[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Degree Do You Need to Become a Counselor?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a licensed counselor, you usually need a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-counseling/”]master’s degree in counseling[/hen-ui-link], psychology, or social work. A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-counseling/”]bachelor’s degree in counseling[/hen-ui-link] (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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must also pass national counseling exams like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nbcc.org/exams/nce” target=”_blank”]National Counselor Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCE) or the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nbcc.org/exams/ncmhce”]National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCMHCE). Most states require you to have a master’s degree before you can take these exams.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]5 Steps to Becoming a Licensed Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a licensed counselor, you need a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field like [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-masters-social-work/”]social work[/hen-ui-link]. You must also complete supervised fieldwork, pass a national exam, and apply for a license in your state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Step 1. Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in counseling, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-psychology/”]psychology[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Step 2. Complete a Master’s Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-substance-abuse-counseling/”]substance abuse counseling[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Step 3. Complete Supervised Fieldwork[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Step 4. Pass the National Exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Step 5. Secure a License[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/mental-health-counselors/license-requirements” target=”_blank”]New York requires[/hen-ui-link] at least 3,000 hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Counseling Certifications and Licenses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]National Counselor Examination[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcc.org/exams/nce” target=”_blank”]National Counselor Examination[/hen-ui-link] (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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Passing the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbcc.org/exams/ncmhce” target=”_blank”]National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCMHCE) is an integral step to becoming a licensed mental health counselor in many states.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-credit-for-work-experience/”]work experience[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Different Types of Counselors?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/counseling-degrees/”]various types of counselors[/hen-ui-link], each with its own specialty in the fields of mental health and personal development. Below we cover five of the most common [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/counseling/”]counseling career specialties[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Licensed Mental Health Counselor: [/hen-ui-text]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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Substance Misuse Counselor:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Religious Counselor: [/hen-ui-text]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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]School Counselor:[/hen-ui-text] A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/school-counselor-overview/”]school counselor[/hen-ui-link] helps students grow academically and personally. They tackle social, emotional, and educational challenges to create a positive school experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Career Counselor:[/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are counselors and therapists the same thing?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally speaking, licensed professional [hen-ui-link href=”/counseling/counselor-vs-therapist/”]counselors (LPCs) are therapists[/hen-ui-link]. 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I be a psychologist with a counseling degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychologists typically require a doctoral degree in psychology. A counseling degree alone won’t qualify you to be a psychologist. However, you can [hen-ui-link href=”/psychology/how-to-become-a-psychologist/”]become a psychologist[/hen-ui-link] with a doctoral degree in counseling psychology, which is a subfield of psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get a counseling degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An undergraduate counseling degree program typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. A master’s in counseling program usually takes 1-2 years for full-time students. For a part-time student with a lighter course load, it may take 3-4 years. Many accelerated counseling programs can be completed in 12-18 months. Some schools have “4+1” programs, where you can earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I be a counselor with only a bachelor’s degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed mental health counselors must hold a master’s degree or higher to legally practice. However, a bachelor’s degree can open doors to non-licensed counseling, such as social skills, emotional support, or behavioral intervention counseling. Still, many positions require advanced degrees or specific licenses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I be a counselor without a license?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You generally need a license to practice as a mental health counselor. However, some counseling-related roles, like guidance or admissions counseling, may not require a license. Understanding local regulations is key in any case. The rules for counseling qualifications and practices may vary by state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1398,27677″][/hen-ui-article-row]