Best Counseling Programs in Vermont (2026)
Top CACREP-accredited counseling programs in Vermont for 2026, with tuition, LCMHC requirements (Vermont requires BOTH the NCE and NCMHCE), the 3,000 supervised hours pathway, UVM Medical Center placement pipeline, and Northeast Kingdom rural workforce opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont has one in-state CACREP-accredited CMHC program: University of Vermont (UVM) (Burlington, 60 credits, CACREP through 2029). Saint Michael's College and Vermont State University offer non-CACREP MS programs. Antioch University New England (Keene, NH, CACREP) is the closest commutable option for southern VT residents. Goddard College closed at the end of Spring 2024.
- Vermont uses the LCMHC title (same as New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Maine). Vermont does NOT use a separate "Conditional" or "Associate" license tier. Pre-licensure candidates register with OPR as Non-Licensed, Non-Certified ("Unlicensed") Psychotherapists on the Roster of Psychotherapists while accruing supervised hours.
- Becoming an LCMHC in Vermont requires a 60-credit master's including a 700-hour supervised practicum/internship, 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised clinical experience over a minimum of 2 years with at least 2,000 direct client contact hours, 100 hours of face-to-face supervision (50 individual one-on-one), and passing BOTH the NCE AND the NCMHCE. Most states require one exam; Vermont requires both.
- Vermont enacted the Counseling Compact via H.62 in 2023. VT is a member state on paper, but the Compact is not yet live/active in Vermont as of May 2026 (OPR is still completing data-systems integration). Only Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are actively issuing Compact privileges.
- Vermont ranks 2nd nationally for mental health workers per capita (~84.7 per 10K), but this is skewed by Burlington/Chittenden County. The Northeast Kingdom (Essex, Orleans, Caledonia) and rural Windham/Bennington counties carry severe shortages with months-long waits at designated agencies like Northeast Kingdom Human Services.
- Vermont counselor salaries run roughly at or just above the national median. BLS Vermont OEWS estimates place the median around $60,410 versus the national median of $59,190. Burlington-South Burlington dominates employment and pays the highest medians.
- The Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program (administered by UVM AHEC) offers behavioral health professionals $10,000-$25,000 per year for a 2-year service commitment at Vermont sites serving underserved populations. LCMHCs are eligible under the behavioral health category in most cycles.
Vermont is one of the most distinctive LCMHC markets in the country because of three factors: only one in-state CACREP program (University of Vermont in Burlington), BOTH NCE and NCMHCE required for licensure (unusual nationally - most states require one), and the per-capita workforce paradox (VT ranks 2nd nationally for mental health workers per capita but the Northeast Kingdom and rural southern VT carry severe shortages).
The VT licensing path: complete a 60-credit CACREP master's including a 700-hour supervised practicum/internship, register with the VT Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) as a Non-Licensed Non-Certified Psychotherapist before accruing post-graduate hours, accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 2 years (2,000 direct client contact hours), receive 100 hours of face-to-face supervision (50 individual one-on-one, 1:30 ratio of supervision to experience), and pass both the NCE and NCMHCE. Total time from master's to LCMHC: typically 2 to 3 years.
What makes Vermont distinct beyond the dual-exam requirement and single in-state CACREP program: the UVM Medical Center / UVM Health Network pipeline and Vermont's unusual statutory Designated Agency system. UVM's CMHC program is tightly tied to UVM Health Network outpatient psych, the Howard Center (Burlington's designated agency), and Vermont's network of 10 statutory Designated Agencies and Specialized Service Agencies. These are the dominant employers for new LCMHCs. New LCMHCs willing to relocate to the Northeast Kingdom can effectively write their own ticket and stack VT + NHSC loan repayment given the severe regional shortage.
CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in Vermont
All 3 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Vermont (UVM) | ~$750/credit (~$45,000 total) | On-campus | |
| 2 | Saint Michael's College (non-CACREP) | $895/credit (~$53,700 total at 60 credits) | On-campus | |
| 3 | Antioch University New England (CACREP, commutable from southern VT) | ~$16,992/term full-time (6 credits, 2025-26) | Weekend low-residency at Keene NH |
University of Vermont (UVM)
In-State
~$750/credit (~$45,000 total)
Out-of-State
~$1,520/credit
Length
2 years incl. summers (60 credits)
Field Hours
700 (practicum + internship)
Concentrations
- <strong>The only in-state CACREP-accredited CMHC program in Vermont</strong>
- CACREP-accredited MS in Counseling at UVM's College of Education and Social Services through 2029
- Three track options: CMHC, School Counseling, or Dual
- Tightly tied to UVM Health Network outpatient psych, the Howard Center, and Vermont's 10 statutory Designated Agencies
- R1 research university with strong faculty engagement
Saint Michael's College (non-CACREP)
In-State
$895/credit (~$53,700 total at 60 credits)
Out-of-State
$895/credit (private, flat rate)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
700+ (30+ partner clinical sites across Vermont)
Concentrations
- <strong>NOT CACREP-accredited.</strong> MA in Clinical-Counseling Psychology
- Leads to VT LCMHC licensure (verify OPR eligibility on a case-by-case basis)
- Catholic liberal arts college with values-integrated curriculum welcoming students of all faiths or none
- 30+ partner clinical sites across Vermont
- <strong>Critical caveat:</strong> graduates moving out of state should verify portability; non-CACREP can complicate other states' licensure review
Antioch University New England (CACREP, commutable from southern VT)
In-State
~$16,992/term full-time (6 credits, 2025-26)
Out-of-State
Same (private, flat rate)
Length
~6 semesters (62 credits)
Field Hours
700+ (can extend to meet stricter state hour rules)
Concentrations
- <strong>The closest CACREP CMHC option for southern VT residents</strong> (Windham, Bennington, Windsor counties)
- CACREP-accredited since 2009 (long accreditation history)
- Located in Keene, NH but widely used by Vermont students
- Distinctive specializations: <strong>Dance/Movement Therapy</strong> (rare nationally), Trauma, Addictions
- Social-justice and multicultural curriculum identity
LCMHC Licensure Requirements in Vermont
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health (Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State)
(802) 828-1505
Vermont regulates LCMHCs through the Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health, housed within the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) under the VT Secretary of State.
Vermont uses the LCMHC title (same statutory title as NH, NC, and ME). Unlike most states, Vermont does NOT use a separate "Conditional" or "Associate" license tier. Pre-licensure candidates must register with OPR as a Non-Licensed, Non-Certified ("Unlicensed") Psychotherapist on the Roster of Psychotherapists before accruing supervised hours. This is the legal mechanism Vermont uses instead of an associate-level license.
What makes Vermont distinct: passage of BOTH the NCE AND the NCMHCE is required. Most states require one exam. Vermont requires both. Continuing education is 40 hours per biennial cycle with at least 4 hours of professional ethics. Renewal is January 31 of odd-numbered years.
Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapist (Roster registration)
Pre-licensure supervised practice while accruing hours toward LCMHC; not a separate associate license
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: No exam at Roster stage; NCE AND NCMHCE required for LCMHC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Independent clinical practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, private practice, third-party billing
Hours
3,000
Duration
2 years minimum (50 hours individual one-on-one supervision; 1:30 ratio of supervision to experience; supervisor licensed 3+ years in good standing)
Exam: NCE AND NCMHCE (Vermont requires both)
Vermont offers licensure by endorsement for counselors holding an active LCMHC-equivalent license in another state whose requirements are substantially equivalent. Vermont enacted the Counseling Compact via H.62 in 2023, making it a member state on paper. As of May 2026, the Compact is not yet live/active in Vermont (OPR is still completing data-systems integration). Until activation, an out-of-state counselor practicing in VT still needs a Vermont license. Only Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are actively issuing Counseling Compact privileges.
Counselor Salary in Vermont
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Vermont counselor salaries run roughly at or just above the national median. The BLS Vermont OEWS estimates show approximately 1,150 employed in SOC 21-1018 with a median annual wage around $60,410 (25th percentile $52,890; 90th percentile $80,480+). Burlington-South Burlington is the dominant employment center; Rutland and Barre-Montpelier non-metro areas typically run 5-10% below the Burlington median.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
National median: $59,190
Top metro: $64,820 (Burlington-South Burlington)
Mental Health Counselors (excluding substance abuse)
National median: $59,610
Top metro: $63,420 (Burlington-South Burlington)
Marriage and Family Therapists
National median: $63,780
Top metro: $66,720 (Burlington-South Burlington)
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors (School Counselors)
National median: $64,210
Top metro: $70,940 (Burlington-South Burlington)
Vermont Counseling Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Vermont has a distinctive workforce structure: 10 statutory Designated Agencies and Specialized Service Agencies deliver community mental health services across the state, plus the UVM Health Network as the dominant academic medical center. Vermont ranks 2nd nationally for mental health workers per capita (~84.7 per 10K), but this is skewed by Burlington/Chittenden County. The Northeast Kingdom (Essex, Orleans, Caledonia) and rural Windham/Bennington counties carry severe shortages.
Major employers include UVM Health Network (Burlington flagship academic medical center + Central Vermont Medical Center + statewide affiliates), The Howard Center (Burlington's designated agency, dominant LCMHC employer in Chittenden County), Counseling Service of Addison County, Clara Martin Center (Orange County), Northwestern Counseling and Support Services (Franklin County), Northeast Kingdom Human Services (Essex/Orleans/Caledonia), Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (Windham/Windsor), VT Department of Mental Health, Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital, and VA Medical Center White River Junction.
Three workforce dynamics shape practice in VT:
Designated Agency system: Vermont's 10 statutory Designated Agencies are the backbone of community mental health employment. Each region has one DA + Specialized Service Agencies. The Howard Center (Burlington), Northeast Kingdom Human Services, and Northwestern Counseling are major LCMHC employers.
Per-capita paradox: Vermont has the 2nd-highest per-capita mental health workforce nationally, yet roughly 1 in 4 VT adults report unmet mental health needs annually. The shortage is geographically concentrated: Burlington has abundant providers; the Northeast Kingdom is severely underserved.
Abenaki Nation: Vermont has four state-recognized Abenaki bands (Elnu, Nulhegan, Koasek, Missisquoi). Culturally responsive counseling is an underserved niche, particularly in Franklin and Orleans counties.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program: Administered by UVM Larner College of Medicine Office of Primary Care / AHEC. Funded by state + federal dollars. Award range: $10,000 minimum to $25,000 maximum per year for a 2-year service commitment at a Vermont site serving underserved populations. LCMHCs are eligible under the behavioral health category in most program cycles.
Northern Vermont AHEC Targeted Loan Repayment: Northeast Kingdom + rural placement program. See nvtahec.org.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. LCMHCs are explicitly eligible at NHSC-approved sites in VT Mental Health HPSAs. 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 LCMHCs at SUD-focused NHSC sites. Vermont has significant opioid response infrastructure.
NHSC Rural Community LRP: Up to $100,000 for 3 years at NHSC-approved rural sites. Strong fit for Northeast Kingdom placements.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): LCMHCs employed at VT state agencies (Department of Mental Health), VA White River Junction, UVM Health Network nonprofit affiliates, Designated Agencies, 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 Vermont
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a counseling program in Vermont is unusually focused: only UVM offers an in-state CACREP CMHC program. Saint Michael's College is the second in-state option but is not CACREP-accredited. Antioch University New England (Keene, NH) is the closest CACREP option for southern VT residents. Vermont State University does not currently offer the program (not enrolling 2026-27). Goddard College closed at the end of Spring 2024.
If you want CACREP accreditation and in-state placement: University of Vermont is the only choice. Tightly tied to UVM Health Network, the Howard Center, and Vermont's Designated Agency system.
If you live in southern Vermont (Windham, Bennington, Windsor counties): Antioch University New England (Keene, NH) is the closest CACREP option, with weekend low-residency delivery (1 day/week classes) that works for VT commuters.
If you want a non-CACREP private option: Saint Michael's College (Colchester, near Burlington) offers a 60-credit MA in Clinical-Counseling Psychology at $895/credit. Critical caveat: non-CACREP graduates moving out of state should verify portability; the VT LCMHC requirement of both NCE and NCMHCE is met by Saint Michael's, but other states may require additional documentation.
If you plan to work in Burlington / Chittenden County: UVM is the natural feeder into UVM Health Network, the Howard Center, and Saint Michael's College placement network.
If you plan to work in the Northeast Kingdom: UVM grads willing to relocate to NEK can essentially write their own ticket and stack VT + NHSC loan repayment given the severe regional shortage.
If you want addictions or trauma specialization: Antioch University New England has distinctive specializations including Dance/Movement Therapy (rare nationally), Trauma, and Addictions. UVM's program is more generalist.
If you want dual CMHC + School Counseling licensure: UVM offers a dual track option.
If you plan to leverage Counseling Compact portability: Vermont is a Compact member by statute but not yet operational. Don't count on Compact privileges until OPR completes data-systems integration. Choose CACREP-accredited programs (UVM) for maximum interstate portability.
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 LCMHCs, LPCs, and LMHCs actually do day-to-day
MSW Programs in Vermont
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
- Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, Allied Mental Health
- VT OPR Apply/Renew (Allied Mental Health)
- Vermont License Lookup
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Vermont Estimates
- NBCC, National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program (UVM AHEC)
- HRSA Vermont FY2025 Fact Sheet
- Counseling Compact, Member States