Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) & Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Career, Salary & State Licensure

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one out of every five people in the US have a mental illness. Severe mental illnesses that functionally impair everyday life affect 4.5 percent of Americans. Living with these all-too-prevalent mental illnesses comes with numerous challenges, which is why mental health counselors are critical for individual well-being and a more balanced society. Licensed professional counselors have received education and training to help clients overcome or cope with these illnesses and live more regulated lives. 

Currently, there are 344,970 mental health counselors in the US—including those in substance abuse and behavior analysis—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May BLS 2022). On average, these mental health counselors earned $56,230 per year. They are employed in clinics, hospitals, inpatient centers, government agencies, and businesses. They use various psychotherapy techniques to help clients identify problems, set goals, and develop skills to live a more balanced life. 

Mental health counselors have earned at least a master’s degree in counseling and have passed national counseling exams. They have also completed supervised work experience where they provide client care under the guidance of a fully licensed counselor. These years of experience allow counselors to develop the necessary skills to provide thoughtful, targeted, and informed counseling to individuals facing various mental health illnesses. 

Becoming a mental health counselor can seem daunting but the steps are straightforward. Continue reading to learn what it takes to become a licensed mental health counselor and discover state licensure requirements.

How to Become a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Education, supervised work experience, and examinations are all essential steps toward a career as a mental health counselor. While official titles and requirements vary by state, here is a general outline of the steps needed to enter this field. 

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)

The first step in a career as a mental health counselor is to complete high school or earn a GED. Students can take classes to prepare them to be counselors in psychology, math, English, and social sciences. Also, students can gain work experience through volunteer work or internships. Counseling degree programs can be competitive, so students should strive to take advanced classes and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher. 

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)

A bachelor’s degree is a necessary step for a career as a mental health counselor. These four-year programs provide the foundation for further studies. Typical majors for this career include psychology, education, sociology, counseling, social work, or even anthropology. Internships and work experience can also boost students on their graduate school applications.  

Step 3: Obtain an Advanced Degree (Two to Eight Years)

All states require mental health counselors to have earned a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a closely related field. Students should ensure that the program they attend is accredited, as most states require it. Attending a program accredited nationally by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the easiest way to meet state coursework, internship, and practicum requirements. 

The number of credits required varies by state but, at a minimum, students should complete 48 semester-credits, with 60 credits being the most common amount required.  

Doctorate programs are also accepted for licensure. Many states reduce the work experience hours required for applicants who have earned a doctorate degree. 

Step 4: Apply for Initial State Licensure (Timeline Varies)

Some states require mental health counselors to be licensed while they are completing their required supervised work experience. In those states, graduates must submit transcripts, applications, related fees, recommendations, and background checks to earn an intern, provisional, associate, or similar license. 

Step 5: Complete Supervised Practice (Two to Three Years)

All states require mental health counselors to complete supervised work experience. The number of hours varies based on the state, ranging from 1,500 to 4,000. 

Requirements also vary based on the degree earned, as many states have lower requirements for those holding doctorates. Most states have requirements about the type of hours earned, specifying a set number of hours in direct client contact and direct supervision. There can even be a required number of individual supervision versus group supervision hours 

Step 6: Pass State Licensing Exam (Timeline Varies)

All states require mental health counselors to pass an exam. Some states allow candidates to choose which exam they complete, while others list which one they require. The most common tests are:

  • National Counselor Examination (NCE) from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
  • National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
  • Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)

Jurisprudence exams are required in several states as well. These exams test candidates’ knowledge of the state’s laws and rules regarding mental health counseling. 

Step 7: Apply for State Licensure (Timeline Varies)

Once all of the education, testing, and work experience requirements have been met, candidates can apply for licensure as mental health counselors. As requirements vary by state, applicants should familiarize themselves with the process for the state in which they apply.

What Does a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Do?

Mental health counselors are employed at private clinics, hospitals, inpatient clinics, hospice centers, schools, government agencies, the military, and even businesses. While work responsibilities may vary based on place of employment and title, typical duties include:

  • Meeting with clients to assess mental health issues
  • Determining the client’s goals for treatment 
  • Identifying problems or behaviors that are impeding a client’s goals 
  • Assisting with strategies to overcome identified problems
  • Diagnosing mental illnesses
  • Collaborating with other healthcare providers for holistic client care
  • Providing education to clients and their families on how to manage mental health disorders
  • Conducting group therapy sessions
  • Maintaining client records
  • Completing insurance billings 

How Much Do Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) Make?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2022), the 344,970 mental health counselors (including those in substance abuse and behavioral disorders) earned $53,490 per year on average. Earnings vary based on education, industry, state of employment, and job duties. The percentiles for wages are:

  • 10th percentile: $ 34,580
  • 25th percentile: $39,810
  • 50th percentile (median): $49,710
  • 75th percentile: $64,400
  • 90th percentile: $82,710

Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Professional Associations & Resources

  • American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD)
  • American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
  • Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)

Licensing & Certification Requirements By State for Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) – Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

State Licensing Authority Eligibility & Details Renewal Requirements
Virginia Virginia Board of Counseling

Mental health counselors in Vermont are licensed as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) or Licensed Professional Counselor – Residents (LPC Residents).

LPC Resident license candidates must:

  • Graduate from a CACREP or CORE accredited master’s in counseling program. If the program has neither accreditation, it must be regionally accredited and contain 13 core content areas. All programs must contain a minimum of 60 semester-credits (or 90 quarter-credits) and include a 600-hour internship with 240 face-to-face client contact hours.
  • Find a supervisor for supervised work experience and complete a Supervisory Contract agreement
  • Complete an application
  • Pay $65 application fee
  • Complete a National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB) self-query

To qualify for an LPC candidates must already hold an LPC Resident license and must:

  • Complete 3,400 of supervised work experience. 2,000 hours must be face-to-face client contact. Hours completed as part of the master’s internship in excess of the 600 required hours may be counted, up to 300 hours. There must be 200 hours of supervision at a rate no less than one hour of supervision for every 40 hours of work experience. These hours must be completed in no less than 21 months and no more than four years.
  • Pass the NCMHCE
  • Submit a completed application
  • Complete another National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB) query
  • Pay $175 application fee

LPC Resident licenses expire annually and cost $30 to renew. As part of the renewal, LPC Residents must attest the supervised work experience is still in effect and that they have completed three continuing education hours in ethics.

LPCs must renew their licenses annually online by completing the application and paying the $130 fee.

LPCs are required to complete 20 hours in continuing education, two of which must be in ethics. LPCs are not required to submit this information to the board; however, random audits are performed so counselors must keep careful records.

Kimmy Gustafson

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.