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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 51 (from laksa080)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa051.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/become-mental-health-counselor/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/become-mental-health-counselor/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/become-mental-health-counselor\/","crawl_time":1776188437,"first_indexed_time":1622219872,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,socialworklicensemap!\/social-work-resources\/become-mental-health-counselor\/ s443","src_root_hash":"8240017480221108451","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Become a Mental Health Counselor","meta_descriptions":["Discover steps to becoming a mental health counselor, including education requirements. Do you need a master’s to become a mental health counselor? Find out with this guide."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"What Are the Requirements to Become a Mental Health Counselor?\nIf you are considering a career in mental health counseling, becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) may be an ideal path for you. Answers about education requirements and how to become a mental health counselor are discussed below.\nNew York University\ninfo\nAD\nmaster of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness\nNYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to work with diverse clients to create lives of health and meaning.\nPrepare to become a mental health counselor\nAccredited by the MPCAC\nAs few as 21 months to complete\nGRE not required \nWhat Is Mental Health Counseling?\nMental health counseling helps individuals and communities address their emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns in a safe environment with licensed mental health counselors and professionals.\nWhat does a mental health counselor do? A mental health counselor’s duties and responsibilities may include diagnosing mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, developing therapies and providing treatment to:\nIndividuals\nCouples\nFamilies\nGroups\nSpecific populations such as children or the elderly\nPursuing a mental health counselor career and becoming an LMHC may allow you the option to focus on any number of specializations.\nTypes of Mental Health Specializations\nThe mental health counseling field offers specializations for those who wish to focus on one or more areas of mental health.  \nSubstance abuse counselors and addiction counselors: \nThis type of mental health counselor works with clients with a chemical dependency on alcohol, drugs and\/or other addictions. Because substance abuse may affect many facets of a person’s life, a counselor in this specialty may work with clients and their families. Court-ordered treatment, interventions and 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are common elements in some addiction treatments. These counselors may also address gambling, sex, shopping, food and other addictions.\nBehavior disorder counselors: \nThis type of counselor may help clients deal with behavior disorders that can be disruptive at school and at home, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD). \nLicensed mental health counselors (LMHC): \nA licensed mental health counselor addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, and develops treatment plans for their clients to develop coping mechanisms and learn to successfully live with their diagnosis. This role requires passing licensing exams per state regulations.\nLicensed professional counselor (LPC): \nAlthough this type of counselor can provide mental health care, these professionals may focus on other forms of non-mental-health counseling like rehabilitation and career counseling. Depending on the state where you work, becoming an LPC may require a license to practice any form of counseling.\nLicensed clinical counselor:\n A licensed clinical professional counselor provides therapy services to clients in addition to taking on a supervisory role. These professionals may also work in research and training staff. \nLicensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC):\n This mental health professional provides services to individuals and groups. Treatments mirror those used by other mental health counselors. \nCommon Steps to Becoming a Mental Health Counselor\nSince every journey is unique, the steps you take to become a licensed mental health counselor may differ from your peers. However, the steps below reflect a typical path. Please note that the LMHC title differs from state to state and as such, may be called by another title elsewhere. Be sure to check the mental health \ncounseling licensing requirements in the state in which you want to practice\n before taking any steps toward becoming a mental health counselor. \nIndividual state requirements will vary and are subject to change, including licensure standards, exam eligibility and appropriate pathways, and may differ based on individual student backgrounds.\n \nThose looking to become mental health counselors should conduct their own due diligence to determine the appropriate pathway and license type for their state of practice.\n1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree \nStudents pursuing careers as mental health counselors typically begin with an undergraduate degree in a counseling-related field, such as psychology or sociology.\nTaking a mental health counseling curriculum that includes courses such as lifespan human development and abnormal psychology early in your program may give you an advantage as you advance to graduate work. However, a bachelor’s degree in a different field, like a\nBachelor of Social Work\n, may meet a graduate program’s prerequisites. Check the admission requirements for the master’s in counseling programs that interest you.\n2. Earn a Master of Mental Health Counseling Degree\nTo become a mental health counselor in most states, \nyou must possess a master’s in counseling\n, though the name of this degree may vary by program. \nEarning your degree in mental health counseling from an institution accredited by the\nCouncil for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)\nindicates that the program’s content and quality meet the high standards set forth by the mental health profession. Though CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor, a CACREP-accredited degree is not required in every state. Be sure to check with your state board for more information.\n3. Pass Licensing Exams\nThere are many states that require potential mental health counselors to pass one or more\nNational Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exams\n, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Applicants may also be required to pass state-specific examinations, though this will vary by state.\n4. Complete Supervised Clinical Experience\nBefore you earn mental health counseling licensure, you must gain hands-on experience through graduate and post-graduate internships under the supervision of licensed counselors. \nStates may require between 2,000 to 3,000 clinical hours\nfor some levels of licensure. Students will need to obtain an initial license, which allows them to be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner during post-degree practice and can be viewed as a temporary professional license. The name of this license may vary by state and include Associate Licensed Counselor or Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern.\n5. Apply for Licensure  \nPassing your licensing exam is a big step in your journey. Next, you need to apply for a mental health license in your state. This will be considered as an independent practice license. Specific licensing requirements vary between states, so it is essential to follow the state’s counseling board guidelines where you want to practice.\n6. Seek Additional Mental Health Counseling Certifications\nApplicants may opt to apply to become a\nNational Certified Counselor (NCC) through the NBCC\n. This is typically voluntary, though some states may require it prior to licensure. However, certification requirements may differ from licensure requirements; applicants should check with the NBCC for more information.\nOnce licensed, you may apply for mental health counseling certifications. The NBCC offers a \nCertified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification\n for counselors who have completed a 60-credit graduate degree, are already an NCC and have at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience.\n7. Maintain Your Mental Health Counselor License \nAs a licensed mental health counselor, you may want to stay up-to-date on trends and changes in the mental health field. Continued education may help you provide the best care for your client. For this reason, your state may require you to earn continuing education hours regularly.\nHow Long Does it Take to Become a Mental Health Counselor?\nHow long do you go to school to be a mental health counselor?\n Like many other healthcare professions, mental health counseling requires a four-year undergraduate degree as a foundation. This bachelor’s degree is usually in counseling, psychology or a related field. \nTo work as a licensed professional mental health counselor, you will likely need a master’s degree. This advanced mental health counseling degree may take an additional one to four years of postgraduate study depending on your program choice, type of enrollment and how often you take courses. You must also complete your clinical hours during a specified period per state guidelines. For example, the \nCalifornia Board of Behavioral Services\n stipulates a licensed professional clinical counseling candidate complete 3,000 hours over a minimum of 104 weeks. \nMental Health Counselor Salary and Job Outlook\nCurious as to what licensed mental health counselor jobs pay? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the\nmedian annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors was $59,190 in May 2024.\nAlthough a master’s in mental health counseling is a requirement to gain licensure, you may find quite a range in salary for these professional roles. Mental health counselor salaries may vary widely by role and by locale.\nThe BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034,\nwhich is much faster than the average for all occupations.\nMental Health Counseling Career FAQ\nYour interest in mental health counselor careers may be accompanied by many questions. Below are a few questions about jobs in mental health counseling.\nWhat Qualifications Do You Need to be a Mental Health Counselor? \nIf you want to become a licensed mental health counselor (license titles vary by state), you’ll typically need a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. States may also require specific graduate coursework (and an internship\/practicum) as part of that degree, so it’s important to review your state board’s requirements before enrolling.\nEducation credit requirements vary: many states use a\n60-semester-hour standard\nfor licensure-qualifying counseling programs, while some jurisdictions have (or previously had) 48-hour pathways and may still recognize them under certain conditions. Because requirements differ, always confirm the exact credit-hour and course-distribution rules with the state where you plan to practice.\nProgram accreditation can matter, too.\nCACREP\nis widely recognized in the counseling field and may simplify licensure review in some states; a few states explicitly require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure.\nDo You Need a Master’s to be a Mental Health Counselor?\nMany people wonder, “\nWhat degree do you need to be a mental health counselor?\n” You do need a master’s degree if you wish to be a licensed mental health counselor. Some states require specific coursework to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling. \nThe \nmajority of states mandate the completion of 60 semester hours of graduate work,\nincluding a minimum of a 48-semester-hour master’s degree from an accredited program. CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor in the field. Be sure to check with your state board to see if this is required.\nWhere Do Mental Health Counselors Work?\nMental health counselors may work in hospitals, clinics, substance abuse centers or residential mental health facilities. In addition, you may find a licensed professional counselor working in government roles, private practice, schools and in companies’ employee assistance programs. Most mental health counselors work full-time. Some employed at inpatient facilities may work various shifts that include evenings, nights and weekends.\nIs a Mental Health Counselor a Good Career?\nThe demand for mental health counselors is increasing.\nThe BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034.\nHowever, whether a mental health counseling career is a good fit for you is a subjective question—many personal variables play a role.\nYou’ll want to consider the job growth outlook, day-to-day duties and education requirements when considering a career in mental health counseling, as well as what jobs are similar to mental health counseling. Other positions that may interest you include health educators, community health workers, \nsocial workers\n and school counselors.\nThe number of people in the United States experiencing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, is increasing. A recent report from the nonprofit\nMental Health America\nfound that the “number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed,” and that there is an unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults.\nInformation last updated: January 2026","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/become-mental-health-counselor\/#main-body-content)\n\n[![](https:\/\/whitelabel.2u.com\/cdn\/v1\/0a575abc-4e1a-471c-b99c-239d05349638\/marketing\/logo-1.png)](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/whitelabel.2u.com\/cdn\/v1\/0a575abc-4e1a-471c-b99c-239d05349638\/marketing\/logo-mobile.png)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Become a Social Worker*expand\\_more*](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/become-a-social-worker\/)\n  - [What Is Social Work?](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/become-a-social-worker\/what-is-social-work\/)\n  - [How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker?](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/become-a-social-worker\/how-long-does-it-take\/)\n  - [LMSW vs. LCSW: What’s the difference?](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/become-a-social-worker\/lmsw-vs-lcsw\/)\n  - [Macro, Mezzo, and Micro Social Work](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/become-a-social-worker\/macro-mezzo-and-micro-social-work\/)\n  - [NASW](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/become-a-social-worker\/nasw\/)\n- [Social Work Degrees*expand\\_more*](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/)\n  - [Associate Degree in Social Work (ASW)](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/associates-degree-in-social-work\/)\n  - [Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)*expand\\_more*](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/bachelor-of-social-work-programs\/)\n    - [Online BSW Programs](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/bachelor-of-social-work-programs\/online-bsw\/)\n  - [Online MSW Programs*expand\\_more*](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/)\n    - [Online Clinical MSW Programs](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/licensed-clinical-lcsw\/)\n    - [Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/advanced-standing\/)\n    - [Online MSW Programs with No GRE Required](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/social-work-programs-no-gre\/)\n    - [MSW@Denver](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/university-of-denver-online-master-of-social-work\/)\n    - [SocialWork@Simmons](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/simmons-university-online-master-of-social-work\/)\n    - [Howard University’s Online MSW](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/howard-university-online-master-of-social-work\/)\n    - [Syracuse University’s Online MSW](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/syracuse-university-online-master-of-social-work\/)\n    - [Is an Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Degree Worth it?](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/online-msw-programs\/is-an-online-masters-in-social-work-msw-degree-worth-it\/)\n  - [Master of Social Work Programs*expand\\_more*](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/)\n    - [MSW Programs in California](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/msw-programs-california\/)\n    - [MSW Programs in Colorado](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/msw-programs-colorado\/)\n    - [MSW Programs in Massachusetts](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/msw-programs-massachusetts\/)\n    - [MSW Programs in New York](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/msw-programs-new-york\/)\n    - [MSW Programs in Ohio](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/msw-programs-ohio\/)\n    - [MSW Programs in Texas](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/msw-programs-texas\/)\n    - [MSW vs LCSW](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/msw-vs-lcsw\/)\n    - [What is a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree?](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/master-of-social-work-programs\/what-is-msw-degree\/)\n    - [What Can I Do with an MSW Degree? 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[Counseling Licensure](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/counseling-licensure-requirements\/)\n  - [Benefits of a Part-Time MSW Program](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/part-time-msw-benefits\/)\n  - [Comparing Social Service Degrees](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/comparing-social-service-degrees\/)\n    - [MSW vs. MPH](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/comparing-social-service-degrees\/master-of-social-work-versus-master-of-public-health\/)\n    - [Social Work vs. Counseling](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/comparing-social-service-degrees\/social-work-vs-counseling\/)\n    - [Master’s in Social Work vs. Master’s in Psychology](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/comparing-social-service-degrees\/social-work-vs-psychology\/)\n    - [Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs Online](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/comparing-social-service-degrees\/ba-psychology\/)\n    - [Master’s Degree in Counseling](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/comparing-social-service-degrees\/masters-degree-in-counseling\/)\n  - [How to Become a School Counselor](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/become-school-counselor\/)\n  - [School Counselor Salary](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/school-counselor-salary\/)\n  - [Become a Mental Health Counselor](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/become-mental-health-counselor\/)\n  - [Advantages of Veterinary Social Work](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/veterinary-social-work-benefits\/)\n  - [Practicing Anti-Racism in Social Work: A Guide](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/anti-racism-guide\/)\n  - [Social Work License Exam Prep](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-license-exam-prep\/)\n  - [Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Work](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/theories-and-practice-models\/)\n    - [Theoretical Approaches in Social Work: Systems Theory](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/theories-and-practice-models\/systems-theory\/)\n  - [Social Learning Theory](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-learning-theory-and-its-importance-to-social-work\/)\n  - [Social Worker Interview Series](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-expert-interview-series\/)\n    - [Sarah Frazell on Racism](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-expert-interview-series\/sarah-frazell-lcsw-on-racism\/)\n    - [Lisa Primm on Macro Social Work](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-expert-interview-series\/lisa-primm-benefits-of-macro\/)\n    - [Jessica Holton on Working With Clients Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-expert-interview-series\/jessica-holton-social-work-with-deaf\/)\n    - [Cornell Davis III on Misperceptions About the Child Welfare Field](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-expert-interview-series\/cornell-davis-child-welfare-social-work\/)\n    - [Morgan Gregg on Working with Law Enforcement](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-expert-interview-series\/morgan-gregg-social-work-and-law-enforcement\/)\n  - [Social Work Grants](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-grants\/)\n  - [Social Work Scholarships](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-scholarships\/)\n  - [Social Work Internships](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-internships\/)\n  - [Social Work Organizations](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-organizations\/)\n  - [Social Work Volunteer Opportunities](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/social-work-volunteer-opportunities\/)\n  - [Social Work Student and Professional Toolbox](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/toolbox\/)\n    - [Social Worker Blogs](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/toolbox\/blogs\/)\n    - [Social Work Podcasts](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/toolbox\/podcasts\/)\n    - [Social Workers on Twitter](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/toolbox\/twitter\/)\n    - [Ethnic and Minority Social Work Resources](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/toolbox\/minority-resources\/)\n    - [Resources for LGBTQIA Social Work](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/toolbox\/lgbtqia\/)\n  - [Mental Health Resources List](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/mental-health-resources-list\/)\n\n# What Are the Requirements to Become a Mental Health Counselor?\nIf you are considering a career in mental health counseling, becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) may be an ideal path for you. Answers about education requirements and how to become a mental health counselor are discussed below.\n\n## Sponsored online social work programs\n## New York University\ninfoAD\n### master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness\nNYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to work with diverse clients to create lives of health and meaning.\n\n- Prepare to become a mental health counselor\n- Accredited by the MPCAC\n- As few as 21 months to complete\n- GRE not required\n\n[Request more info from NYU Steinhardt.](https:\/\/info.counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu\/requestinfo\/mhc\/?lsrc=licensemap&l=become-mental-health-counselor)\n\ninfoAD\n\n## What Is Mental Health Counseling?\n**Mental health counseling helps individuals and communities address their emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns in a safe environment with licensed mental health counselors and professionals.**\n\nWhat does a mental health counselor do? A mental health counselor’s duties and responsibilities may include diagnosing mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, developing therapies and providing treatment to:\n\n- Individuals\n- Couples\n- Families\n- Groups\n- Specific populations such as children or the elderly\n\nPursuing a mental health counselor career and becoming an LMHC may allow you the option to focus on any number of specializations.\n### Types of Mental Health Specializations\nThe mental health counseling field offers specializations for those who wish to focus on one or more areas of mental health.\n\n- **Substance abuse counselors and addiction counselors:** This type of mental health counselor works with clients with a chemical dependency on alcohol, drugs and\/or other addictions. Because substance abuse may affect many facets of a person’s life, a counselor in this specialty may work with clients and their families. Court-ordered treatment, interventions and 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are common elements in some addiction treatments. These counselors may also address gambling, sex, shopping, food and other addictions.\n- **Behavior disorder counselors:** This type of counselor may help clients deal with behavior disorders that can be disruptive at school and at home, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD).\n- **Licensed mental health counselors (LMHC):** A licensed mental health counselor addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, and develops treatment plans for their clients to develop coping mechanisms and learn to successfully live with their diagnosis. This role requires passing licensing exams per state regulations.\n- **Licensed professional counselor (LPC):** Although this type of counselor can provide mental health care, these professionals may focus on other forms of non-mental-health counseling like rehabilitation and career counseling. Depending on the state where you work, becoming an LPC may require a license to practice any form of counseling.\n- **Licensed clinical counselor:** A licensed clinical professional counselor provides therapy services to clients in addition to taking on a supervisory role. These professionals may also work in research and training staff.\n- **Licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC):** This mental health professional provides services to individuals and groups. Treatments mirror those used by other mental health counselors.\n## Common Steps to Becoming a Mental Health Counselor\nSince every journey is unique, the steps you take to become a licensed mental health counselor may differ from your peers. However, the steps below reflect a typical path. Please note that the LMHC title differs from state to state and as such, may be called by another title elsewhere. Be sure to check the mental health [counseling licensing requirements in the state in which you want to practice](https:\/\/www.counseling.org\/knowledge-center\/licensure-requirements) before taking any steps toward becoming a mental health counselor. **Individual state requirements will vary and are subject to change, including licensure standards, exam eligibility and appropriate pathways, and may differ based on individual student backgrounds.**\n\nThose looking to become mental health counselors should conduct their own due diligence to determine the appropriate pathway and license type for their state of practice.\n\n### 1\\. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree\nStudents pursuing careers as mental health counselors typically begin with an undergraduate degree in a counseling-related field, such as psychology or sociology.  \n  \nTaking a mental health counseling curriculum that includes courses such as lifespan human development and abnormal psychology early in your program may give you an advantage as you advance to graduate work. However, a bachelor’s degree in a different field, like a [Bachelor of Social Work](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/bachelor-of-social-work-programs\/online-bsw\/), may meet a graduate program’s prerequisites. Check the admission requirements for the master’s in counseling programs that interest you.\n\n### 2\\. Earn a Master of Mental Health Counseling Degree\nTo become a mental health counselor in most states, [you must possess a master’s in counseling](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/comparing-social-service-degrees\/masters-degree-in-counseling\/), though the name of this degree may vary by program.\n\nEarning your degree in mental health counseling from an institution accredited by the [Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)](https:\/\/www.cacrep.org\/) indicates that the program’s content and quality meet the high standards set forth by the mental health profession. Though CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor, a CACREP-accredited degree is not required in every state. Be sure to check with your state board for more information.\n\n### 3\\. Pass Licensing Exams\nThere are many states that require potential mental health counselors to pass one or more [National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exams](https:\/\/www.nbcc.org\/exams), such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Applicants may also be required to pass state-specific examinations, though this will vary by state.\n\n### 4\\. Complete Supervised Clinical Experience\nBefore you earn mental health counseling licensure, you must gain hands-on experience through graduate and post-graduate internships under the supervision of licensed counselors.\n\n[States may require between 2,000 to 3,000 clinical hours](https:\/\/www.counseling.org\/resources\/licensure-requirements\/clinical-experience) for some levels of licensure. Students will need to obtain an initial license, which allows them to be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner during post-degree practice and can be viewed as a temporary professional license. The name of this license may vary by state and include Associate Licensed Counselor or Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern.\n\n### 5\\. Apply for Licensure\nPassing your licensing exam is a big step in your journey. Next, you need to apply for a mental health license in your state. This will be considered as an independent practice license. Specific licensing requirements vary between states, so it is essential to follow the state’s counseling board guidelines where you want to practice.\n\n### 6\\. Seek Additional Mental Health Counseling Certifications\nApplicants may opt to apply to become a [National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the NBCC](https:\/\/nbcc.org\/certification\/ncc). This is typically voluntary, though some states may require it prior to licensure. However, certification requirements may differ from licensure requirements; applicants should check with the NBCC for more information.\n\nOnce licensed, you may apply for mental health counseling certifications. The NBCC offers a [Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification](https:\/\/www.nbcc.org\/certification\/ccmhc) for counselors who have completed a 60-credit graduate degree, are already an NCC and have at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience.\n\n### 7\\. Maintain Your Mental Health Counselor License\nAs a licensed mental health counselor, you may want to stay up-to-date on trends and changes in the mental health field. Continued education may help you provide the best care for your client. For this reason, your state may require you to earn continuing education hours regularly.\n## How Long Does it Take to Become a Mental Health Counselor?\n*How long do you go to school to be a mental health counselor?* Like many other healthcare professions, mental health counseling requires a four-year undergraduate degree as a foundation. This bachelor’s degree is usually in counseling, psychology or a related field.\n\nTo work as a licensed professional mental health counselor, you will likely need a master’s degree. This advanced mental health counseling degree may take an additional one to four years of postgraduate study depending on your program choice, type of enrollment and how often you take courses. You must also complete your clinical hours during a specified period per state guidelines. For example, the [California Board of Behavioral Services](https:\/\/www.bbs.ca.gov\/applicants\/lpcc.html) stipulates a licensed professional clinical counseling candidate complete 3,000 hours over a minimum of 104 weeks.\n\n## Mental Health Counselor Salary and Job Outlook\nCurious as to what licensed mental health counselor jobs pay? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the [median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors was \\$59,190 in May 2024.](https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/community-and-social-service\/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-1)\n\nAlthough a master’s in mental health counseling is a requirement to gain licensure, you may find quite a range in salary for these professional roles. Mental health counselor salaries may vary widely by role and by locale.\n\n[The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034,](https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/community-and-social-service\/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6) which is much faster than the average for all occupations.\n\n## Mental Health Counseling Career FAQ\nYour interest in mental health counselor careers may be accompanied by many questions. Below are a few questions about jobs in mental health counseling.\n\n**What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Mental Health Counselor?**\n\nIf you want to become a licensed mental health counselor (license titles vary by state), you’ll typically need a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. States may also require specific graduate coursework (and an internship\/practicum) as part of that degree, so it’s important to review your state board’s requirements before enrolling.  \n  \nEducation credit requirements vary: many states use a [60-semester-hour standard](https:\/\/www.cacrep.org\/) for licensure-qualifying counseling programs, while some jurisdictions have (or previously had) 48-hour pathways and may still recognize them under certain conditions. Because requirements differ, always confirm the exact credit-hour and course-distribution rules with the state where you plan to practice.  \n  \nProgram accreditation can matter, too. [CACREP](https:\/\/www.cacrep.org\/) is widely recognized in the counseling field and may simplify licensure review in some states; a few states explicitly require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure.\n\n**Do You Need a Master’s to be a Mental Health Counselor?**\n\nMany people wonder, “*What degree do you need to be a mental health counselor?*” You do need a master’s degree if you wish to be a licensed mental health counselor. Some states require specific coursework to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling.   \n  \nThe [majority of states mandate the completion of 60 semester hours of graduate work,](https:\/\/www.counseling.org\/knowledge-center\/licensure-requirements\/education-accreditation\/) including a minimum of a 48-semester-hour master’s degree from an accredited program. CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor in the field. Be sure to check with your state board to see if this is required.\n\n**Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work?**\n\nMental health counselors may work in hospitals, clinics, substance abuse centers or residential mental health facilities. In addition, you may find a licensed professional counselor working in government roles, private practice, schools and in companies’ employee assistance programs. Most mental health counselors work full-time. Some employed at inpatient facilities may work various shifts that include evenings, nights and weekends.\n\n**Is a Mental Health Counselor a Good Career?**\n\nThe demand for mental health counselors is increasing. [The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034.](https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/community-and-social-service\/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6) However, whether a mental health counseling career is a good fit for you is a subjective question—many personal variables play a role.  \n  \nYou’ll want to consider the job growth outlook, day-to-day duties and education requirements when considering a career in mental health counseling, as well as what jobs are similar to mental health counseling. Other positions that may interest you include health educators, community health workers, [social workers](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-careers\/) and school counselors.  \n  \nThe number of people in the United States experiencing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, is increasing. A recent report from the nonprofit [Mental Health America](https:\/\/www.mhanational.org\/issues\/state-mental-health-america) found that the “number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed,” and that there is an unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults.\n\n*Information last updated: January 2026*\n\n- [Become a Social Worker](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/become-a-social-worker\/)\n- [Social Work Degree Online Guide](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/)\n- [Social Work Licensure](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-licensure\/)\n- [Social Work Careers](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-careers\/)\n- [Resources](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/blog\/)\n- [About edX](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/about-2u\/)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/terms-of-use\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n- [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/cookie-policy\/)\n- [Your Privacy Choices](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/become-mental-health-counselor\/)\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/sitemap_index.xml)\n\n![](https:\/\/whitelabel.2u.com\/cdn\/v1\/0a575abc-4e1a-471c-b99c-239d05349638\/marketing\/logo-footer.png)\n***\n© 2026\n\n[edX.org](https:\/\/www.edx.org\/)\n\nSocialWorkLicenseMap.com and edX are owned by 2U, LLC.","attrs_readable_markdown":"What Are the Requirements to Become a Mental Health Counselor?\n\nIf you are considering a career in mental health counseling, becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) may be an ideal path for you. Answers about education requirements and how to become a mental health counselor are discussed below.\n\n## New York University\ninfoAD\n### master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness\nNYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to work with diverse clients to create lives of health and meaning.\n\n- Prepare to become a mental health counselor\n- Accredited by the MPCAC\n- As few as 21 months to complete\n- GRE not required\n\nWhat Is Mental Health Counseling?\n\n**Mental health counseling helps individuals and communities address their emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns in a safe environment with licensed mental health counselors and professionals.**\n\nWhat does a mental health counselor do? A mental health counselor’s duties and responsibilities may include diagnosing mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, developing therapies and providing treatment to:\n\n- Individuals\n- Couples\n- Families\n- Groups\n- Specific populations such as children or the elderly\n\nPursuing a mental health counselor career and becoming an LMHC may allow you the option to focus on any number of specializations.\n\nTypes of Mental Health Specializations\n\nThe mental health counseling field offers specializations for those who wish to focus on one or more areas of mental health.\n\n- **Substance abuse counselors and addiction counselors:** This type of mental health counselor works with clients with a chemical dependency on alcohol, drugs and\/or other addictions. Because substance abuse may affect many facets of a person’s life, a counselor in this specialty may work with clients and their families. Court-ordered treatment, interventions and 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are common elements in some addiction treatments. These counselors may also address gambling, sex, shopping, food and other addictions.\n- **Behavior disorder counselors:** This type of counselor may help clients deal with behavior disorders that can be disruptive at school and at home, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD).\n- **Licensed mental health counselors (LMHC):** A licensed mental health counselor addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, and develops treatment plans for their clients to develop coping mechanisms and learn to successfully live with their diagnosis. This role requires passing licensing exams per state regulations.\n- **Licensed professional counselor (LPC):** Although this type of counselor can provide mental health care, these professionals may focus on other forms of non-mental-health counseling like rehabilitation and career counseling. Depending on the state where you work, becoming an LPC may require a license to practice any form of counseling.\n- **Licensed clinical counselor:** A licensed clinical professional counselor provides therapy services to clients in addition to taking on a supervisory role. These professionals may also work in research and training staff.\n- **Licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC):** This mental health professional provides services to individuals and groups. Treatments mirror those used by other mental health counselors.\n\nCommon Steps to Becoming a Mental Health Counselor\n\nSince every journey is unique, the steps you take to become a licensed mental health counselor may differ from your peers. However, the steps below reflect a typical path. Please note that the LMHC title differs from state to state and as such, may be called by another title elsewhere. Be sure to check the mental health [counseling licensing requirements in the state in which you want to practice](https:\/\/www.counseling.org\/knowledge-center\/licensure-requirements) before taking any steps toward becoming a mental health counselor. **Individual state requirements will vary and are subject to change, including licensure standards, exam eligibility and appropriate pathways, and may differ based on individual student backgrounds.**\n\nThose looking to become mental health counselors should conduct their own due diligence to determine the appropriate pathway and license type for their state of practice.\n\n1\\. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree\n\nStudents pursuing careers as mental health counselors typically begin with an undergraduate degree in a counseling-related field, such as psychology or sociology.\n\nTaking a mental health counseling curriculum that includes courses such as lifespan human development and abnormal psychology early in your program may give you an advantage as you advance to graduate work. However, a bachelor’s degree in a different field, like a [Bachelor of Social Work](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-degrees\/bachelor-of-social-work-programs\/online-bsw\/), may meet a graduate program’s prerequisites. Check the admission requirements for the master’s in counseling programs that interest you.\n\n2\\. Earn a Master of Mental Health Counseling Degree\n\nTo become a mental health counselor in most states, [you must possess a master’s in counseling](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-resources\/comparing-social-service-degrees\/masters-degree-in-counseling\/), though the name of this degree may vary by program.\n\nEarning your degree in mental health counseling from an institution accredited by the [Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)](https:\/\/www.cacrep.org\/) indicates that the program’s content and quality meet the high standards set forth by the mental health profession. Though CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor, a CACREP-accredited degree is not required in every state. Be sure to check with your state board for more information.\n\n3\\. Pass Licensing Exams\n\nThere are many states that require potential mental health counselors to pass one or more [National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exams](https:\/\/www.nbcc.org\/exams), such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Applicants may also be required to pass state-specific examinations, though this will vary by state.\n\n4\\. Complete Supervised Clinical Experience\n\nBefore you earn mental health counseling licensure, you must gain hands-on experience through graduate and post-graduate internships under the supervision of licensed counselors.\n\n[States may require between 2,000 to 3,000 clinical hours](https:\/\/www.counseling.org\/resources\/licensure-requirements\/clinical-experience) for some levels of licensure. Students will need to obtain an initial license, which allows them to be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner during post-degree practice and can be viewed as a temporary professional license. The name of this license may vary by state and include Associate Licensed Counselor or Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern.\n\n5\\. Apply for Licensure\n\nPassing your licensing exam is a big step in your journey. Next, you need to apply for a mental health license in your state. This will be considered as an independent practice license. Specific licensing requirements vary between states, so it is essential to follow the state’s counseling board guidelines where you want to practice.\n\n6\\. Seek Additional Mental Health Counseling Certifications\n\nApplicants may opt to apply to become a [National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the NBCC](https:\/\/nbcc.org\/certification\/ncc). This is typically voluntary, though some states may require it prior to licensure. However, certification requirements may differ from licensure requirements; applicants should check with the NBCC for more information.\n\nOnce licensed, you may apply for mental health counseling certifications. The NBCC offers a [Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification](https:\/\/www.nbcc.org\/certification\/ccmhc) for counselors who have completed a 60-credit graduate degree, are already an NCC and have at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience.\n\n7\\. Maintain Your Mental Health Counselor License\n\nAs a licensed mental health counselor, you may want to stay up-to-date on trends and changes in the mental health field. Continued education may help you provide the best care for your client. For this reason, your state may require you to earn continuing education hours regularly.\n\nHow Long Does it Take to Become a Mental Health Counselor?\n\n*How long do you go to school to be a mental health counselor?* Like many other healthcare professions, mental health counseling requires a four-year undergraduate degree as a foundation. This bachelor’s degree is usually in counseling, psychology or a related field.\n\nTo work as a licensed professional mental health counselor, you will likely need a master’s degree. This advanced mental health counseling degree may take an additional one to four years of postgraduate study depending on your program choice, type of enrollment and how often you take courses. You must also complete your clinical hours during a specified period per state guidelines. For example, the [California Board of Behavioral Services](https:\/\/www.bbs.ca.gov\/applicants\/lpcc.html) stipulates a licensed professional clinical counseling candidate complete 3,000 hours over a minimum of 104 weeks.\n\nMental Health Counselor Salary and Job Outlook\n\nCurious as to what licensed mental health counselor jobs pay? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the [median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors was \\$59,190 in May 2024.](https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/community-and-social-service\/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-1)\n\nAlthough a master’s in mental health counseling is a requirement to gain licensure, you may find quite a range in salary for these professional roles. Mental health counselor salaries may vary widely by role and by locale.\n\n[The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034,](https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/community-and-social-service\/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6) which is much faster than the average for all occupations.\n\nMental Health Counseling Career FAQ\n\nYour interest in mental health counselor careers may be accompanied by many questions. Below are a few questions about jobs in mental health counseling.\n\n**What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Mental Health Counselor?**\n\nIf you want to become a licensed mental health counselor (license titles vary by state), you’ll typically need a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. States may also require specific graduate coursework (and an internship\/practicum) as part of that degree, so it’s important to review your state board’s requirements before enrolling.\n\nEducation credit requirements vary: many states use a [60-semester-hour standard](https:\/\/www.cacrep.org\/) for licensure-qualifying counseling programs, while some jurisdictions have (or previously had) 48-hour pathways and may still recognize them under certain conditions. Because requirements differ, always confirm the exact credit-hour and course-distribution rules with the state where you plan to practice.\n\nProgram accreditation can matter, too. [CACREP](https:\/\/www.cacrep.org\/) is widely recognized in the counseling field and may simplify licensure review in some states; a few states explicitly require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure.\n\n**Do You Need a Master’s to be a Mental Health Counselor?**\n\nMany people wonder, “*What degree do you need to be a mental health counselor?*” You do need a master’s degree if you wish to be a licensed mental health counselor. Some states require specific coursework to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling.\n\nThe [majority of states mandate the completion of 60 semester hours of graduate work,](https:\/\/www.counseling.org\/knowledge-center\/licensure-requirements\/education-accreditation\/) including a minimum of a 48-semester-hour master’s degree from an accredited program. CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor in the field. Be sure to check with your state board to see if this is required.\n\n**Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work?**\n\nMental health counselors may work in hospitals, clinics, substance abuse centers or residential mental health facilities. In addition, you may find a licensed professional counselor working in government roles, private practice, schools and in companies’ employee assistance programs. Most mental health counselors work full-time. Some employed at inpatient facilities may work various shifts that include evenings, nights and weekends.\n\n**Is a Mental Health Counselor a Good Career?**\n\nThe demand for mental health counselors is increasing. [The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034.](https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/community-and-social-service\/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6) However, whether a mental health counseling career is a good fit for you is a subjective question—many personal variables play a role.\n\nYou’ll want to consider the job growth outlook, day-to-day duties and education requirements when considering a career in mental health counseling, as well as what jobs are similar to mental health counseling. Other positions that may interest you include health educators, community health workers, [social workers](https:\/\/socialworklicensemap.com\/social-work-careers\/) and school counselors.\n\nThe number of people in the United States experiencing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, is increasing. A recent report from the nonprofit [Mental Health America](https:\/\/www.mhanational.org\/issues\/state-mental-health-america) found that the “number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed,” and that there is an unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults.\n\n*Information last updated: January 2026*","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
Meta Description	Discover steps to becoming a mental health counselor, including education requirements. Do you need a master’s to become a mental health counselor? Find out with this guide.
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Boilerpipe Text	What Are the Requirements to Become a Mental Health Counselor? If you are considering a career in mental health counseling, becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) may be an ideal path for you. Answers about education requirements and how to become a mental health counselor are discussed below. New York University info AD master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to work with diverse clients to create lives of health and meaning. Prepare to become a mental health counselor Accredited by the MPCAC As few as 21 months to complete GRE not required What Is Mental Health Counseling? Mental health counseling helps individuals and communities address their emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns in a safe environment with licensed mental health counselors and professionals. What does a mental health counselor do? A mental health counselor’s duties and responsibilities may include diagnosing mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, developing therapies and providing treatment to: Individuals Couples Families Groups Specific populations such as children or the elderly Pursuing a mental health counselor career and becoming an LMHC may allow you the option to focus on any number of specializations. Types of Mental Health Specializations The mental health counseling field offers specializations for those who wish to focus on one or more areas of mental health. Substance abuse counselors and addiction counselors: This type of mental health counselor works with clients with a chemical dependency on alcohol, drugs and/or other addictions. Because substance abuse may affect many facets of a person’s life, a counselor in this specialty may work with clients and their families. Court-ordered treatment, interventions and 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are common elements in some addiction treatments. These counselors may also address gambling, sex, shopping, food and other addictions. Behavior disorder counselors: This type of counselor may help clients deal with behavior disorders that can be disruptive at school and at home, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD). Licensed mental health counselors (LMHC): A licensed mental health counselor addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, and develops treatment plans for their clients to develop coping mechanisms and learn to successfully live with their diagnosis. This role requires passing licensing exams per state regulations. Licensed professional counselor (LPC): Although this type of counselor can provide mental health care, these professionals may focus on other forms of non-mental-health counseling like rehabilitation and career counseling. Depending on the state where you work, becoming an LPC may require a license to practice any form of counseling. Licensed clinical counselor: A licensed clinical professional counselor provides therapy services to clients in addition to taking on a supervisory role. These professionals may also work in research and training staff. Licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC): This mental health professional provides services to individuals and groups. Treatments mirror those used by other mental health counselors. Common Steps to Becoming a Mental Health Counselor Since every journey is unique, the steps you take to become a licensed mental health counselor may differ from your peers. However, the steps below reflect a typical path. Please note that the LMHC title differs from state to state and as such, may be called by another title elsewhere. Be sure to check the mental health counseling licensing requirements in the state in which you want to practice before taking any steps toward becoming a mental health counselor. Individual state requirements will vary and are subject to change, including licensure standards, exam eligibility and appropriate pathways, and may differ based on individual student backgrounds. Those looking to become mental health counselors should conduct their own due diligence to determine the appropriate pathway and license type for their state of practice. 1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree Students pursuing careers as mental health counselors typically begin with an undergraduate degree in a counseling-related field, such as psychology or sociology. Taking a mental health counseling curriculum that includes courses such as lifespan human development and abnormal psychology early in your program may give you an advantage as you advance to graduate work. However, a bachelor’s degree in a different field, like a Bachelor of Social Work , may meet a graduate program’s prerequisites. Check the admission requirements for the master’s in counseling programs that interest you. 2. Earn a Master of Mental Health Counseling Degree To become a mental health counselor in most states, you must possess a master’s in counseling , though the name of this degree may vary by program. Earning your degree in mental health counseling from an institution accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) indicates that the program’s content and quality meet the high standards set forth by the mental health profession. Though CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor, a CACREP-accredited degree is not required in every state. Be sure to check with your state board for more information. 3. Pass Licensing Exams There are many states that require potential mental health counselors to pass one or more National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exams , such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Applicants may also be required to pass state-specific examinations, though this will vary by state. 4. Complete Supervised Clinical Experience Before you earn mental health counseling licensure, you must gain hands-on experience through graduate and post-graduate internships under the supervision of licensed counselors. States may require between 2,000 to 3,000 clinical hours for some levels of licensure. Students will need to obtain an initial license, which allows them to be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner during post-degree practice and can be viewed as a temporary professional license. The name of this license may vary by state and include Associate Licensed Counselor or Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. 5. Apply for Licensure Passing your licensing exam is a big step in your journey. Next, you need to apply for a mental health license in your state. This will be considered as an independent practice license. Specific licensing requirements vary between states, so it is essential to follow the state’s counseling board guidelines where you want to practice. 6. Seek Additional Mental Health Counseling Certifications Applicants may opt to apply to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the NBCC . This is typically voluntary, though some states may require it prior to licensure. However, certification requirements may differ from licensure requirements; applicants should check with the NBCC for more information. Once licensed, you may apply for mental health counseling certifications. The NBCC offers a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification for counselors who have completed a 60-credit graduate degree, are already an NCC and have at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience. 7. Maintain Your Mental Health Counselor License As a licensed mental health counselor, you may want to stay up-to-date on trends and changes in the mental health field. Continued education may help you provide the best care for your client. For this reason, your state may require you to earn continuing education hours regularly. How Long Does it Take to Become a Mental Health Counselor? How long do you go to school to be a mental health counselor? Like many other healthcare professions, mental health counseling requires a four-year undergraduate degree as a foundation. This bachelor’s degree is usually in counseling, psychology or a related field. To work as a licensed professional mental health counselor, you will likely need a master’s degree. This advanced mental health counseling degree may take an additional one to four years of postgraduate study depending on your program choice, type of enrollment and how often you take courses. You must also complete your clinical hours during a specified period per state guidelines. For example, the California Board of Behavioral Services stipulates a licensed professional clinical counseling candidate complete 3,000 hours over a minimum of 104 weeks. Mental Health Counselor Salary and Job Outlook Curious as to what licensed mental health counselor jobs pay? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors was $59,190 in May 2024. Although a master’s in mental health counseling is a requirement to gain licensure, you may find quite a range in salary for these professional roles. Mental health counselor salaries may vary widely by role and by locale. The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Mental Health Counseling Career FAQ Your interest in mental health counselor careers may be accompanied by many questions. Below are a few questions about jobs in mental health counseling. What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Mental Health Counselor? If you want to become a licensed mental health counselor (license titles vary by state), you’ll typically need a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. States may also require specific graduate coursework (and an internship/practicum) as part of that degree, so it’s important to review your state board’s requirements before enrolling. Education credit requirements vary: many states use a 60-semester-hour standard for licensure-qualifying counseling programs, while some jurisdictions have (or previously had) 48-hour pathways and may still recognize them under certain conditions. Because requirements differ, always confirm the exact credit-hour and course-distribution rules with the state where you plan to practice. Program accreditation can matter, too. CACREP is widely recognized in the counseling field and may simplify licensure review in some states; a few states explicitly require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure. Do You Need a Master’s to be a Mental Health Counselor? Many people wonder, “ What degree do you need to be a mental health counselor? ” You do need a master’s degree if you wish to be a licensed mental health counselor. Some states require specific coursework to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling. The majority of states mandate the completion of 60 semester hours of graduate work, including a minimum of a 48-semester-hour master’s degree from an accredited program. CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor in the field. Be sure to check with your state board to see if this is required. Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work? Mental health counselors may work in hospitals, clinics, substance abuse centers or residential mental health facilities. In addition, you may find a licensed professional counselor working in government roles, private practice, schools and in companies’ employee assistance programs. Most mental health counselors work full-time. Some employed at inpatient facilities may work various shifts that include evenings, nights and weekends. Is a Mental Health Counselor a Good Career? The demand for mental health counselors is increasing. The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034. However, whether a mental health counseling career is a good fit for you is a subjective question—many personal variables play a role. You’ll want to consider the job growth outlook, day-to-day duties and education requirements when considering a career in mental health counseling, as well as what jobs are similar to mental health counseling. Other positions that may interest you include health educators, community health workers, social workers and school counselors. The number of people in the United States experiencing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, is increasing. A recent report from the nonprofit Mental Health America found that the “number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed,” and that there is an unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults. Information last updated: January 2026
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[Comparing Social Service Degrees](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/comparing-social-service-degrees/) - [MSW vs. MPH](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/comparing-social-service-degrees/master-of-social-work-versus-master-of-public-health/) - [Social Work vs. Counseling](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/comparing-social-service-degrees/social-work-vs-counseling/) - [Master’s in Social Work vs. Master’s in Psychology](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/comparing-social-service-degrees/social-work-vs-psychology/) - [Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs Online](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/comparing-social-service-degrees/ba-psychology/) - [Master’s Degree in Counseling](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/comparing-social-service-degrees/masters-degree-in-counseling/) - [How to Become a School Counselor](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/become-school-counselor/) - [School Counselor Salary](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/school-counselor-salary/) - [Become a Mental Health Counselor](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/become-mental-health-counselor/) - [Advantages of Veterinary Social Work](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/veterinary-social-work-benefits/) - [Practicing Anti-Racism in Social Work: A Guide](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/anti-racism-guide/) - [Social Work License Exam Prep](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-license-exam-prep/) - [Theories & Practice Models Used in Social Work](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/theories-and-practice-models/) - [Theoretical Approaches in Social Work: Systems Theory](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/theories-and-practice-models/systems-theory/) - [Social Learning Theory](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-learning-theory-and-its-importance-to-social-work/) - [Social Worker Interview Series](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-expert-interview-series/) - [Sarah Frazell on Racism](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-expert-interview-series/sarah-frazell-lcsw-on-racism/) - [Lisa Primm on Macro Social Work](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-expert-interview-series/lisa-primm-benefits-of-macro/) - [Jessica Holton on Working With Clients Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-expert-interview-series/jessica-holton-social-work-with-deaf/) - [Cornell Davis III on Misperceptions About the Child Welfare Field](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-expert-interview-series/cornell-davis-child-welfare-social-work/) - [Morgan Gregg on Working with Law Enforcement](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-expert-interview-series/morgan-gregg-social-work-and-law-enforcement/) - [Social Work Grants](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-grants/) - [Social Work Scholarships](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-scholarships/) - [Social Work Internships](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-internships/) - [Social Work Organizations](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-organizations/) - [Social Work Volunteer Opportunities](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/social-work-volunteer-opportunities/) - [Social Work Student and Professional Toolbox](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/toolbox/) - [Social Worker Blogs](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/toolbox/blogs/) - [Social Work Podcasts](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/toolbox/podcasts/) - [Social Workers on Twitter](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/toolbox/twitter/) - [Ethnic and Minority Social Work Resources](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/toolbox/minority-resources/) - [Resources for LGBTQIA Social Work](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/toolbox/lgbtqia/) - [Mental Health Resources List](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/mental-health-resources-list/) # What Are the Requirements to Become a Mental Health Counselor? If you are considering a career in mental health counseling, becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) may be an ideal path for you. Answers about education requirements and how to become a mental health counselor are discussed below. ## Sponsored online social work programs ## New York University infoAD ### master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to work with diverse clients to create lives of health and meaning. - Prepare to become a mental health counselor - Accredited by the MPCAC - As few as 21 months to complete - GRE not required [Request more info from NYU Steinhardt.](https://info.counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu/requestinfo/mhc/?lsrc=licensemap&l=become-mental-health-counselor) infoAD ## What Is Mental Health Counseling? Mental health counseling helps individuals and communities address their emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns in a safe environment with licensed mental health counselors and professionals. What does a mental health counselor do? A mental health counselor’s duties and responsibilities may include diagnosing mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, developing therapies and providing treatment to: - Individuals - Couples - Families - Groups - Specific populations such as children or the elderly Pursuing a mental health counselor career and becoming an LMHC may allow you the option to focus on any number of specializations. ### Types of Mental Health Specializations The mental health counseling field offers specializations for those who wish to focus on one or more areas of mental health. - Substance abuse counselors and addiction counselors: This type of mental health counselor works with clients with a chemical dependency on alcohol, drugs and/or other addictions. Because substance abuse may affect many facets of a person’s life, a counselor in this specialty may work with clients and their families. Court-ordered treatment, interventions and 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are common elements in some addiction treatments. These counselors may also address gambling, sex, shopping, food and other addictions. - Behavior disorder counselors: This type of counselor may help clients deal with behavior disorders that can be disruptive at school and at home, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD). - Licensed mental health counselors (LMHC): A licensed mental health counselor addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, and develops treatment plans for their clients to develop coping mechanisms and learn to successfully live with their diagnosis. This role requires passing licensing exams per state regulations. - Licensed professional counselor (LPC): Although this type of counselor can provide mental health care, these professionals may focus on other forms of non-mental-health counseling like rehabilitation and career counseling. Depending on the state where you work, becoming an LPC may require a license to practice any form of counseling. - Licensed clinical counselor: A licensed clinical professional counselor provides therapy services to clients in addition to taking on a supervisory role. These professionals may also work in research and training staff. - Licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC): This mental health professional provides services to individuals and groups. Treatments mirror those used by other mental health counselors. ## Common Steps to Becoming a Mental Health Counselor Since every journey is unique, the steps you take to become a licensed mental health counselor may differ from your peers. However, the steps below reflect a typical path. Please note that the LMHC title differs from state to state and as such, may be called by another title elsewhere. Be sure to check the mental health [counseling licensing requirements in the state in which you want to practice](https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements) before taking any steps toward becoming a mental health counselor. Individual state requirements will vary and are subject to change, including licensure standards, exam eligibility and appropriate pathways, and may differ based on individual student backgrounds. Those looking to become mental health counselors should conduct their own due diligence to determine the appropriate pathway and license type for their state of practice. ### 1\. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree Students pursuing careers as mental health counselors typically begin with an undergraduate degree in a counseling-related field, such as psychology or sociology. Taking a mental health counseling curriculum that includes courses such as lifespan human development and abnormal psychology early in your program may give you an advantage as you advance to graduate work. However, a bachelor’s degree in a different field, like a [Bachelor of Social Work](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-degrees/bachelor-of-social-work-programs/online-bsw/), may meet a graduate program’s prerequisites. Check the admission requirements for the master’s in counseling programs that interest you. ### 2\. Earn a Master of Mental Health Counseling Degree To become a mental health counselor in most states, [you must possess a master’s in counseling](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/comparing-social-service-degrees/masters-degree-in-counseling/), though the name of this degree may vary by program. Earning your degree in mental health counseling from an institution accredited by the [Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)](https://www.cacrep.org/) indicates that the program’s content and quality meet the high standards set forth by the mental health profession. Though CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor, a CACREP-accredited degree is not required in every state. Be sure to check with your state board for more information. ### 3\. Pass Licensing Exams There are many states that require potential mental health counselors to pass one or more [National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exams](https://www.nbcc.org/exams), such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Applicants may also be required to pass state-specific examinations, though this will vary by state. ### 4\. Complete Supervised Clinical Experience Before you earn mental health counseling licensure, you must gain hands-on experience through graduate and post-graduate internships under the supervision of licensed counselors. [States may require between 2,000 to 3,000 clinical hours](https://www.counseling.org/resources/licensure-requirements/clinical-experience) for some levels of licensure. Students will need to obtain an initial license, which allows them to be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner during post-degree practice and can be viewed as a temporary professional license. The name of this license may vary by state and include Associate Licensed Counselor or Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. ### 5\. Apply for Licensure Passing your licensing exam is a big step in your journey. Next, you need to apply for a mental health license in your state. This will be considered as an independent practice license. Specific licensing requirements vary between states, so it is essential to follow the state’s counseling board guidelines where you want to practice. ### 6\. Seek Additional Mental Health Counseling Certifications Applicants may opt to apply to become a [National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the NBCC](https://nbcc.org/certification/ncc). This is typically voluntary, though some states may require it prior to licensure. However, certification requirements may differ from licensure requirements; applicants should check with the NBCC for more information. Once licensed, you may apply for mental health counseling certifications. The NBCC offers a [Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification](https://www.nbcc.org/certification/ccmhc) for counselors who have completed a 60-credit graduate degree, are already an NCC and have at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience. ### 7\. Maintain Your Mental Health Counselor License As a licensed mental health counselor, you may want to stay up-to-date on trends and changes in the mental health field. Continued education may help you provide the best care for your client. For this reason, your state may require you to earn continuing education hours regularly. ## How Long Does it Take to Become a Mental Health Counselor? How long do you go to school to be a mental health counselor? Like many other healthcare professions, mental health counseling requires a four-year undergraduate degree as a foundation. This bachelor’s degree is usually in counseling, psychology or a related field. To work as a licensed professional mental health counselor, you will likely need a master’s degree. This advanced mental health counseling degree may take an additional one to four years of postgraduate study depending on your program choice, type of enrollment and how often you take courses. You must also complete your clinical hours during a specified period per state guidelines. For example, the [California Board of Behavioral Services](https://www.bbs.ca.gov/applicants/lpcc.html) stipulates a licensed professional clinical counseling candidate complete 3,000 hours over a minimum of 104 weeks. ## Mental Health Counselor Salary and Job Outlook Curious as to what licensed mental health counselor jobs pay? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the [median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors was \$59,190 in May 2024.](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-1) Although a master’s in mental health counseling is a requirement to gain licensure, you may find quite a range in salary for these professional roles. Mental health counselor salaries may vary widely by role and by locale. [The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034,](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6) which is much faster than the average for all occupations. ## Mental Health Counseling Career FAQ Your interest in mental health counselor careers may be accompanied by many questions. Below are a few questions about jobs in mental health counseling. What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Mental Health Counselor? If you want to become a licensed mental health counselor (license titles vary by state), you’ll typically need a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. States may also require specific graduate coursework (and an internship/practicum) as part of that degree, so it’s important to review your state board’s requirements before enrolling. Education credit requirements vary: many states use a [60-semester-hour standard](https://www.cacrep.org/) for licensure-qualifying counseling programs, while some jurisdictions have (or previously had) 48-hour pathways and may still recognize them under certain conditions. Because requirements differ, always confirm the exact credit-hour and course-distribution rules with the state where you plan to practice. Program accreditation can matter, too. [CACREP](https://www.cacrep.org/) is widely recognized in the counseling field and may simplify licensure review in some states; a few states explicitly require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure. Do You Need a Master’s to be a Mental Health Counselor? Many people wonder, “What degree do you need to be a mental health counselor?” You do need a master’s degree if you wish to be a licensed mental health counselor. Some states require specific coursework to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling. The [majority of states mandate the completion of 60 semester hours of graduate work,](https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements/education-accreditation/) including a minimum of a 48-semester-hour master’s degree from an accredited program. CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor in the field. Be sure to check with your state board to see if this is required. Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work? Mental health counselors may work in hospitals, clinics, substance abuse centers or residential mental health facilities. In addition, you may find a licensed professional counselor working in government roles, private practice, schools and in companies’ employee assistance programs. Most mental health counselors work full-time. Some employed at inpatient facilities may work various shifts that include evenings, nights and weekends. Is a Mental Health Counselor a Good Career? The demand for mental health counselors is increasing. [The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034.](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6) However, whether a mental health counseling career is a good fit for you is a subjective question—many personal variables play a role. You’ll want to consider the job growth outlook, day-to-day duties and education requirements when considering a career in mental health counseling, as well as what jobs are similar to mental health counseling. Other positions that may interest you include health educators, community health workers, [social workers](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-careers/) and school counselors. The number of people in the United States experiencing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, is increasing. A recent report from the nonprofit [Mental Health America](https://www.mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america) found that the “number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed,” and that there is an unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults. 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Readable Markdown	What Are the Requirements to Become a Mental Health Counselor? If you are considering a career in mental health counseling, becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) may be an ideal path for you. Answers about education requirements and how to become a mental health counselor are discussed below. ## New York University infoAD ### master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness NYU Steinhardt’s online master of arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness prepares students to work with diverse clients to create lives of health and meaning. - Prepare to become a mental health counselor - Accredited by the MPCAC - As few as 21 months to complete - GRE not required What Is Mental Health Counseling? Mental health counseling helps individuals and communities address their emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns in a safe environment with licensed mental health counselors and professionals. What does a mental health counselor do? A mental health counselor’s duties and responsibilities may include diagnosing mental, behavioral and emotional disorders, developing therapies and providing treatment to: - Individuals - Couples - Families - Groups - Specific populations such as children or the elderly Pursuing a mental health counselor career and becoming an LMHC may allow you the option to focus on any number of specializations. Types of Mental Health Specializations The mental health counseling field offers specializations for those who wish to focus on one or more areas of mental health. - Substance abuse counselors and addiction counselors: This type of mental health counselor works with clients with a chemical dependency on alcohol, drugs and/or other addictions. Because substance abuse may affect many facets of a person’s life, a counselor in this specialty may work with clients and their families. Court-ordered treatment, interventions and 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are common elements in some addiction treatments. These counselors may also address gambling, sex, shopping, food and other addictions. - Behavior disorder counselors: This type of counselor may help clients deal with behavior disorders that can be disruptive at school and at home, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD). - Licensed mental health counselors (LMHC): A licensed mental health counselor addresses a wide range of mental health concerns, and develops treatment plans for their clients to develop coping mechanisms and learn to successfully live with their diagnosis. This role requires passing licensing exams per state regulations. - Licensed professional counselor (LPC): Although this type of counselor can provide mental health care, these professionals may focus on other forms of non-mental-health counseling like rehabilitation and career counseling. Depending on the state where you work, becoming an LPC may require a license to practice any form of counseling. - Licensed clinical counselor: A licensed clinical professional counselor provides therapy services to clients in addition to taking on a supervisory role. These professionals may also work in research and training staff. - Licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC): This mental health professional provides services to individuals and groups. Treatments mirror those used by other mental health counselors. Common Steps to Becoming a Mental Health Counselor Since every journey is unique, the steps you take to become a licensed mental health counselor may differ from your peers. However, the steps below reflect a typical path. Please note that the LMHC title differs from state to state and as such, may be called by another title elsewhere. Be sure to check the mental health [counseling licensing requirements in the state in which you want to practice](https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements) before taking any steps toward becoming a mental health counselor. Individual state requirements will vary and are subject to change, including licensure standards, exam eligibility and appropriate pathways, and may differ based on individual student backgrounds. Those looking to become mental health counselors should conduct their own due diligence to determine the appropriate pathway and license type for their state of practice. 1\. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree Students pursuing careers as mental health counselors typically begin with an undergraduate degree in a counseling-related field, such as psychology or sociology. Taking a mental health counseling curriculum that includes courses such as lifespan human development and abnormal psychology early in your program may give you an advantage as you advance to graduate work. However, a bachelor’s degree in a different field, like a [Bachelor of Social Work](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-degrees/bachelor-of-social-work-programs/online-bsw/), may meet a graduate program’s prerequisites. Check the admission requirements for the master’s in counseling programs that interest you. 2\. Earn a Master of Mental Health Counseling Degree To become a mental health counselor in most states, [you must possess a master’s in counseling](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-resources/comparing-social-service-degrees/masters-degree-in-counseling/), though the name of this degree may vary by program. Earning your degree in mental health counseling from an institution accredited by the [Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)](https://www.cacrep.org/) indicates that the program’s content and quality meet the high standards set forth by the mental health profession. Though CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor, a CACREP-accredited degree is not required in every state. Be sure to check with your state board for more information. 3\. Pass Licensing Exams There are many states that require potential mental health counselors to pass one or more [National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exams](https://www.nbcc.org/exams), such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Applicants may also be required to pass state-specific examinations, though this will vary by state. 4\. Complete Supervised Clinical Experience Before you earn mental health counseling licensure, you must gain hands-on experience through graduate and post-graduate internships under the supervision of licensed counselors. [States may require between 2,000 to 3,000 clinical hours](https://www.counseling.org/resources/licensure-requirements/clinical-experience) for some levels of licensure. Students will need to obtain an initial license, which allows them to be supervised by a licensed independent practitioner during post-degree practice and can be viewed as a temporary professional license. The name of this license may vary by state and include Associate Licensed Counselor or Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. 5\. Apply for Licensure Passing your licensing exam is a big step in your journey. Next, you need to apply for a mental health license in your state. This will be considered as an independent practice license. Specific licensing requirements vary between states, so it is essential to follow the state’s counseling board guidelines where you want to practice. 6\. Seek Additional Mental Health Counseling Certifications Applicants may opt to apply to become a [National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the NBCC](https://nbcc.org/certification/ncc). This is typically voluntary, though some states may require it prior to licensure. However, certification requirements may differ from licensure requirements; applicants should check with the NBCC for more information. Once licensed, you may apply for mental health counseling certifications. The NBCC offers a [Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification](https://www.nbcc.org/certification/ccmhc) for counselors who have completed a 60-credit graduate degree, are already an NCC and have at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience. 7\. Maintain Your Mental Health Counselor License As a licensed mental health counselor, you may want to stay up-to-date on trends and changes in the mental health field. Continued education may help you provide the best care for your client. For this reason, your state may require you to earn continuing education hours regularly. How Long Does it Take to Become a Mental Health Counselor? How long do you go to school to be a mental health counselor? Like many other healthcare professions, mental health counseling requires a four-year undergraduate degree as a foundation. This bachelor’s degree is usually in counseling, psychology or a related field. To work as a licensed professional mental health counselor, you will likely need a master’s degree. This advanced mental health counseling degree may take an additional one to four years of postgraduate study depending on your program choice, type of enrollment and how often you take courses. You must also complete your clinical hours during a specified period per state guidelines. For example, the [California Board of Behavioral Services](https://www.bbs.ca.gov/applicants/lpcc.html) stipulates a licensed professional clinical counseling candidate complete 3,000 hours over a minimum of 104 weeks. Mental Health Counselor Salary and Job Outlook Curious as to what licensed mental health counselor jobs pay? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the [median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors was \$59,190 in May 2024.](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-1) Although a master’s in mental health counseling is a requirement to gain licensure, you may find quite a range in salary for these professional roles. Mental health counselor salaries may vary widely by role and by locale. [The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034,](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6) which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Mental Health Counseling Career FAQ Your interest in mental health counselor careers may be accompanied by many questions. Below are a few questions about jobs in mental health counseling. What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Mental Health Counselor? If you want to become a licensed mental health counselor (license titles vary by state), you’ll typically need a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. States may also require specific graduate coursework (and an internship/practicum) as part of that degree, so it’s important to review your state board’s requirements before enrolling. Education credit requirements vary: many states use a [60-semester-hour standard](https://www.cacrep.org/) for licensure-qualifying counseling programs, while some jurisdictions have (or previously had) 48-hour pathways and may still recognize them under certain conditions. Because requirements differ, always confirm the exact credit-hour and course-distribution rules with the state where you plan to practice. Program accreditation can matter, too. [CACREP](https://www.cacrep.org/) is widely recognized in the counseling field and may simplify licensure review in some states; a few states explicitly require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure. Do You Need a Master’s to be a Mental Health Counselor? Many people wonder, “What degree do you need to be a mental health counselor?” You do need a master’s degree if you wish to be a licensed mental health counselor. Some states require specific coursework to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling. The [majority of states mandate the completion of 60 semester hours of graduate work,](https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements/education-accreditation/) including a minimum of a 48-semester-hour master’s degree from an accredited program. CACREP is the widely preferred accreditor in the field. Be sure to check with your state board to see if this is required. Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work? Mental health counselors may work in hospitals, clinics, substance abuse centers or residential mental health facilities. In addition, you may find a licensed professional counselor working in government roles, private practice, schools and in companies’ employee assistance programs. Most mental health counselors work full-time. Some employed at inpatient facilities may work various shifts that include evenings, nights and weekends. Is a Mental Health Counselor a Good Career? The demand for mental health counselors is increasing. [The BLS projects that employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors will grow 17% by 2034.](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6) However, whether a mental health counseling career is a good fit for you is a subjective question—many personal variables play a role. You’ll want to consider the job growth outlook, day-to-day duties and education requirements when considering a career in mental health counseling, as well as what jobs are similar to mental health counseling. Other positions that may interest you include health educators, community health workers, [social workers](https://socialworklicensemap.com/social-work-careers/) and school counselors. The number of people in the United States experiencing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, is increasing. A recent report from the nonprofit [Mental Health America](https://www.mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america) found that the “number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has skyrocketed,” and that there is an unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults. Information last updated: January 2026
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