Counseling scholarships are the best way to afford the costly advanced mental health training required for professional licensure.
Counseling associations nationwide have funding available to cut tuition whether you’re pursuing a:
- bachelor’s degree
- master’s degree
- doctorate degree
Counseling programs are good investments because they unlock a plethora of healthcare and community service jobs. Graduates can become:
- pediatric counselors
- mental health specialists
- marriage therapists
- grief counselors
- school counselors
- addictions specialists, and more.
Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that counseling jobs will grow by19 percent.
The following scholarships for counseling majors can help you fulfill your vocational calling for helping others improve their lives.
Rating the Top Counseling Scholarships
1. AAC Behavioral Health Scholarships
Deadline: May 31st
Each year, the American Addiction Centers awards one $5,000 and two $2,500 Behavioral Health Scholarships. These go to students pursuing:
- counseling
- psychology
- social work
- marital therapy
- related majors
Students can be full-time or part-time. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students for these counselor scholarships must:
- be attending accredited U.S. colleges
- be at least 18 years old
- show interest in treating substance abuse disorders
Applications must include an 800-1,000 word essay suggesting solutions to key behavioral health issues.
Contact
AAC Behavioral Health Scholarships
200 Powell Place
Brentwood, TN 37027
(888) 986-7415
scholarship@contactaac.com
Scholarship Link
2. AAMFT Diversity Scholarship
Deadline: January 22nd
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) offers several counselor scholarships, including its Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Leaders. It’s valued at $3,000. This award is offered to ethnic minority students. They must be in COMAFTE-accredited master’s marriage and family counseling programs in the United States to become licensed therapists. They can be enrolled full-time or part-time. Graduate applicants must submit:
- a current resume
- two letters of reference
- a supervisor candidate verification form.
Contact
AAMFT Diversity Scholarship
112 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-9808
coa@aamft.org
Scholarship Link
3. Asa Hilliard III Black Education Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
The Asa Hilliard III Black Education Scholarship is named for a San Francisco State professor. He devoted his career to promoting African-centered education. It’s awarded by the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development each year. To qualify, ACA members must be earning a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling. It can be full-time or part-time at an accredited U.S. institution. Nominees must write a 500-word essay that exhibits their dedication to serving individuals and communities of African descent.
Contact
Asa Hilliard III Black Education Scholarship
5999 Stevenson Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 823-9800 ext. 222
colatunji@yahoo.com
Scholarship Link
4. Betty W. Robbins Scholarships
Deadline: February 1st
Since 1962, the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries Inc. has awarded over $1.2 million in graduate counseling scholarships. These include the $1,000 Betty W. Robbins Scholarships. United States citizens residing in Southeastern states with an NAJA chapter can apply. Eligibility criteria requires attending an accredited university to study:
- counseling
- psychology
- rehabilitation
- speech pathology
- special education
They can also relevant fields for careers working directly with exceptional children.
Contact
Betty W. Robbins Scholarships
845 South Main Street
Greenville, MS 38701
(662) 332-3000
najanet@bellsouth.net
Scholarship Link
5. Butch Barnes Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 1st
The Butch Barnes Scholarship Award was created by the Arkansas Rehabilitation Association. It honors a beloved vocational counselor who died suddenly. Full-time graduate students majoring in rehabilitation counseling may apply for the $1,500 scholarship. Qualified recipients for this counselor scholarship must:
- attend any in-state Arkansas university
- take nine or more credits per semester
- maintain a GPA above 3.0
- show knowledge of the public vocational rehab program
- submit three recommendations
- write a brief career goals statement.
Contact
Butch Barnes Scholarship Award
1 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 644-7346
Janie.Crafford@arkansas.gov
Scholarship Link
6. Catharine Wilder Guiles Scholarship
Deadline: June 18th
The Catharine Wilder Guiles Scholarship is administered by the Maine Community Foundation. It awards $2,000 yearly to outstanding graduate students. They must be mental health education in the University of Maine or University of Southern Maine systems. Acceptable majors include:
- counseling
- social work
- psychiatric nursing
- psychology
Eligible Maine residents must:
- be starting their second year
- have unmet financial need
- attend on-campus courses
- intend to work with mentally ill adults in Maine’s public sector.
Contact
Catharine Wilder Guiles Scholarship
245 Main Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 667-9735
efickett@mainecf.org
Scholarship Link
7. Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship
Deadline: January 13th
The Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship is granted by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. It honors the California Family Study Center’s co-founder. The scholarship for for up to $4,000. Financial assistance is provided for earning an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in:
- counseling
- marriage and family therapy
- closely related mental health disciplines
Judges look for:
- high academic achievement
- active participation in community service
- CAMFT membership
- potential for the LMFT profession.
Contact
Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship
7901 Raytheon Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 292-2638
scholarships@camft.org
Scholarship Link
8. Donald Mattson Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: May 23rd
The $500 Donald Mattson Graduate Scholarship recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) members. It’s given to the Graduate Student of the Year. Eligible nominees for this counselor scholarship must:
- be pursuing an accredited master’s program in clinical mental health counseling
- attend a U.S. institution
- carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- show significant contributions to the counseling field
Nomination packets must be sent with two recommendations to the state’s AMHCA chapter.
Contact
Donald Mattson Graduate Scholarship
675 North Washington Street Suite 470
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 326-2642
rgibson@amhca.org
Scholarship Link
9. Elk River College Scholarships
Deadline: April 29th
The Elk River College Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 yearly. They are awarded each spring to junior, senior, or graduate students. They must be majoring in mental health-related fields full-time at accredited colleges in the United States. These counseling scholarships are ideal for aspiring:
- addiction counselors
- case managers
- eating disorder therapists
- family therapists
- child psychologists, and more
Applicants must:
- be U.S. residents
- hold a minimum 3.0 GPA
- demonstrate passion for helping others.
Contact
Elk River College Scholarships
500 Governors Drive SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
(866) 906-8336
marketing@elkrivertreatment.com
Scholarship Link
10. Haberman-Williams Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
The Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association created the Haberman-Williams Graduate Scholarship. It awards $1,000 and free one-year membership to outstanding students. They must be pursuing graduate study in counseling, preferably clinical mental health. Applicants for this counselor scholarship must:
- reside in Massachusetts
- attend a CACREP-accredited U.S. college
- have a minimum 3.4 GPA
- exhibit community leadership
- be passionate about solving mental health issues
Annual conference fee waivers are included with the master’s counseling scholarships.
Contact
Haberman-Williams Graduate Scholarship
17 Cocasset Street
Foxboro, MA 020355
(508) 698-0010
ESchinell@mamhca.org
Scholarship Link
11. Harry and Susanne Clay Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
The Harry and Susanne Clay Scholarship is for $2,000. It’s presented annually by the Michigan School Counselor Association (MSCA). Eligible are students pursuing full-time study for a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree in school counseling. Promising K-12 school counselors must:
- be accepted into CACREP-accredited colleges
- hold MSCA membership
- have unmet need for tuition assistance
- submit at least one letter of recommendation
- write a 500-word essay outlining their vision of school counseling.
Resource: 10 Best Deals on Online Master’s in School Counseling Degree Programs
Contact
Harry and Susanne Clay Scholarship
P.O. Box 158
Centreville, MI 49032
msca1964@gmail.com
Scholarship Link
12. Jim Rhatigan Fellowship Scholarships
Deadline: February 12th
The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) annually awards the Jim Rhatigan Fellowship Scholarships. They are for $500. They go to four graduate scholars pursuing accredited master’s or doctoral degrees in:
- student affairs counseling
- admission counseling
- related higher education fields
Funding includes an NASPA Annual Conference trip. Applicants for this counselor scholarship must produce an original two to three-minute YouTube video discussing a hot topic in college education.
Contact
Jim Rhatigan Fellowship Scholarships
111 K Street NE, 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20002
(202) 265-7500
office@naspa.org
Scholarship Link
13. Josie Torralba Romero Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
The National Latino Behavioral Health Association created the Josie Torralba Romero Scholarship. It’s in memory of a social welfare advocate who passed away in 2004. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually. Eligible Latino/as must:
- be New Mexico residents
- attend an accredited in-state college full-time
- demonstrate financial need
- complete 24+ hours of volunteer service
Preference is given to undergraduates pursuing degrees in:
- counseling
- social work
- human services, or related majors
They must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Contact
Josie Torralba Romero Scholarship
1155 University Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 980-5156
admin@nlbha.org
Scholarship Link
14. Marge Tierney Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 1st
The Marge Tierney Scholarship Fund is administered by the New York State Education Department. The Fund distributes $1,000 per year to qualified individuals. They must be enrolling full-time or part-time in an accredited master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. Eligible NYS residents are evaluated based on their commitment to helping disabled adolescents or adults:
- cope with impairment
- live independently
- find gainful employment
Preference is given to applicants with diagnosed disabilities.
Contact
Marge Tierney Scholarship Fund
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
(518) 474-3852
hedepcom@nysed.gov
Scholarship Link
15. Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Another New York counseling scholarship is the Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship. It grants a maximum of $4,000 to members of the Nassau Counselors Association. To apply, candidates must:
- be enrolled at least half-time in accredited master’s counseling programs
- have completed 12 or more graduate credits
- show academic merit
- plan to obtain counseling licensure
Studying, interning, or residing in Long Island’s Nassau Country is mandatory.
Contact
Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship
163 Hagedorn Hall – Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 255-8920
ssklar23@gmail.com
Scholarship Link
16. Mike Troy Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: November 1st
Members of the Wisconsin School Counselor Association gain access to the Mike Troy Graduate Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship helps fund tuition at any accredited, in-state university. Two eligible applicants who are pursuing master’s degrees in school counseling are chosen each winter. Along with the online application, candidates must:
- provide a resume
- unofficial transcript
- faculty letter of recommendation
- goals statement
- one-page essay showing their promise as culturally competent, ethical counselors.
Contact
Mike Troy Graduate Scholarship
2820 Walton Commons Suite 103
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 204-9825
admin@wscaweb.org
Scholarship Link
17. NBCC Minority Fellowship Program
Deadline: November 15th
Graduate scholarships for counseling abound in the National Board for Certified Counselors’ Foundation. These include the Minority Fellowship Program. This $5,000 award is granted to students who are:
- African American
- Native American
- Asian
- Hispanic
They must be enrolled full-time in CACREP-accredited counseling programs to fulfill NCC certification requirements. Counselor scholarship recipients must commit to providing mental health or addictions services to underserved minority populations for at least two years post-graduation.
Contact
NBCC Minority Fellowship Program
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 232-0376
foundation@nbcc.org.
Scholarship Link
18. Richard Louis Caplan Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
The National Resource Center for Hispanic Mental Health sponsors the Richard Louis Caplan Memorial Scholarship. It supports master’s or doctoral students earning degrees in mental health disciplines. These include counseling and therapy. Eligible applicants must:
- be Maryland residents
- have U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.0
- earn adjusted gross income under $91,000
- be dedicated to clinical practice with patients suffering from personality disorders.
Contact
Richard Louis Caplan Memorial Scholarship
3575 Quakerbridge Road
Mercerville, NJ 08619
(609) 838-5488
info@nrchmh.org
Scholarship Link
19. The Melanie Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: March 4th
The Melanie Foundation Scholarship honors the life of Melanie Merola O’Donnell. The $2,500 scholarship is awarded annually. Qualified candidates must be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in the mental health field, such as counseling or psychology. They must be in a United States college with specialized accreditation. Selection is based on students’:
- extra-curricular involvement
- research
- academic merit
- letters of recommendation
- dedication to relieving suffering from mental illness.
Contact
The Melanie Foundation Scholarship
245 Washington Street Suite 4666
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
kara@themelaniefoundation.com
Scholarship Link
20. William L. White Scholarship Award
Deadline: May 31st
The National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) awards the William L. White Scholarship Award annually. It provides $1,000 to undergraduates and $2,000 to graduate students who plan careers in addiction counseling. Successful applicants :
- will attend NAADAC-approved college programs
- have at least two semesters remaining
- maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA
- have current student membership
The application process includes submitting an APA-style research paper on recovery-oriented care.
Contact
William L. White Scholarship Award
44 Canal Center Plaza Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 548-0497
naadac@naadac.org
Scholarship Link
Counselors are compassionate, intuitive professionals. They also have the creative problem-solving skills to help clients overcome obstacles. However, one obstacle standing in most counselors’ way is affording rising graduate tuition. The NCES reports that master’s and doctoral programs cost $16,435 each year on average. Scholarships can be an excellent solution because they’re free and typically don’t come with spending constraints. Getting your hands on scholarships can also boost your ROI since the average counseling salary is only $44,052 according to PayScale. Seek out some of these great counseling scholarships to make your entry into this gratifying career more affordable.
GCD Staff
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