Fastest Way To Become a Counselor in Ohio 2025

To become a counselor, you need at least a bachelor's and a master's degree. Depending on the program and your enrollment status, the educational requirements could mean between six to seven years of higher education.

If you're looking for the fastest way to become a therapist in Ohio, several accelerated education opportunities can help you meet your career goals fast. Below, we discuss how to quickly get your degrees and pass counseling licensure requirements in Ohio.

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

To become a licensed counselor in Ohio, you'll typically need at least six years of higher education. This includes a four-year bachelor's degree, followed by a master's degree. A graduate degree for full-time students usually takes around two years to complete.

It's important to note that this timeline can vary depending on the school or programs you choose � and whether you pursue graduate school full-time or part-time. The fastest way to become a counselor in Ohio usually involves full-time status while participating in an accelerated program.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Counselor in Ohio?

It takes significant time and dedication to enter the counseling field. In part, because, each state has its own requirements around licensure. ?If you're looking for the fastest way to become a therapist in Ohio, you'll need to follow several key steps, each with specific requirements:

1. Earn a bachelor's degree: Complete a bachelor's degree, usually in psychology or a related field like social work or social science.

2. Earn a master's degree: Earn a degree in counseling from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This program should include at least a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.

3. Complete supervised clinical experience: To become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Ohio, you'll need to gain real-life experience. You must accumulate at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of 24 months. This experience must involve diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders under the guidance of a qualified supervisor.

4. Complete Ohio counselor licensure requirements: Fulfill all Ohio-specific licensure requirements, including passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Submit your application through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, along with all necessary documentation and fees.

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

Students who want to become counselors quickly can follow the required steps in an accelerated timeframe. From accelerated master's programs to utilizing transfer credits, there are plenty of ways to speed up your educational journey. Below, we discuss the fastest way to become a counselor in Ohio in more depth.

Choose an Accelerated Online Master's in Counseling Program

Accelerated master's in counseling programs can significantly shorten the time it takes to become a counselor in Ohio. These programs are designed to allow students to complete coursework at a quicker pace, sometimes finishing in as little as two years.

Additionally, accelerated online programs also provide flexibility for working professionals, offering the opportunity to balance studies with other responsibilities.

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree

Some universities in Ohio offer a combined bachelor's and master's degree program in counseling. These programs allow students to earn both degrees in a streamlined timeline, typically within five years.

Students can begin taking master's-level courses while completing their undergraduate degree, cutting down on the time needed to complete both. This option may offer both a cost and time-efficient pathway to becoming a licensed counselor.

Utilize Transfer Credits

You can use transfer credits from previous college courses to help speed up the process of earning a counseling degree. If you have completed relevant coursework at another institution, you may be able to transfer those credits toward your counseling program. This could reduce the total number of courses you need to take, potentially shortening the time required to finish the program and move toward licensure.

Featured Online Counseling Programs in Ohio

Students can choose from several online counseling programs in Ohio. These master's programs offer a robust curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in the mental health field. Keep reading to learn about these flexible degree options.

Ohio University

Ohio University offers an online Master of Education (MEd) in counselor education. Students gain foundational knowledge of the counseling field, including ethics, theory, and research methodology. Besides benefiting from classroom learning with knowledgeable faculty members, students must also complete supervised practicums or internships.

• Time to completion: Full-time students can complete the program in six to seven semesters.
• Tuition cost: $527 per credit hour
• Accreditation: It's accredited by the CACREP.
• Specializations: Online students may specialize in school counseling only; however, on-campus students can also choose from clinical mental health counseling and clinical rehabilitation counseling specializations.

John Carroll University

John Carroll University offers an online master's in counseling degree program that combines online learning with in-person clinical training to provide a flexible, comprehensive education. The accelerated 60-credit curriculum features both asynchronous and live classroom learning opportunities.

• Time to completion: Full-time students can complete the program in two years.
• Tuition cost: $730 per credit hour
• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CACREP.
• Specializations: Students can optionally specialize in substance abuse disorders.

Malone University

Malone University offers an online master's in counseling rooted in the Christian faith. The program emphasizes a strong ethical foundation and clinical practice, preparing students for state licensure in Ohio. It's flexible with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses, so students can benefit from faculty and peer interactions, as well as balance other priorities.

• Time to completion: Students can typically complete the program in two to three years.
• Tuition cost: $725 per credit hour
• Accreditation: The program is CACREP-accredited.
• Specializations: Students can choose from clinical health counseling or school counseling specializations.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Counselor?

The cost to become a counselor varies based on the program type. A bachelor's degree in a related field typically costs between $20,000 and $40,000 per year at a public university.

A master's degree in counseling typically costs $30,000 to $45,000 per year, with some programs offering more affordable options or online formats. Additional expenses include fees for licensure exams (around $300 to $500), application fees, and clinical supervision costs.

Are There Affordable Counseling Degree Programs?

Yes, there are affordable counseling degree programs available. Some universities, like Ohio University, offer relatively low tuition rates compared to other schools.

Additionally, financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and student loans can help cover tuition. Check with individual schools' admissions teams to learn more about their financial aid opportunities for graduate students.

How Much Can I Earn as a Counselor?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for counselors in Ohio ranges from $35,130 to $46,730; however, salary depends on location, experience, and specialty. School counselors tend to earn salaries on the lower end, while clinical mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists at private practices may earn higher salaries.

Types of Counseling Career Paths With a Master's Degree

A master's degree in counseling opens up various career paths. Some of the most common fields include:

• Clinical mental health counselors: They work with individuals or groups to treat mental health disorders.
• School counselors: These professionals provide academic, emotional, and social support to students in schools.
• Marriage and family therapists: They help individuals, couples, and families address relationship issues.
• Substance abuse counselors: They assist clients in overcoming addiction and substance abuse issues.
• Rehabilitation counselors: These counselors support those with disabilities to live independently and find work.
• Career counselors: They guide people in career development and job transitions.

Explore Master's Programs in Counseling

Fortunately for aspiring counselors, there are many flexible and accelerated ways to meet education requirements and break into this career field. If you're looking for the fastest way to become a therapist in Ohio, follow the steps listed above to get started. Begin your academic journey today and explore the master's programs here on Learn.org. Contact any school that interests you to learn more about their counseling programs.