Counseling Programs offered at Adler University

Adler University has been a leading institution for counseling education in Canada and the United States for over 50 years. The university’s foundation rests on Alfred Adler’s principles, which emphasize that a person’s wellness cannot be separated from their community’s wellbeing. This philosophy shapes the educational approach in all counseling programs.

The university’s international presence includes campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Students can choose from in-person, online, and hybrid learning formats. This setup helps them connect with different communities while developing real-world skills for their professional careers.

Our counseling programs blend theory, research, and supervised clinical training with core Adlerian values. This combination gives graduates the tools to help individuals and families while tackling larger systemic mental health care challenges. The outcomes are clear—over 90% of their graduates find positions in counseling or related fields within 12 months after completing their program.

Adler’s counseling education stands out because of its steadfast dedication to hands-on training. Students learn through direct instruction and supervised experience, preparing them to address mental and emotional health needs in various settings:

• Community agencies and organizations
• Clinical and healthcare environments
• Educational institutions
• Private practice settings

Their programs have earned prestigious accreditations from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors and the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association also recognize their Canadian degrees.

Students at Adler turn knowledge into practice through applied learning. They work with faculty mentors in small classes and develop advanced skills during practicum and internship experiences. This approach helps them build professional networks that continue to support their growth after graduation.

The university offers counseling programs at multiple levels. These range from master’s programs leading to licensure and certification to doctoral studies that advance the field through teaching, research, and supervision. Their PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program boasts 100% job placement for graduates within one year.

They are creating a community of practitioners who approach their work purposefully. They are ready to tackle complexity, improve mental health access, and bring meaningful change to systems and communities.

What counseling programs does Adler University offer?

Adler University provides comprehensive counseling programs through its three main learning environments in Chicago, Vancouver, and online. Each program prepares students for various professional roles while staying true to Adlerian principles.

The university’s flagship master’s programs feature the Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) and the Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy. Students can complete the 62-credit CMHC program in two years of full-time study. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has fully accredited this program. Graduates qualify for licensure as professional counselors (LPC/LCPC), with both online and on-campus options available.

The 66-credit Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy program combines counseling, neuroscience, trauma studies, and studio practice to help students blend creative expression with clinical practice. This CAAHEP-accredited program enables graduates to pursue dual credentialing as Licensed Professional Counselors and Registered Art Therapists.

Vancouver’s campus offers two options: Master of Arts or Master of Counseling Psychology (MACP/MCP). The main difference lies in the thesis requirement. The MACP program’s 4-credit thesis series supports students planning doctoral work, while the MCP emphasizes non-thesis clinical training.

The 60-credit Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy program holds COAMFTE accreditation and creates a direct path to doctoral studies. Students begin developing systemic intervention skills through intensive clinical experience in their first term.

Doctoral programs include the Ph.D. in Art Therapy—one of few such programs in the United States. The Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision will launch a virtually synchronous option with new emphases in Spring 2026.

Students can enhance their education through:

• Dual degree combinations (available for Chicago students)
• Certificates in Sex Therapy or Substance Abuse Counseling
• Specialized emphases like Military and Veterans Behavioral Health

The university’s practice-driven approach helps graduates work in mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and private practice. Small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and practical experience through internships and practicums help students develop licensure-ready skills.

Internships/Practicum at Adler University

Clinical training is the foundation of Adler University’s counseling programs. Students gain ground experience under expert supervision. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) students complete a detailed three-part field experience. The experience includes practicum, internship, and a unique Social Justice Practicum.

Students get their first supervised clinical experience through CMHC Practicum. They complete 100 hours of field training in mental health settings. The training includes 40 direct client hours through individual and group counseling. This experience helps students develop simple counseling skills. They integrate professional knowledge with individual faculty supervision and group supervision seminars.

The clinical internship follows the practicum. Students must complete 600 hours with 240 direct service hours. The experience usually takes two semesters at the practicum site. The internship structure includes:

• Internship I: 160 minimum direct hours (15-20 hours weekly with 10-12 direct hours)
• Internship II: 80 minimum direct hours (15-20 hours weekly with 9-10 direct hours)

The Social Justice Practicum (SJP) is mandatory for all counseling students. This unique non-clinical, community-based experience reflects Alfred Adler’s concept of social interest. Students must complete 200 approved hours across two semesters at mission-driven organizations. Most students spend 8-10 hours weekly at these organizations.

Vancouver students follow a different path. They complete 700 hours of supervised practicum experience through Adler’s extensive network of clinical sites. They must also fulfill their 200-hour SJP requirement.

Students must meet these requirements before field placements:

• Attend a Training Orientation one academic year before their start date
• Work with advisors to determine their clinical internship schedule
• Maintain good academic standing (3.0+ GPA)
• Complete all SJP requirements with passing grades

These well-laid-out experiences help students refine their counseling techniques. They develop case conceptualization skills and learn therapeutic interventions in ground settings. Graduates are ready to deliver effective care and tackle systemic barriers in mental health. This preparation serves them well whatever population or setting they choose.

What sets Adler apart?

Adler University’s counseling programs stand out because they excel at preparing graduates for outstanding careers. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which ensures students receive top-quality counselor education.

Since 1987, Adler University has managed to keep its Carnegie Classification, joining just 68 other institutions in the United States with this honor. The Carnegie Foundation recognized the university’s dedication to public service by awarding it the Elective Classification for Community Engagement in 2015. This shows how the university’s work continues to benefit local communities.

Students can customize their education through several options:

• Dual degrees that blend complementary skills
• Certificates for specialized knowledge
• Programs like Military and Veterans Behavioral Health (MVBH)

The Social Justice Practicum makes Adler truly special. This non-clinical, hands-on experience requires 200 hours of community work. Students become champions of social justice and learn to create meaningful change in society.

The university’s track record speaks volumes – PhD graduates in Counselor Education and Supervision achieve 100% job placement within their first year. CMHC students can take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) right on campus during their final semester, which helps them earn their National Certified Counselor (NCC) credentials smoothly.

The university’s strong partnerships with community organizations let students train in a variety of settings. This approach helps them develop professional skills while learning about social responsibility.

Next steps

Interested in joining Adler University’s counseling programs? Your journey starts with an online application. You’ll need to submit your application fee, statement of intent, resume/CV, and references through the university’s portal. The Office of Admissions must receive your official transcripts from previous institutions before the application deadlines.

The faculty will review qualified candidates and may invite them for interviews. You’ll receive the admission decision by email.

Accepted students have 15 days to secure their spot. This involves submitting a signed acceptance letter and paying a non-refundable tuition deposit. Master’s applicants pay $200, doctoral candidates $300, and international students $500. The university applies this deposit toward your first term’s tuition and fees.

Sometimes life requires flexibility. Admitted students can request a one-year deferment. The process requires your acceptance statement, tuition deposit, a $500 non-refundable deferment fee, and a written explanation of your request.

International students need extra documentation. Vancouver program applicants must submit a Provincial Attestation Letter. Chicago or online program candidates need an Affidavit of Financial Support and I-20 document.

Admissions advisors stand ready to help you succeed. They will answer your questions, provide updates, and guide you from application through enrollment.