Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Jobs & Career Guide 2025
What is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or LMHC?
A licensed mental health counselor is a professional who is trained and licensed to provide counseling and therapy services to individuals, families, and groups to help them deal with mental and emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, addiction, and other mental health concerns.
These professionals typically have a master’s degree in counseling psychology, counseling or a related field and have completed a certain number of supervised clinical hours.
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How Much Do Licensed Mental Health Counselors Earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual income for a mental health counselor is $47,660.
Income varies considerably by location so here are the 5 states with the highest average annual salary:
- New Jersey – $70,450
- District of Columbia – $67,900
- Hawaii – $67,160
- California – $65,020
- Alaska – $64,040
It is important to note that these figures are from the BLS and group substance abuse as well as behavioral disorder professionals with counselors which may skew the figures slightly. Additionally those entering the profession can expect to earn significantly less whilst they build their experience and credentials.
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