Fastest Way To Become a Counselor in California 2025

A career as a counselor or a therapist is a rewarding one, though the path to get there in the state of California can be long. To become a certified counselor, you'll have to complete several years of school in addition to earning your license. If you're looking to become a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) quickly, you've come to the right place.

Below, we discuss the fastest way to become a counselor and highlight a few featured programs for you to earn your degree in California.

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

Becoming a licensed counselor generally takes eight to 10 years in California. While students may be able to find accelerated programs to earn their degrees faster, other licensing requirements cannot be rushed, such as the state-mandated 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience as a professional clinical counselor intern (PCCI).

Now, let's get into the fastest way to become a therapist in California.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Counselor in California?

The typical path to becoming a therapist begins with a four-year bachelor's degree followed by a two-year master's degree in counseling or psychotherapy, which includes a practicum. Students have the option to pursue a doctorate, though this isn't a requirement.

1. Earn a bachelor's degree: Students should begin by earning a four-year degree in a related field such as social work, psychology, or counseling. However, some master's programs do not require a related undergraduate major.

2. Earn a master's degree: Next, prospective therapists will have to earn an advanced degree in either counseling or psychotherapy. This is a requirement of the state for licensure.

3. Complete supervised clinical experience: After earning their degrees, students must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. California's Board of Behavior Sciences requires students to complete this step in no more than two years and no fewer than six months.

4. Complete California counselor licensure requirements: To receive their counseling credentials, hopeful therapists will have to complete the remainder of California's licensure requirements. These include passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) and the California LPCC Law and Ethics Exam, passing a criminal background check, and submitting fingerprints.

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

The fastest ways to become a therapist in California are to choose accelerated programs, find a combined bachelor's and master's program, or transfer credits from any previous college experience. While some of the educational requirements can be expedited, keep in mind that other aspects of licensure cannot be rushed.

Choose an Accelerated Online Master's in Counseling Program

Accelerated master's in counseling programs allow students to earn their degrees faster by undertaking a more intense course load. In particular, some schools offer accelerated master's programs with completion times of 18 months. Keep in mind that some accelerated programs do not lead to licensure, so be sure to check before enrolling.

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree

Some universities in California offer combined bachelor's and master's degree programs. Also known as four and one programs, this option allows students to earn their master's degree in five years rather than six. During what would be the final year of their bachelor's degree, students take graduate-level classes that count toward their MA degree requirements.

Utilize Transfer Credits

If you've already taken college courses while pursuing a different degree, you may be able to transfer credits to a counseling program. Not all credits are transferable, and it's up to the school's discretion whether or not previous credits can count toward your degree.

Featured Online Counseling Programs in California

Online programs offer flexible options for pursuing counseling degrees. Below are a few online counseling programs in California you can consider.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University's online counseling degree prepares students for careers as clinical or licensed marriage and family therapists. This program consists of both synchronous and asynchronous coursework, giving students flexibility.

• Time to completion: 24 months
• Tuition cost: $839 per unit
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Specializations: clinical, marriage, and family therapy

Palo Alto University

The MA degree in clinical mental health counseling from Palo Alto University places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion as well as social justice, encouraging students to act as advocates for mental health awareness.

• Time to completion: two and a half years
• Tuition cost: $1,034 per unit
• Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Specializations: mental health counseling, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders

National University

National University's Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology prepares students for careers as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) or clinical counselors. NU encourages students to approach counseling holistically, considering both the practitioner's and client's point of view.

• Time to completion: two to three years
• Tuition cost: $442 per quarter unit
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Specializations: marriage and family therapy and combined MFT/LPCC

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Counselor?

In California, the average cost of a graduate degree in counseling is $30,000 to $60,000. This cost is in addition to the cost of a bachelor's degree, as well as the fees required for licensure. Some graduate programs are more expensive than others, depending on the specialities or concentrations they offer, as well as the services the school provides.

Are There Affordable Counseling Degree Programs?

Yes, there are many affordable counseling degree programs in California�both online and in person. Online programs are particularly affordable for Californians, offering inexpensive degrees through a flexible format.

Additionally, you can apply for financial aid through FAFSA or look for scholarships to help reduce the costs. Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement.

How Much Can I Earn as a Counselor?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for a counselor is $53,710. With the field expected to grow by 19% by 2033, this makes a career in counseling especially fruitful.

Types of Counseling Career Paths With a Master's Degree

A master's in counseling opens the doors to many exciting career paths. LPCCs can find jobs as high school counselors, rehabilitation counselors, mental health therapists, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Counselors with LPCC licenses may work in private practice clinics as well as hospitals and schools.

Explore Master's Programs in Counseling

The fastest way to become a counselor in California is to find an accredited program that offers fast-track options to graduation. To learn more about master's programs in counseling and explore options, visit Learn.org.