CACREP accreditation gives prospective counseling students a way to narrow a large field of graduate programs using a recognized set of professional standards. In California, however, accreditation is only one part of the decision.
A CACREP-accredited degree does not automatically make a graduate eligible for every California counseling license. The state has different requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and school counselors working under the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences regulates LPCC and LMFT licensure, while the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing oversees the PPS School Counseling Credential. (bbs.ca.gov)
CACREP also accredits individual counseling programs and specialties, not entire universities or counseling departments. A school can therefore have one CACREP-accredited counseling concentration and another concentration that is not accredited. CACREP currently lists 24 accredited program entries in California, but several universities account for multiple entries because they have more than one accredited specialty. (cacrep.org)
The programs below were selected for their combination of current CACREP accreditation, California professional preparation, curriculum, clinical training, cost, delivery options, and practical value. Prospective students comparing other counseling degree types can also review the broader California counseling degree options.
Best CACREP-Accredited Counseling Programs in California at a Glance
| Rank | University | Featured CACREP program | Primary California pathway | Format/length | CACREP status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacramento State | M.S. Counseling, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling | LMFT + LPCC | 60 units, 3 years | Accredited through March 31, 2029 |
| 2 | San Francisco State University | M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling | LPCC | 60 units | Accredited through October 31, 2027; reaffirmation in process |
| 3 | Palo Alto University | M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling | LPCC | Online or hybrid, 9 quarters | Accredited through October 31, 2033 |
| 4 | University of San Diego | M.A. Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling | LPCC | 60 units | Accredited through April 30, 2034 |
| 5 | Fresno State | M.S. Marriage, Family and Child Counseling | LMFT + LPCC preparation | 60 units, about 5 semesters | Accredited through October 31, 2027; reaffirmation in process |
| 6 | Alliant University | M.A. Clinical Counseling | LPCC | Online, 60 units, minimum 2 years | Accredited through October 31, 2030 |
| 7 | Concordia University Irvine | M.A. Counseling, Clinical Mental Health emphasis | LPCC | 60–66 units, online/campus delivery | Accredited through October 31, 2027; reaffirmation in process |
| 8 | Cal State Fullerton | M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy | LPCC + LMFT | 63 units, 3 years + 1 term | Accredited through October 31, 2031 |
| 9 | Cal State LA | M.S. Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling | Rehabilitation counseling; LPCC pathway with additional preparation | 70 units | Accredited through October 31, 2027; reaffirmation in process |
| 10 | Saybrook University | M.A. Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling | LPCC; California curriculum also addresses MFT coursework | 60 credits, about 3 years | Accredited through October 31, 2027; reaffirmation in process |
CACREP status was checked against the accreditor’s current directory. “Reaffirmation in process” does not mean a program has lost accreditation. It means an accredited program is going through CACREP’s review process for continued accreditation. (cacrep.org)
How We Ranked California’s CACREP Counseling Programs
CACREP itself does not rank counseling programs. Its accreditation process determines whether a program meets applicable professional standards, not whether one accredited school is better than another. (cacrep.org)
Our ranking is therefore editorial rather than based on a manufactured mathematical score.
Current CACREP accreditation was required for inclusion. We then evaluated:
- alignment with California LPCC, LMFT, or PPS requirements
- breadth of professional options
- tuition and mandatory fees
- clinical practicum and internship structure
- program length
- online, hybrid, and evening availability
- specialized training opportunities
- clarity of the university’s licensure disclosures
- accreditation cycle and current CACREP status
- significant limitations such as a narrow specialty or delayed next cohort
A lower-ranked program is not necessarily academically weaker. In several cases, ranking reflects specialization, price, or accessibility rather than instructional quality.
What Does CACREP Accreditation Actually Mean?
CACREP is a specialized accreditor for counselor education. Institutional accreditation evaluates a college or university as a whole. CACREP instead evaluates the specific graduate counseling program.
Its standards address areas including the learning environment, faculty and program resources, academic quality, foundational counseling curriculum, practicum, internship, student assessment, and specialized areas of counseling practice. (cacrep.org)
That can be useful for students who want a curriculum developed around a national counselor-education framework. It can also become relevant when pursuing licensure outside California or applying for positions or credentials that give preference to CACREP graduates.
It is still necessary to check California requirements separately. CACREP accreditation and BBS eligibility answer two different questions.
1. Sacramento State: M.S. in Counseling, Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Official Sacramento State program page
Sacramento State takes the top position because it combines CACREP accreditation, relatively low public-university tuition, substantial clinical field experience, and an explicit dual California licensure curriculum.
The Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling concentration requires 60 units and is designed to meet the educational requirements for both LMFT and LPCC licensure in California. It follows a full-time three-year cohort sequence with approximately nine to 12 units each fall and spring. Students complete a 100-hour clinical practicum and 600 hours of field experience. (catalog.csus.edu)
More Than One CACREP Specialty
Sacramento State’s strength is not limited to one program. CACREP currently accredits multiple counseling specialties at the university, including Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and School Counseling. The marriage and family specialty is accredited through March 31, 2029. (cacrep.org)
That gives applicants room to choose among distinctly different counseling careers within a single counselor-education department.
Public Tuition Is a Major Advantage
For 2026–27, a full-time graduate or post-baccalaureate student taking more than six units pays $4,274 in systemwide tuition plus $1,409 in mandatory campus fees per semester, for a published total of $5,683. (catalog.csus.edu)
The department estimates that three years of in-state tuition and student fees cost approximately $33,000, although future increases can change that figure. (csus.edu)
The main limitation is scheduling. This is a structured, full-time three-year cohort rather than a flexible part-time degree.
Best fit: students who want CACREP accreditation, CSU pricing, and a clear route toward both LMFT and LPCC education requirements.
2. San Francisco State University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Official San Francisco State counseling program page
San Francisco State has one of the most extensive collections of CACREP-accredited counseling specialties in California.
Its 60-unit Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. provides the most direct clinical path for students focused on LPCC practice. CACREP lists the specialty as currently accredited through October 31, 2027, with reaffirmation in process. (cacrep.org)
Five CACREP-Accredited Counseling Areas
SF State currently identifies five CACREP-accredited M.S. specialties:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- School Counseling
- Career Counseling
- College Counseling and Student Affairs
The School Counseling program is also aligned with California CTC standards for the PPS School Counseling Credential. (bulletin.sfsu.edu)
That breadth is difficult to match. A student interested in clinical mental health counseling has a very different professional goal from someone planning to work in college student affairs, yet both can find a CACREP-accredited path at SF State.
Low Tuition, High-Cost Location
For 2026–27, SF State lists full-time graduate tuition of $4,274 plus $993 in local fees per semester, for approximately $5,267. (bursar.sfsu.edu)
The university charges are relatively low. Living in San Francisco may not be.
Students comparing total cost should factor in commuting, housing, and the location of field placements rather than looking only at tuition.
Best fit: students who want a public Bay Area program and one of the widest selections of CACREP specialties in California.
3. Palo Alto University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Official Palo Alto University M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling page
Palo Alto University ranks highly for combining a long current CACREP accreditation cycle with online and hybrid delivery.
CACREP lists its Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. as accredited through October 31, 2033 for both the Palo Alto/Mountain View and online delivery formats. (cacrep.org)
Online and Hybrid Students Earn the Same CACREP-Accredited Degree
Students can complete the program in nine quarters. The hybrid option combines evening campus classes with live online instruction. The online version uses live remote classes and includes two required in-person residencies. (paloaltou.edu)
The curriculum includes at least 700 hours of counseling-related field experience, including at least 280 face-to-face client hours. PAU warns students that evening and weekend practicum placements are difficult to find, so maintaining a conventional full-time job can become harder once fieldwork begins. (paloaltou.edu)
Tuition
For incoming students in 2026–27, PAU lists:
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition per quarter unit | $652 |
| Per-unit fees | $65 |
| Combined per-unit charge | $717 |
| Online residency fees | $750 total |
Tuition and fees are subject to annual increases. (paloaltou.edu)
Students can also add a Marriage, Family and Child Counseling emphasis. PAU specifically states that the emphasis is outside the scope of its CACREP accreditation, so it should not be described as a separately CACREP-accredited MFT specialty. (paloaltou.edu)
Best fit: students seeking CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling with substantial online flexibility.
4. University of San Diego: M.A. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Official University of San Diego CMHC program page
The University of San Diego has one of the longest current accreditation cycles in the state. Its Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty is CACREP-accredited through April 30, 2034. CACREP currently lists a progress report requirement, but the program remains accredited. (cacrep.org)
A Direct LPCC Curriculum
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization requires 60 units. USD’s 2026 catalog states that graduates are educationally eligible to become Associate Professional Clinical Counselors in California before completing the state’s required post-degree steps toward LPCC licensure. (graduate.catalog.sandiego.edu)
USD also maintains a separately CACREP-accredited School Counseling program. One school counseling route combines PPS preparation with coursework designed to support APCC eligibility, creating an option for students interested in both school and clinical environments. (sandiego.edu)
The Main Barrier Is Price
For 2026–27, USD lists Clinical Mental Health Counseling tuition at $1,785 per unit. For 60 units, the university estimates $107,100 in tuition before additional fees and living expenses. (sandiego.edu)
That puts USD in a very different financial category from Sacramento State or San Francisco State.
The program earns a high ranking because of its clear clinical pathway, CACREP status, and separate school counseling opportunities. Cost is the most obvious reason to choose another school.
Best fit: students prioritizing a private-university counseling program with long-term CACREP accreditation and a clearly defined LPCC path.
5. Fresno State: M.S. in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling
Official Fresno State MFCC program page
Fresno State’s 60-unit Marriage, Family and Child Counseling program is an unusual option because it combines a family-oriented clinical curriculum, CACREP accreditation, CSU pricing, and a relatively short five-semester sequence.
CACREP lists the Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling specialty as accredited through October 31, 2027, with reaffirmation in process. (cacrep.org)
Clinical Training in the Fresno Family Counseling Center
Students receive supervised experience through the Fresno Family Counseling Center as well as outside field placements. Fresno State says the 60-unit program can be completed in five semesters and prepares students for entry-level counseling work leading toward LMFT and LPCC practice. (kremen.fresnostate.edu)
The cohort enrolls a limited group of students who are expected to maintain full-time status. Classes can occur during both daytime and evening hours. (kremen.fresnostate.edu)
Be Precise About Which Fresno Program Is Accredited
This is an especially important distinction at Fresno State.
The Marriage, Family and Child Counseling program is CACREP-accredited. Fresno State’s Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration is also currently CACREP-accredited. Its newer Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration, however, is listed by CACREP as “in process” rather than currently accredited. (kremen.fresnostate.edu)
Applicants should therefore verify the specific specialty rather than assuming every Fresno State counseling concentration has identical accreditation.
For 2026–27, Fresno State lists $8,548 in annual full-time graduate tuition plus $1,796 in campus fees, or approximately $10,344 for fall and spring. (studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu)
Best fit: students seeking a relatively affordable CACREP-accredited program with a marriage, family, and child counseling focus.
6. Alliant University: M.A. in Clinical Counseling
Official Alliant M.A. in Clinical Counseling page
Alliant’s M.A. in Clinical Counseling provides a fully online CACREP option for California students focused on LPCC practice.
CACREP lists Alliant’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty as accredited through October 31, 2030. The accredited delivery locations include Fresno and digitally delivered study. (cacrep.org)
Two Years and 700 Hours of Experience
The 60-credit curriculum can be completed in a minimum of two years. Alliant requires 700 hours of clinical experience, including at least 280 hours of directly supervised clinical work. Beginning in fall 2026, the program operates in eight-week terms with January, May, and August starts. (alliant.edu)
The online program also includes two required residencies held in California.
Alliant states that its curriculum meets California BBS educational requirements for LPCC licensure. Graduates must still complete California’s post-degree supervised experience, examinations, and other licensing steps. (alliant.edu)
Current Tuition
Alliant lists Clinical Counseling tuition at $850 per unit for both on-campus and online enrollment.
At 60 units, the current base tuition calculation is approximately $51,000 before additional program expenses and future tuition adjustments. (alliant.edu)
Best fit: California residents seeking a relatively fast online CACREP program specifically focused on the LPCC profession.
7. Concordia University Irvine: M.A. in Counseling
Official Concordia University Irvine M.A. in Counseling program page
Concordia University Irvine’s Townsend Institute offers an M.A. in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health emphasis designed around California LPCC preparation.
The overall degree requires 60 to 66 units depending on emphasis and course selection. CACREP currently lists Concordia’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty as accredited through October 31, 2027, with reaffirmation in process. Both Irvine and online delivery fall within the accredited program. (cacrep.org)
Cost Is Lower Than Several Private Alternatives
For 2026–27, Concordia lists Townsend Institute Counseling tuition at $715 per unit plus a $60 student success fee each semester. (catalog.cui.edu)
At the current rate:
- 60 units = approximately $42,900 in base tuition
- 66 units = approximately $47,190 in base tuition
Actual cost depends on the selected emphasis, fees, and any future tuition changes.
The program is more expensive than California’s state-supported CSU options but currently less expensive on a simple tuition basis than several private clinical counseling programs in this ranking.
Best fit: students wanting an online CACREP clinical counseling degree at a private university without moving into the highest tuition tier.
8. Cal State Fullerton: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy
Official Cal State Fullerton counseling program page
Cal State Fullerton offers one of California’s more attractive combinations on paper: CACREP accreditation plus preparation for both LPCC and LMFT licensure.
The program requires 63 units, or 21 courses, and follows a part-time cohort structure lasting about three years plus one additional term. Classes are held on campus and scheduled in the evening, making the degree more workable for students who remain employed. (extension.fullerton.edu)
CACREP lists the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program as accredited through October 31, 2031. (cacrep.org)
Why Isn’t CSUF Ranked Higher?
Availability and price.
The university currently states that the next cohort starts in spring 2028. That makes this a poor fit for students who want to begin graduate school in 2026 or 2027. (extension.fullerton.edu)
The program is also offered through University Extension as a self-support degree rather than using standard state-supported CSU graduate tuition.
CSUF currently displays a $675-per-unit tuition rate for its Spring 2025 cohort, which would produce a $42,525 base calculation across 63 units. The university explicitly identifies this as the rate for that earlier cohort and states that tuition is subject to change. A spring 2028 applicant should not assume $675 per unit will still apply. (extension.fullerton.edu)
Best fit: working students willing to wait for the next cohort who want one CACREP-accredited curriculum supporting both LMFT and LPCC paths.
9. Cal State LA: M.S. in Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling
Official Cal State LA Rehabilitation Counseling program page
Cal State LA is a more specialized choice than the clinical mental health counseling programs above it.
Its CACREP-accredited Rehabilitation Counseling program focuses on counseling people with disabilities, employment, vocational rehabilitation, disability services, and related human-service settings. CACREP lists the specialty as accredited through October 31, 2027, with reaffirmation in process. (cacrep.org)
Rehabilitation Counseling Comes First
The current M.S. Counseling curriculum lists the Rehabilitation Counseling option at 70 units. Graduates may work in settings including vocational rehabilitation agencies, disability services, Veterans Affairs programs, nonprofit agencies, hospitals, workforce development, and counseling settings. (calstatela.edu)
Students interested in LPCC practice need to pay particular attention to curriculum planning. Cal State LA offers a Clinical Counseling certificate specifically for students enrolled in the Rehabilitation Counseling M.S. who want additional professional clinical counseling preparation. (calstatela.edu)
One of the Lowest-Cost Options
Cal State LA is state supported. For fall 2026, a California resident graduate student taking more than six units pays $4,274 in tuition plus campus fees, for a published semester total of $4,821.04. (calstatela.edu)
That cost advantage is substantial, but students seeking a conventional clinical mental health curriculum may find Sacramento State, SF State, Fresno State, or another program more direct.
Best fit: students specifically interested in disability, vocational, rehabilitation, and clinical counseling intersections.
10. Saybrook University: M.A. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Official Saybrook M.A. Counseling program information
Saybrook’s M.A. in Counseling is designed as a low-residency program that combines online learning with required in-person training experiences.
The degree requires 60 semester credits and typically takes about three years. Students complete practicum, Internship I, and Internship II while completing the academic curriculum. (catalog.saybrook.edu)
CACREP currently lists Saybrook’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty as accredited through October 31, 2027, with reaffirmation in process. (cacrep.org)
California Licensure Preparation Is Built Into the Curriculum
Saybrook states that its M.A. Counseling curriculum is aligned with California BBS degree and coursework requirements for Professional Clinical Counselor registration and examination eligibility. Its California curriculum also incorporates coursework associated with Marriage and Family Therapist preparation. (catalog.saybrook.edu)
That does not mean CACREP separately accredits an MFT specialty at Saybrook. The accredited specialty listed in CACREP’s directory is Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Price Requires Additional Verification
A current, clearly published 2026–27 counseling tuition rate was not available from the official university sources reviewed for this article. Prospective students should obtain the applicable rate directly from Saybrook before comparing its total cost with the other programs here.
The lack of a readily verifiable current tuition figure is one reason the program ranks lower despite its online-heavy format and California clinical curriculum.
Best fit: students drawn to a humanistic clinical counseling model who want most coursework online but can attend required residential experiences.
Which California Schools Have the Most CACREP Options?
Students sometimes search for a “CACREP school,” but the more accurate question is which programs at the school are accredited.
San Francisco State and Sacramento State are especially useful examples because each has several independently accredited counseling specialties.
| University | Examples of currently CACREP-accredited specialties |
|---|---|
| San Francisco State | Clinical Mental Health, Marriage/Couple/Family, School, Career, College Counseling and Student Affairs |
| Sacramento State | Marriage/Couple/Family, School, Rehabilitation and other counselor-education specialties |
| University of San Diego | Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling |
| Fresno State | Marriage/Couple/Family Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling |
This distinction becomes important when a university launches a new specialty. The new program does not automatically inherit the accreditation of another program in the same department.
Does California Require CACREP Accreditation for LPCC Licensure?
California’s LPCC requirements are established by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. The BBS directs applicants to the degree requirements contained in California Business and Professions Code Section 4999.33 for most current applicants. (bbs.ca.gov)
CACREP accreditation is not, by itself, the California license.
A prospective student should therefore verify two separate things:
- Is the exact degree or specialty currently CACREP-accredited?
- Does the curriculum meet the California educational requirements for the license the student plans to pursue?
After graduate education, LPCC applicants still have additional steps involving Associate Professional Clinical Counselor registration, supervised experience, examinations, and application requirements.
The same principle applies to LMFT preparation. A CACREP Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling degree may be relevant to MFT education, but the California BBS determines whether an applicant ultimately satisfies California requirements.
What About CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs?
CACREP and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing serve different functions.
CACREP evaluates the quality and structure of the counselor-education program. The CTC controls the credential that allows someone to serve as a school counselor in California public schools.
California candidates generally need a Commission-approved school counseling preparation program consisting of at least 48 semester units or the equivalent, including appropriate practicum preparation, followed by a formal recommendation from an approved institution. (ctc.ca.gov)
Current California CACREP School Counseling programs include Sacramento State, San Francisco State, and the University of San Diego. (cacrep.org)
A student planning to work in K-12 schools should therefore check both CACREP status and CTC program approval rather than treating the two as substitutes.
Is CACREP Worth Prioritizing?
For some California students, yes.
CACREP accreditation confirms that a counseling program has undergone specialized review against standards covering curriculum, professional practice, faculty, evaluation, and the learning environment. (cacrep.org)
It may be particularly useful for someone who:
- expects to seek licensure outside California later
- wants a clinical mental health counseling degree built around a nationally recognized counselor-education framework
- is considering federal or other employers that may place value on CACREP education
- wants greater consistency when comparing counseling curricula
- may later pursue counselor education or related doctoral study
But CACREP should not override more basic questions.
A $100,000 CACREP-accredited program is not automatically a better personal decision than a $30,000 accredited public program. A CACREP clinical mental health degree is not the correct choice for someone whose actual objective is the PPS School Counseling Credential. And students firmly committed to LMFT practice may also find strong California programs accredited through COAMFTE rather than CACREP.
How Much Do CACREP Counseling Programs Cost in California?
The range is wide.
At the lower end are state-supported CSU programs. CSU systemwide full-time graduate tuition is $8,548 for the 2026–27 academic year before campus-specific mandatory fees. (calstate.edu)
Private CACREP programs vary much more:
| Program | Current published price reference |
|---|---|
| Sacramento State | $5,683 per full-time semester |
| San Francisco State | $5,267 per full-time semester |
| Fresno State | About $10,344 tuition + campus fees for full-time academic year |
| Cal State LA | $4,821.04 for full-time Fall 2026 graduate enrollment |
| Concordia Irvine | $715 per unit |
| Palo Alto University | $717 per quarter unit including per-unit fees |
| Alliant University | $850 per unit |
| University of San Diego | $1,785 per unit; about $107,100 estimated tuition |
| Cal State Fullerton | $675 per unit published for Spring 2025 cohort; future cohort pricing not yet established |
| Saybrook | Current 2026–27 counseling tuition not verified from available official source |
These numbers should not be treated as guaranteed total program prices. Future tuition increases, campus fees, summer terms, enrollment patterns, transportation, books, and practicum-related costs can substantially change the final total.
How to Choose a CACREP Program in California
Start with the career rather than the accreditation logo.
For LPCC practice, identify programs with a curriculum clearly designed around California BBS requirements. For LMFT practice, verify the MFT educational pathway separately. For school counseling, confirm that the program leads to the California PPS School Counseling Credential.
Then compare the CACREP details. Check the exact specialty, delivery location, current accreditation status, and cycle end date in the official CACREP directory.
After that, look at the practical issues:
- Can you complete daytime practicum hours?
- Is the program full time or part time?
- Are summer courses mandatory?
- Can you commute to campus and fieldwork sites?
- Does an online program require California residencies?
- How many years of tuition will you pay?
- Does the curriculum preserve more than one licensure path?
- Is the next cohort actually accepting applications?
CACREP can provide a useful quality screen, but it cannot decide which counseling program is right for an individual student.
California licensing and credential rules can also change. Before enrolling, verify current LPCC and LMFT requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and school counseling requirements with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.