What Are The Easiest States To Get Licensed In As A Counselor?

With the demand for mental health care continuing to increase, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a projected growth rate of 18% for certain counseling fields between 2022 and 2032. This data suggests that now may be a promising time to begin a career in counseling or to continue this profession in another state. However, getting the necessary licensing is easier in some places than others due to varying regional requirements. Read on to learn more about how these requirements vary from state to state.

Getting familiar with reciprocal licensing requirements 

The concept of license reciprocity exists in a number of industries, from real estate to electrical contracting. Typically, it means that those with a certain professional license in one state can obtain the same license more easily in another. In many cases, the easiest states to get licensed in are those that offer reciprocal licensing. However, this option may only be available if the two states in question have a specific reciprocal agreement or have agreed to certain legislation, like the Counseling Compact (more on this below).

Which states offer reciprocal licensing for mental health counselors? 

Licensed professional counselor (LPC) reciprocity guidelines are constantly changing, and the best way to determine whether a certain state currently offers reciprocity is to check with their licensing board. You can also use resources like the National Board of Certified Counselors to find up-to-date information. 

That said, finding states with true reciprocity is uncommon. In many cases, states will instead have what’s known as LPC endorsement. While the terms LPC reciprocity and LPC endorsement are sometimes used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between them. Understanding these can be crucial for those looking to quickly acquire a license outside of their home state.

What is the difference between LPC reciprocity and LPC endorsement?

Getting an LPC endorsement involves submitting an application containing specific details to the state you wish to practice in. These required details vary from state to state but may include things like your level of education, the accreditation of the institution(s) you attended, and the number of years of post-masters training you have. If you meet or exceed the new state’s requirements, they may offer you a license there, which is known as an endorsement license. 

LPC reciprocity, in contrast, is the result of formal reciprocity agreements between states. Before engaging in a reciprocity agreement, two states will generally look at each other's laws and seek the guidance of various government officials on whether it would make sense to form such an agreement. States that have similar requirements are usually more likely to establish a reciprocity agreement. In these states, you’ll then be able to get a license issued if you meet their requirements for reciprocity. This is usually a much more straightforward process than LPC endorsement. In places with true reciprocity, LPCs may be able to practice without going through significant additional procedures. 

Those who do not have a previous license will need to meet the requirements established by their state for LPC licensure. Doing so typically requires significant education, time, and counseling experience, which we outline below.

How do you become a licensed professional counselor?

The process of becoming a licensed professional counselor can vary from state to state. In most cases, however, you will need to earn a master’s or doctoral degree, complete a certain amount of supervised clinical work, pass a licensing board examination, and apply to your state’s licensing board. Let’s examine each of these steps in more detail.

Earn your degrees

To become an LPC, you will typically need to start by earning your bachelor’s degree—usually in psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, or another closely related field. This can take anywhere from two years (if you already have an associate's degree) to four years or more. Next, you’ll need to apply for and complete a master’s or doctoral program that meets the requirements established by your state. 

Complete supervised clinical work

Supervised clinical work is often a prerequisite for LPC licensure. It involves a trainee counselor working with clients under the supervision of an experienced LPC in order to understand how to apply the information they’ve learned to real-life counseling scenarios. Many states require thousands of hours of post-masters clinical work, while some areas (such as Puerto Rico) may only ask applicants to complete several hundred. 

Pass your national counselor examination

To earn an LPC in many states, you’ll also need to complete a licensing board examination. One of the most common is the National Counselor Exam for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Other types of counselors may take different exams, such as the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRCE), the CBMT Board Certification Examination, or the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Examination. The exam you take depends on your state and the specific field in which you want to practice.

Complete the license application process

The LPC application process can differ from state to state. Information on the particulars of the process can be found through the website of your state’s licensing board. In some cases, the application can be completed mostly online, though you may also be required to fill out some paper forms and mail them in. In addition, you’ll need to provide proof that you meet the other licensure requirements, such as a certified license history, proof of degree, proof of clinical hours, and a completed licensing board examination. 

What’s the easiest state to become a counselor in?

Due to the variations in each state’s requirements, some areas offer simpler licensing processes than others. For those who already have a license to provide counseling services, states that have entered into the Counseling Compact or otherwise have reciprocity agreements generally offer the simplest licensing processes. In these places, getting a new license may only require providing proof that you meet the requirements, paying any associated fees, and sending in an application. However, for those who are getting their license for the first time, finding the simplest LPC licensing process can be more complicated. 

It’s difficult to say which state is the easiest to become a counselor in, as “easy” may mean different things to different people. For example, some may define “easiest” as requiring the least education. In that case, states such as West Virginia, which has less restrictive education requirements, would be optimal. Or, if you’d like to complete fewer clinical work hours, the US territory of Puerto Rico may be considered an easy place to become a counselor due to its lower experiential requirements. To become an LPC in Puerto Rico, you only need to complete 500 hours of supervised post-masters practice. 

It may also be helpful to consider a few other factors when determining which state’s LPC process will be easiest for you. For example, LPC license fees can vary from place to place, with the lowest being $50 (in Montana and Nevada) and the highest being $300 (in Alabama). An application fee often accompanies the license fee, which can potentially add several hundred dollars to your total licensing costs. 

If you’re looking to start your mental health career sooner, you might also consider related fields that have less restrictive requirements. For example, some counseling occupations, such as alcohol counselors and social workers, may only require a bachelor’s degree in some places and organizations. Choosing a path like this could significantly reduce the time and cost of getting your education, making your path to counseling easier. 

Get emotional support as you grow your career

While it can be easier to get your license in some states than others, becoming a therapist can be a difficult process. The pressure of getting your degree, taking national exams, and applying for licensing and jobs can all result in stress or may negatively impact your mental health in other ways. To address these feelings, it may be helpful to reach out for help. One way to do this is by seeing a therapist or counselor yourself for help identifying negative thought patterns, talking through stressful situations, and applying healthy coping strategies. 

For those who feel that busy work or school schedules make traveling to in-person therapy appointments difficult, it may be helpful to explore alternatives, such as online therapy. When you use an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed provider who you can meet with virtually from anywhere you have an internet connection. Research indicates that online therapy can be a beneficial treatment modality in many cases. For example, consider an analysis of research from over 60 studies on the topic which suggests that people seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, and other conditions online therapy experienced similar outcomes to those who sought in-person therapy.

Takeaway

A career as a licensed professional counselor can be a rewarding way to help others while making a living. To get your license more quickly, it may be helpful to look for states that have less restrictive requirements. If you already have a license and want to practice in another state, you might look into reciprocity. If you’re feeling stressed about your career path or professional life, meeting with a therapist online or in person might be helpful.