San Diego has a relatively small number of graduate counseling programs, but they cover a wide range of professional paths. Within the county, students can find public university programs in marriage and family therapy, school counseling, and rehabilitation counseling; CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling; COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs; dual LMFT/LPCC preparation; and flexible online options based at San Diego institutions.
Those degrees do not lead to the same California credential. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences regulates Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs). The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing oversees the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling Credential. Rehabilitation counseling adds another professional track focused on disability, employment, and independent living.
This guide focuses on current counseling programs in San Diego County and compares their licensure alignment, accreditation, tuition, format, clinical training, and practical fit. Students who are still deciding which type of counseling degree they need can also review the broader selection of California counseling degrees.
The numbering is not intended as a strict best-to-worst ranking.
Counseling Programs in San Diego at a Glance
| No. | School | Counseling programs covered | Main California pathway | Format / length | Current cost reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego State University | M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy; M.S. School Counseling; M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling | LMFT, PPS, rehabilitation counseling, and LPCC through clinical rehabilitation concentration | Mostly campus based; generally 2 to 3 years depending on program | About $11,490 in 2026-27 resident graduate tuition + campus fees for two full-time semesters |
| 2 | University of San Diego | M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling; M.A. Marital and Family Therapy; M.A. School Counseling | LPCC, LMFT, PPS, or PPS + LPCC depending on program | In person; typically 2 to 3 years | $1,751 to $1,785 per unit depending on program |
| 3 | Point Loma Nazarene University | M.A. Clinical Counseling | LMFT + LPCC | 63 units on campus; 63-66 online; about 24-48 months depending on format | $848 per unit |
| 4 | Alliant International University | M.A. Marital and Family Therapy; online M.A. Clinical Counseling | LMFT or LPCC depending on degree | San Diego campus MFT plus online counseling option | MFT: $1,463 per unit on campus; Clinical Counseling: $850 per unit |
| 5 | National University | M.A. Counseling Psychology | LMFT or combined LMFT/LPCC | Online; about 22 months for standard program | $686 per credit plus course material fees; published estimated program cost $43,775 for 60-credit degree |
| 6 | Southern California Seminary | M.A. Counseling Psychology | LMFT and/or LPCC licensure track | El Cajon campus with online options; 72-unit licensure track | $660 per unit plus technology fees |
These figures are planning references. Tuition can change during enrollment, and books, technology charges, university fees, personal therapy, transportation, practicum requirements, summer enrollment, and reduced work hours can all affect the real cost of a counseling degree.
How We Selected San Diego Counseling Programs
The schools in this guide have current graduate programs that are directly relevant to professional counseling, therapy, school counseling, or rehabilitation counseling. We prioritized official university program pages, current catalogs, tuition pages, accreditor directories, and California licensing or credentialing sources.
We compared:
- the exact degree and specialization
- whether the curriculum is designed for LMFT, LPCC, PPS, or another professional path
- current programmatic accreditation
- required units and completion time
- practicum and fieldwork expectations
- in-person, online, evening, or cohort structure
- current tuition when the university publishes it
- significant limitations, such as accreditation changes or a specialized rather than general clinical focus
Programmatic accreditation is treated separately from institutional accreditation. CACREP evaluates counseling programs. COAMFTE evaluates marriage and family therapy programs. WSCUC, TRACS, and other institutional accreditors evaluate universities as institutions. A school can be institutionally accredited while a particular counseling program does not hold CACREP or COAMFTE accreditation.
1. San Diego State University counseling programs
San Diego State University offers the broadest set of public counseling options in the county. Students can pursue marriage and family therapy, school counseling, or rehabilitation counseling without paying private-university per-credit tuition.
The programs belong to different departments and lead toward different professional outcomes, so SDSU should not be treated as though it offers one general counseling master’s.
Three Distinct Counseling Paths
| SDSU program | Units / length | Primary professional direction | Specialized accreditation or approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy | 60 units, 2.5 years | LMFT | COAMFTE-accredited |
| M.S. School Counseling + PPS | 60 units, 2 years full time | PPS School Counseling Credential | California CTC-accredited; not currently CACREP-accredited |
| M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling | 60 units | Rehabilitation counseling; LPCC available through clinical concentration | Previously CACREP-accredited; CACREP accreditation ended December 31, 2024 |
The distinctions matter because an applicant interested in psychotherapy has a different educational path from someone planning to work in K-12 schools or disability and vocational rehabilitation.
Marriage and Family Therapy
The SDSU M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-unit cohort program completed over 2.5 years. Students begin in summer and continue through three summers, with two full academic years of face-to-face coursework and clinical training.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. Its curriculum emphasizes relational and systemic therapy, culturally responsive practice, and community-based clinical work.
Students begin clinical development through SDSU’s Center for Community Counseling and Engagement and move into traineeship placements. The program is specifically oriented toward the LMFT profession rather than serving as a general LPCC degree.
For someone who knows they want marriage and family therapy, SDSU combines:
- public-university tuition
- COAMFTE accreditation
- a 60-unit curriculum
- extensive community clinical training
- a relatively compact 2.5-year timeline
School Counseling and the PPS Credential
The SDSU M.S. in School Counseling is a separate 60-unit, two-year full-time program that includes preparation for California’s PPS School Counseling Credential.
Students begin coursework in summer before the first fall semester. First-year students spend at least one to two days per week in schools, and second-year students spend at least two full days per week at school sites.
The program’s current FAQ states that it is CTC-accredited but not currently CACREP-accredited. SDSU also notes that the curriculum aligns with CACREP requirements, but alignment should not be described as accreditation.
This degree is designed for K-12 counseling, including academic, career, social-emotional, and systemic school support. It should not be confused with the MFT program or assumed to be an LPCC degree.
Rehabilitation Counseling and the Accreditation Change
SDSU also offers an M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling with on-campus and periodic distance options.
The on-campus curriculum includes a general rehabilitation counseling path and a Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration. SDSU states that the clinical concentration meets California educational requirements for LPCC preparation while also supporting rehabilitation counseling practice.
There is an accreditation detail prospective students should know. SDSU’s rehabilitation counseling specialties were previously CACREP-accredited, but CACREP records list the accreditation as having ended December 31, 2024. The current program should therefore not be described as CACREP-accredited.
That does not mean the degree ceased to exist or that its California clinical concentration is no longer offered. It means students who specifically require current CACREP accreditation need to distinguish present program status from its historical accreditation.
SDSU Tuition
For 2026-27, SDSU lists full-time California-resident graduate costs of:
- $8,548 in CSU basic tuition
- $2,942 in campus fees
- approximately $11,490 across the standard nine-month academic year
Summer courses are additional, which is especially relevant to the MFT and School Counseling sequences.
Nonresident graduate students pay additional tuition, making SDSU considerably more expensive for students who do not qualify for California resident tuition.
2. University of San Diego M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of San Diego has three separate counseling and therapy programs within its School of Leadership and Education Sciences: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marital and Family Therapy, and School Counseling.
USD is one of the clearest examples of why students need to evaluate the specific program rather than the university name. Each route has a different professional focus and a different form of programmatic accreditation.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling for LPCC Preparation
USD’s M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling requires 60 units and is designed to prepare graduates for California’s LPCC pathway.
The program is CACREP-accredited. USD’s current catalog states that graduates satisfy the education needed to become Associate Professional Clinical Counselors in California before completing the state’s post-degree supervised experience and examination requirements.
Students complete supervised practicum and fieldwork over multiple terms. USD offers two-year and three-year program plans, and the degree is delivered in person.
For 2026-27, USD lists:
- 60 units
- $1,785 per unit
- $107,100 estimated tuition
Additional university fees and living expenses are not included in that tuition estimate.
A Separate MFT Degree
Students focused specifically on marriage and family therapy can instead choose USD’s M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy.
This 60-unit degree is designed for the California LMFT pathway and is distinct from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Applicants should verify the program’s current specialized accreditation status directly with USD and COAMFTE before enrollment because accreditation can change over time.
The curriculum includes supervised clinical work in community settings and is built around systemic and relational therapy rather than general clinical mental health counseling.
School Counseling Can Include LPCC Eligibility
USD also offers an M.A. in Counseling with School Counseling specializations.
One path leads toward the California PPS School Counseling Credential. Another combines PPS preparation with coursework intended to meet California’s educational requirements for APCC eligibility and eventual LPCC licensure.
The program requires 60 units and is CACREP-accredited. The combined school counseling and LPCC route can be useful for students who want to work in K-12 counseling but also want a clinical counseling pathway outside the school system.
USD lists the 60-unit school counseling program at $1,751 per unit for 2026-27, or an estimated $105,060 in tuition.
Where USD Fits in the San Diego Market
USD offers several clearly separated professional pathways:
| Professional goal | USD option | Programmatic status |
|---|---|---|
| LPCC | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | CACREP-accredited |
| LMFT | Marital and Family Therapy | MFT-specific graduate program; verify current COAMFTE status directly |
| PPS School Counseling | School Counseling | CACREP-accredited plus California credential pathway |
| PPS + LPCC education | School Counseling with LPCC eligibility | CACREP-accredited |
The tradeoff is cost. USD’s published tuition is substantially higher than SDSU’s public-university charges.
3. Point Loma Nazarene University M.A. in Clinical Counseling
Point Loma Nazarene University’s M.A. in Clinical Counseling is designed for students who want one curriculum that can lead toward either California LMFT or LPCC practice.
The on-campus program is based at PLNU’s Mission Valley Regional Center rather than the university’s Point Loma undergraduate campus.
On Campus or Fully Online
The campus-based M.A. requires 63 units and is designed for completion in approximately 24 to 32 months. Courses are face to face.
PLNU also offers an online M.A. in Clinical Counseling requiring approximately 63 to 66 units and taking about 24 to 48 months depending on pace.
The university describes the curriculum as preparing students for California LMFT and LPCC pathways. Online study reduces classroom commuting but does not eliminate the need for supervised clinical training.
An On-Site Practicum Before Community Placement
A distinctive part of the campus program is PLNU’s trainee practicum clinic. Students begin practicing counseling skills with real clients in a supervised environment before moving further into community-based field placements.
PLNU reports placement relationships with San Diego mental health providers, community agencies, nonprofit organizations, youth and family programs, and couples counseling settings.
This structure can help students move from classroom skills into outside practicum with university-based client experience first.
Tuition and Faith Integration
For 2026-27, PLNU lists Clinical Counseling tuition at $848 per unit.
At the current rate:
| Program format | Units | Simple base tuition calculation |
|---|---|---|
| On campus | 63 | About $53,424 |
| Online | 63-66 | About $53,424-$55,968 |
These calculations exclude additional fees, books, future tuition changes, and clinical expenses.
PLNU integrates Christian faith into its counseling curriculum. That is a substantive part of the educational model and should be treated as a fit factor rather than a minor campus characteristic.
The program does not currently advertise CACREP or COAMFTE accreditation. Applicants who specifically want specialized counseling or MFT accreditation should compare other San Diego options.
4. Alliant International University M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
Alliant International University has a San Diego campus on Pomerado Road and offers its M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy there as well as online.
The 60-credit program can be completed in a minimum of two years and is available through semester or eight-week term structures depending on the delivery format.
COAMFTE-Accredited MFT Education
Alliant’s MFT master’s is COAMFTE-accredited and is offered at the San Diego campus as well as online and at other California locations.
Alliant emphasizes degree portability as one reason to choose the program. State licensure rules still vary, but graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program can be useful for students who expect to move outside California.
Clinical requirements include:
- at least 300 hours of direct client contact
- 100 supervision hours
- at least 100 professional development hours
- broader practical experience that Alliant says can total 600 to 1,300 hours
Students should distinguish these degree-based clinical requirements from the full post-degree experience required for California licensure.
San Diego MFT Versus Alliant Clinical Counseling
Alliant also offers a CACREP-accredited M.A. in Clinical Counseling, but that program is currently listed as online rather than as a San Diego campus degree.
The difference is important:
| Alliant degree | Delivery | California direction | Programmatic accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. Marital and Family Therapy | San Diego campus or online | LMFT | COAMFTE |
| M.A. Clinical Counseling | Online | LPCC | CACREP |
A San Diego resident can therefore remain local while choosing between two professional directions, although only the MFT program is tied directly to the San Diego campus.
Tuition Varies by Delivery
Alliant currently lists $1,463 per unit for the on-campus M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy and $850 per unit for Clinical Counseling.
For a 60-unit on-campus MFT degree, the current base calculation is approximately $87,780 before fees and future increases.
The online Clinical Counseling program has a lower per-unit rate, but it leads toward a different professional license.
5. National University M.A. in Counseling Psychology
National University is headquartered in San Diego and offers its California M.A. in Counseling Psychology online.
The degree is designed specifically for California and provides an MFT curriculum with the option to add coursework for combined MFT/LPCC preparation.
MFT or Combined MFT/LPCC
All students complete the marriage and family therapy curriculum. Students who want LPCC preparation add coursework required for the combined path.
National University states that:
- the standard program is designed for California MFT educational preparation
- the combined option is designed to satisfy educational requirements associated with both MFT and LPCC pathways
- the degree may not meet licensure requirements outside California
The university’s current program page lists at least 60 semester credits of graduate work. Students without an undergraduate psychology degree may also need foundation coursework.
California applicants should confirm the exact practicum and additional-credit requirements for the track they select rather than assuming the 60-credit standard degree and combined path have identical requirements.
A Faster Online Format
National lists an average completion time of about 22 months for the standard Counseling Psychology degree. Courses use the university’s accelerated scheduling model rather than a traditional semester-long classroom structure.
This can appeal to students who want to remain employed or who need an online program with year-round enrollment.
The compressed calendar does not reduce California’s post-degree licensing requirements. Graduates still need to register with the BBS and complete the supervised experience and examinations that apply to their chosen license.
Current Published Cost
National University’s tuition page, updated August 25, 2026, lists:
- 60 credits for the M.A. Counseling Psychology
- $686 base tuition per credit
- a $115 course material fee per course
- an estimated total program cost of $43,775
That published total is associated with the 60-credit program. Students adding the combined MFT/LPCC coursework should verify the additional tuition and fees because extra courses can increase the total.
National is institutionally accredited by WSCUC. The M.A. Counseling Psychology should not be described as CACREP- or COAMFTE-accredited based on the current program information.
6. Southern California Seminary M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Southern California Seminary is located in El Cajon and offers a faith-based M.A. in Counseling Psychology with separate licensure and non-licensure tracks.
For students using this degree as a route toward professional practice, the distinction between the two tracks is essential.
The Licensure Track Is 72 Units
SCS lists:
- a 63-unit non-licensure M.A. in Counseling Psychology
- a 72-unit licensure M.A. in Counseling Psychology
- on-campus study with online options
The licensure curriculum includes counseling theory, psychopathology, law and ethics, psychological testing, group counseling, psychopharmacology, practicum, and California-specific coursework related to professional preparation.
SCS states that the licensure track is focused on preparation for California LMFT and/or LPCC practice. Because licensing rules belong to the BBS and can change, prospective students should confirm that the curriculum for their catalog year satisfies the current educational requirements for the license they intend to pursue.
Counseling and Biblical Foundations Are Integrated
Southern California Seminary teaches behavioral science through an explicitly Christian framework. The licensure curriculum includes biblical foundations in addition to counseling coursework.
The university describes its approach as integrating psychological research and counseling practice with a belief in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God.
That makes the school meaningfully different from SDSU or USD. Applicants should decide whether this degree of faith integration matches the kind of clinical education they want.
Accreditation and Tuition
Southern California Seminary holds institutional accreditation through TRACS. Its Counseling Psychology master’s should not be described as CACREP- or COAMFTE-accredited based on the current accreditor information reviewed for this guide.
SCS currently lists Behavioral Science graduate tuition at $660 per unit plus a $125 technology fee per course.
A simple 72-unit base tuition calculation is approximately $47,520 before technology fees, books, and other expenses.
For students seeking a faith-integrated San Diego County program, SCS is one of the more distinct options in the region.
Comparing San Diego Programs by Professional Goal
The simplest way to narrow San Diego counseling programs is to begin with the credential.
| Professional goal | Programs to compare |
|---|---|
| LMFT | SDSU MFT, USD MFT, PLNU Clinical Counseling, Alliant MFT, National Counseling Psychology, Southern California Seminary licensure track |
| LPCC | USD Clinical Mental Health Counseling, PLNU Clinical Counseling, National combined MFT/LPCC, Southern California Seminary licensure track, SDSU Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Alliant online Clinical Counseling |
| PPS School Counseling | SDSU School Counseling, USD School Counseling |
| Rehabilitation counseling | SDSU Rehabilitation Counseling |
| CACREP specifically | USD Clinical Mental Health Counseling, USD School Counseling, Alliant online Clinical Counseling |
| COAMFTE specifically | SDSU MFT, Alliant MFT; verify current USD MFT status directly |
This table is a starting point, not a substitute for reviewing the current curriculum and California requirements.
LPCC Requirements in California
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences regulates the LPCC profession. Current applicants generally need a qualifying master’s or doctoral degree containing at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units and the coursework and practicum specified by California law.
Graduation is only the educational stage. The path generally continues through qualifying graduate education, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor registration, supervised professional experience, required examinations, and the final BBS licensure application.
The official BBS LPCC applicant page should be used to verify current requirements.
A counseling degree title is not enough. For example, SDSU’s School Counseling degree leads toward the PPS credential, while its clinical rehabilitation concentration provides a different route toward LPCC preparation. USD’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is directly designed around LPCC education. National and PLNU use broader dual-path structures.
LMFT Requirements in California
California’s LMFT license is also administered by the BBS.
Qualifying graduate education generally includes at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units in marriage and family therapy or a related clinical field, along with the content and practicum requirements specified under California law.
After graduation, candidates complete the registration, supervised experience, examination, and application requirements that apply to LMFT licensure.
San Diego has several programs explicitly centered on or aligned with this profession:
- SDSU M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy
- USD M.A. Marital and Family Therapy
- Alliant M.A. Marital and Family Therapy
- PLNU M.A. Clinical Counseling
- National M.A. Counseling Psychology
- Southern California Seminary’s licensure Counseling Psychology track
The BBS LMFT applicant page remains the primary source for current state requirements.
School Counseling Is a Separate Path
California school counselors typically need the PPS Credential with a School Counseling specialization.
The CTC requires California-prepared candidates to complete an approved post-baccalaureate preparation program containing the required graduate coursework and field experience, followed by the university’s recommendation for the credential.
The main San Diego choices are SDSU and USD.
SDSU’s program is a focused 60-unit, two-year PPS degree. USD offers a school counseling route that can also incorporate LPCC educational eligibility. The difference is substantial for a student who may eventually want to practice in both schools and clinical settings.
Verify current requirements through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing school counseling credential information.
CACREP and COAMFTE Accreditation in San Diego
San Diego is unusual in having both CACREP and COAMFTE programs within the same local market.
CACREP accredits counselor education. Current San Diego-related examples include USD’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs. Alliant’s online Clinical Counseling program is also CACREP-accredited.
SDSU requires more careful wording. Its School Counseling program states that it is currently CTC-accredited but not CACREP-accredited. SDSU’s Rehabilitation Counseling program was previously CACREP-accredited, but the accreditation ended December 31, 2024.
COAMFTE focuses on marriage and family therapy education. SDSU and Alliant have San Diego MFT programs that currently identify COAMFTE accreditation. Students considering USD’s MFT program should verify its current specialized accreditation directly before enrollment.
Specialized accreditation can matter for professional mobility, federal employment, certification, doctoral study, or personal preference. It does not replace California licensure requirements.
How Much Do Counseling Programs in San Diego Cost?
San Diego has a wide cost range.
| School / program | Current published cost reference |
|---|---|
| SDSU graduate programs | About $11,490 resident tuition + campus fees for 2026-27 fall/spring |
| Southern California Seminary MACP | $660 per unit plus technology fees |
| National M.A. Counseling Psychology | $686 per credit; $43,775 published estimated total for 60-credit program |
| PLNU Clinical Counseling | $848 per unit |
| Alliant online Clinical Counseling | $850 per unit |
| Alliant San Diego MFT | $1,463 per unit |
| USD School Counseling | $1,751 per unit |
| USD Clinical Mental Health Counseling | $1,785 per unit |
The cost comparison changes depending on format and professional goal. SDSU is the lowest-cost campus option for a California resident, but it does not offer one degree that covers every counseling path. National, Southern California Seminary, and PLNU fall into a middle range among private options. USD and Alliant’s campus MFT are substantially more expensive.
Tuition also leaves out clinical training costs. Practicum can require daytime availability, transportation to multiple sites, background checks, professional liability coverage, and fewer hours of paid employment.
A degree that appears more expensive per unit may still be workable if its schedule allows a student to retain employment. Conversely, a lower tuition program can become financially difficult if fieldwork requires a major reduction in work hours.
Counseling Careers in San Diego
San Diego County supports a large behavioral health workforce across hospitals, county programs, schools, nonprofit organizations, military-connected services, substance use treatment, disability services, and private practice.
Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks salary and employment projections for marriage and family therapists, while separate BLS data cover mental health counselors and other counseling occupations. Students should use the occupational category that matches the credential they plan to pursue rather than assuming all counselors have the same salary data.
Counseling graduates in San Diego may work in settings such as:
- community mental health agencies
- behavioral health clinics
- hospitals and healthcare systems
- K-12 schools
- colleges and universities
- military and veteran-serving organizations
- substance use treatment programs
- disability and vocational rehabilitation agencies
- youth and family service organizations
- group practices
- independent private practice after meeting applicable licensure requirements
The credential determines which roles are available. An LMFT, LPCC, PPS school counselor, and rehabilitation counselor do not have identical scopes of practice or employment requirements.
How to Choose a Counseling Program in San Diego
Start by eliminating programs that do not lead toward your intended professional path.
If the goal is LMFT licensure and specialized MFT accreditation matters, compare SDSU and Alliant first, then verify the current accreditation status of any other MFT program before applying. If you want a degree that preserves both LMFT and LPCC options, PLNU, National, and Southern California Seminary use broader dual-path structures.
For a conventional clinical mental health counseling route toward LPCC practice, USD provides a CACREP-accredited campus program. Alliant provides a CACREP-accredited online option. SDSU’s Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling concentration can support LPCC preparation but is built around rehabilitation and is no longer currently CACREP-accredited.
If your goal is K-12 counseling, focus on PPS preparation rather than clinical degree titles. SDSU offers a focused public school counseling degree, while USD offers a school counseling route that can also incorporate LPCC eligibility.
Then compare the practical details:
- total units
- completion time
- tuition and mandatory fees
- daytime versus evening scheduling
- campus versus online delivery
- summer enrollment
- practicum location
- ability to remain employed during fieldwork
- CACREP or COAMFTE accreditation when relevant
- faith integration
- whether the curriculum supports one license or multiple paths
San Diego does not have dozens of counseling universities, but the programs that are available cover substantially different needs. A student can choose low-cost public MFT education, CACREP clinical counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, a dual-license faith-based program, or an online curriculum designed for working adults.
The strongest choice is not necessarily the university with the most recognizable name. It is the program whose curriculum, accreditation, clinical structure, cost, and California professional pathway match the work you plan to do.
California licensing and credential requirements can change. Before enrolling, verify current LMFT and LPCC requirements with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and school counseling requirements with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.