Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) play a vital role in the mental health landscape of the United States, offering a range of services to individuals, families, and groups. This article will help you understand who licensed professional counselors are, how they differ across states, and what they can do to help you.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Counselor, Psychotherapist
1684 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256
Kate Stewart is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Medina, Ohio and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Gender Identity, Sexual Identity, Sexual Assault.
Our passion is creating a safe space to treat adults, children, couples, and families with their mental health needs.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
215 North East Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
Becky Gonelli is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Fayetteville, Arkansas and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Academic Concerns, School Concerns, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
I really enjoy working with college students. I find that they are motivated to become the best they can be and welcome encouragement.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Remote only
Nicholas Del Pesco is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 13 years. They treat Anger Issues, Life Transitions, Perfectionism.
Offering individual online counseling for PA residents ages 18 and above.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Remote only
Ebony Martinez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Racial Identity, Women's Issues, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family.
I aim to remain culturally sensitive and open to what is priority for you. I believe your voice has value & I'm ready to listen.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Hypnotherapist
20525 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116
Alannah McCarthy-Slimak is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Rocky River, Ohio and has been in practice for 14 years. They treat Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic.
I use a personalized approach tailored to my client's needs, drawing from CBT, EMDR, Integrative Mental Health, and Hypnotherapy.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
1800 Woodfield Drive, Savoy, IL, USA, Savoy, Illinois 61874
Anthony Nichols is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in Savoy, Illinois and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife, Sexual Assault.
I am a trauma informed counselor that provides a kind space and helps clients overcome past trauma, depression & anxiety to start enjoying their life.
Professional clinical counseling is the practice of assessing, diagnosing, and treating emotional or behavioral issues through talk-therapy methods such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, and more. A clinical professional counselor is trained to:
Medication management (prescribing) remains outside the LPC scope; for that you need a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.
| Milestone | National standard | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate degree | 60 semester-hour master’s (or doctoral) program accredited by CACREP/MPCAC or accepted by the state board | Ensures your counselor completed rigorous, counseling-specific coursework, not a general psychology degree. |
| National exam | National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) | Confirms competency in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. |
| Post-graduate supervision | 2 000–3 000 clinical hours (18–36 months) under a board-approved supervisor | Gives early-career counselors real-world coaching before they practice independently. |
During that supervised period many states issue a provisional license—for example, LLPC counselor in Michigan or LPC-Associate in Texas. You receive the same services, but your therapist must disclose the supervision arrangement and may be restricted from certain insurance billing.
Because licensure laws are written locally, you will see different initials on provider directories. Focus on whether the license allows independent practice (green column below).
| Region | Independent license (can practice & bill solo) | Provisional / associate (still under supervision) |
|---|---|---|
| CA, CO, KY, MN, NM, ND, OH | LPCC – licensed professional clinical counselor | Associate LPCC |
| AR, ID, IL, KS, MD, MT, NV | LCPC – licensed clinical professional counselor | LAC / LGPC |
| ~25 other states & D.C. | LPC – licensed professional counselor (often listed as lpc counselor or lpc therapist) | LLPC counselor, LAPC, LPC-Associate |
| FL, NY, WA, MA, HI | LMHC – licensed mental health counselor | LMHCA / LMHCI |
Always verify the license on your state board’s website before scheduling. Most boards offer a free “license lookup” with any public disciplinary history attached.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of LPCC and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
