Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Jobs & Career Guide 2025

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By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

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What Is a Licensed Professional Counselor?

A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who is licensed by their state to provide counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. LPCs typically have a master’s degree in counseling psychology, counseling or a related field, and have completed a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience.

LPCs assess clients’ mental health needs, develop treatment plans, and provide counseling services, such as individual and group therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy. They monitor clients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed, collaborate with other mental health professionals to ensure coordinated care, and maintain accurate records of clients’ treatment and progress.

What Does a Licensed Professional Counselor Do?

The core responsibilities of an LPC include conducting assessments of clients’ mental health needs and developing treatment plans based on their specific needs and goals. They provide counseling services, such as individual and group therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy, to help clients work through emotional and behavioral challenges. They monitor clients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure that clients are making meaningful progress toward their goals.

In addition to providing counseling services, LPCs collaborate with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists, to ensure that clients receive coordinated and comprehensive care. They also maintain accurate and complete records of clients’ treatment and progress, adhere to ethical and legal standards for the practice of counseling, and engage in ongoing learning and professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field.

As an LPC, I have the privilege of helping others work through some of life’s toughest challenges. It’s an incredibly rewarding career that requires dedication, empathy, and a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Each day brings a new opportunity to connect with clients, listen to their stories, and work together to find solutions that promote healing and growth. It can be a challenging job, but the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others makes it all worthwhile.
Dr. Russell Fulmer, a licensed professional counselor and professor of counseling

Here is an example of a typical daily schedule for an LPC who works in a community mental health center:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Check email and voicemail messages, review client charts and prepare for the day’s appointments.

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Conduct individual therapy sessions with clients, providing support and guidance for their mental health needs.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Attend a team meeting with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists, to discuss clients’ progress and coordinate care.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Conduct more individual therapy sessions with clients, addressing a range of mental health concerns.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Meet with a client’s family or partner for a family therapy or couples therapy session.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Complete progress notes and other documentation for the day’s appointments, ensuring that records are accurate and up-to-date.

Where Do Licensed Professional Counselors Work?

LPCs have a range of employment options:

  1. Community mental health centers: LPCs may work in community mental health centers that provide counseling services to individuals and families who may not have access to other mental health resources.
  2. Private practice: Some LPCs may choose to open their own private practice and provide counseling services to clients on a fee-for-service basis.
  3. Online therapy: increasing numbers of LPCs work via the various online therapy platforms conducting video calls with their clients.
  4. Schools and universities: LPCs may work in schools and universities providing counseling services to students, faculty, and staff.
  5. Hospitals and healthcare organizations: LPCs may work in hospitals and other healthcare organizations as part of a multidisciplinary team providing mental health services to patients.
  6. Government agencies: LPCs may work for government agencies, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing counseling services to veterans, military personnel, and their families.
  7. Non-profit organizations: LPCs may work for non-profit organizations that provide counseling services to underserved populations, such as survivors of domestic violence or refugees.
  8. Employee assistance programs: LPCs may work for employee assistance programs that provide counseling services to employees and their families.

How to become a Licensed Professional Counselor

Obtain a bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field is typically required as a prerequisite for admission to a master’s degree program in counseling. Some programs may also require specific undergraduate coursework in psychology or related fields.

Obtain a master’s degree

Most states require LPCs to have a master’s degree in counseling psychology, counseling or a related field from an accredited program. The program should include coursework in counseling theory, techniques, and ethics, as well as supervised clinical experience.

Supervised clinical hours

Most states require LPC candidates to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours, typically ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 hours. The exact number of hours required varies by state.

Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE)

The National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a standardized exam that assesses the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking to become licensed professional counselors in the US. The exam is developed and administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The NCE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover a range of topics related to counseling theory and practice, including human growth and development, social and cultural foundations, helping relationships, group work, career and lifestyle development, assessment and testing, research and program evaluation, and professional ethics and practice.

The exam is administered in a computer-based format at testing centers throughout the US. Test-takers have four hours to complete the exam, and are provided with a tutorial on how to use the computer-based testing software before beginning the exam.

The passing score for the NCE varies by state, but is typically set at around 96-98 correct answers out of the 200 questions. Test-takers who do not pass the exam on their first attempt are typically allowed to retake the exam after a waiting period of a few months.

Obtain state licensure

Once all educational and clinical requirements have been met, LPC candidates must apply for state licensure.

Licensure is the process by which a state grants permission to an individual to practice as a licensed professional counselor within that state.

The state licensing board may also require candidates to pass a state-specific exam, undergo a criminal background check, and provide references from colleagues or supervisors. The process of obtaining licensure can take several months to a year or more, depending on the state’s specific requirements and the candidate’s readiness to complete the process.

How Much Money Do Licensed Professional Counselors Earn?

The average salary for an LPC in the US is around $47,000 per year. However, salaries can range from around $32,000 to over $70,000 per year, depending on a few different factors such as the location of the job, experience in the field, and type of organization. Get more insights in our LPC salary guide.

Latest LPC Job Listings

PositionCompanyLocationPosted
Sexual Assault CounselorWomen’s Resource Center, Inc. NORMAN, Oklahoma US01/17/2025
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Counselor is responsible for providing trauma informed services to clients of WRC particularly with regard to the trauma caused by sexual assault and domestic violence as it relates to sexual assault. Services provided include crisis intervention, individual counseling and group counseling. The Womens Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, gender identification, color, religion, … More
EAP Clinical CounselorRoseanne Parks Raleigh, North Carolina US01/17/2025
Bring your heart to CVS Health. Every one of us at CVS Health shares a single, clear purpose: Bringing our heart to every moment of your health. This purpose guides our commitment to deliver enhanced human-centric health care for a rapidly changing world. Anchored in our brand – with heart at its center – our purpose sends a personal message that how we deliver our services is just as important as what we deliver. Our Heart At Work Behaviors support this purpose. We want everyone who … More
Remote Licensed Therapist – Part Time Contractor – LCSW or LMHC – FloridaUnitedHealth Group Jacksonville, Florida US01/17/2025
AbleTo, part of the Optum family of businesses is seeking a Licensed Therapist to join our team in Florida. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care Team, you’ll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We’re revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, … More
Licensed Professional CounselorLifeStance Health Scottsdale, Arizona US01/17/2025
We are actively looking to hire talented licensed therapists in our Scottsdale Clinic, who are passionate about patient care and committed to clinical excellence. Is this you?Wanting to deliver high quality behavioral healthcare.Seeking work life balance.Interested in growing professionally.What we offer Therapists:Competitive compensation package based on productivity with uncapped earning … More
Licensed Professional CounselorLifeStance Health Chandler, Arizona US01/17/2025
We are actively looking to hire talented licensed therapists in our Chandler Clinic, who are passionate about patient care and committed to clinical excellence. Is this you?Wanting to deliver high quality behavioral healthcare.Seeking work life balance.Interested in growing professionally.What we offer Therapists:Competitive compensation package based on productivity with uncapped earning … More
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)LifeStance Health Milwaukee, Wisconsin US01/17/2025
We are actively looking to hire talented therapists in the area, who are passionate about patient care and committed to clinical excellence. We are currently interviewing! We offer our Therapists:Flexible work schedules: Full-time and part-time (20 hours week+) available – set your own schedule!Hybrid Models (on-site & telehealth)100% outpatient work. No nights, no hospital calls, no weekends. Compensation with unlimited/uncapped … More
Licensed Clinical Social WorkerLifeStance Health Scottsdale, Arizona US01/17/2025
We are actively looking to hire talented licensed therapists in our Scottsdale clinic, who are passionate about patient care and committed to clinical excellence. Is this you?Wanting to deliver high quality behavioral healthcare.Seeking work life balance.Interested in growing professionally.What we offer Therapists:Competitive compensation package based on productivity with uncapped earning … More
Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice, Counselor EducationFairfield University Fairfield, Connecticut US01/16/2025
Fairfield University School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) Counselor Education Department is excited to invite applications for a fulltime Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice (non-tenure track) position, beginning Fall, 2025.The Department offers two counseling tracks, School Counseling (SC) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at the masters level, which are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). … More
Position
Sexual Assault Counselor
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Counselor is responsible for providing trauma informed services to clients of WRC particularly with regard to the trauma caused by sexual assault and domestic violence as it relates to sexual assault. Services provided include crisis intervention, individual counseling and group counseling. The Womens Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, gender identification, color, religion, … More
Company
Women’s Resource Center, Inc.
Location
NORMAN, Oklahoma US
Posted
01/17/2025
Position
EAP Clinical Counselor
Bring your heart to CVS Health. Every one of us at CVS Health shares a single, clear purpose: Bringing our heart to every moment of your health. This purpose guides our commitment to deliver enhanced human-centric health care for a rapidly changing world. Anchored in our brand – with heart at its center – our purpose sends a personal message that how we deliver our services is just as important as what we deliver. Our Heart At Work Behaviors support this purpose. We want everyone who … More
Company
Roseanne Parks
Location
Raleigh, North Carolina US
Posted
01/17/2025
Position
Remote Licensed Therapist – Part Time Contractor – LCSW or LMHC – Florida
AbleTo, part of the Optum family of businesses is seeking a Licensed Therapist to join our team in Florida. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care Team, you’ll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We’re revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, … More
Company
UnitedHealth Group
Location
Jacksonville, Florida US
Posted
01/17/2025
Position
Licensed Professional Counselor
We are actively looking to hire talented licensed therapists in our Scottsdale Clinic, who are passionate about patient care and committed to clinical excellence. Is this you?Wanting to deliver high quality behavioral healthcare.Seeking work life balance.Interested in growing professionally.What we offer Therapists:Competitive compensation package based on productivity with uncapped earning … More
Company
LifeStance Health
Location
Scottsdale, Arizona US
Posted
01/17/2025
Position
Licensed Professional Counselor
We are actively looking to hire talented licensed therapists in our Chandler Clinic, who are passionate about patient care and committed to clinical excellence. Is this you?Wanting to deliver high quality behavioral healthcare.Seeking work life balance.Interested in growing professionally.What we offer Therapists:Competitive compensation package based on productivity with uncapped earning … More
Company
LifeStance Health
Location
Chandler, Arizona US
Posted
01/17/2025
Position
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
We are actively looking to hire talented therapists in the area, who are passionate about patient care and committed to clinical excellence. We are currently interviewing! We offer our Therapists:Flexible work schedules: Full-time and part-time (20 hours week+) available – set your own schedule!Hybrid Models (on-site & telehealth)100% outpatient work. No nights, no hospital calls, no weekends. Compensation with unlimited/uncapped … More
Company
LifeStance Health
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin US
Posted
01/17/2025
Position
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
We are actively looking to hire talented licensed therapists in our Scottsdale clinic, who are passionate about patient care and committed to clinical excellence. Is this you?Wanting to deliver high quality behavioral healthcare.Seeking work life balance.Interested in growing professionally.What we offer Therapists:Competitive compensation package based on productivity with uncapped earning … More
Company
LifeStance Health
Location
Scottsdale, Arizona US
Posted
01/17/2025
Position
Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice, Counselor Education
Fairfield University School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) Counselor Education Department is excited to invite applications for a fulltime Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice (non-tenure track) position, beginning Fall, 2025.The Department offers two counseling tracks, School Counseling (SC) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at the masters level, which are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). … More
Company
Fairfield University
Location
Fairfield, Connecticut US
Posted
01/16/2025