National recognition affirms the quality of the Christ-centered counseling program at LeTourneau University, the Christian Polytechnic University.
LONGVIEW, Texas — LeTourneau University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has been granted accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the gold standard in counselor education. The CACREP Board of Directors approved the accreditation at its February 2026 meeting, with the accreditation cycle running through April 30, 2034.
CACREP is an independent accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that evaluates graduate counseling programs against rigorous standards encompassing curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, supervised clinical experience, and student outcomes. Accreditation is awarded only after a program completes an extensive self-study and undergoes external peer review demonstrating full compliance with professional standards.
"This accreditation is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our counseling faculty, who have built a program that meets the highest professional standards while remaining anchored in our mission to prepare graduates who see their work as a holy calling," said Dr. Steven D. Mason, President of LeTourneau University. "At LeTourneau, we believe that every discipline we offer should reflect the same commitment to rigor and purpose — and CACREP accreditation confirms that our counseling program does exactly that."
A Rigorous, Faith-Integrated Program
LeTourneau's 66-credit-hour M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is offered online with a residency component, combining the accessibility of distance learning with in-person clinical training. The curriculum spans 39 hours of core counseling coursework, nine hours of specialization, 12 hours of clinical experience through practicum and internship, and a distinctive six hours of Clinical Theology coursework — including courses in Integrative Theology for Counselors and Trauma, Crisis, and Theology in the Developmental Context. This integration of theological depth with clinical training is central to the program's identity.
"Our students learn evidence-based clinical skills at the highest level, and they also learn to see their clients as whole persons — body, mind, and spirit. They are well-equipped to become clinically competent counselors and spiritually mature disciples of Christ," said Dr. Malinda Fasol, Chair of the Department of Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Professor of Counseling. "CACREP accreditation validates what our faculty have poured years of work into building: a program where clinical excellence and Christian faith are not in tension but are deeply woven together. I am incredibly proud of this team and thrilled for what this means for our students and graduates."
Students gain hands-on clinical experience through the LeTourneau University Center for Counseling, which provides counseling services to both the university community and the broader Longview area. The Center for Counseling serves as an opportunity where students are empowered to serve real clients under the supervision of licensed professionals.
What This Means for Students and Graduates
CACREP accreditation carries substantial professional benefits. Graduates of CACREP-accredited programs meet the educational requirements for counseling licensure in most states and receive expedited review of their credentials during the licensing process.
LeTourneau's counseling graduates already boast a 97 percent pass rate on the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and a 95 percent graduate placement rate, outcomes that the University expects CACREP accreditation to further strengthen.
"This is a significant milestone for the School of Psychology and Counseling and for LeTourneau University," said Dr. Vicki L. Sheafer, Dean of the School of Psychology and Counseling and Professor of Psychology. "CACREP accreditation removes potential barriers for our graduates. Whether they are pursuing licensure across state lines, seeking positions in federal agencies, or serving in their local communities, this recognition assures them — and the clients they serve — that their training meets the profession's highest standards."
A University-Wide Commitment to Excellence
The accreditation comes at a time of significant national demand for mental healthprofessionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of mental health counselors to grow much faster than the average for all occupations in the coming decade, and LeTourneau's program is now further strengthened to help meet that need with graduates.
"Achieving CACREP accreditation requires the same kind of rigorous self-examination and commitment to continuous improvement that defines LeTourneau's best programs," said Dr. Benjamin Caldwell, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "This milestone reflects the caliber of our counseling faculty and our institutional commitment to ensuring that every program we offer — whether in engineering, nursing, aviation, or counseling — prepares students to excel at the highest levels of their profession."
The Department of Counseling is housed within LeTourneau's School of Psychology and Counseling.
Begin Your Counseling Career
LeTourneau's CACREP-accredited M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed for working professionals and career changers ready to pursue a clinical counseling career grounded in both professional excellence and Christian faith. The program's flexible online format with a residency component allows students to earn their degree while maintaining their current commitments, and the curriculum provides all the coursework needed to pursue state licensure.
Prospective students are invited to attend a virtual preview event to engage directly with Department of Counseling faculty and learn more about the program. Applications are now being accepted for Fall enrollment. To learn more:
● Visit: http://letu.edu/cmhc
● Call: 903-233-3000
● Email: MalindaFasol@letu.edu
About CACREP
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is an independent accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CACREP accredits master's and doctoral degree programs in counseling offered by colleges and universities throughout the United States and the world. Learn more at www.cacrep.org.
About LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University (LETU) is the leading Christian Polytechnic University committed to preparing graduates who see their work as a meaningful calling to serve God and humanity. Founded by visionary entrepreneur and inventor R.G. LeTourneau, the university continues his legacy of integrating faith, ingenuity, and hands-on learning. Rooted in its mission to claim every workplace in every nation as a mission field, LETU equips students to excel in fields ranging from engineering, aviation, business, nursing, and the sciences to theology, as well as the arts and education. Through rigorous academics, practical experience, and Christ-centered community, LETU empowers students to think creatively, act ethically, and lead with purpose—impacting the world wherever their work takes them. Learn more at LETU.edu.
