Fastest Way To Become a Counselor in Washington 2025

The need for behavioral health employees, including substance abuse counselors, is on the rise in Washington. While schooling can be intensive, there are several ways you can quicken the process of becoming a counselor and joining the workforce.

Read on to learn about the fastest way to become a counselor.

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

The specific timeframe can vary, but becoming a licensed counselor tends to take around six years. If that sounds like too much of a commitment, don't worry. An accelerated program is considered the fastest way to become a counselor in Washington.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Counselor in Washington?

By knowing the specific education requirements, you can cross each one off your list as you make your counseling licensure dream come true. The following four steps can act as a long-term guide.

1. Earn a bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree or relevant associate degree is almost always the first step toward the long-term licensure process. It acts as the foundation for further learning and experience, but it doesn't necessarily need to be in a related field.

2. Earn a master's degree: A master's degree is your opportunity to choose a specialization within the field of counseling, so it's worth thinking carefully about your ultimate career goal. It could involve working in the healthcare sector or even the Washington State Department of Health.

3. Complete supervised clinical experience: Direct client contact is always a requirement before getting a counseling licensure. For instance, Washington Adventist University features a 275-hour practicum and 600 hours of supervision during a clinical internship.

4. Complete Washington counselor licensure requirements: Before you receive your license, you'll need to pass the Washington State Certified Adviser Examination. You'll also need a written supervisory agreement and your official transcripts as part of the licensing requirements.

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

The fastest way to become a therapist in Washington is by taking an online program. It saves time in the short term by eliminating the need to commute, and it saves time in the long run through its flexibility.

As long as you meet the minimum requirements, an online licensed professional counselor program can be done at your own pace. By giving it your full dedication, you can start working in behavioral science or a related field before you know it.

Choose an Accelerated Online Master's in Counseling Program

The fastest online master's degree in counseling will take you no more than two years. Best of all, you have plenty of colleges to choose from.

One example is the clinical mental health counseling program at Bellevue University, which offers both online and in-person classes. By doing the coursework full-time, you can expect to get your degree in two years.

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree

If you're starting from square one, don't worry because it's possible to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree from the same university. Even if an institution doesn't offer a combined program, you can still apply for a bachelor's in psychology or a related field and then immediately pursue your master's.

For instance, the University of Washington (UW) offers a reputable bachelor's in psychology. Afterward, you can earn a master's at UW with a specialization in mental health counseling or child, couple, and family therapy.

Utilize Transfer Credits

Most universities are open to the possibility of transferring relevant credits so that they count toward your graduate degree. Still, it's a good idea to look at the guidelines of each particular school that you're interested in.

For example, to be considered a transfer student at Eastern Washington University, you'll need to show proof of having earned at least 40 applicable credits.

Featured Online Counseling Programs in Washington

There's no reason to commute back and forth to school when you can further your education from home. By choosing one of the following programs, you can enjoy the fastest way to become a counselor in Washington.

Seattle University

With Seattle University's online Master of Arts in education, you can fine-tune your cultural consciousness and sense of ethics to become a leader in your field. It's Seattle's first program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

The first two years are fully online and don't even require Zoom classes. Afterward, you'll attend a four-day summer residency at the campus. The final year takes the form of a hybrid learning environment.

• Tuition cost: about $750 per credit, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment
• Program length: three years
• Concentrations: clinical mental health counseling
• Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

Northwest University

Another option for an aspiring licensed mental health counselor is Northwest University's online program. However, the program is more expensive than Seattle University. Still, Northwest University has earned a place in the top 10 best national universities. During your time in the program, you'll learn strategies for working with different types of clients and more.

• Tuition cost: $14,400 a year
• Program length: three years
• Concentrations: clinical mental health counseling
• Accreditation: CACREP

Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University gives students the opportunity to master therapeutic techniques in a wide range of situations. The faculty focuses on self-awareness so that future counselors can spend time reflecting on their abilities and improving their effectiveness. This program is a mix of online and in-person coursework and can end with you taking the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

• Tuition cost: $636 per credit hour
• Program length: two years
• Concentrations: clinical mental health counseling or school psychology
• Accreditation: CACREP

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Counselor?

Whether you choose the fastest way to become a therapist in Washington, the cost will range from about $15,000 to $50,000 or more.

One of the cheapest programs is offered by Central Washington University and is a little over $17,800 for in-state students. This is a great price, especially since the coursework is in-person.

One standout hybrid option for working toward your counseling license comes from Eastern Washington University. There, you can get your master's for $13,107.

Are There Affordable Counseling Degree Programs?

While furthering your education to do social work or school counseling will almost always involve a sizable financial investment, there are ways to make it more affordable. First off, it's worth looking into specific scholarships or grants offered by your top universities or third parties. Another option involves loans, either from the government through the FASFA or elsewhere.

One of the most affordable options is offered by the University of Washington, which has an average total cost of $21,774 per year for its graduate programs.

How Much Can I Earn as a Counselor?

The exact salary of a counselor will depend on a number of factors, including your experience, your specialization, whether or not you have a private practice, and more.

Take a corrections mental health counselor, for example. At the low end, they earn around $58,200 a year working in Washington government agencies, according to Washington's Office of Financial Management. However, with enough experience or even a doctoral degree, they reach a salary of $78,360.

Types of Counseling Career Paths With a Master's Degree

A master's degree opens up many doors within the field of counseling. Many students go on to become clinical mental health counselors. They help people who suffer from anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, and more.

Another popular role is marriage and family therapist. It involves working with couples and family members so that they can communicate well and thrive in their relationships.

If you're passionate about working with children, then you should consider becoming a school counselor. Not only would you help children academically, but you'll also be responsible for their emotional and social development.

Explore Master's Programs in Counseling

Aspiring certified counselors can find affordable and convenient master's programs in Washington and elsewhere. Whether you see yourself as a social worker, a rehabilitation counselor, or a substance abuse counselor in the Department of Health, the investment is worth the time and effort.

Be sure to learn more about quality graduate degree programs in the state of Washington and other academic information by browsing the content published on Learn.org.