2025 Best Online Counseling Certificates
Our ranking of the best online counseling certificate programs spotlights accredited colleges graduating the most students in this field, a key marker of program trust and accessibility. We include all levels, doctoral, post-master's, and undergrad certificates in counseling.
Key Takeaways:
- At #1, Capella University hosts a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy that had over 400 successful graduates last year, making it a popular choice.
- Liberty University has the highest online enrollment overall, with over 2,600 distance learners.
- Virginia Commonwealth University earned the best recommendation rate (96%) based on our database of student reviews.
Visit our methodology to learn more. We also interviewed Steven Buchwald, Managing Director at Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, and Sam Rothrock, a professional counselor. Both pointed to the practical benefits of certification.
2025 Best Online Counseling Certificates
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University | 406 | $14,436 | N/A | 77% | |
| Liberty University | 106 | $11,700 | N/A | 75% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 62 | $32,193 | N/A | 93% | |
| University of West Alabama | 54 | $20,090 | N/A | 84% | |
| University at Buffalo | 40 | $30,572 | N/A | 88% | |
| Purdue Global | 20 | $14,421 | N/A | 74% | |
| East Carolina University | 18 | $23,638 | N/A | 92% | |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 8 | $39,042 | N/A | 96% | |
| New Mexico Highlands University | 2 | $12,180 | N/A | 94% |
2025 Best Online Counseling Certificates - Program Details
- Graduates: 406
- Annual Tuition: $14,436
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 77%
Why we like them: Capella holds the number one slot for graduating the most students from its counseling certificate in play therapy. The count last year was a remarkable total of 406 individuals. This certificate program aligns with the Association of Play Therapy's (APT) academic requirements for both Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and Supervisor (RPT-S) credentials.
- Graduates: 106
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 75%
Why we like them: With over 100 graduates last year under its belt, Liberty's addiction studies certificate has an 18-credit curriculum that you can finish in as little as two semesters. The certificate program incorporates spiritual awareness and Christian values into addiction counseling.
- Graduates: 62
- Annual Tuition: $32,193
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: ASU offers an accelerated, 8-month online graduate certificate program that is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The curriculum is developed through collaboration with internationally recognized experts as well as licensed psychologists and counselors with decades of hands-on clinical experience.
- Graduates: 54
- Annual Tuition: $20,090
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 84%
Why we like them: UWA鈥檚 program, with an accelerated 1-to-2-year timeline, has you completing a 33-credit curriculum with flexible eight-week courses. An aspect we value is the exclusive UWA Mentor Collective, which offers direct peer mentorship to enhance your professional growth and support network.
- Graduates: 40
- Annual Tuition: $30,572
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 88%
Why we like them: UB is one of the nation鈥檚 oldest and most respected rehabilitation counseling programs, and it's aligned to meet Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam eligibility, with coursework approved by both CRCC and CACREP.
- Graduates: 20
- Annual Tuition: $14,421
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 74%
Why we like them: Purdue Global's online certificate in addictions has accreditation by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), which ensures that it meets industry standards. It preps you to meet eligibility requirements for exams like those from the BACB and NASAC.
- Graduates: 18
- Annual Tuition: $23,638
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: ECU鈥檚 School Counseling Certificate program is designed for professionals who already hold a master鈥檚 degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program in another specialization and seek North Carolina licensure as a school counselor. It's aligned to the ASCA National Model.
- Graduates: 8
- Annual Tuition: $39,042
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 96%
Why we like them: VCU鈥檚 Professional Counseling certificate program has a post-master鈥檚 orientation, tailored for those who hold a master鈥檚 degree in counseling. What sets VCU apart is its flexibility in meeting licensing and continuing education requirements for a diverse array of credentials, including the LPC, LSAP, and various national certifications.
- Graduates: 2
- Annual Tuition: $12,180
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: NMHU offers three graduate certificates 鈥� Professional Counseling (LMHC), Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Counseling 鈥� with supplementary credentialing options for those already holding a master's in counseling. The program maintains CACREP accreditation across its concentrations.
Expert Insights on Getting Counseling Certificates Online
What does it take to turn a counseling certificate into real opportunity? We asked seasoned professionals, and now we want to share their take on the value of online certificates, where the job market is headed, and how students can align their training with the careers they want. Their advice can help you move forward with clarity.
(If you want to keep exploring similar pages, check out our list of the best online certificates in clinical psychology or our page focused on online psychology certificates.)
A Counseling Certificate Should Fill a Real Need: Why Specialized Training Matters More Than Ever
Managing Director at Manhattan Mental Health Counseling
"An online certificate in counseling is valuable to those who must gain special skills without the cost or time of a full degree. It is appropriate for those who are currently employed in the mental health field and desire specialization, and for those employed in related fields such as education or social services who require practical tools to better help others.
The idea is keeping the focus narrow and applying the new information immediately to actual uses. Degrees and certificates serve different purposes:
A full degree provides the clinical foundation for licensure and overall practice.
An online certificate targets a specific area of strength.
For instance, a licensed counselor could get a trauma-informed care certificate so they can work more effectively with clients who have PTSD. A social worker could seek addiction counseling so they can offer more services to clients who have issues with addiction.
Certificates are supplements to, not replacements for, degrees but add specific skills that add to everyday practice. Addiction counseling, trauma treatment, youth counseling, and bereavement counseling are presently required. More mental health problems among all age groups make these a priority. Specialists with particular expertise are best suited to meet the growing demand for high-level care.
To derive maximum advantage from a counseling certificate, apply what you learn immediately. Volunteer, take cases, or learn from others. Practice builds skill and confidence. Pick a certificate that matches your goals. Specialized training only finally pays for itself if it fills an actual need and harmonizes with your purpose. Good choices make for valuable development in both your role and the lives you touch."
How Online Certificates Can Fast-Track Your Counseling Career
Ph.D., LPC, CRC
"The helping professional who is working in the field [and] those who are sure the certificate opens up desirable opportunities [benefit from a counseling certificate.]
If you know what you want to do... these are the fastest way to get there. Online certification can also save a lot of money. They are great for moving, up or over, into better roles.
Online certification can also save a lot of money.
Addictions counseling is one of the more vibrant opportunities for certificate holders. The demand far exceeds the supply of professionals. Work in addictions exposes you to a variety of mental health roles and diagnoses.
Use your employer to help identify the necessary certificate. Do not pursue a certificate then hope there are relevant jobs nearby. Talk to your employer about what opportunities it can create. They may have some suggestions based on their needs. Organizations can get better reimbursement by hiring staff with certificates."
Student Reviews of Online Counseling Programs
Kansas State University Academic Advising Graduate Certificate: I completed this 15 credit program online from Jan 2015 - Dec 2015. I was already working in higher education in registration and enrollments but wanted to advance my career and move into academic advising. Because my educational journey for both my bachelors and masters had not yet included academic advising or education related classes, I felt this Kstate program would be ideal to provide me with the right concentration of knowledge... Read More
Review Date: 10/25/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The program was very well structured and, despite classes hosting close to 45 students, the faculty in charge used different pedagogy styles. In doing so, faculty members were able to accommodate all learner types, keep the group engaged. Working with individuals can be an intimidating career; to ensure we remain objective and free of bias, different theoretical frameworks were reviewed, different consultation styles were role played. Group activities were encouraged to ensure ongoing discussion... Read More
Review Date: 11/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No