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How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor

Most states have some form of counselor credentialing, licensure, certification, or registry legislation. To receive a license or certification as a counselor, an individual generally needs a master's or doctoral degree in counseling from an accredited college or university and at least 2 years of field work experience.

Vocational and guidance counselors usually need 2 years of graduate study in counseling and 1 year of counseling experience.

For more information, visit the Counseling and Clinical Psychology career guides.

Specific Certifications for Counselors

  • Certified Alcoholism Counselor (CAC)
  • Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NACCMHC)
  • Certified Mental Health Counselor (CMHC)
  • Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Marriage, Family and Child Counselor (MFCC)
  • Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
  • Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)
  • National Certified School Counselor (NCSC)
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)
  • Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (QSAP)

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