Fastest Way To Become a Counselor in Arizona 2025

According to O*Net OnLine, close to 1,200 mental health counselor jobs will open in Arizona each year until 2030. If you're eager to join a secure field, it's worth learning about the fastest way to become a counselor in Arizona. Your investment in your mental health education will pay off in several worthwhile ways.

Continue reading to learn more about fastest way to become a licensed counselor including how much counseling education with cost you and what you can expect to earn once you're certified.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Counselor in Arizona?

Students who have already earned their bachelor's degree will have to invest another four years on average to become a counselor. If you don't have your undergraduate degree yet, then the whole process takes about eight years.

There are some programs that allow students to earn a bachelor's and master's degree at the same time or complete an expedited master's degree. This means that the fastest way to become a therapist in Arizona could take six years if you're starting from square one.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Counselor in Arizona?

Becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) won't seem as overwhelming if you know all the steps. Here are the goals you need to add to your career checklist.

1. Earn a bachelor's degree: The first credential is to create a foundation with a bachelor's degree. It's most helpful to major in subjects related to mental health, such as psychology.

2. Earn a master's degree: Next, you'll need to do some continuing education courses. Earning your master's degree will allow you to start gaining real-world experience.

3. Complete supervised clinical experience: In Arizona, you can't get a counseling license before you complete 3,200 hours of clinical supervision. This process takes two years.

4. Complete Arizona counselor licensure requirements: Finally, you can submit your counseling licensure paperwork with a $250 application fee. You'll also need to include a background check. Afterward, you can take the required exam and earn your license if you pass.

What Is the Fastest Way To Get a Counseling Degree in Arizona?

Fulfilling your education requirements is your first step. The shortest possible timeline for students who don't have their bachelor's degree yet is seven years if they complete a combined bachelor's and master's degree program.

Students who hold a bachelor's degree can complete the necessary coursework in 12 to 18 months if they can find a suitable master's program that meets all their licensing needs.

Choose an Accelerated Online Master's in Counseling Program

Full-time students who feel capable of taking on more work can pursue an accelerated master's in counseling online. As long as the program meets all state licensure requirements, you could finish within 12 to 18 months. Before you choose a graduate program, it's wise to request more information about your options so you can create your ideal timeline.

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree

Undergraduate students who know they want to become licensed associate counselors (LAC) can save one year by combining their undergraduate and graduate studies. Instead of taking six years to secure a bachelor's and master's degree, you can find a program that combines the two so you can have both degrees in five years. This is the fastest way to become a counselor in Arizona.

Utilize Transfer Credits

Many universities are willing to transfer credits from your high school if you can provide official transcripts with eligible courses. If you took any Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes in high school, you may not need to take other required college courses that cover the same material. Contacting someone in the registrar's office will help you understand your eligibility.

Featured Online Counseling Programs in Arizona

Earning a graduate degree in counseling online in Arizona is an excellent choice for students who prefer flexible learning. You can still receive the same high-quality practicum and experience as in-person learners. Here are some excellent online post-graduate programs.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an impressive range of psychotherapy classes within its online counseling program. Students can look forward to learning about assessment and diagnosis, multicultural counseling, ethics, group dynamics, and more. For the 2023-24 academic year, 100% of students graduated on time, received their licenses, and became employed.

• Time to completion: two years for full-time students
• Tuition cost: $10,840 per year
• Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Specializations: Counselors have the chance to specialize if they choose to pursue a doctoral degree.

University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix, which is CACREP-accredited, doesn't charge an application fee, so it's worth applying to see what kind of financial aid you may receive. During your studies, you'll take courses like crisis intervention and trauma, personality theories and counseling models, and psychometrics. Your academic counselor will ensure that your class schedule aligns with your needs and interests.

• Time to completion: two years for full-time students
• Tuition cost: $698 per credit
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: clinical mental health counseling

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's online counseling program is set up to help students pursue a large range of careers in different settings. From hospitals to prisons and schools, you'll be equipped for any job. This is a great option if you're not sure what you'd like to pursue after graduation.

• Time to completion: two years for full-time students
• Tuition cost: 16,400 per year
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: none

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Counselor?

Studying online as an in-state resident will keep your costs lower compared to studying on campus. Not only is the tuition more affordable, but you don't have to worry about commuting costs as well.

To earn your master's degree, you should expect your tuition to cost between $16,000 and $21,000 per year before financial aid. Acquiring your license will cost $250 for the application plus your background check.

You should also keep your living expenses in mind since they'll continue to add up as you go to school and gain work experience. The benefit of choosing the fastest way to become a therapist in Arizona is that you'll be able to start working sooner, so your student loan interest will have less time to accumulate.

Are There Affordable Counseling Degree Programs?

If you find universities that don't charge to apply, this gives you the chance to consider multiple financial aid packages. To be considered for scholarships, grants, and work studies, you'll have to fill out your FAFSA form before submitting your application.

Any student who's worried about costs may want to accept a flexible part-time job, such as freelancing, to help offset expenses.

How Much Can I Earn as a Counselor?

Arizona counselors earn an average salary of $77,300. Your actual income will vary based on all kinds of factors. Those who own a private practice will earn more than an hourly employee at a different firm.

Another major consideration is your location. People who live in larger cities like Phoenix or Scottsdale usually pay more for professional counseling.

Your career will also impact your salary. For example, a marriage and family therapist may earn more than a school counselor.

Types of Counseling Career Paths With a Master's Degree

There are countless career paths that someone interested in mental wellness can take. School counseling, substance abuse, clinical mental health counseling, and family therapy are just a few.

School counseling is all about helping students thrive in the midst of learning, developmental, family, or cognitive issues. Substance abuse counselors work with those suffering from addiction to help them learn resiliency strategies for staying sober.

Becoming a clinical mental health counselor gives people the chance to treat a broader range of mental wellness conditions and situations, such as stress management, relationships, or depression. This is great for those who like some variety in their routines.

A family therapist focuses on helping families improve their communication methods and overcome small and large issues. They're a neutral party who can ensure each family member feels heard and safe. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapist jobs will grow 16% from 2023 to 2033, which is much higher than other industries.

Explore Master's Programs in Counseling

Becoming a licensed professional counselor in Arizona doesn't have to take a decade. With several education options out there, you have the freedom to choose a program that makes sense for your goals and timeline. If you want to ensure that you're on the right path for career development, be sure to look into the featured programs on Learn.org that are curated based on the highest standards.