The Complete Guide to Getting Your Ohio Counseling License in 2025
Ohio faces some of the highest rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and drug-related deaths nationwide. A counseling license in Ohio puts you right at the heart of tackling this urgent challenge.
Recent numbers tell a troubling story. Between 2017-2019, 6% of Ohio adults reported serious thoughts of suicide, and 6.2% faced serious mental illness—exceeding both regional and national averages. The situation among Ohio’s youth looks even more concerning. Major depressive episodes among 12-17 year olds jumped to 14.6% between 2016-2019, almost double the rate seen in 2004-2007.
The field desperately needs qualified mental health professionals. Job opportunities for mental health counselors should grow by 17.6% from 2018 to 2028, creating about 1,130 openings each year. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis expects Ohio will be short 880 to 2,020 mental health counselors by 2030.
Right now is a great time to start your journey as a licensed counselor in Ohio. The state ranks 22nd nationwide for counselor pay, with average earnings of $52,080. The LPC requirements in Ohio call for a 60-semester credit master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program. You’ll also need to pass required exams and complete specific internship work.
This piece lays out all you should know about getting your Ohio counseling license in 2025. We’ll cover everything from education and exam requirements to licensing fees and professional organizations.
Education Requirements in Ohio
Getting your ohio counseling license starts with meeting the right education requirements. The state has clear criteria that’s 20 years old to make sure counselors can serve Ohio residents well.
You need a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) to qualify for a counseling license in Ohio. Your degree should be in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or addiction counseling. The program requires 60 semester credit hours.
CACREP accreditation is preferred, but graduates from non-CACREP programs might still get licensed. Their program must come from an institution that’s accredited by an agency the U.S. Secretary of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes. In spite of that, these applicants must show they’ve completed specific coursework that meets Ohio counseling license requirements.
Your counseling program must have graduate courses in these key areas:
- Counseling theory and techniques
- Human growth and development
- Social and cultural foundations
- Group dynamics and counseling
- Lifestyle and career development
- Appraisal of individuals
- Research and evaluation
- Professional, legal, and ethical issues
Your training must also cover clinical psychopathology, mental health status evaluation, mental disorder diagnosis, intervention methods, and treatment approaches.
Hands-on experience plays a vital role in becoming a licensed counselor in Ohio. The program requires a practicum with 100 supervised hours that includes 40 hours working directly with clients. You’ll also need an internship with 600 supervised hours spread over two semesters, including 240 hours of direct client contact.
School counseling has different requirements. You’ll need a Professional Pupil Services license and a master’s in school counseling with a 600-clock-hour school internship. The Ohio Assessment for Educators #040 is mandatory with a minimum score of 220.
These educational requirements open the door to pursuing your LPC requirements in Ohio or advancing toward LPCC licensure.
Counseling Programs in Ohio
Ohio’s outstanding CACREP-accredited options help you meet your counseling license requirements. Here are five notable counseling programs that will start you on the path toward becoming a licensed counselor in the state.
The Ohio State University has a complete Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that prepares you for your LPC requirements. This nationally recognized program blends rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical training. Students can work in the university’s on-campus clinic under faculty supervision.
University of Cincinnati runs a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that emphasizes practical skills development. The program stands out especially when you have specialized training in trauma-informed care and addiction counseling. These skills are critical needs in Ohio’s mental health scene.
Kent State University has earned high regard for its counseling program with multiple specialization tracks. Working professionals seeking career advancement through a counseling license will find their flexible scheduling options ideal.
The University of Toledo delivers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that focuses on social justice and multicultural competence. More than that, their extensive network of community partnerships creates diverse internship opportunities. Students get valuable ground experience before graduation.
Xavier University in Cincinnati runs a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with small class sizes and customized attention. Their program takes an all-encompassing approach to counseling that addresses both mental and physical aspects of client care.
These programs meet the educational criteria for becoming a licensed counselor in Ohio and offer distinct advantages based on your career goals and interests. Many graduates build successful careers as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and eventually Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) throughout Ohio.
The program choice should include factors beyond accreditation. Location, cost, program length, and specialization options should line up with your professional goals in the counseling field.
Internship and Other Requirements
Your path to a counseling license requires practical experience through supervised internship hours after you complete your educational program. The requirements for supervised experience differ based on your choice between an LPC or LPCC credential.
You must complete at least 100 hours of supervised practicum and 600 hours of internship during your master’s program to get your original LPC license. Your internship should have 240 hours of direct client contact. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors with supervision designation (LPCC-S) typically supervise this practical experience.
The LPCC level demands significant post-graduate supervised experience. Here’s what you need:
- 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least two years
- Face-to-face client contact should make up 50% or more of these hours for clinical counseling services
- Supervision must happen every 20 hours of work
- You can accumulate up to 1,500 hours in any 12-month period
An LPCC with supervision designation (LPCC-S) must provide all supervision in Ohio, though the board might grant exceptions in hardship cases. Your supervisor needs to document your competence through field evaluations that show your skills in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders.
You can register as a Counselor Trainee (CT) while completing practicum or internship requirements in your graduate program. The board regulations don’t mandate CT status, but many agencies need it for billing. This status works only at approved placement sites and lasts until your academic term ends, plus an 8-week grace period.
These supervised experience requirements show that you know how to use theoretical knowledge in ground settings. This preparation helps you practice independently under your counseling license.
Examinations
Getting your counseling license requires passing specific examinations that mark a vital milestone in the process. Your license type determines which exams you’ll need to take.
The National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) comes first for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) candidates. This detailed assessment takes four hours and contains 200 multiple-choice questions. The NCE reviews your knowledge, skills, and your counseling service capabilities.
Ohio’s counseling license applicants must also pass the Laws and Rules Examination. The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board offers this online test. You’ll need to demonstrate your grasp of Ohio’s legal and ethical counseling practices.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) candidates must clear the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The exam presents 11 case studies with 9-15 multiple-choice questions each. It tests knowing how to identify, analyze, diagnose and create treatment plans for clinical issues.
Your LPC application starts at eLicense.ohio.gov with an $80.00 fee plus $3.50 processing charge. The board’s eligibility letter remains valid for six months after approval.
The next step involves registering with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) at cce-global.org and paying $275.00. The process takes about four weeks before Pearson Vue sends scheduling details.
Test sessions happen during each month’s first two weeks, with morning and afternoon slots. Send your passing results to counseling@cswb.ohio.gov to continue with your LPC requirements.
School counselor candidates take a different exam – the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) School Counselor Test #040. They need to score at least 220 to pass.
Licensing Fees
The cost of your Ohio counseling license is a vital step in your professional trip. The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board uses a well-laid-out fee system that changes based on your license type and status.
You’ll need to pay an application fee of $80.00 plus a $3.50 processing fee for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) applications. This original investment begins your licensure process through the eLicense.ohio.gov portal.
The application fee rises to $100.00 plus the $3.50 processing fee if you’re advancing to Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) status. This higher fee shows the advanced credential’s expanded practice scope.
LPC licenses cost $83.50 for the standard two-year renewal period. LPCC licenses have a higher renewal fee of $103.50 for the same period. These renewal fees let you practice legally in Ohio.
The timing of your license renewal matters by a lot. You’ll face additional late fees of $40.00 for both LPC and LPCC licenses if you miss the deadline. You can avoid these extra costs by planning ahead.
Here are other fees you might need to pay:
- License verification to other states: $25.00
- Replacement wall certificates: $15.00
- Continuing education provider approval: $125.00
- Permission to practice (temporary): $50.00 per six-month period
You may face extra penalties from $50.00 to $100.00 if you don’t complete your continuing education requirements.
Reduced fees apply to counselors seeking inactive status—$40.00 for professional counselors and $50.00 for professional clinical counselors. You’ll need to pay the full active license fee to reactivate these licenses later.
Credit cards or electronic checks are the only accepted payment methods, and the fees are non-refundable. The official Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board website always has the most current fee information, as fees might change with board action or legislative updates.
These costs help you prepare better for the financial side of getting your counseling license and keeping your professional credentials throughout your career.
Counseling Salaries in Ohio
Getting your Ohio counseling license pays well and makes this career path attractive. Your salary will vary based on your credentials, where you work, and your location in the state.
Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in Ohio make an average annual salary of approximately $52,080. This places Ohio as the 22nd highest-paying state for counselors nationwide. The figure runs slightly lower than the national average of $55,117.
Your earnings go up with a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license. LPCC holders can make $60,000-$65,000 yearly because they can practice independently. Your specialty area and experience level play a big role in the final number.
Location matters too. Counselors in big cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati earn more than their rural counterparts. To cite an instance, mental health counselors in Columbus make about 5-10% above the state average.
Your workplace choice affects your pay. Here’s what you can expect based on different settings:
- Private practice: $60,000-$75,000
- Hospitals: $55,000-$65,000
- Community mental health centers: $45,000-$55,000
- Educational institutions: $50,000-$60,000
- Substance abuse facilities: $48,000-$58,000
Most counseling jobs come with complete benefits packages. You’ll get health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off on top of your base salary.
The future looks bright for license holders. Mental health counselor jobs in Ohio should grow by 17.6% through 2028. This growth rate beats most other jobs by a lot. You can expect around 1,130 job openings each year, showing strong demand across the state.
Your investment in education and licensing fees should pay off well. You’ll find stable work and competitive pay. As you grow in your career, you can earn more through specialization, supervision credentials, or starting your own practice.
Counseling Organizations in Ohio
Professional counseling organizations in Ohio are a great way to get support for your career experience beyond just getting your license. These networks provide resources and community connections that improve your professional development.
The Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) stands as the leading professional organization for counselors across the state. This branch of the American Counseling Association supports the counseling profession at the legislative level and gives members continuing education opportunities they need for license renewal. Members with a counseling license can network with fellow professionals at their annual conference.
The Ohio Mental Health Counselors Association (OMHCA) caters to practitioners working to meet LPCC requirements who specialize in clinical mental health. They provide specialized workshops, supervision training, and resources that fit clinical practice needs.
The Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA) helps school counselors tackle their unique challenges in educational settings. Their resources help professionals learning how to become a licensed counselor within school environments.
Local networking happens through regional associations. The Central Ohio Counseling Association and Cincinnati Counseling Association’s events help you connect with professionals nearby. These connections can lead to job opportunities or supervision arrangements you need to meet LPC requirements.
Students can join these organizations at lower rates before completing their counseling license requirements. Getting involved early helps you find mentors and learn insider tips about the licensure process.
These organizations typically provide:
- Continuing education units (CEUs) required for license renewal
- Job boards for finding counseling positions
- Legislative updates affecting license holders
- Discounted liability insurance options
- Peer consultation groups and supervision networks
These professional communities help you through your licensure experience and improve your effectiveness as a counseling professional through continuous learning and peer support.
Counseling Scholarships in Ohio
Getting financial support for your counseling education can be challenging. The good news is that aspiring Ohio counselors have access to multiple scholarship opportunities.
The Ohio Counseling Association Foundation awards annual scholarships between $500 and $2,000. These scholarships help graduate students who meet LPC requirements. Students must be enrolled in accredited counseling programs and show strong grades and financial need.
Many universities provide substantial financial support. Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology awards merit scholarships to counselor education students. The University of Cincinnati’s Mental Health Counseling program has department scholarships that help qualified candidates reduce their tuition costs.
Students can find additional support through external organizations:
- American Mental Health Counselors Association Foundation gives scholarships nationwide to students working toward their counseling license
- National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation prioritizes minority students and those who plan to serve underrepresented communities
- Chi Sigma Iota, the counseling honor society, provides members with scholarship opportunities throughout their academic experience
Military veterans can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This bill covers much of their education costs at Ohio institutions.
These resources are great ways to find scholarships:
- Your university’s financial aid office and counseling department
- Professional counseling associations mentioned above
- Ohio’s workforce development initiatives for mental health professionals
- Scholarship database websites
Most scholarship applications are due between January and March for the next academic year. Students should prepare their materials early. Personal statements should show how career goals connect to license requirements and community needs.
The National Health Service Corps offers loan forgiveness programs alongside traditional scholarships. These programs can eliminate student debt through service commitments in Ohio’s designated shortage areas.
Conclusion
Getting your Ohio counseling license takes dedication, but every step is worth it. This piece has shown you the complete path to becoming a licensed counselor in Ohio – from education requirements to exam processes and beyond.
Ohio’s mental health crisis creates both challenges and chances for new counselors. Your skills will be needed with job growth projected at 17.6% through 2028 and about 1,130 openings each year. The average salary of $52,080 shows how much qualified mental health professionals are valued.
Professional organizations like the Ohio Counseling Association are a great way to get resources as you build your career. These networks help with professional development and advocate for counselors at the legislative level.
The process might look overwhelming at first. But you can break it down into simple steps. Start with your CACREP-accredited master’s program. Complete your supervised practice requirements. Pass the required exams. Submit your application and fees to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.
Scholarship options can help with education costs, making this career path available to you whatever your financial situation. You can also choose from various specializations that match your interests and strengths.
Your work as a counselor will help Ohio communities that don’t deal very well with mental health challenges. Each requirement prepares you for your vital role in improving mental health outcomes across the state.
Being organized and committed to your professional growth will help you start a rewarding career. You’ll help others while enjoying job stability and growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond.