CACREP-Accredited Online Counseling Programs: FAQs

What is a CACREP Accreditation, and Why Does it Matter?

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a specialized accrediting body that audits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling, in the U.S., and around the world, to ensure they maintain a high standard of operation.

CACREP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Their accreditation decisions are commonly used by students in their college application process.

Why Should I Attend a CACREP Accredited Program?

Accreditation is important for helping students choose high-quality programs that will expose them to the knowledge and know-how to excel in their career.

CACREP certifies that the content and quality of an on-campus or online counseling program meets the standards set by the counseling profession. Accreditation is important for ensuring that students may graduate from their program having gained the appropriate knowledge and skills to excel in their field. Further, CACREP is a good measure for the vitality of a program, as the accreditation ensures that the program is financially and professionally stable.

This All Sounds Great, but what are the CACREP Set Standards?

CACREP standards assess an institution based on their:

• Learning Environment: This measures the school and faculty.
• Professional Counseling Identity: This measures the program’s mission & objectives.
• Professional Practice: This assesses the application of learnings in a real counseling environment, i.e. through internships and practicum.
• Program Evaluations: This looks at how the program objectives are measured, i.e. through final exams and grading practices.
• Entry-level Specialty Areas: This analyses the program’s specialty areas including addiction counseling, career counseling, clinical mental health counseling & more.

For example, CACREP accreditation ensures that:

• Regent University faculty participate in professional organizations, either by contributing to research or taking on leadership roles in the community.
• Regent faculty and students have full access to learning resources and are provided technical support for proper learning, teaching and research.
• Regent University offers settings for individual counseling and assures privacy, sufficient space and appropriate equipment. 

CACREP Accredited Schools

Are you interested in getting a master’s degree in counseling? Do you want to help others in their personal relationships through marriage, couples or family counseling?

Regent University offers accredited online degrees in counseling to prepare you to become a leader in the Christian community. Regent is one of the nation’s leading academic centers for Christian thought and action. Here, you will be enriched through academically excellent, distinctively Christian training in counseling.

CACREP has accredited the following Regent University programs in the School of Psychology & Counseling:

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Master of Arts in School Counseling
• Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision.

Learn More about Regent’s Online Counseling Master’s Programs

Regent University offers three accredited online master’s programs that are grounded in faith-based context.

Regent’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling allows you to help individuals manage and overcome life issues, by guiding clients to better mental health. This CACREP-accredited master’s in clinical mental health counseling combines models and techniques of counseling with biblical principles for a strong and balanced approach.

Our MA in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling will help you restore the foundation of couples and families. Strong family structures lead to stronger communities. You can advance as an advocate or community leader, or act as a highly trained and compassionate therapist to children, adolescents, and adults seeking tools for healthier relationships.

The MA in School Counseling allows you to give students the compassion they need to transform their lives. The degree program is presented online from a Christian worldview, where you will learn effective techniques relevant to today’s youth, while you earn your master’s from highly experienced faculty at Regent University.

You may also choose to pursue a master’s in human services or pastoral counseling.

What’s Next?

Earning a degree in the field of Psychology and Counseling will deepen your understanding of human behavior and enhance your career in helping and developing others. You’ll learn how to think about mental health issues logically and responsibly, through a Christian perspective that values the unique identity of every individual. With programs accredited by CACREP and APA, as well as ministry-focused nonlicensure programs you’ll also be equipped for success as you explore how the human mind and spirit can function in wholeness. Both online and on-campus options are available.

Regent University’s admissions counselors are ready to answer questions and help you work through financial aid so you can move ahead in this promising field. Whether you’re ready to take the leap, or simply want some more information, you can reach them at 800.681.5906.