Crisis Intervention Counselor Education Requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a crisis intervention counselor. Crisis intervention counselors usually study psychology, social work, or sociology. 62% of crisis intervention counselors hold a bachelor's degree, and 24% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 987 real crisis intervention counselor resumes to see exactly what crisis intervention counselor education sections show.

The most common colleges for crisis intervention counselors are the California State University - San Bernardino and the California State University - San Bernardino.

There are also many online crisis intervention counselor courses to help get the education required to be a crisis intervention counselor.

There are certain crisis intervention counselor certifications that you should consider. These crisis intervention counselor certifications include National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Professional Counselor.

What education do you need to become a crisis intervention counselor?

What degree do you need to be a crisis intervention counselor?

The most common degree for crisis intervention counselors is bachelor's degree, with 62% of crisis intervention counselors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 24% and master's degree degree at 10%.
  • Bachelor's, 62%
  • Master's, 24%
  • Associate, 10%
  • High School Diploma, 1%
  • Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a crisis intervention counselor?

You should major in psychology to become a crisis intervention counselor. 28% of crisis intervention counselors major in psychology. Other common majors for a crisis intervention counselor include social work and sociology.

Most common colleges for crisis intervention counselors

Crisis intervention counselors often get their degrees at California State University - San Bernardino, Florida State University, and Temple University. Here are the most common colleges for crisis intervention counselors in the US based on their resumes.
Crisis Intervention Counselor Common College
ascdesc
Percentages
ascdesc
California State University - San Bernardino7.63%
Florida State University6.87%
Temple University6.11%
Webster University6.11%
University of Phoenix6.11%

Best majors for crisis intervention counselors

Rank
ascdesc
Major
ascdesc
Percentages
ascdesc
1Psychology28.0%
2Social Work12.5%
3Sociology8.3%
4Criminal Justice5.8%
5School Counseling5.7%

Best colleges for crisis intervention counselors

The best colleges for crisis intervention counselors are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A crisis intervention counselor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for crisis intervention counselors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become crisis intervention counselors.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

Website

www.csulb.edu

Address

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $40,000 per year

Net Price: $8,982 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 31.21%
SAT Average - 1146
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Education
Social Work

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,182

Enrollment

16,205

Website

www.hunter.cuny.edu

Address

695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,300 per year

Net Price: $2,796 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 36.42%
SAT Average - 1240
Most Popular Majors
Education
Psychology
Social Work
Nursing
Sociology

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-State Tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

Website

www.upenn.edu

Address

1 College Hall, Room 100, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $91,200 per year

Net Price: $25,033 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.41%
SAT Average - 1492
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Education
Business
Social Work
Political Science
Counseling Psychology

4. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-State Tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

Website

www.bu.edu

Address

One Silber Way, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02215

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $52,800 per year

Net Price: $30,729 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 22.09%
SAT Average - 1420
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Social Work
Psychology
Criminal Justice

5. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

Website

www.nyu.edu

Address

70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012-1091

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $55,900 per year

Net Price: $42,397 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 19.99%
SAT Average - 1419
ACT Average - 32
Most Popular Majors
Liberal Arts
Business
Education
Social Work
Psychology

20 best online courses for crisis intervention counselors

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1. Evaluation of Digital Health Interventions

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2. Crisis Communications

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Crisis Communications is designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate and respond to crisis situations through interviews...

3. Crisis Intervention Seminar

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The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...

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Top 10 most affordable universities for crisis intervention counselors

The most affordable schools for crisis intervention counselors are Baruch College of the City University of New York, hunter college of the city university of new york, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for crisis intervention counselors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for crisis intervention counselors.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,262

Cost of Attendance

14,046

Website

www.baruch.cuny.edu

Address

One Bernard Baruch Way, New York, NY 10010

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,500 per year

Net Price: $2,981 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 39.29%
SAT Average - 1305
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Political Science
Liberal Arts
Counseling Psychology

2. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-State Tuition

$7,182

Cost of Attendance

13,998

Website

www.hunter.cuny.edu

Address

695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10021

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $39,300 per year

Net Price: $2,796 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 36.42%
SAT Average - 1240
Most Popular Majors
Education
Psychology
Social Work
Nursing
Sociology

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,798

Cost of Attendance

18,306

Website

www.csulb.edu

Address

1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0115

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $40,000 per year

Net Price: $8,982 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 31.21%
SAT Average - 1146
ACT Average - 23
Most Popular Majors
Business
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Education
Social Work

4. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-State Tuition

$5,620

Cost of Attendance

18,136

Website

www.byu.edu

Address

Main Campus, Provo, UT 84602

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $46,600 per year

Net Price: $13,181 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 64.47%
SAT Average - 1324
ACT Average - 29
Most Popular Majors
Education
Business
Human Development
Psychology
Sociology

5. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-State Tuition

$6,381

Cost of Attendance

21,034

Website

www.ufl.edu/

Address

300 SW 13th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $47,700 per year

Net Price: $8,057 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 38.75%
SAT Average - 1362
ACT Average - 30
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Psychology
Political Science
Liberal Arts

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for crisis intervention counselors

The hardest universities for crisis intervention counselors to get into are Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for crisis intervention counselors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for crisis intervention counselors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions Rate

8%

SAT Average

1,508

Website

www.northwestern.edu

Address

633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $71,900 per year

Net Price: $24,840 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.47%
SAT Average - 1508
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Liberal Arts
Psychology
Education
Counseling Psychology

2. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions Rate

11%

SAT Average

1,513

Website

www.jhu.edu

Address

3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21218-2688

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $68,000 per year

Net Price: $30,701 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 11.48%
SAT Average - 1513
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Education
Nursing
Mental Health Counseling
Political Science
Business

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions Rate

8%

SAT Average

1,492

Website

www.upenn.edu

Address

1 College Hall, Room 100, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $91,200 per year

Net Price: $25,033 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 8.41%
SAT Average - 1492
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Education
Business
Social Work
Political Science
Counseling Psychology

4. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions Rate

15%

SAT Average

1,506

Website

www.wustl.edu

Address

One Brookings Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63130

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $63,400 per year

Net Price: $27,427 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 15.03%
SAT Average - 1506
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Social Work
Political Science
Behavioral Sciences
Education

5. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

6%

SAT Average

1,512

Website

www.columbia.edu

Address

535 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10027

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $77,900 per year

Net Price: $22,637 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 5.91%
SAT Average - 1512
ACT Average - 34
Most Popular Majors
Business
Social Work
Nursing
Political Science
English

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for crisis intervention counselors

The easiest schools for crisis intervention counselors to get into are Notre Dame de Namur University, mount saint mary's university, and barry university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a crisis intervention counselor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for crisis intervention counselors.

1. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions Rate

82%

SAT Average

983

Website

www.ndnu.edu

Address

1500 Ralston Ave, Belmont, CA 94002-1908

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $49,000 per year

Net Price: $25,610 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 81.52%
SAT Average - 983
ACT Average - 19
Most Popular Majors
Business
Education
Counseling Psychology
Psychology
Mental Health Counseling

2. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions Rate

84%

SAT Average

1,031

Website

https://www.msmu.edu

Address

12001 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $57,700 per year

Net Price: $29,267 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 83.82%
SAT Average - 1031
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Counseling Psychology
Education
Liberal Arts
Business
Sociology

3. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions Rate

91%

SAT Average

1,006

Website

www.barry.edu

Address

11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $43,700 per year

Net Price: $17,937 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 91.25%
SAT Average - 1006
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Business
Nursing
Social Work
Education
Liberal Arts

4. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions Rate

86%

SAT Average

991

Website

www.kean.edu

Address

1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083-0411

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,000 per year

Net Price: $18,547 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 85.98%
SAT Average - 991
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Education
Psychology
Business
Criminal Justice
School Counseling

5. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions Rate

98%

SAT Average

999

Website

www.nyack.edu/consumerinfo

Address

1 South Boulevard, Nyack, NY 10960-3698

Median Earnings 6 years after Graduation: $38,500 per year

Net Price: $20,151 per year

Admissions
Acceptance Rate - 98.25%
SAT Average - 999
ACT Average - 20
Most Popular Majors
Mental Health Counseling
Liberal Arts
Business
Education
Social Work

Average crisis intervention counselor salary by education level

According to our data, crisis intervention counselors with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $57,112 annually. Crisis intervention counselors with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $48,706.
Crisis Intervention Counselor education level
ascdesc
Crisis Intervention Counselor salary
ascdesc
Master's Degree$57,112
Bachelor's Degree$48,706

Crisis Intervention Counselor Education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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