Counseling Degrees & Licenses in New Jersey

New Jersey, also known as the Garden State, has over 23,000 mental health counselors working in various disciplines including education, rehabilitation, substance abuse, and marriage and family therapy. Each specialization has unique education, work experience, and licensing requirements.

For example, licensed mental health counselors in New Jersey can be licensed as either Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC). The LAC license is an initial license for counselors who must still complete their supervised work experience. Upon completing the required number of supervised hours, counselors can apply to become LPCs.

Overall the field of mental health counseling is in high demand across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is an anticipated 22 percent increase in jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors between 2021 and 2031. Specifically, in New Jersey, there is an anticipated 21.9 percent growth in jobs for substance abuse mental health counselors between 2020 and 2030, according to Projections Central (2023).

This increased demand is primarily driven by an increase in court-mandated substance abuse counseling versus jail time. In New Jersey, mental health counselors earn the fourth-highest mean wage in the country, with an average of $65,090 per year.

In New Jersey, there is a strong need for quality, experienced mental health counselors. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI New Jersey) estimates that 248,000 people in New Jersey have a serious mental health disorder. According to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, in 2021, there were 82,977 people treated for substance abuse disorders.

Mental health counselors work in many different settings. Place of employment is largely determined by the type of counseling a particular mental health therapist performs. Typical employment places can include private offices, government agencies, outpatient clinics, inpatient treatment centers, substance abuse clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, community health centers, and even prisons.

There are numerous programs prospective counselors can pursue. Here is a list of accredited counseling degrees aspiring therapists can complete in New Jersey.

Featured Counseling Programs
Lamar University M.Ed. - Clinical Mental Health CounselingProgram Website
Lamar University M.Ed. - Counseling & Development - Marriage, Couple & Family CounselingProgram Website
Lamar University M.Ed. - Counseling & Development - Professional School CounselingProgram Website
Abilene Christian University Online Master of Marriage and Family TherapyProgram Website
Our Lady of the Lake University Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health CounselingProgram Website
Our Lady of the Lake University Master of Arts in Clinical Rehabilitation CounselingProgram Website
Our Lady of the Lake University Master of Arts in School CounselingProgram Website
Grand Canyon University Graduate Certificate - Christian CounselingProgram Website
Grand Canyon University MS - Addiction CounselingProgram Website
Grand Canyon University MS - Clinical Mental Health CounselingProgram Website
Northwestern University Online MA - CounselingProgram Website
Northwestern University Online MA - Counseling: Child and Adolescent EmphasisProgram Website
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Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in New Jersey

Fairleigh Dickinson University – School of Psychology and Counseling

The School of Psychology and Counseling at Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a master of arts in clinical mental health counseling. This 63-semester credit program is CACREP accredited and meets the requirements for licensure as licensed associate counselors (LACs) in New Jersey. Graduates of this program are well prepared to enter the counseling field, with 100 percent of the graduating class of 2022 passing their licensing exam.

Students can complete a general counselor track or earn a specialization in school counseling or addiction. In addition to extensive classroom coursework in many different aspects of counseling, students will also complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. This program’s admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, three letters of recommendation, copies of official transcripts, a personal statement, and an interview.

The curriculum includes courses such as counseling skills & practices; diagnosis & treatment planning in counseling; development across the lifespan; crisis intervention; group counseling; lifestyle & career counseling; family systems & counseling; multicultural counseling; addictions counseling; and psychopharmacology.

  • Location: Madison, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,188 per credit

Caldwell University – School of Psychology and Counseling

The Caldwell University School of Psychology and Counseling offers three master’s degrees in counseling. Students can earn either a master’s of arts in clinical mental health, art therapy, or school counseling. While the core courses overlap in all three programs, students will take specialized classes such as multicultural counseling; art-based assessment in counseling; and assessment measures and practices in schools. The master’s in clinical mental health counseling degree with art therapy specialization comprises 63 credits, while the other two specializations consist of 60 credits each.

This program is CACREP accredited, and graduates are eligible for licensure in New Jersey. Graduates will have the skills to provide mental health counseling, diagnose mental illnesses, read and evaluate research, and write clearly about mental health issues. 

To be considered for admission, candidates must have at least 15 semester-hours of undergraduate psychology coursework, provide a five to ten-page research-based writing sample, have a 3.2 undergraduate GPA, supply two letters of recommendation, and complete an interview with the program coordinator.

  • Location: Caldwell, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,055 per credit

Kean University – Nathan Weiss Graduate College

There are four distinct master of arts counseling specializations students can earn at Kean University Nathan Weiss Graduate College. These include school counseling, alcohol and drug abuse, clinical mental health, and college counseling and student services. All programs prepare students for state licensure by the pertinent board. To allow students to work while completing their degree, courses at Kean University are offered in the evenings, with occasional weekend classes.

To meet state licensing requirements and provide students necessary hands-on experience, students must complete a practicum and two internships. Admission requirements to this program include an undergraduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a current resume. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency with a TOEFL or IELTS test score. GRE scores are not required.

The alcohol and drug abuse counseling option comprises 48 credits, while all the other options consist of 60 credits each. The curriculum includes courses such as orientation to professional counseling; group process in counseling; counseling skills; multicultural counseling; theories of counseling; career counseling and development; survey alcohol drug abuse counseling; diagnosis and treatment; and counseling children and adolescents.

  • Location: Union, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state ($815.42 per credit); out-of-state ($979.60 per credit)

Monmouth University – Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences

The master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling at Monmouth University Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences provides the foundation for a variety of careers in mental health. Graduates are eligible for licensing in the state of New Jersey. This 60-semester-credit program was the first CACREP-accredited program in the state. Graduates will be able to counsel patients, provide interventions when necessary, assess mental health status, and evaluate research and literature pertinent to the field.

To accommodate the needs of working adults, this program offers classes in the evenings. Students must take their courses on campus. The school has partnerships with over 100 clinical internship sites, allowing students to complete their hands-on experience in various settings. Courses include testing and assessment in counseling; psychopathology & psychopharmacology; theories of counseling; crisis intervention & trauma; introduction to alcohol and drug abuse; research methods in counseling; multicultural counseling; and group counseling.

To be considered for admission, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit a complete application, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Applicants must also participate in a group interview.

Monmouth University’s School of Education also has two CACREP-accredited programs in school counseling and student affairs and college counseling, both offered in a hybrid format.

  • Location: West Long Branch, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,095 per credit

New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University offers a master of arts in counseling with an option in either clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.

The clinical mental health counseling option prepares graduates for positions in human service and community mental health agencies, universities, schools, government, hospitals, industry, business, and independent practice, and provides the core courses required for licensure. This option comprises 60 credits.

The 48-credit school counseling option prepares aspiring school counselors to work in P-12 schools and provide consultation, assessment, and counseling services to families and students.

The curriculum includes courses such as multicultural counseling; family and couple counseling; group counseling theory and practice; foundations of addictions counseling; career counseling and development; case conceptualization and treatment planning in counseling; differential diagnosis of maladaptive behavior; consultation and management of developmental school counseling; and therapeutic intervention techniques: consultation in educational settings.

  • Location: Jersey City, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state ($821.63 per credit); out-of-state ($1,309.95 per credit)

Montclair State University

Montclair State University offers a master’s of arts in counseling specializing in clinical mental health counseling, addictions counseling, school counseling, or student affairs and higher education. A strong emphasis on multicultural awareness helps prepare graduates to work with a diverse patient population in various settings. Montclair also boasts a diverse faculty that provides a unique perspective for students. These faculty members hold leadership positions in prominent professional organizations like the American Counseling Association (ACA).

Courses are offered in several different formats to accommodate student needs, including in-person, online, or evening and weekend classes. This flexible format makes this program ideal for working professionals or students with families. All students completing a master’s in counseling must pass a comprehensive exit exam upon completing their program. This comprehensive exam is not a licensing or certification exam and covers eight content areas. Graduates of this program are eligible for licensure in New Jersey.

The curriculum includes courses such as counseling across the lifespan; introduction to professional and ethical issues in counseling; counseling theories; appraisal of the individual; counseling techniques; multicultural counseling and development; introduction to substance abuse counseling; introduction to marriage, couples, and family counseling; clinical applications in addictions counseling; gender issues in counseling; and clinical assessment and diagnosis.

  • Location: Montclair, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: $809 per credit 

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey – School of Health Professions

The master’s in rehabilitation counseling clinical mental health counseling track at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Health Professions is a comprehensive program that combines research, theory, counseling skills development, and supervised clinical experiences. As this is a rehabilitation counseling program, students will gain the skills to counsel patients with psychiatric, developmental, physical, or sensory disabilities.

This program allows students to complete their studies at their own pace. Students can choose from full-time or part-time enrollment, online or in-person coursework, or any combination they may need. Regardless of the format selected, students must take some coursework over the summer as some classes are only offered at that time. 

The 60-credit curriculum includes courses such as crisis, disaster, and trauma counseling; addictions and mental illness; substance use counseling and consultation; theories of counseling and personality; foundations of the counseling profession; psychopathology; medical and psychological aspects of disability; and counseling and case management.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and completing an interview with a member of the faculty. Volunteer or work experience is not required, although highly recommended, and can improve the chance of admission.

Notably, Rutgers also offers a CACREP-accredited EdM program with school counseling certification at its Graduate School of Education.

  • Location: Piscataway, NJ; New Brunswick, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: School of Health Professions (resident: $855 per credit; non-resident: $955 to $1,280 per credit); Graduate School of Education (resident: $826 per credit; non-resident: $1,405 per credit)

Rider University

Rider University offers a master of arts program in clinical mental health counseling and a master of arts program in counseling services (school counseling concentration).

The MA clinical mental health counseling program prepares graduates for positions in mental health agencies, community agencies, government facilities, hospitals, corporate settings, private practice, and institutions of higher education. Within this degree, students will also have the option of completing a dance/movement therapy (DMT) concentration. Students without the DMT concentration complete 60 credits and students who are enrolled in the DMT concentration complete 65 credits. All students enrolled in this program will complete at least 700 hours of counseling fieldwork in a clinical mental health setting.

The school counseling program prepares graduates for school counseling positions in secondary and elementary private and public schools. Students in this program may attain specialized training and take coursework in areas such as addictions, trauma, play therapy, advanced psychopathology, creativity in counseling, and disordered eating. This program requires the completion of 60 credits.

The curriculum includes courses such as theories of counseling and helping professions; psychopathology; group counseling; foundations of clinical mental health counseling; legal and ethical issues in counseling and psychotherapy; multicultural counseling and relationship development; counseling children, adolescents, and families; disaster response, trauma, crisis, and grief counseling; and applied counseling & consultation models in educational settings.

  • Location: Lawrenceville, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 2.5 to three years
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,020 per credit

Rowan University

Rowan University offers a master of arts program in clinical mental health counseling, providing students with the educational requirements necessary for becoming Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). The program’s curriculum helps students develop skills in differential diagnosis, conceptualization, and development of treatment plans for mental health patients. Graduates are exposed to several aspects of this field, giving them extensive knowledge and experience in individualized outpatient treatment and counseling.

In addition to the 60-credit coursework, students in this [program will be required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of supervised practicum experience at an approved placement site. The curriculum includes courses such as counseling theory and techniques; group counseling and psychotherapy; legal, ethical, and professional issues in counseling; psychopharmacology and biological bases of behavior; psychopathology: diagnosis and epidemiology; and psychopathology: conceptualization and etiology.

Rowan University also offers a 48-credit master of arts program in counseling in educational settings that prepares professional practitioners in school counseling.

  • Location: Glassboro, NJ
  • Accreditation: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
  • Estimated Tuition: $798.90 per credit

How Much Do Counselors Make in New Jersey?

These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2022—the latest figures available as of September 2023.

Marriage and Family Therapist Salaries

United StatesNew Jersey
Number employed62,0804,220
Average annual salary (mean)$63,300$83,590
10th percentile$36,840$60,430
25th percentile$44,730$74,860
50th percentile (median)$56,570$77,080
75th percentile$75,220$96,800
90th percentile$98,700$98,950

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor Salaries

United StatesNew Jersey
Number employed344,97011,790
Average annual salary (mean)$56,230$65,090
10th percentile$34,580$36,680
25th percentile$39,810$47,330
50th percentile (median)$49,710$59,290
75th percentile$64,400$75,170
90th percentile$82,710$99,950

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor and Advisor Salaries

United StatesNew Jersey
Number employed308,0007,110
Average annual salary (mean)$64,200$76,580
10th percentile$38,280$51,570
25th percentile$47,380$61,040
50th percentile (median)$60,140$74,960
75th percentile$76,590$95,480
90th percentile$98,530$105,150

Rehabilitation Counselor Salaries

United StatesNew Jersey
Number employed82,420NA
Average annual salary (mean)$46,020$51,700
10th percentile$29,120$34,030
25th percentile$33,790$35,650
50th percentile (median)$39,990$38,720
75th percentile$53,470$64,620
90th percentile$71,270$82,710

All Other Counselors

United StatesNew Jersey
Number employed37,2701,020
Average annual salary (mean)$49,770$84,100
10th percentile$31,930$47,960
25th percentile$36,730$58,040
50th percentile (median)$43,390$88,660
75th percentile$52,770$101,770
90th percentile$75,340$123,260

Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in New Jersey: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
Professional Counselor Examiners Committee

New Jersey issues licenses for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC).

Candidates apply for licensure prior to completing supervised work experience. They are then granted an LAC license to earn the work experience.

LAC license candidates must:

  • Complete an application
  • Graduate from a regionally accredited institution with a master’s degree or doctorate in counseling. The program must be at least 60 semester-hours, 45 of which must be in eight key areas.
  • Pass the NCE
  • Pay a $75 application fee and a $90 to $180 initial licensure fee, depending on when in the biennium the application is submitted
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Submit a Proposed Plan of Supervision

To earn an LPC license, candidates must meet the LAC requirements in addition to:

  • Completing three years and 4,500 hours of supervised work experience, two years of which must be completed post-graduate school. They must be completed within six years. If a candidate earns 30 semester-hours beyond the 60 required for the master’s degree, it may substitute for one year of work experience.
  • Paying a $75 application fee and a $125 to $250 initial licensure fee, depending on when in the biennium the application is submitted

Renewals for LPC and LAC licenses in New Jersey are required in November of even-numbered years. The fee is $250 for LPCs and $180 for LACs.

Counselors are exempt from continuing education requirements in their first biennium, but every renewal cycle after that, they are required to complete 40 continuing education units. Five hours must be in ethics and three must be in social and cultural competency.

School Counseling Licenses in New Jersey

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
New Jersey Department of Education Office of Certification and Induction

The New Jersey Department of Education Office of Certification and Induction issues a School Counselor Standard Certificate. The requirements for this certificate are

  • Hold a master’s degree
  • Complete at least 48 semester credits in school counseling (including a six-credit supervised counseling practicum in a school setting)
  • Submit a completed application
  • Pay the application fee
  • Complete the Oath of Allegiance online through the Teacher Certification Information System (TCIS)
  • Pass an examination in physiology and hygiene, including the effects of narcotics and alcohol

Standard school counselor certificates issued in New Jersey do not need to be renewed.

School counselors are expected to maintain professional standards by completing 20 hours of state-approved professional development each year.

Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in New Jersey

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners’ Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee

The New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners’ Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee issues Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certifications and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) licenses.

CADC certification candidates must:

  • Complete two years and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience which includes 300 hours of supervised practical training
  • Complete 270 hours of alcohol and drug education
  • Attend and document 30 self-help meetings, including at least five AA meetings, five NA meetings, and five ALANON meetings.
  • Pass an oral exam on a written case prepared by the applicant
  • Pass an ADC written exam from IC&RC
  • Submit a signed and notarized application
  • Submit two passport-sized photos
  • Submit a Proposed Plan of Supervised
  • Pay $75 application fee
  • Have a high school diploma or GED

LCACD applicants must meet the same requirements as CADCs, as well as:

  • Complete a master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 18 semester hours in counseling or related subjects

LCADC licenses and CADC certifications issued in New Jersey are valid for two years and expire on July 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal fees are $180 for CADC and $250 for LCADC.

CADCs are required to complete 60 continuing education hours per renewal period while LCADCs are only required to complete 40 hours.

Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in New Jersey

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Professional Counselor Examiners Committee

Rehabilitation counselors in New Jersey must be either Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC).

Candidates apply for licensure prior to completing supervised work experience. They are then granted an LAC license to earn the work experience.

LAC license candidates must:

  • Complete an application
  • Graduate from a regionally accredited institution with a master’s degree or doctorate in counseling. The program must be at least 60 semester hours, 45 of which must be in eight key areas.
  • Pass the NCE
  • Pay a $75 application fee and a $90 to $180 initial licensure fee, depending on when in the biennium the application is submitted
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Submit a Proposed Plan of Supervision

To earn an LPC license, candidates must meet the LAC requirements in addition to:

  • Completing three years and 4,500 hours of supervised work experience, two years of which must be completed post-graduate school. They must be completed within six years. If a candidate earns 30 semester hours beyond the 60 required for the master’s degree, it may substitute for one year of work experience.
  • Paying a $75 application fee and a $125 to $250 initial licensure fee, depending on when in the biennium the application is submitted

Renewals for LPC and LAC licenses in New Jersey are required in November of even-numbered years. The fee is $250 for LPCs and $180 for LACs.

Counselors are exempt from continuing education requirements in their first biennium, but every renewal cycle after that, they are required to complete 40 continuing education units.

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in New Jersey

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners

In 2020, the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act became law in New Jersey. This law establishes a State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners that will license behavior analysts. While the board has been appointed, as of July 2022, formal regulations have yet to be adopted.

However, according to the law, requirements for licensure will include:

  • Holding BCBA or BCaBA certification is a requirement
  • Being 21 years old
  • Being of good moral character
  • Providing proof of supervision (if the applicant holds a BCaBA)

To maintain licensure, behavior analysts in New Jersey will need to renew their licenses every two years. They will need to pay a fee (TBD) and provide proof of current BCBA and BCaBA certification.

Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in New Jersey

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements
State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners

The New Jersey State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners credentials Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFT).

Requirements for an AMFT license are:

  • Submit a completed application
  • Include a recent 2×2-inch photo
  • Pay $75 application fee
  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from a regionally accredited institution that meets coursework requirements and includes a two-semester internship or practicum
  • Submit a plan for supervision and include the supervisor’s resume or CV
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Pay an initial license fee of $90 to $180

Candidates for an LMFT license must meet associate license requirements, as well as:

  • Pass the AMFTRB exam
  • Complete two years of supervised work experience as a marriage and family therapist, with a minimum of 50 hours of supervision per year at a rate of one hour per week (a maximum of 1,150 hours of client contact and 300 hours of other work experience to be completed per year)
  • Pay an initial license fee of $125 to $250

Renewals for marriage and family therapy licenses in New Jersey are required every two years. Associate licenses cost $180 to renew and full LMFT licenses cost $250.

Associate license holders must complete 20 hours of continuing education per renewal and full LMFTs must complete 40 hours.

Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in New Jersey

Licensing AuthorityEligibility & DetailsRenewal Requirements

Professional Counselor Examiners Committee

Child therapists in New Jersey must be either Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC).

Candidates apply for licensure prior to completing supervised work experience. They are then granted an LAC license to earn the work experience.

LAC license candidates must:

  • Complete an application
  • Graduate from a regionally accredited institution with a master’s degree or doctorate in counseling. The program must be at least 60 semester-hours, 45 of which must be in eight key areas.
  • Pass the NCE
  • Pay a $75 application fee and a $90 to $180 initial licensure fee, depending on when in the biennium the application is submitted
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Submit a Proposed Plan of Supervision

To earn an LPC license, candidates must meet the LAC requirements in addition to:

  • Completing three years and 4,500 hours of supervised work experience, two years of which must be completed post-graduate school. They must be completed within six years. If a candidate earns 30 semester-hours beyond the 60 required for the master’s degree, it may substitute for one year of work experience.
  • Paying a $75 application fee and a $125 to $250 initial licensure fee, depending on when in the biennium the application is submitted

Renewals for LPC and LAC licenses in New Jersey are required in November of even-numbered years. The fee is $250 for LPCs and $180 for LACs.

Counselors are exempt from continuing education requirements in their first biennium, but every renewal cycle after that, they are required to complete 40 continuing education units.

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.