Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University : PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, School Counseling (HLC Accredited) Walden University : BS in Psychology (HLC Accredited) Walden University : MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from) Walden University : PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (HLC Accredited) Walden University : PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Addiction Counseling (HLC Accredited) Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)What Is LPC Licensure?
Your LPC licensure process will depend on the state you live in, since requirements can vary by state. For the most part, students can expect they will need to earn a minimum of a master's degree in their field and have one to two years of supervised internship experience to become eligible for licensure.
To complete the licensing process, graduates of degree programs may also need to pass a state board exam. Having a professional license may be a requirement for some counseling roles, making it a great factor to consider when choosing your degree program.
What Is the Meaning of LPC?
Understanding the meaning of LPC requires looking beyond what LPC stands for in counseling. What an LPC is can vary greatly based on role and specialization, though all LPCs can make a huge difference in people’s lives through their support. Because of the importance of this role, certain requirements must be met before an individual is allowed to practice, to ensure that prospective counselors are qualified to offer the right services to their clients.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, School Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
In the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in School Counseling, you’ll build your theoretical and practical understanding of the systemic interplay among children, adolescents, families, and the stakeholders in their lives. Coursework in this program focuses on a family-systems view of intervention, with specific attention to developmental, cognitive, behavioral, educational, multicultural, and environmental issues. You’ll also examine group theory, process, and dynamics and how to apply these concepts to group counseling and guidance in school settings. Learn More |
| Walden University
BS in Psychology
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Prepare to transform lives with a BS in Psychology from Walden University. Our program introduces you to a wide range of theories, approaches, and perspectives within the field while providing you with insight into issues affecting diverse individuals and social groups. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
The counseling field is in need of qualified, compassionate professionals like you to meet the demand for services. In Walden's clinical mental health counseling and school counseling dual degree program, you’ll gain the insights and hands-on training to positively impact the lives of children, adults, and families. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Do you want to teach and empower the next generation of mental health counselors? With a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, you’ll prepare to train future clinical mental health counselors or broaden private-practice credentials. Ideal for students with a nonclinical mental health master’s degree, this specialization takes a deep dive into diagnosis, advanced psychopathology, and psychopharmacology. You’ll examine the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as well as different treatment modalities, diagnoses, and commonly used pharmaceuticals. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Addiction Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Addiction is an issue that hits close to home for many. In our PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Addiction Counseling, you’ll gain deeper insights into this increasingly important area and learn how to best prepare the next generation of addiction counselors. Coursework in this specialization explores contemporary treatment and intervention models used to promote recovery as well as the treatment principles and philosophies of addiction-related programs. You’ll also gain insight into substance abuse policies and regulatory processes that influence service delivery in addiction counseling. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - BS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
How to Become an LPC: Requirements and Accreditation
If you have chosen the field of professional counseling to pursue for a lifelong career, you should review what is required of applicants for licensure and how to become an LPC.
You should only consider applying to an accredited degree program that meets the necessary benchmarks in your field. Universities and programs can be differentiated through seals of approval from accreditation agencies.
Professional counselors most often choose degree programs that have been accredited by agencies such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP is responsible for initially approving colleges and counseling degree programs for accreditation, as well as continually reviewing curricula for accreditation maintenance. Most universities display their accreditation information on their degree’s webpage, so you should verify this information before committing to enrollment.
Once you are enrolled in an accredited degree program, you can pursue coursework that can prepare you for working with clients in the field. Since the second requirement for licensure is an internship, you should be searching for local mental health agencies or counseling centers to work for during this time.
Counseling licensure requirements may include spending two to three years gaining experience under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor, which can be helpful in extending your knowledge of general practice in the field.
Graduating from an accredited degree program and successfully completing your supervised work experience requirement are huge parts of the counseling licensure process. The final step for you to complete involves submitting your application for licensing and taking the National Counselor Examination in your state. Passing this examination can be your final step toward becoming an LPC and beginning your work in the field.
LPC Programs Online
Counseling can be an incredibly versatile career with many opportunities. Gaining licensure can open the door for you to pursue any of a number of career options in many different settings and fields, depending on your degree program and any certifications that you may have received. In the list below, you can see some of the most popular online LPC programs. You can choose to pursue a specific field for your degree or a generalized path that can lead you to help people with varying needs and within different age groups. Here are a few of the top
What Can You Do with an LPC Degree?
You have many options for what you can do following the completion of a counseling program, making LPC degrees an incredibly flexible option. Depending on your interests and the types of experience and skills you have, you might be a good fit for a specific field in counseling. These include:
Different Career Paths
What an LPC is can depend on what type of clients they choose to work with, as well as their work environment. Certification options are available to help students create their own perfect portfolio of education and experience. If you would like to learn more about the various types of certification that are currently available for counseling professionals, browse through the list of certification options following this section.
Different LPC degrees can lead you into different jobs throughout your career. The list below provides some of the most common career options for people who have received licensure in counseling:
LPC vs. LCSW
It may be useful to consider LPC vs. LCSW, or licensed clinical social worker, roles. A good way to distinguish between these positions is that the LPC focuses primarily on working with clients whose main problems are personal psychological issues, while an LCSW focuses more on helping clients navigate broader social contexts and social structures.
As such, LPCs are more likely to work in private practice, while LCSWs are more likely to work for public clinics or social service agencies.
What Is an LPC-S?
Another career option to consider is the LPC-S, which stands for licensed professional counselor supervisor.
Achieving this distinction typically requires a higher level of experience and training, which can vary from state to state, and entitles you to play a more active role in shaping the practices and principles that guide the counseling profession. The LPC-S designation may also give you leadership status over other counselors.
Can an LPC Prescribe Medication?
Generally, it is not within their authority for an LPC to prescribe medication. However, other mental health and counseling-related roles will allow you to prescribe medication, including roles in psychiatry. Also, note that licensed counselors can refer their clients to medical professionals if they believe medication is needed.
Find the Right LPC Program Online
Becoming an LPC can start with the right education. If you are interested in a career in counseling, you should explore some of the available resources on online LPC programs to find out what they offer, which ones are accepting applicants, and the type of specializations they have. Discover more about LPC degree and licensure requirements, and start your career in counseling.
Sources
American Psychological Association, What Is the Difference Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Social Workers?
Indeed, How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, LPC-S
National Board for Certified Counselors, Understanding Board Certification and Licensure
PayScale, Salary for Certification: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
