Fastest Way To Become a Counselor in Illinois 2025

Counselors in Illinois must complete the required education and field experience for licensure. The fastest way to become a counselor in Illinois involves selecting accelerated programs, meeting licensure requirements, and gaining clinical experience efficiently. Keep reading to learn about these speedy educational pathways.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Counselor in Illinois?

To become a licensed counselor in Illinois, students typically study for a span of about six years. This includes earning a four-year bachelor's degree in psychology or related field. Followed by a master's degree in counseling, which generally takes two to three years. The exact duration may vary based on the specific program and your unique circumstances.

The fastest way to become a therapist in Illinois usually involves an accelerated program, which can shorten the program timeframe to two years or less. Below, we'll dive deeper into the required steps to become a counselor and potential options to speed up the process.

What Are the Steps To Becoming a Counselor in Illinois?

Counseling is a highly in-demand field; however, aspiring mental health professionals must follow strict regulations and educational requirements to receive professional credentials and enter this career. Below, we list out the steps to become a counselor in Illinois.

1. Earn a bachelor's degree: Complete an undergraduate program in psychology, social work, or a related field to build foundational knowledge for advanced studies.

2. Earn a master's degree: Obtain a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field that's accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). If the program is not accredited by CACREP but is accredited by another organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, it should be at least two academic years long, with a minimum of 48 semester hours.

3. Complete supervised clinical experience: Students must complete a practicum or internship that is at least three semester credits.

4. Complete Illinois counselor licensure requirements: Fulfill the state's licensure criteria by passing the required examinations. For licensed professional counselor (LPC) licensure, candidates must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). For licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) licensure, candidates must pass both the NCE and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

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

Many students want to complete their coursework and counseling licensure requirements as soon as possible. There are several ways to speed up this educational journey and receive a counseling license, including pursuing accelerated programs and utilizing transfer credits. Read more about the fastest way to become a therapist in Illinois below.

Choose an Accelerated Online Master's in Counseling Program

The fastest way to become a counselor in Illinois is to choose an accelerated master's in counseling online program. These programs typically take less time to complete compared to traditional routes, allowing students to finish in about two to two and a half years. Online learning options also provide flexibility, helping students balance coursework with other commitments.

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree

An alternative fast-track option is to earn a combined bachelor's and master's degree in counseling. These dual-degree programs allow students to complete both degrees in a streamlined format, sometimes within only five years. They reduce the total time required by combining undergraduate and graduate coursework, which can significantly shorten the path to licensure while still ensuring comprehensive preparation.

Utilize Transfer Credits

Utilizing transfer credits is another way to speed up your counseling degree. If you've completed relevant coursework in other programs or earned credits from related fields, transferring these credits can help reduce the overall time to completion. This allows students to avoid redundant classes and speed up their progress toward licensure.

Featured Online Counseling Programs in Illinois

Aspiring counselors can find several online counseling programs based in Illinois. These programs typically offer fully online classes taught by experienced faculty members and require in-person internships or practicums.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University in Evanston offers an online master's in counseling program. Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing for personalized instruction and strong mentorship. The program also includes opportunities for field placements, offering practical experience in diverse clinical settings to prepare students for licensure and professional practice.

• Time to completion: Full-time students can complete the program in 18 months.
• Tuition cost: $22,304 per quarter
• Accreditation: It's accredited by the CACREP.
• Specializations: Students may choose an optional child and adolescent specialization.

National Louis University

National Louis University in Chicago offers a Master of Science (MS) in counseling online. The live classroom sessions are delivered in the evenings, allowing working professionals flexibility to continue their education. Students must also complete a 700-hour practicum to develop real-life experience in the field under the supervision of professionals.

• Time to completion: It can be completed in about two years.
• Tuition cost: $790 per credit hour
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP.
• Specializations: No specializations available.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online master's in clinical mental health counseling that prepares students for licensure as professional counselors. The program focuses on evidence-based practices, providing comprehensive training in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Students must perform fieldwork during the program, where they gain practical experience.

• Time to completion: The program can be finished in less than four years.
• Tuition cost: $1,409 per credit hour
• Accreditation: It's CACREP accredited.
• Specializations: No specializations available.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Counselor?

The cost to become a counselor varies depending on the program type. A bachelor's degree typically costs between $10,000 and $40,000 per year at public or private institutions. A master's degree in counseling generally ranges from $20,000 to $60,000 total, depending on the school and program format.

Are There Affordable Counseling Degree Programs?

Yes, there are affordable counseling degree programs available. Public universities often offer more cost-effective options, with in-state tuition significantly lower than private institutions.

Additionally, many online counseling programs can be more affordable due to lower overhead costs. Some programs also offer financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships to help reduce tuition.

How Much Can I Earn as a Counselor?

As a counselor, your salary can vary based on location, experience, and specialization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois counselors have a median salary between $51,170 and $57,710. Specialized roles, such as clinical mental health counselors or those working in private practice, may earn more.

Types of Counseling Career Paths With a Master's Degree

With a master's degree in counseling, graduates can pursue various career paths, including:

• Clinical mental health counseling: Helping individuals and groups with emotional and psychological issues.
• School counselor: School counseling helps students' academic, social, and emotional development.
• Marriage and family therapists: Marriage and family therapy involves assisting individuals and families with relationship challenges.
• Substance abuse counselor: Helping clients manage addiction issues.
• Career counselors: Guiding individuals in career choices and job searches.
• Rehabilitation counselors: Supporting individuals with disabilities to adjust to life challenges.
• Grief counselor: Assisting those coping with loss and grief.

Explore Master's Programs in Counseling

If you're considering a career in counseling, pursuing a master's degree is a crucial step toward becoming a licensed professional. Browse the accredited institutions here on Learn.org and start your educational journey.