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How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor

Learn what kind of licensing you'll need to be a counselor in your state

Counseling Career Center Home | Find Counseling Schools

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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 two years of graduate study in counseling and one year of counseling experience. For more information, visit the Counseling and Clinical Psychology career guides.

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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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Spotlight Schools

Argosy University - The American School of Professional Psychology Graduate Programs

Argosy's College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences is where you will receive the training to become one of tomorrow's clinical practitioners through practical training, internships and small class size.

Kaplan University - School of Arts and Sciences