Fastest Way To Become a Counselor in Michigan 2025

The fastest way to become a licensed counselor is different for everyone. Whether you study at an accelerated university, choose a combined bachelor's and master's program, or utilize transfer credits, there are many ways to streamline your education and earn your counseling license.

Below, we'll unpack everything you need to know about becoming a counselor in Michigan and highlight a few accelerated options to help you start your search for the right degree program.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Michigan?

Becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Michigan can take between six and eight years, depending on a variety of factors.

To become a counselor in Michigan, you need to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree, then become a limited licensed professional counselor (LLPC). After two years of practice, you can become an LPC.

The fastest ways to become a therapist in Michigan are to enroll in an accelerated master's degree, pursue a combined bachelor's and master's degree, and/or utilize transfer credits.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Counselor in Michigan?

There are several steps to become a counselor in Michigan, including obtaining accredited degrees and supervised clinical experience. Your clinical experience can be gained as an LLPC. Below is the path you'll need to pursue to earn your licensing credentials:

1. Earn a bachelor's degree: The first step in becoming a mental health counselor is to obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as psychology or social work.

2. Earn a master's degree: After your bachelor's degree, you'll go to graduate school for social work or counseling. Graduate programs must be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

3. Complete supervised clinical experience: Supervised clinical experience is the next step in earning your counseling license. Internships (included in your education) must provide up to 600 hours of clinical hours. The rest can be obtained while practicing as an LLPC.

4. Complete Michigan counselor licensure requirements: The final step in becoming a licensed therapist is fulfilling the Michigan licensure requirements. These are:

• Obtain a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited institution
• Complete 3,000 hours of clinical experience within two years of graduation
• Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) as offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• Pass a criminal background check (which requires fingerprinting)

What Is the Fastest Way to Get a Counseling Degree in Michigan?

The fastest way to become a counselor in Michigan is to choose an accelerated or combined program. This may require you to know that you want to become a mental health counselor right out of high school, but it can streamline your education. Let's take a closer look at a few methods you can use to earn your degree more quickly.

Choose an Accelerated Online Master's in Counseling Program

Accelerated master's in counseling programs can offer students the chance to complete their coursework much faster than a typical program.

Courses are often offered in a five- or 10-week format, letting students move through their degree (be it undergraduate or graduate) at an accelerated pace.

Online coursework, especially for master's degrees, is often designed for those with work experience and full-time jobs, allowing working adults to pursue their graduate degree without sacrificing their daily lives.

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree

One of the fastest ways to become a therapist in Michigan is to earn a combined bachelor's and master's degree.

Some universities offer 3+2 or 4+1 programs, allowing students to graduate with both degrees in five years. Western Michigan University is one example that offers students the chance to begin their graduate coursework while still in undergrad.

Earning a combined degree takes a lot of planning. To make the most of your time, you should be committed to counseling or a related field prior to beginning your bachelor's degree.

Utilize Transfer Credits

Another way to save time and money while studying professional counseling is by utilizing transfer credits.

Many high schools offer students the chance to take AP courses, or courses at their local community college, to use as transfer credits in college. Taking advantage of this opportunity, or studying at a community college prior to a four-year school, is a great way to save money.

Be sure to check your desired counseling program's education requirements to ensure that your credits will transfer prior to making the switch.

Featured Online Counseling Programs in Michigan

These online counseling programs offer graduate students the chance to study at high-quality institutions for a fraction of the cost. They offer a variety of counseling specializations and set students up to earn their counseling license.

Central Michigan University � MA in Counseling

The Master of Arts (MA) in counseling degree program can be completed either online or in person, offering students flexibility without compromising their education. The top-notch faculty are all licensed counselors with their doctorate degrees and encourage their students to complete a practicum as well as an internship in managing caseloads and clients.

• Time to completion: two years
• Tuition cost: $793 per credit
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, and School Counseling

Spring Arbor University � MA in Counseling

Spring Arbor University offers a 100% online master's in counseling program with decorated faculty and a low tuition cost. This program includes courses in psychopathology, ethics, and career counseling. Alumni have gone on to become therapists in a variety of settings, including group homes, online private practice, and schools.

• Time to completion: two years
• Tuition cost: $664 per credit
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: Clinical Mental Health, School Counseling, or a dual concentration in both

Cornerstone University � MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The MA in clinical mental health counseling at Cornerstone University is a 100% online counseling program with a variety of specializations.

Cornerstone University is one of the few universities in the country to offer counseling students the chance to complete a dual licensure track and become both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Students are also able to transfer in up to 75% of applicable credits to streamline their degree.

• Time to completion: two years
• Tuition cost: $565 per credit
• Accreditation: CACREP
• Specializations: Marriage and Family Therapy, Addictions Counseling, Christian Counseling, or Trauma Counseling

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Counselor?

The total cost to become a counselor depends on your degree program, the time you spend in school, and what kind of counselor you want to become.

Becoming an LPC can cost anywhere between $40,000 and $120,000, but it has a higher return on investment with an average annual salary of $76,000 per year. Becoming a school counselor can cost between $40,000 and $100,000 and may include additional licensure requirements depending on the state. School counselors make an average of $55,000 per year.

Looking for scholarships, grants, financial aid, and work study programs can make school more affordable and lower the total cost to become a counselor. It's also helpful to look into the fastest way to become a therapist in Michigan � the faster you get your license, the faster you can earn money to repay your loans.

Are There Affordable Counseling Degree Programs?

There are many affordable counseling degree programs, but the best way to save money going through the licensure process is to choose an accredited, high-quality, accelerated program. The fastest way to become a counselor in Michigan is also often the cheapest, since the less time you spend in school, the fewer loans you'll potentially have to take out.

Whether you take accelerated courses or choose a combined degree, finding ways to speed up your education can make it more affordable.

Earning your LPC license also offers a high return on investment. Michigan has one of the highest median salaries for LPCs at $76,000 per year. Obtaining your counseling licensure can be pricey, but the salary increase can make paying back school debt easier.

How Much Can I Earn as a Counselor?

The amount you're able to earn as a counselor depends on your certifications, qualifications, and chosen career path. For example:

• Substance abuse counselors make an average of $56,000 a year in Michigan, which is just above the national average as recorded by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Licensed professional counselors make approximately $76,000 a year.
• School counselors make, on average, $55,000 a year.

Types of Counseling Career Paths With a Master's Degree

Counseling is a wide field with many career paths, including:

• Marriage and family therapist: Family therapy can help families and couples work through behavioral disorders, mental health concerns, and even everyday challenges with the help of a licensed therapist.
• Substance abuse counselor: Therapists who specialize in substance abuse can work in group settings, individual counseling, and even rehabilitation centers. They help individuals overcome substance use and abuse disorders.
• Career counselor: Career counselors can help people find their dream jobs and navigate career advancement, changing jobs, and professional development.
• School counselor: School counseling involves helping students make post-graduate plans and set their schedules every year. Counselors also help students navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence, and might even give lessons on social and emotional health.
• Private practice therapist: Private practice therapy is lucrative and can lead to a well-paying position either at your own practice or as a supervisor. These counselors help with a variety of behavioral disorders and mental health concerns.

Explore Master's Programs in Counseling

There is a wide array of quality master's programs in counseling. From accelerated programs to online continuing education, you can find the program you're searching for. Reach out to one of the accredited schools featured on Learn.org and start your counseling path today.