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+--- Thread: California options in Mental Health Grad Schools (/Thread-California-options-in-Mental-Health-Grad-Schools)
California options in Mental Health Grad Schools - termdec - 07-26-2026
I'm currently looking at grad schools that are accredited for clinical mental health practice in California. I just completed my Psych BA at UMPI, and have my MBA from a regionally accredited UK school. I currently work as a certified substance use counselor in private practice.
California has effectively bundled all of the masters-level mental health licensing under one organization, the board of behavioral sciences, and has more or less unified the requirements. While there are slightly different routes for each, it's very similar to become a marriage and family therapist (LMFT), social worker (LMSW), or counselor (LPCC).
I intend to become an MFT. I have my supervision lined up, which is an advantage over competitive and limited local spaces.
The "ideal" track is to complete a program in-state. Transferring out-of-state and out-of-country degrees is a hassle, requires supplemental state-based coursework, and complicates practicum requirements.
Online-only and preferably self-paced are huge for me. I have a practice already, and I'm a parent. I have time available, but it's unpredictable and I need to be available to take sessions last-minute. My next biggest concern is cost. After degree hacking UMPI for free, and having gotten my MBA remotely for $20k, it's horrifying to see what most programs cost around here.
Right now I'm looking at:
- TUW. Accredited, trustworthy, relatively self-paced, more than I'd ideally want to spend. $38.5k is a lot.
- NU. Similar, but more expensive, not as self-paced, and the program is twice as long.
- Rhombus University. Cheap! New, friendly, hands-on, but risky. No regional accreditation yet. Unsure of their financial backing. They've only graduated a handful of students so far. They're also religiously based, which I can tolerate if they can, but I'm an atheist.
What options am I overlooking?
I feel like there must be some sort of "of course, how did I not see that?" option. I'm happy to jump through any number of hoops for a school in different state or country, so long as I don't waste my time and money and get locked out of licensure.
Has anyone been through this process, or know anyone who has been, who has gotten licensed easily, cheaply, and online only?
RE: California options in Mental Health Grad Schools - harrypotter - 07-26-2026
(07-26-2026, 03:26 PM)termdec Wrote: I'm currently looking at grad schools that are accredited for clinical mental health practice in California. I just completed my Psych BA at UMPI, and have my MBA from a regionally accredited UK school. I currently work as a certified substance use counselor in private practice.
California has effectively bundled all of the masters-level mental health licensing under one organization, the board of behavioral sciences, and has more or less unified the requirements. While there are slightly different routes for each, it's very similar to become a marriage and family therapist (LMFT), social worker (LMSW), or counselor (LPCC).
I intend to become an MFT. I have my supervision lined up, which is an advantage over competitive and limited local spaces.
The "ideal" track is to complete a program in-state. Transferring out-of-state and out-of-country degrees is a hassle, requires supplemental state-based coursework, and complicates practicum requirements.
Online-only and preferably self-paced are huge for me. I have a therapy practice already, and I'm a parent. I have time available, but it's unpredictable and I need to be available to take sessions last-minute. My next biggest concern is cost. After degree hacking UMPI for free, and having gotten my MBA remotely for $20k, it's horrifying to see what most programs cost around here.
Right now I'm looking at:
- TUW. Accredited, trustworthy, relatively self-paced, more than I'd ideally want to spend. $38.5k is a lot.
- NU. Similar, but more expensive, not as self-paced, and the program is twice as long.
- Rhombus University. Cheap! New, friendly, hands-on, but risky. No regional accreditation yet. Unsure of their financial backing. They've only graduated a handful of students so far. They're also religiously based, which I can tolerate if they can, but I'm an atheist.
What options am I overlooking?
I feel like there must be some sort of "of course, how did I not see that?" option. I'm happy to jump through any number of hoops for a school in different state or country, so long as I don't waste my time and money and get locked out of licensure.
Has anyone been through this process, or know anyone who has been, who has gotten licensed easily, cheaply, and online only?
Are you currently doing non mental health therapy? Just making sure you're aware of the law in CA, because unless you hold a masters level LAADC through CCAPP or you're operating under an authorized facility/agency umbrella with clinical oversight, independent solo private practice for standard SUD counselors (like CADC-I/II) is illegal in CA. You also cannot legally offer 'therapy' in CA without a BBS or Psychology license like an LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or Psychologist and getting any of those requires a qualifying masters or doctoral degree in the specific field your practicing in.
RE: California options in Mental Health Grad Schools - termdec - 07-26-2026
It's all above board with clinical oversight, and yes, using the term "therapy" colloquially (and certified for adjunct non-MH modalities) but don't do so professionally. Appreciate you looking out.