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Mental health jobs are currently the rate of all US jobs over the next decade. Demand for mental health care providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed counselors, is expected to triple in years to come.

This information comes from a CNN analysis of data released by the The same data also reveals that mental health counselors specifically are projected to grow even more rapidly.

If you鈥檙e interested in working as a counselor, for example, in a school environment, you would need to complete an degree. It鈥檒l build on the foundations provided in a Bachelor, and prepare you for the licensing exam.

Mental health counselors, including school counselors, for substance abuse and behavioral disorders, are projected to grow from 19% in the next decade. It is estimated that the roles will go from 450,000 workers in 2023 to 534,000 by 2033.聽

If you鈥檙e planning to join one of the United States’ top 20 occupations, you鈥檒l need to learn about how to become a state-licensed counselor. We鈥檒l guide you through the process, what to expect, and why licensing is important.

What is licensure?

Licensure, also known as , is a form of government regulation in the United States. It is a license that is required by a person if they want to pursue a particular profession for compensation.

If you work in a profession that requires licensing, it is illegal to work without one. Occupational licensing exists as a quality control measure, ensuring workers meet minimum entry requirements for knowledge and skill.

Occupational licensing exists across a variety of industries, not just the healthcare sector. Licensure and licensing requirements can also vary between states. So, if you move states, you may need to obtain a new license or transfer an existing one.

What is a licensed counselor?

A licensed counselor is a mental health professional who has met the educational, experiential, and examination requirements as established by the state they work in. These requirements are usually overseen by an appointed state licensing board.

These boards are responsible for regulating the practice of counseling within their state. This board ensures that all the professionals offering counseling services meet the required minimum standards.聽

These boards also handle issuing licenses, renewals, disciplinary actions, and enforcement of regulations. Each state has its own board when it comes to occupational licenses. A few counseling board examples include:

• The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• The Ohio Counselor, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
• The Alaska Board of Professional Counselors
• The California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Licensure vs certification

If you鈥檙e planning a career in counseling, it鈥檚 important to understand the difference between licensure and certification. It鈥檚 possible to get state certification, state licensure, and professional certification. Below, we鈥檝e outlined the differences.

• State certification: This credential is available for qualified undergraduate degree-holders looking to work as a counselor within a limited scope.
  
  They would need to work under the supervision of a licensed counselor. They cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions.

• State licensure: Counselors with state licensure would have to meet all clinical experience and examination requirements, as well as hold graduate degrees, like a Masters.
  
  They have full, unrestricted ability to practice, unlike state certifications. Depending on the state and regulations, they may even be able to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

• Professional certification: Professional certification is a credential primarily offered by the NBCC鈥擭ational Board for Certified Counselors.
  
  It is a nationally recognized certificate, but optional. It is typically used to indicate advanced expertise in targeted areas, like school counseling.

The importance of being licensed

Being licensed as a counselor in the United States is important for several reasons鈥攆or both, the counselor and clients. The licensure ensures the counselor meets a high level of standards, including knowledge, ethical conduct, and competency.聽

The licensure鈥檚 high standards all contribute to the protection of clients, ensuring they receive quality care and support, and the integrity of the profession. Licensure also adds legal accountability to the professionals practicing.

In most U.S. states, it is illegal to practice counseling or use the title 鈥淟icensed Professional Counselor (LPC)鈥� (the title may vary depending on the state), without holding a valid occupational license. Practicing without a license can result in legal penalties.

Licensure is also important for other factors, including:

• Defining the scope of practice for a counselor. For example, if they can diagnose mental health conditions.
• For professionals, licensing is important for employment opportunities and career advancement. For instance, many employers require counselors to hold licensure.
• Licenses are often a prerequisite in most states if you鈥檙e planning to pursue advanced certifications and further your studies. For instance, specializing in school counseling or substance abuse.
• Holding an occupational license is also important when it comes to billing. Insurance companies typically only cover and reimburse for services provided by licensed professionals.

Potential roles once you have your license

Getting a license to practice as a professional counselor in the U.S. opens the door to so many employment and career opportunities. Not only focusing on different specialties but also in a variety of settings.

Once you have your license, in most states you can provide professional counseling services without restrictions. This includes providing mental health care services to individuals, families, and groups in private practices, mental health centers, schools, and more.

Below, we鈥檝e outlined the different career paths and settings you may be able to work in once getting your license.聽

• Once you have received your licensure for counseling, it鈥檚 possible to open and run a private practice. This allows the counselor flexibility, setting their own schedule, and choosing the clients they work with.
• It鈥檚 common for mental health counselors with a license to work in community mental health centers. These centers provide counseling support to individuals who may not be able to access private care.
• Many schools and universities employ licensed counselors. From the elementary level to graduate school, counselors can be employed in a range of roles. This includes providing emotional support and academic advice.
• Many healthcare institutions, like hospitals and clinics, employ licensed counselors to support patients dealing with mental health disorders, chronic illness, and trauma. It can also help alleviate the workload for psychologists and psychiatrists.

Steps to become a licensed counselor

The requirements to become a licensed counselor will vary from state to state. In most states, it usually requires a Master鈥檚 degree in a counseling course, supervised experience, and a national examination.

Below, we鈥檝e outlined the expertise, knowledge, and experience required for most states to obtain a license for counseling. Keep in mind, the exact requirement will vary between states.

It鈥檚 also important to keep in mind that the name of the license can differ between states. These include licensed professional counselors (LPC) and licensed mental health counselors (LMHC). Always research your state鈥檚 licensure.

Obtaining a counseling license

When it comes to obtaining your counseling license, it is typically split into three requirements: educational, experiential, and examination.

Most states require a counselor to have completed either a Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited program before obtaining a license. If you鈥檙e unsure about your state鈥檚 requirements for qualifications, check with your state鈥檚 licensing board.

When it comes to experience, most states require 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised experience to obtain a license. The exact requirements will depend on the state. Some of them are broad, while others are more strict, requiring in-person and direct supervision.

Depending on the type of counseling license you鈥檙e planning to obtain, you will either need to pass the NCE or the NCMHCE in most states. These are the and the

These exams are designed to assess your knowledge, skills, and ability to provide effective counseling services. Once you鈥檝e passed the exam and other criteria, you will be issued a license.聽