NAU Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program Ranks No. 2 in Arizona
The College of Education program earns recognition for its accredited training, hands-on clinical preparation, and opportunities for students across the state.
Preparing the next generation of mental health counselors requires more than classroom knowledge. It takes opportunities to develop clinical skills, learn from experienced professionals, and work with individuals and communities with diverse needs. At Northern Arizona University, that preparation is earning recognition.
The College of Education’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling has been ranked No. 2 in Arizona in MastersInCounseling.org’s 2027 Best Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Programs in Arizona rankings. The recognition highlights NAU’s longstanding commitment to preparing counselors through nationally accredited education, experiential learning, and supervised clinical practice.
Recognized among Arizona’s counseling programs
The MastersInCounseling.org ranking compares Arizona master’s programs using factors that include graduate earnings data, affordability, graduation and completion rates, and accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
NAU placed second among the four programs featured in the ranking, which identifies the university as a strong option for Arizona students seeking counseling education through a multisite cohort model. The ranking specifically highlights NAU’s longstanding accreditation, supervised clinical preparation, and reported graduate outcomes. For the College of Education, the recognition provides an opportunity to celebrate the faculty, students, clinical supervisors, and community partners who contribute to preparing future mental health professionals.
Dr. Sara Abercrombie, professor and chair of NAU’s Department of Educational Psychology, emphasized the program’s commitment to the communities it serves. “We are proud to be a leader in training mental health professionals for Arizona’s communities. This recognition highlights the quality and affordability of our counseling programs, and the daily dedication of our faculty, students, and alumni to the people they serve.”
A foundation of accredited, experiential preparation
NAU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has a history of accredited counselor preparation extending back to 1998. Accredited by CACREP, the program follows nationally recognized standards for counselor education. Its current accreditation extends through October 2030. The 60-credit master’s program combines counseling theory, research, ethics, assessment, and culturally responsive practice with opportunities to develop clinical skills. Students prepare to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups in settings such as community mental health agencies, hospitals, behavioral health organizations, and private practices.
Hands-on counseling experiences help students in NAU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program develop the listening, communication, and interpersonal skills essential to supporting individuals and communities.
A distinguishing feature of NAU’s approach is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students participate in interactive coursework, practice counseling techniques, and receive feedback as they develop the professional skills needed to work with clients. Supervised practicum and internship experiences provide opportunities to apply that preparation in real counseling environments. Through NAU’s Counseling Training Clinics and partnerships with clinical sites, students can gain experience serving clients while working under professional supervision.
Expanding access to counseling education across Arizona
Another strength of NAU’s program is its statewide reach. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s is offered through in-person, cohort-based instruction in Flagstaff, Phoenix’s North Valley, Tucson, and Yuma. These locations create opportunities for students in different parts of Arizona to pursue graduate counseling education while developing relationships with faculty and peers. The cohort model emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and the development of a professional counseling identity.
Students also have opportunities to complete approved internship experiences in clinical settings across the United States, subject to program and site requirements. This combination of local access and professional training opportunities reflects NAU’s commitment to preparing counselors who can serve communities throughout Arizona and beyond.
Preparing graduates for meaningful careers
The program’s published 2024–25 outcomes offer another perspective on its work. NAU reported a 92% completion rate, a 93% licensure or certification examination pass rate, and a 100% job placement rate for the reporting period. These figures reflect the program’s reported outcomes and complement the broader factors considered in the external ranking. Graduates are prepared to pursue professional counseling credentials and careers supporting individuals, families, and communities.
The degree meets Arizona’s educational coursework requirements for the Licensed Associate Counselor credential, an important step toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Additional examination, supervised experience, and licensing requirements apply. At its heart, the program’s purpose extends beyond preparing graduates for a credential. It is about developing ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-informed professionals who can support people through difficult circumstances and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
Celebrating excellence and looking ahead
The No. 2 ranking recognizes a program built on decades of counselor preparation and a commitment to connecting academic learning with professional practice. For NAU’s College of Education, it also highlights the importance of preparing professionals whose work can make a difference across Arizona. As the program continues welcoming future counselors, its faculty and clinical partners remain focused on providing the knowledge, mentorship, and supervised experiences that support professional growth.
Interested in becoming a clinical mental health counselor?
Explore NAU’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, learn about program locations and admissions, or view the 2027 Arizona program rankings.