How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Path

Want to become a counselor in Georgia? Your experience will include specific education requirements, supervised practice, and various examinations based on your degree level. The supervision requirements are straightforward – four years with a master’s degree or just one year for doctoral graduates.

The LPC requirements in Georgia might look complex initially. Georgia licensed therapists need a master’s degree in counseling-related fields covering nine specific content areas. On top of that, it requires at least 600 hours of practicum or internship experience for applications submitted after September 30, 2018. Understanding the licensure process will help you plan your career path effectively.

Let us guide you through each step to become a licensed professional counselor in Georgia. We’ll cover everything from education requirements to examination details. Georgia makes education more affordable through loan repayment assistance ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 when LPCs work in health professional shortage areas for two years.

Education Requirements in Georgia

Starting your journey as a licensed counselor in Georgia requires the right educational foundation. The Georgia Board of Professional Counselors expects candidates to have at least a master’s degree in counseling or applied psychology from an accredited institution.

Accreditation Requirements

Anyone completing their counseling program after September 30, 2018, must earn their degree from a program accredited by one of these organizations:

• Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)
• A regionally accredited program recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that matches CACREP or CORE standards

Coursework Requirements

Your master’s program should focus on counseling and include coursework in counseling/psychotherapy theory. The program must cover specific content areas. Programs before September 30, 2018, needed to cover six out of nine areas. Now, all programs must include these nine areas:

• Human Growth and Development
• Multicultural Counseling or Diversity Training
• Counseling Techniques or Skills
• Group Dynamics and Group Counseling
• Lifestyle and Career Development
• Appraisal/Assessment of Individuals
• Research Methods and Evaluation
• Professional Orientation and Ethics
• Psychopathology

Practicum Requirements

A supervised practicum or internship experience must be part of your degree. While 300 hours were enough before, applications after September 30, 2018, need 600 hours of practicum or internship experience.

Degree-Based Requirements

Your education level determines the required supervision time:

• Master’s Degree: Four years (three if your program had a 300+ hour supervised practicum)
• Specialist Degree: Three years (two with appropriate practicum)
• Doctoral Degree: One year (might be waived with included practicum)
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor: Three years (two with appropriate practicum)

School Counselor Requirements

School counselors in Georgia need to complete a state-approved certification preparation program at the master’s level (level five) or higher. Another option is to complete a master’s in counseling and get either a National Certified School Counselor credential or a Georgia Professional Counselor’s license.

Students enrolled in out-of-state programs after April 15, 2017, must choose CACREP-accredited programs to qualify for school counseling certification.

5 Top Counseling Programs in Georgia

Georgia has several excellent counseling programs that meet the state’s strict licensing requirements. Looking to become a licensed professional counselor in Georgia? Here are some outstanding options that line up with what the state requires for education.

University of Georgia (UGA) – UGA’s Counseling program sits in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services in Athens. The program offers CACREP-accredited master’s and doctoral degrees. Students get exceptional preparation for different counseling specialties while covering all nine content areas Georgia requires for licensing.

Georgia State University – GSU runs a detailed training program in Atlanta through their CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling track. Students get hands-on experience that’s a big deal as it means that the required 600 hours for Georgia LPC applicants.

Mercer University – Mercer’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. program runs across Atlanta, Macon, and Henry County. The program specifically meets Georgia LPC requirements. Small class sizes and one-on-one mentoring help boost your professional growth.

Valdosta State University – VSU delivers affordable CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling training that focuses on rural mental health services. The curriculum covers all nine content areas the Georgia Board requires. Students also get specialized training in addiction counseling and crisis intervention.

Emory University – Emory takes a different approach with its Master of Education in School Counseling. This program prepares students for school counseling certification in Georgia. It blends educational psychology with counseling techniques – perfect for those who want to work in schools.

Each program brings something special to the table based on your career goals. Most programs offer evening classes, hybrid formats, or part-time study plans that work well for professionals making a career switch. You can pick a program that meets Georgia’s requirements and matches your schedule and career dreams.

Internship and Other Requirements

Supervised practice plays a vital role as you work toward becoming a licensed counselor in Georgia. Your counseling skills need hands-on practice in real-life settings that goes beyond what you learn in the classroom.

Your graduate degree program must include supervised practicum or internship experience. The Georgia board now requires a minimum of 600 hours of practicum or internship experience for applications submitted after September 30, 2018. The previous requirement was 300 hours.

The post-master’s supervised experience requirements depend on your education level:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling: You need four years of post-master’s supervised experience. This requirement drops to three years when your graduate program includes a supervised counseling practicum or internship of at least 600 hours.
• Specialist Degree in Counseling: You must complete three years of post-master’s supervised experience. This reduces to two years if your graduate program included a qualifying practicum/internship.
• Doctoral Degree in Counseling: The requirement is one year of supervised experience. The board waives this requirement if you completed a supervised counseling internship of at least 750 hours during your doctoral program[123].

You’ll practice under an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) license during your supervision period. The board expects you to complete this supervision within five years.

Your supervision can take place in individual, dyadic, or group settings. Your supervisor will review your clinical work through case presentations, audiotapes, videotapes, or direct observation to help develop your skills.

Documentation matters throughout your supervision. You and your supervisors need to keep detailed records of every session, including dates, duration, type, and brief discussion summaries. The Georgia Composite Board might request these records anytime.

Programs typically ask you to read the practicum/internship handbook, attend orientation, fill out application forms, and show proof of professional liability insurance before starting your internship.

Examinations

You must pass standardized exams to show your professional competence as a counselor in Georgia. The board needs to approve you before you can take one of the two national examinations.

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) administers two exam options that Georgia accepts:

• National Counselor Examination (NCE): This 200-question multiple-choice test measures the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to provide counseling services effectively. The NCE tests cognitive knowledge that all counselors should have, whatever their specialty.
• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE): This exam includes 10 clinical mental health counseling cases. The focus is on assessment, diagnosis, counseling, psychotherapy, administration, consultation, and supervision. Your clinical problem-solving abilities are tested extensively.

Your license type determines which exam path you take. Associate Professional Counselor (APC) candidates need board approval before taking either exam. The Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) handles registration after approval. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) candidates with an existing APC license don’t need another exam.

We scheduled tests during the first two to three weeks of each month. You can take the exam at any of the 446+ Pearson professional centers nationwide, including six locations in Georgia: Albany, Atlanta, Stockbridge, Augusta, Macon, and Savannah.

The waiting period between retests is three months if you don’t pass the first time. A new registration form and $195 examination fee are required for each attempt.

Many Georgia universities let graduate students complete the NCE before graduation. The Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia’s preparation courses are a great way to get ready – this is a big deal as it means that their pass rates are 98%.

The Georgia Professional Licensing Boards will accept your score report with your license application. You can use the “Exam Waiver” option if you’ve already passed the required examination.

Licensing Fees

Becoming a licensed counselor in Georgia requires several financial investments at different stages of your professional experience. You’ll need to plan your budget carefully to cover both upfront costs and recurring fees.

The process starts with a $100 application fee for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). A $10 mail-in application processing fee brings your total initial cost to $110. Once approved and all requirements are met, you’ll pay $100 more for your license fee.

Your LPC license needs regular renewal to stay active. LPC licenses in Georgia expire biennially on September 30th of even-numbered years. The renewal costs $100. Missing the deadline means paying a $200 reinstatement fee, so it’s smart to renew on time.

License maintenance requires completing continuing education credits. You must complete 35 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes five hours in ethics, and you can only complete 10 hours online. While time is the main investment here, you’ll also need to pay for course fees.

A license pocket card costs $35 total – $25 for the card and $10 for processing. You might need this optional card to verify your credentials.

The fee structure for specialized certifications in Georgia counseling includes:

• Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) certification renewal: $100 for members and $200 for non-members, required every two years
• Addiction Counselors Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) renewal: $150 fee plus 40 hours of continuing education, including six hours in ethics and three in trauma-informed care

Planning for these recurring costs helps you maintain your professional status smoothly. Smart financial planning supports your growth and development as a licensed therapist in Georgia.

Counseling Salaries in Georgia

The financial aspect of your counseling career path in Georgia is a vital consideration. A clear picture of the salary landscape will help you plan your professional future as you work toward LPC licensure in Georgia.

Your salary as a counselor in Georgia will vary substantially based on your specialty, experience, and location. Georgia’s school counselors earn an average of $60,120 per year. Mental health counselors typically make around $45,740 annually. These numbers show the range of opportunities available when you think about becoming a licensed therapist in Georgia.

Salary Variations by Specialty and Region

Different roles in the counseling profession command varying pay levels. Marriage and family therapists in Georgia earn an average of $51,340 annually. The average yearly salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors stands at $47,720.

Your location plays a key role in what you can earn. Counselors in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metropolitan area receive the highest salaries in Georgia, typically 10-15% above the state average. Rural areas generally offer lower pay but come with unique benefits like loan forgiveness programs and lower living costs.

Your experience shapes your earning path too. New counselors with less than five years of experience might start around $38,000. Those with over 10 years of experience can earn upwards of $65,000 annually in specialized roles.

Private practice could boost your earnings by 20-30% compared to agency work if money is your primary motivation to become a counselor in Georgia. You can also increase your market value by getting specialized certifications in high-demand areas such as trauma therapy or addiction counseling.

The job market looks promising for Georgia counselors. Growth rates through 2030 are expected to be a big deal as it means that the average for all occupations. This trend suggests you’ll have good leverage in salary negotiations as you complete your LPC requirements in Georgia.

Counseling Organizations in Georgia

Professional organizations are a great way to get support as you work to become a counselor in Georgia. These associations connect you with networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and promote the counseling profession statewide.

The Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA-GA) leads as the premier organization for counselors in the state. Members access job boards, workshops, and a mentor program that helps direct them through LPC requirements in Georgia. You can earn continuing education units while meeting experienced professionals at their annual conference.

The Georgia Mental Health Counselors Association (GMHCA) works to advance mental health counseling across the state. Members receive legal consultation services, professional development workshops, and specific resources to become a licensed therapist in Georgia.

School counselors benefit from the Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA) which champions their profession with specialized resources. The association provides leadership opportunities, research grants, and professional recognition programs that strengthen your credentials beyond the simple LPC licensure in Georgia.

The Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT) specializes in relationship counseling support. Their peer consultation groups provide exceptional value during the supervised experience phase of your LPC Georgia requirements.

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) maintains active involvement in Georgia and offers credentialing programs that complement state licensure requirements. Their certifications help expand job opportunities after completing your path to becoming a therapist in Georgia.

Student memberships come with discounted rates, making early professional involvement cost-effective. Starting membership during your education helps build mentor relationships that benefit you throughout the LPC requirements process in Georgia.

National organizations like the American Counseling Association extend additional resources through Georgia chapters and expand your professional network beyond state boundaries.

Georgia Counseling Scholarships

Getting your education funded is a significant step toward becoming a counselor in Georgia. The good news is that many scholarship opportunities await counseling students who want to pursue their educational goals in the state.

The NBCC Foundation awards the Mental Health Counseling Scholarship to master’s students who plan to serve underserved minority populations after graduation. These awards range from $5,000 to $8,000 and help reduce educational costs while you work to meet LPC Georgia requirements.

Students interested in school counseling can apply for multiple scholarships from the American School Counselor Association. These awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 each year and support graduate students who excel academically and show dedication to school counseling.

Members of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia can receive annual scholarships while pursuing advanced counseling degrees. These scholarships help with tuition costs and come with mentorship opportunities that help understand LPC licensure Georgia processes.

The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program provides up to $50,000 in loan repayment. Mental health counselors need to work in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas in Georgia for two years to qualify.

The Georgia Student Finance Commission runs the Service Cancelable Loan Program for students in critical need fields, sometimes including mental health counseling. This program lets you clear portions of loan debt by serving underserved Georgia communities.

Military veterans looking at counseling careers should check out the Yellow Ribbon Program. Many Georgia schools take part in this program, which gives extra funding beyond regular GI Bill benefits to qualified military members who want to become therapists in Georgia.

Begin Your Journey Today

Starting your path to become a licensed counselor in Georgia takes dedication, education, and persistence through several stages of professional development. Your steadfast dedication to getting proper credentials will build a strong foundation that leads to a rewarding career helping others.

The road to licensure follows a well-laid-out process, even though it’s demanding. You must complete an accredited master’s degree program that covers all nine most important content areas. Your practical skills grow during the supervised experience phase, which prepares you to practice independently. The final step proves your professional competence to the Georgia Board when you pass either the NCE or NCMHCE examination.

Money plays a big part in planning your counseling career. You’ll face expenses like licensing fees, continuing education, and your original educational investment. In spite of that, counseling salaries range from $45,740 to over $60,000 based on your specialty and location. The profession gives you good financial returns along with its natural rewards.

Professional organizations are a great way to get support at every step. You can also find many scholarship opportunities to help with educational costs, especially when you have plans to serve underrepresented communities or work in shortage areas.

The counseling profession keeps growing in Georgia. It offers opportunities in mental health, educational, substance abuse, and family therapy specialties. The work to meet all requirements might be challenging, but helping others guide through life’s difficulties brings deep personal satisfaction. Your path toward becoming a licensed counselor means more than professional growth – it’s your chance to make a real difference in your community’s mental health and wellbeing.