How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Arkansas: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

The counseling field looks bright with an 18% job growth expected nationwide from 2022 to 2032. Arkansas counselors have great job prospects, and the growth rate is much higher than other careers. This makes counseling a great choice for people who want to help others.

The path to becoming a licensed counselor in Arkansas has specific steps you need to follow. You’ll need 60 graduate hours from an approved master’s program. Before getting your full license, you must work as a Licensed Associate Counselor and complete 3,000 client contact hours. The National Counselor Examination tests your knowledge with 200 questions to get a full picture of your skills.

Your earnings will depend on what type of counseling you choose. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Arkansas make about $66,180 per year. Educational and School Counselors earn around $58,030. The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling manages licenses and renewals. Licensed Professional Counselors pay $250 every two years to keep their license active.

This piece walks you through the details of becoming a therapist in Arkansas. We cover everything from education needs and getting your license to job options and what you can earn. You’ll find the latest information for 2025, including details about LADAC certification and Arkansas LPC reciprocity options.

Education Requirements in Arkansas

Arkansas has specific educational standards for counselors who want to get licensed. The life-blood requirement is a master’s degree or higher with a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours. We focused on counseling or therapy content in these programs.

The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling uses the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. These standards apply to Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Your program must come from a regionally accredited higher education institution.

Students must earn a grade of “B-” or above in all licensure application coursework. The board doesn’t accept grades of “C+” or below. Your education needs to cover these core curriculum areas with minimum credit hours:

• Professional Identity and Ethics (3 hours)
• Social and Cultural Diversity (3 hours)
• Human Growth and Development (3 hours)
• Career Development (3 hours)
• Helping Relations (3 hours)
• Group Work (3 hours)
• Assessment (3 hours)
• Research and Program Evaluation (3 hours)
• Practicum/Internships (9 hours over minimum 6 months)
• Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology with DSM training (3 hours)
• Family and Relationship (3 hours)
• Technology Assisted Counseling (1 hour)

Online education holds the same value as traditional education. This applies when programs meet regional accreditation standards and have National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) recognition.

The Arkansas Board requires additional documentation from institutions with non-CACREP accredited graduate counselor education programs. This includes graduate catalogs, completed core curriculum for the 60-hour requirements, and course syllabi if needed.

School counseling certification offers two paths. Licensed Arkansas teachers take the Professional School Counselor Praxis test. Non-licensed teachers must pass this test and one of the Principles of Learning and Teaching exams (K-6, 5-9, or 7-12).

Students usually get their bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or social work before starting their master’s degree program.

Counseling Programs in Arkansas

Many Arkansas universities provide detailed counseling programs that prepare students to get professional licenses. These programs lay the educational groundwork for anyone who wants to know how to become a counselor in Arkansas.

Arkansas State University runs a CACREP-accredited 60-hour Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that lets graduates take the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and pursue Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) status. Henderson State University’s 60-hour MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling gives students the training they need to get their counseling credentials in Arkansas.

Students at the University of Arkansas Little Rock can earn an online Master of Arts in Counseling with four specialized tracks. The tracks include Counselor Education for school counselors, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling if you have disabilities to work with, Clinical Mental Health Counseling for licensed professional counselors, and Traditional Rehabilitation Counseling.

John Brown University stands out with Arkansas’s oldest counseling program that merges counseling/psychology with faith/theology. Students looking for faith-based education can also choose Ouachita Baptist University’s low-residency 63-hour MA in counseling, which builds on a biblical worldview.

The University of Central Arkansas offers an MS in Counseling Psychology that readies graduates to work as Licensed Professional Counselors in many settings, especially community mental health centers. Harding University runs a 60-hour CACREP-accredited program that leads to LPC credentials and prepares students to practice counseling in different environments.

The University of Arkansas features three emphasis areas: School Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Their Rehabilitation Counseling track has earned national recognition and ranks in the top 20 of Best Rehabilitation Counseling Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling requires supervised clinical experiences through practicums and internships, which these programs include.

Internship and Other Requirements

Professional practice experience is the life-blood of counseling licensure in Arkansas. Structured internship and supervised practice requirements make sure you’re ready for professional practice.

You’ll need to complete 3,000 client contact hours as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) after graduation. This work requires supervision from an Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC)-approved licensed professional counselor. The supervised practice breaks down into three phases:

• Phase I: 1,000 client contact hours with at least 100 supervision hours
• Phase II: 1,000 client contact hours with at least 50 supervision hours
• Phase III: 1,000 client contact hours with at least 25 supervision hours

You can transition from an LAC to a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) after completing these hours. This allows you to practice independently throughout Arkansas. The Board gives LACs six years to complete their supervised hours – your licensure may not be renewed after this period.

Your master’s program must include practicum and internship components before graduation. These components need 9 graduate credit hours minimum over at least 6 months. The typical structure includes a practicum of 100 clock hours with 40 hours of direct client service. This is followed by an internship of 600 clock hours. The internship requires at least 240 clock hours of direct service.

The internship supervision includes weekly one-hour individual sessions and regular 1.5-hour group supervision meetings. Many universities now offer supervision through online platforms like Zoom.

A pre-licensure criminal background check must be completed early. You can submit a petition form to check if your background might affect your eligibility for licensure.

Proper documentation plays a crucial role throughout the process. This includes supervision agreements, site placement applications, and proof of professional liability insurance.

Examinations

Your path to counseling licensure in Arkansas includes several standardized examinations as crucial milestones. The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) mandates successful completion of specific exams before granting full licensing status.

You must pass both the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the Arkansas Jurisprudence Examination to achieve Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) status. The next step toward Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requires passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

The NCE features 200 multiple-choice questions that cover eight core counseling domains:

• Human Growth and Development
• Social and Cultural Diversity
• Counseling and Helping Relationships
• Group Counseling and Group Work
• Career Development
• Assessment and Testing
• Research and Program Evaluation
• Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice

ABEC’s approval allows you to register through the Center for Credentialing and Education’s ProCounselor portal. Each exam costs $195. You can take these tests at three Arkansas locations (Fort Smith, Little Rock, and Texarkana) or any Pearson VUE center nationwide during the first two weeks of each month.

The Arkansas Jurisprudence Examination evaluates your grasp of state laws and ethical guidelines in counseling practice. This assessment includes three exams containing 46, 47, and 51 questions. You need all correct answers to receive your completion certificate.

A three-month waiting period applies before retaking any failed exam. Your exam eligibility lasts six months after receiving approval.

School counseling licensure has different requirements. Licensed Arkansas teachers only need the Professional School Counselor Praxis test (5421). Non-licensed teachers must also complete one of the Principles of Learning and Teaching exams (K-6, 5-9, or 7-12).

ABEC offers special testing accommodations with proper documentation, and these approvals stay valid for one year.

Licensing Fees

Counseling licensure in Arkansas comes with several fees that you need to know about. These costs are crucial to understand if you want to learn about how to become a counselor in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling charges a $200 fee with your first application form. Once they approve your application, you’ll pay $195 to the Center for Credentialing & Education to take the National Counselor Examination.

Licensed Associate Counselors (LACs) pay a one-time $50 fee to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This amount is small compared to what you’ll earn with full licensure status.

Your regular professional fees include:

The biennial renewal fee stands at $200 for most licensees. Some sources mention $250 for LACs and $300 for LPCs. These differences might reflect fee changes over time.

Missing your renewal deadline results in a $100 monthly late fee. Smart professionals set calendar reminders to avoid these charges.

Non-practicing counselors can keep their credentials active by paying $50 every two years. This option works well during career breaks.

Background checks, fingerprinting, and supervision arrangements add to your total costs. These investments make sense when you look at the bigger picture – mental health counselors in Arkansas earn an average of $66,180 per year, as we discussed earlier in this piece.

Counseling Salaries in Arkansas

Counseling professionals in Arkansas earn different salaries based on their specialty, location, and experience. This information matters if you’re thinking about how to become a counselor in Arkansas.

The original cost of education and licensing fees pays off well for Arkansas LPC license holders. Mental health counselors make around $66,180 per year, and experienced professionals can earn $75,800 or more annually.

Specialists with advanced credentials make more money. School counselors earn differently from mental health professionals. Educational counselors in Arkansas make about $58,030 per year.

Your location in Arkansas affects what you can earn. Little Rock and Fayetteville areas pay better than rural regions. Rural communities need mental health professionals more, though.

Your salary grows with experience:

• Entry-level counselors (0-2 years experience): $35,000-$45,000
• Mid-career counselors (3-9 years): $45,000-$60,000
• Experienced counselors (10+ years): $60,000-$75,000+

Your counseling specialty shapes your income. Substance abuse counselors with LADAC certification earn differently from marriage and family therapists or rehabilitation counselors.

Private practice often brings in more money than working for agencies or institutions. Many Arkansas counselors who’ve been around for a while make extra money through consulting, teaching, or supervision.

Mental health services are in high demand, so counseling jobs in Arkansas remain stable. Rural areas face ongoing mental health challenges. This creates opportunities for counselors who want to serve these communities.

Counselors can make more money if they maintain reciprocity through the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. This allows them to work across state lines and discover better opportunities.

Counseling Organizations in Arkansas

Professional organizations are a great way to start your experience as a counselor in Arkansas. These networks provide essential resources, continuing education opportunities and professional connections that will benefit your entire career.

The Arkansas Counseling Association (ArCA) is the state branch of the American Counseling Association. Members get access to professional development workshops, advocacy initiatives and networking events designed specifically for Arkansas counselors. You’ll receive discounted continuing education to help meet the requirements while you retain control of your licensure through the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling.

School counseling professionals can find specialized resources through the Arkansas School Counselor Association. They host annual conferences and lead advocacy efforts that address unique challenges in educational settings. This organization collaborates with the Arkansas Department of Education to support school counseling careers.

The Arkansas Mental Health Counselors Association brings mental health practitioners together and provides specialized training for LPC practice. Their events give you a chance to connect with experienced counselors who can guide you through Arkansas LPC reciprocity requirements and career growth.

Many Arkansas counselors also join national organizations with local chapters:

• American Mental Health Counselors Association
• National Board for Certified Counselors
• American School Counselor Association
• National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (essential for those seeking LADAC Arkansas certification)

Regional counseling networks exist among other formal groups across Arkansas, from the Northwest Arkansas Counseling Association to groups in the Delta region. These local organizations provide focused networking and area-specific resources.

Annual membership fees range from $50-$200. This investment supports your professional development, and many Arkansas employers understand its value. They often include membership fee reimbursement as part of their professional development benefits.

Counseling Scholarships in Arkansas

The cost of counseling education is one of the most important factors to think about while pursuing licensure in Arkansas. You’ll find several scholarship opportunities that help offset your graduate education costs.

Arkansas universities with counseling programs have their own scholarship programs. Students who show academic excellence and financial need can receive graduate fellowships at the University of Arkansas. Arkansas State University gives CNHP Graduate Scholarships to students enrolled in their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Professional organizations are a great way to get educational support. The Arkansas Counseling Association gives yearly scholarships to graduate students who study counseling in the state. These awards range from $500-$1,500. You need to be a member and show strong academic performance.

Students who want to become school counselors can apply for scholarships through the Arkansas School Counselor Association. These are available to graduate students with a steadfast dedication to work in Arkansas public schools after graduation. The National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation also runs the Rural Scholarship program. This helps counseling students who plan to serve underserved Arkansas communities.

Federal funding options become available after you complete the FAFSA. This qualifies you for work-study opportunities and graduate student loans.

Service-commitment scholarships provide another funding path. Programs like the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program pay your tuition. In return, you serve in Arkansas shortage areas after graduation.

Note that most scholarship applications must be submitted 6-10 months before your intended start date. Your counseling program’s financial aid advisors can help you find scholarships that match your career goals in Arkansas.

Start Your Counseling Journey in Arkansas Today

Getting your counseling license in Arkansas takes dedication, detailed education, and consistent effort. This piece has given you a clear picture of what it takes to become a licensed counselor in Arkansas. The path needs a substantial commitment – 60 graduate credit hours, 3,000 supervised client contact hours, and several exams – but the benefits make it all worthwhile.

The counseling field shows promising growth with an 18% increase in jobs expected through 2032. This means excellent job security and plenty of opportunities for qualified professionals. The financial outlook is strong too, with school counselors earning $58,030 and substance abuse counselors making $66,180 on average.

Arkansas’s Board of Examiners in Counseling provides clear guidelines that create a straightforward path to licensure. Many state universities offer CACREP-accredited programs that align perfectly with these requirements.

Professional organizations in Arkansas are a great way to get networking opportunities, continuing education, and advocacy resources to improve your career growth. You’ll also find many scholarship options to help reduce your education costs by a lot.

Each milestone you reach – choosing the right program, completing supervised hours, passing required exams – brings you closer to meeting your goal of helping others. Arkansas’s counseling profession gives you both personal satisfaction and stable career prospects as you begin this meaningful career path.