counselors licensed in other states meeting equivalent standards. North Dakota enacted the Counseling Compact via SB 2187 on April 27, 2023. ND is a member state but is not yet operationally issuing privileges as of May 2026. Only Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are actively issuing Counseling Compact privileges. Once ND activates, ND LPCCs will gain practice portability across other member states.
Counselor Salary in North Dakota
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
North Dakota counselor salaries run roughly at or just below the national median in nominal terms. BLS ND OEWS estimates reflect ND's small population. ND wages trend higher in the Bakken oil-patch nonmetro areas where hazard/shortage premiums apply.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $62,820 (Fargo)
Mental Health Counselors (excluding substance abuse)
National median: $59,610
Top metro: $60,420 (Fargo)
Marriage and Family Therapists
National median: $63,780
Top metro: $63,210 (Bismarck)
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors (School Counselors)
National median: $64,210
Top metro: $66,820 (Fargo)
North Dakota Counseling Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
North Dakota's counselor workforce concentrates in Fargo (Sanford Health HQ), Grand Forks (Altru Health), and Bismarck (state government, ND state hospital). The Bakken oil patch crisis in Western ND creates extreme demand. Roughly 75% of ND counties qualify as frontier (fewer than 6 people per square mile).
Major employers include Sanford Health (Fargo HQ, the largest rural nonprofit health system in the US, employing LPCs/LPCCs across ND, MN, SD), Altru Health System (Grand Forks regional system), Essentia Health (Fargo area BH outpatient), ND HHS Human Service Centers (8 regional state-run BH centers, the biggest LAPC → LPC pipeline employer), ND State Hospital (Jamestown), the VA North Dakota Health Care System (Fargo), IHS Great Plains Area serving all 5 federally recognized tribes, and tribal behavioral health programs.
Three workforce dynamics shape practice in ND:
Three-tier ladder: LAPC → LPC → LPCC means new master's grads spend longer in supervised tiers but exit with a clearer independent clinical credential. NHSC requires LPCC (independent); LAPC/LPC are NOT eligible for full NHSC LRP.
Bakken oil patch crisis: Williston, Watford City, Dickinson described as a "mental health care desert." Zero psychiatric inpatient beds in Williston or Dickinson. 26% of Williston hospital transfers in 2018-19 were psychiatric. 79% of Williston respondents rated behavioral health access "poor."
Tribal behavioral health pipeline: 5 federally recognized tribes (MHA Nation, Standing Rock Sioux, Spirit Lake, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa). All Great Plains Tribal Health members. IHS LRP eligibility is broad.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
ND State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Up to $50,000 for 2-year service commitment. Site must be federally designated Mental Health HPSA (score 15+) in a team-based integrated care setting. LPCs, licensed addiction counselors, LCSWs, RNs, behavior analysts eligible. Application annual cycle closes March 31.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. LPCC required (independent license); LAPC/LPC NOT eligible. Up to $50,000 for 2 years full-time service at NHSC-approved sites in ND Mental Health HPSAs.
NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce LRP: Up to $75,000 over 3 years for LPCCs at SUD-focused NHSC sites.
NHSC Rural Community LRP: Up to $100,000 for 3 years at NHSC-approved rural sites. Strong fit given 75% of ND counties are frontier.
Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program: Up to $50,000 for 2-year service at IHS or tribal facilities. With 5 federally recognized tribes in ND, IHS LRP eligibility is broad.
Federal PSLF: LPCCs at ND state agencies, VA North Dakota, Sanford Health nonprofit affiliates, Altru, IHS, tribal behavioral health programs qualify for PSLF after 10 years.
How to Choose a Counseling Program in North Dakota
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a counseling program in ND mostly comes down to two questions: Fargo (NDSU) vs Grand Forks (UND) vs Bismarck (University of Mary), and on-campus vs blended delivery. ND's three-tier ladder requires careful supervision planning if you want to reach LPCC quickly.
If you want Fargo / Sanford Health placement: NDSU is the dominant Fargo CACREP option with on-campus Community Counseling Services clinic for 100-hour practicum.
If you want Grand Forks / Altru pipeline: UND is the natural feeder. MN reciprocity at $531/credit attracts Minnesota residents.
If you want Bismarck / state government placement: University of Mary (Catholic) with blended online + weekly Bismarck format. CACREP through 2031.
If you want online flexibility: University of Mary's blended format (online + weekly Bismarck/video) and UND's online tracks are the two distance-friendly CACREP options.
If you want PhD pipeline: NDSU offers CACREP PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.
If you want tribal behavioral health placement: Geographically positioned near MHA Nation (Fort Berthold), Standing Rock, Spirit Lake, Sisseton Wahpeton, and Turtle Mountain. IHS LRP eligibility is broad.
If you want Bakken oil patch placement: Telehealth is increasingly the only realistic care delivery model in Williston/Watford City/Dickinson. NHSC Rural Community LRP up to $100,000 over 3 years.
Related Pages
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Counselor Career Guide
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MSW Programs in North Dakota
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Counseling Programs by State
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