How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Louisiana: A Step-by-Step Path to LPC
Want to become a counselor in Louisiana? The process usually takes about eight years to complete and opens the door to a rewarding career helping others with their mental health challenges.
Louisiana has a clear path to becoming a licensed counseling professional. You need a CACREP-accredited graduate program with at least 60 credit hours. The next step requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience over two years, followed by passing a national examination. Louisiana makes it easier with 30 different graduate counseling programs at 15 schools, giving you plenty of options to start your career. Licensed LPCs can earn between $39,970 and $58,480 annually, based on their specialization.
This piece will help you understand each step to meet Louisiana’s LPC requirements. You’ll learn everything from education and internships to examinations and licensing fees. The information here will guide you whether you’re just exploring this career or already working toward your license as a therapist in Louisiana.
Louisiana Education Requirements
A solid educational foundation serves as the first vital step to becoming a licensed counselor in Louisiana. You’ll need to complete a 60-semester hour graduate degree in professional mental health counseling from a regionally accredited university. Your program must meet the accreditation standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Your graduate coursework must include at least one semester course in these key areas:
- Counseling/Theories of Personality
- Human Growth & Development
- Abnormal Behavior
- Techniques of Counseling
- Group Dynamics, Processes, & Counseling
- Lifestyle and Career Development
- Appraisal of Individuals
- Ethics
Marriage and Family Studies and Substance Abuse courses are highly recommended to boost your practice capabilities.
Practical experience through supervised practicum and internship is mandatory. Your practicum requires 600 clock hours, with 240 hours of direct counseling. You’ll need a minimum of one hour individual supervision weekly and 1.5 hours of group supervision. The internship must include 300 clock hours of counseling with 120 hours of direct services, along with the same supervision requirements.
Louisiana’s educational landscape offers excellent opportunities with 15 schools providing 30 CACREP-accredited graduate programs. These programs include two PhD programs, 10 Master of Arts programs, six Master of Education programs, and 11 Master of Science programs.
Each counseling specialization comes with specific educational requirements. Marriage and family therapists need a COAMFTE-approved graduate degree or equivalent. School counselors must complete a CACREP-accredited master’s program that includes either a 100-hour practicum or a 600-hour internship in a school setting.
Note that you can’t start accumulating hours toward licensure until your provisional license application receives approval. This educational foundation is a vital first step in your professional experience.
Counseling Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana’s graduate counseling programs give you the educational foundation you need to become a licensed counseling professional. Your best choice would be programs with CACREP accreditation since they meet Louisiana LPC requirements.
Louisiana universities excel at providing quality counseling education:
Louisiana State University (LSU) has a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that shapes students into versatile counseling professionals. Students gain practical skills through fieldwork opportunities and receive specialized training in various counseling approaches.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette runs a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counselor Education with focuses on school counseling and clinical mental health counseling. Students can complete their degree in about two years of full-time study.
Loyola University New Orleans delivers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that merges Jesuit values with counseling education. The program accommodates working professionals with evening classes and has specialized courses in trauma-informed care.
Southeastern Louisiana University presents a Master of Science in Counseling with multiple tracks including marriage, couple, and family counseling. Small class sizes and personal mentorship from experienced faculty make this program stand out.
Northwestern State University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with concentrations in clinical mental health and school counseling. Students can choose between on-campus and hybrid learning options for better flexibility.
You should think about these key factors beyond accreditation:
- Program completion rates and licensing examination pass rates
- Faculty expertise and professional backgrounds
- Available practicum and internship placement opportunities
- Specialization options that match your career goals
- Financial aid and scholarship availability
- Program format (online, in-person, or hybrid options)
A full picture of each program will help you find the right fit for your professional goals as you work toward becoming a therapist in Louisiana. Many programs also host virtual information sessions where you can learn about admission requirements and program details.
Internship and Other Requirements
Your path to becoming a licensed counselor in Louisiana requires practical experience after completing your educational coursework. The state demands detailed hands-on training through academic and post-graduate supervised work.
Your graduate program should have structured clinical experiences that align with specific guidelines. The practicum requires you to complete a minimum of 100 clock hours, with at least 40 hours of direct counseling or psychotherapy with individuals or groups. You’ll need one hour of individual supervision weekly and 1.5 hours of group supervision during this time.
The internship comes after your practicum and requires 600 clock hours, with at least 240 hours of direct client services. You’ll continue with the same supervision requirements to ensure proper guidance as you build your clinical skills.
You’ll need to get a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) status to accumulate post-graduate hours after earning your degree. The PLPC status requires you to complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised experience. This must happen over at least two years but no more than six years.
Your 3,000 hours must include:
- 1,900 direct client contact hours
- 1,000 indirect client contact hours (case notes, consultations, etc.)
- 100 face-to-face supervision hours with a board-approved supervisor
You can complete up to 100% of your supervision hours through synchronous videoconferencing on a HIPAA-compliant platform. You can also substitute 500 indirect supervised experience hours for each 30 graduate semester hours earned beyond your required master’s degree in mental health counseling.
As a PLPC, you must identify yourself correctly to clients and provide a disclosure statement that has your training status and supervisor’s name. You must stay under active supervision until you receive written notification of approval for full licensure.
Examinations
Louisiana LPC candidates need to pass one of two national examinations after meeting their education and supervised experience requirements. The Louisiana LPC Board accepts two specific exams administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Here are your exam choices:
- National Counselor Examination (NCE): This exam has 200 multiple-choice questions that cover material from your graduate counseling education. The test structure includes 160 scored items and 40 unscored field-test questions. You get three hours to complete this full assessment.
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE): This exam features 10 clinical simulations with questions about specific scenarios. You’ll find case studies paired with multiple-choice questions that are organized by counseling phases.
These exams test your knowledge in six main areas:
- Professional Practice and Ethics
- Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis
- Areas of Clinical Focus
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling Skills and Interventions
- Core Counseling Attributes
The exam registration process starts with creating an online ProCounselor portal account through the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE). CCE works with NBCC to give these tests. You’ll take the computer-based exam with about four hours to finish it.
NCE study courses can help you prepare better. Many good options are available, though they aren’t mandatory. Each exam’s handbook provides a complete breakdown of content and structure.
Passing one of these exams marks a key milestone in your journey to become a therapist in Louisiana. This achievement proves your professional competence and readiness to work as a licensed counseling professional.
Licensing Fees
Financial investment plays a key role when you plan your path toward becoming a licensed counselor in Louisiana. The state follows a structured fee schedule that covers each stage of the licensure process.
The LPC licensure application, license, and seal will cost you $200.00. Out-of-state applicants need to pay $300.00. You’ll first need to apply for provisional status as a PLPC, which costs $100.00. Out-of-state PLPC applicants pay $150.00.
You should also prepare for some additional costs. A fee of $60.00 helps speed up your application review process. This expedited processing might be worth the investment.
Your long-term budget should account for renewal fees. LPCs must renew their licenses every two years by June 30th at $170.00. PLPC renewals happen every two years by October 31st and cost $85.00.
Late renewals come with penalties. Missing your LPC license renewal deadline results in a $60.00 late fee. PLPCs face the same late fee for missed renewals.
The fee structure includes $100.00 for board-approved supervisor applications, $50.00 to change or add a supervisor, $50.00 for license duplicate reissue, and $25.00 for file copies.
The LA LPC Board accepts specific payment forms. Money orders, cashier’s checks, or certified checks are the approved methods. The board does not accept personal checks for applications.
Smart planning for these various fees will help you maintain your licensure status smoothly throughout your counseling experience in Louisiana. This approach helps you avoid unexpected costs along the way.
Counseling Salaries in Louisiana
Licensed counselors in Louisiana earn different salaries based on their role and experience. Your career path and specialization choices can impact your earnings as you complete your Louisiana LPC requirements.
Pay ranges depend on your experience and specialty area. Mental health counselors make around $46,225 per year. Entry-level positions start at $39,970, while experienced professionals can earn up to $58,480. School counselors tend to make more money, with yearly earnings averaging $56,848.
Your earning potential depends on several key factors. Big cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge pay better than rural areas. Private practice counselors usually earn more than those working in community agencies. Extra certifications make you more valuable to employers. Your salary grows as you gain more experience.
Substance abuse counselors in Louisiana earn about $39,750 yearly, and rehabilitation counselors make $42,830 per year. Marriage and family therapists earn slightly more at $48,920 annually.
Private practice gives you the best chance to set your own rates and maximize your income in Louisiana. You’ll need to build your client base and run your business while helping your clients.
Louisiana’s counseling job market looks promising. Growth rates are higher than most other jobs. More people now understand mental health’s importance, and insurance companies cover more counseling services.
The cost of education and getting licensed is high, but licensed counselors in Louisiana can expect good compensation for their expertise over time.
Counseling Organizations in Louisiana
Professional counseling organizations are a great way to get support while you work toward becoming a licensed counselor in Louisiana. These associations connect you with networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and help support the counseling profession.
The Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) is the main professional organization for counselors across the state. This branch of the American Counseling Association supports high standards in counseling practice and provides professional development opportunities. Members get access to workshops, conferences, and resources that keep them up to date with new counseling techniques.
The Louisiana Mental Health Counselors Association (LMHCA) works among other organizations to meet mental health counselors’ needs. Their mentorship programs help you meet Louisiana LPC requirements.
You might want to join organizations like the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy or the Louisiana School Counselor Association for specialized practice areas. These groups give you resources specific to your counseling niche.
Students can join these organizations at lower rates, which makes them available even before graduation. Professional counseling organizations give you these benefits:
- Job boards and employment opportunities
- Expert practitioner consultations
- Reduced rates for license renewal education credits
- Updates on Louisiana counseling legislation
- Resources for ethical guidance and professional standards
National associations like the American Counseling Association and National Board for Certified Counselors add more resources to help aspiring counselors, beyond state-level organizations.
Your growth as a licensed counseling professional will without doubt benefit from active participation in these professional communities. Many Louisiana universities have student chapters of these organizations. This lets you build your professional network during your education – a valuable asset for finding internships and starting your counseling practice later.
Counseling Scholarships for Louisiana Students
The cost of counseling education is a major factor to consider when you plan to become a licensed counselor in Louisiana. Scholarships of all types can help you get the qualifications needed to meet Louisiana LPC requirements.
Finding Counseling Scholarship Opportunities
Your search for financial support should start at your chosen school’s financial aid office. Graduate schools with counseling programs have dedicated scholarship funds for students who want to pursue mental health careers. Many university departments also set aside special scholarships just for counseling students.
Professional associations provide great funding options. Here are some organizations that can help:
- The National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation
- The American Counseling Association
- The American Mental Health Counselors Association
- The Louisiana Counseling Association
These groups regularly offer scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or dedication to helping underserved communities.
Scholarship criteria often match specific specializations during your educational path. To name just one example, see how education-focused foundations offer targeted funding for future school counselors. Students planning careers in addiction counseling can find support through substance abuse prevention organizations.
Many schools now understand the shortage of mental health professionals and have created incentive programs for students who want to work in underserved areas. These programs often include loan forgiveness options after graduation and licensure.
A typical scholarship application needs:
- Personal statements that explain your counseling philosophy
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Academic transcripts that show your scholastic achievement
- Proof of community service or leadership experience
You should apply for multiple scholarships at once to maximize your funding options as you work toward becoming a therapist in Louisiana. Scholarships are better than student loans because you don’t have to pay them back. This makes them an ideal way to fund your path to becoming a licensed counseling professional.
Become a Licensed Professional Counselor Today
Becoming a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana takes dedication and perseverance. You’ll spend about eight years getting the right education, supervised experience, and credentials to practice professionally. A CACREP-accredited graduate program, 3,000 hours of supervised practice, and passing a national examination will build a strong foundation for your counseling career.
Louisiana’s educational landscape features 30 graduate counseling programs across 15 schools. On top of that, it gives you different specialization paths that match your professional interests and goals. The original costs of education and licensing fees might look high, but the financial rewards make it worth it. Counselors earn between $39,970 to $58,480 yearly, plus there’s the satisfaction of helping others.
The Louisiana Counseling Association and Louisiana Mental Health Counselors Association help boost your growth through networking, continuing education, and advocacy. You’ll also find many scholarship opportunities to help with educational costs, especially if you plan to serve underrepresented communities.
This rewarding career path shapes your expertise step by step. From picking the right graduate program to getting your full license, each milestone prepares you to make a real difference in your clients’ lives. The counseling profession keeps growing in Louisiana. You’ll have the chance to tackle critical mental health needs while building a meaningful professional identity. Your path to becoming a licensed counselor isn’t just a career choice – it shows your dedication to supporting your community’s mental wellbeing.