Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Jobs & Career Guide 2023

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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
Behavioral Health ConsultantUndisclosed Broad Top, Pennsylvania US07/24/2024
We’re hiring! Broad Top Area Medical Center, operating 12 medical offices in Huntingdon County, PA, is seeking a full-time Behavioral Health Consultant to perform the following job duties: Provide mental health screenings and initial assessments to medically-referred and other clients. Provide short-term, structured, evidence-based psychotherapy as part of an appropriate care plan. Coordinate and collaborate … More
Mental Health Therapist (Maternity Case Management)Salud Medical Center Woodburn, Oregon US07/23/2024
Join our team as aMental Health Therapist (Maternity Case Management)atSalud Medical Center in Woodburn, OR. In this role, you will work in collaboration with a care team to assess risk level and develop a care plan with the goal of promoting healthy birth outcomes. If you’re a compassionate, caring therapist who understands social determinants of health, have the desire to work with maternal clients, and are passionate … More
Staff Mental Health TherapistTeladoc Health, Inc. Virtual, US07/22/2024
Help more people find their healthier ever after! Want to be part of one of the most innovative healthcare experiences in the world? Enjoy building a better world through connections? If you answered yes to both, Teladoc Health Medical Group may be the right place for you! Here, all kinds of clinicians work to connect everyone, everywhere with high-quality care. As an employed Staff Clinician at Teladoc Health, you will have the opportunity to lend your expertise … More
Facility Compliance Consultant I (Mental Health Surveyor)State of North Carolina North Carolina US07/22/2024
Salary: $51,616.00 – $90,328.00 AnnuallyLocation : Wake County, NCJob Type: Permanent Full-TimeJob Number: 24-03791 DHSR 65038366Department: Dept of Health and Human ServicesDivision: Health Service RegulationOpening Date: 07/19/2024Closing Date: 7/26/2024 5:00 PM EasternJob Class Title: … More
Field-Based Behavioral Health Care Advocate in Shreveport, LAUnitedHealth Group Shreveport, Louisiana US07/22/2024
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us … More
Behavioral Clinical Manager – National RemoteUnitedHealth Group Phoenix, Arizona US07/22/2024
For those who want to invent the future of health care, here’s your opportunity. We’re going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. If you are located in mountain or pacific time zone you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challengesPrimary Responsibilities: Build and effectively maintain relationship with the provider … More
Psychotherapist or Psychologist in Beautiful Northern California, $20,000 Sign-on BonusSutter Health Sacramento, California US07/19/2024
Sutter Medical Group (SMG) seeks to hire a Psychotherapist and/or Psychologist to join a growing Behavioral Health program in Sacramento, CA. Outpatient environment. Fully remote … More
Behavioral Health Care Coordinator/SPMI – Smith County, TXUnitedHealth Group Tyler, Texas US07/19/2024
At UnitedHealthcare, we’re simplifying the health care experience, creating healthier communities, and removing barriers to quality care. The work you do here impacts the lives of millions of people for the better. Come build the health care system of tomorrow, making it more responsive, affordable, and equitable. Ready to make a difference? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. You push yourself to reach higher and go further. Because for you, it’s all about ensuring … More
Position
Behavioral Health Consultant
We’re hiring! Broad Top Area Medical Center, operating 12 medical offices in Huntingdon County, PA, is seeking a full-time Behavioral Health Consultant to perform the following job duties: Provide mental health screenings and initial assessments to medically-referred and other clients. Provide short-term, structured, evidence-based psychotherapy as part of an appropriate care plan. Coordinate and collaborate … More
Company
Undisclosed
Location
Broad Top, Pennsylvania US
Posted
07/24/2024
Position
Mental Health Therapist (Maternity Case Management)
Join our team as aMental Health Therapist (Maternity Case Management)atSalud Medical Center in Woodburn, OR. In this role, you will work in collaboration with a care team to assess risk level and develop a care plan with the goal of promoting healthy birth outcomes. If you’re a compassionate, caring therapist who understands social determinants of health, have the desire to work with maternal clients, and are passionate … More
Company
Salud Medical Center
Location
Woodburn, Oregon US
Posted
07/23/2024
Position
Staff Mental Health Therapist
Help more people find their healthier ever after! Want to be part of one of the most innovative healthcare experiences in the world? Enjoy building a better world through connections? If you answered yes to both, Teladoc Health Medical Group may be the right place for you! Here, all kinds of clinicians work to connect everyone, everywhere with high-quality care. As an employed Staff Clinician at Teladoc Health, you will have the opportunity to lend your expertise … More
Company
Teladoc Health, Inc.
Location
Virtual, US
Posted
07/22/2024
Position
Facility Compliance Consultant I (Mental Health Surveyor)
Salary: $51,616.00 – $90,328.00 AnnuallyLocation : Wake County, NCJob Type: Permanent Full-TimeJob Number: 24-03791 DHSR 65038366Department: Dept of Health and Human ServicesDivision: Health Service RegulationOpening Date: 07/19/2024Closing Date: 7/26/2024 5:00 PM EasternJob Class Title: … More
Company
State of North Carolina
Location
North Carolina US
Posted
07/22/2024
Position
Field-Based Behavioral Health Care Advocate in Shreveport, LA
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us … More
Company
UnitedHealth Group
Location
Shreveport, Louisiana US
Posted
07/22/2024
Position
Behavioral Clinical Manager – National Remote
For those who want to invent the future of health care, here’s your opportunity. We’re going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. If you are located in mountain or pacific time zone you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challengesPrimary Responsibilities: Build and effectively maintain relationship with the provider … More
Company
UnitedHealth Group
Location
Phoenix, Arizona US
Posted
07/22/2024
Position
Psychotherapist or Psychologist in Beautiful Northern California, $20,000 Sign-on Bonus
Sutter Medical Group (SMG) seeks to hire a Psychotherapist and/or Psychologist to join a growing Behavioral Health program in Sacramento, CA. Outpatient environment. Fully remote … More
Company
Sutter Health
Location
Sacramento, California US
Posted
07/19/2024
Position
Behavioral Health Care Coordinator/SPMI – Smith County, TX
At UnitedHealthcare, we’re simplifying the health care experience, creating healthier communities, and removing barriers to quality care. The work you do here impacts the lives of millions of people for the better. Come build the health care system of tomorrow, making it more responsive, affordable, and equitable. Ready to make a difference? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. You push yourself to reach higher and go further. Because for you, it’s all about ensuring … More
Company
UnitedHealth Group
Location
Tyler, Texas US
Posted
07/19/2024