How to Become a Counselor
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Becoming a licensed counselor can be rewarding if you want to help others with mental, behavioral, and emotional challenges. Depending on your interests, you can work in mental health, schools, private practice, or other settings.
However, becoming a licensed counselor requires time and dedication, as well as following a specific education and licensing process. Here’s how to become a counselor and make a difference in people’s lives.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Counselor?
To become a licensed counselor, you usually need a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. A bachelor’s degree in counseling (or a closely related field) is often required for a master’s program, but some schools may accept you with a bachelor’s degree in another field.
You must also pass national counseling exams like the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Most states require you to have a master’s degree before you can take these exams.
Reality Check: How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Counselor?
Becoming a licensed counselor takes 5-7 years. First, you must earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s in counseling or a related field. Then, you need to complete 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Finally, you must pass a licensing exam.
5 Steps to Becoming a Licensed Counselor
To become a licensed counselor, you need a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field like social work. You must also complete supervised fieldwork, pass a national exam, and apply for a license in your state.
Step 1. Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree
Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. This degree gives you a foundation in human behavior and mental health. It also prepares you for advanced studies.
Step 2. Complete a Master’s Program
Next, enroll in a master’s program in counseling or a similar discipline. These programs offer in-depth training in therapeutic techniques and ethical practices. You can also specialize in areas like family therapy or substance abuse counseling.
Step 3. Complete Supervised Fieldwork
Most counseling programs require supervised practicum and internship experiences. These give you hands-on experience with clients under licensed professionals’ guidance. It’s also necessary for licensure in many states.
Step 4. Pass the National Exam
To become a licensed counselor, you must pass a national exam. Options, as determined by your state licensing board, include the NCE or NCMHCE. The NCMHCE targets clinical mental health, while the NCE covers broader topics.
Step 5. Secure a License
You need a license to practice legally. This shows you have adequate education and training and follow ethical standards. The process may include passing a state-specific exam and completing a required number of supervised clinical hours. For instance, New York requires at least 3,000 hours.
Counseling Certifications and Licenses
Each state issues counseling licenses that grant individuals permission to practice and identify as a licensed counselor. In contrast to required state licensure, certification is a voluntary credential demonstrating that the counselor has met national standards established by the profession.
Not all licensed counselors obtain certification, but many choose to get certified to distinguish themselves in their specialty. Certification may also be required to earn licensure in some states.
State licensing boards use several titles to identify licensed counselors, including licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). Certification titles reflect national recognition such as the national certified counselor (NCC) credential. They can also indicate specializations such as the certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) or national certified school counselor (NCSC) designation.
National Counselor Examination
You must pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) exam to become a licensed professional counselor in most states. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, which assess your ability to provide effective counseling and related services.
Eligibility requirements include a traditional or online master’s in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-graduate field experience, 100 hours of which must be supervised.
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is an integral step to becoming a licensed mental health counselor in many states.
The test tasks you with treating clinical issues in 10 simulated mental health cases, each of which is broken down into sections that lead you through the decision-making and treatment process. To sit for the NCMHCE, you must hold a master’s degree and 3,360 hours of supervised postgraduate work experience.
What Are the Different Types of Counselors?
There are various types of counselors, each with its own specialty in the fields of mental health and personal development. Below we cover five of the most common counseling career specialties.
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor: A licensed mental health counselor diagnoses and treats mental health issues. They focus on areas like anxiety and depression and help clients cope with emotional struggles and develop healthier lifestyles.
- Substance Misuse Counselor: A substance misuse counselor, or addiction counselor, provides support for people with addictions, such as substance misuse, sexual addictions, or gambling. They guide clients through recovery and help them build healthier habits and coping skills.
- Religious Counselor: A religious counselor helps people with faith crises, marriage, and family issues. Also called faith-based counselors, they usually have strong training in religion and mental health.
- School Counselor: A school counselor helps students grow academically and personally. They tackle social, emotional, and educational challenges to create a positive school experience.
- Career Counselor: Career counselors help people make informed decisions about their career paths by offering guidance on job options, educational requirements, and personal strengths. They may also advise on further education or training.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Counselor
Generally speaking, licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are therapists. Both counselors and therapists help people overcome challenges, helping them cope both in the short and long term. They also explore psychological issues and use a variety of therapeutic strategies to help treat them.
The one distinction between these two professionals is between a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist. These two professionals have slightly different scopes of practice.
