How to Become a Counselor in Kansas: A Step-by-Step Path to LPC License
Looking to start a career as a counselor in Kansas? You’re not alone. The state has 5,500 professionals currently hired in counseling practices of all types. The future looks bright too. Kansas plans to add 530 new counseling positions by 2030. Mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counseling sectors expect a remarkable 9.8% growth.
The path to becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Kansas follows clear steps. You’ll need a counseling graduate degree with 60 semester hours from a regionally accredited school. The National Counselor Examination (NCE) comes next – a 200-question test that shows what you know about counseling. Money matters too. The LPC application costs $50 to start. Once licensed, you can earn between $54,170 yearly as a substance abuse counselor and $53,320 as an educational and guidance counselor.
This piece walks you through every step to get your counseling license in Kansas. You’ll learn the key differences between LPC and LCPC designations, what education you need, where to find internships, and all the essentials to kick off your counseling career in the Sunflower State.
Education Requirements in Kansas
Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB) sets strict educational requirements to get a counseling license in Kansas. The start to becoming a licensed professional counselor in Kansas lies in completing a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.
Your graduate program needs at least 60 semester credit hours. This includes 45 hours spread across core content areas. Each area must have a minimum of two credit hours:
- Counseling Theory & Practice
- The Helping Relationship
- Group Dynamics, Processes & Counseling Approaches
- Human Growth & Development
- Career Development and Lifestyle Foundations
- Appraisal of Individuals
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Research & Evaluation
- Professional Orientation
- Supervised Practical Experience
Your education must include a supervised practicum or internship as part of the graduate program. This hands-on experience stands apart from the supervision you’ll need after graduation.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) candidates need 15 semester hours specifically focused on diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Two hours must cover ethics, and another two must address psychopathology and diagnostic assessment.
KSBSRB accepts programs that meet standards like those set by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Programs with accreditation from regional bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) might qualify if their standards match CACREP’s closely.
Kansas upholds these high educational standards to ensure counselors can serve their clients well. Students should review the state’s requirements carefully before choosing a counseling program to make sure it meets Kansas licensure criteria.
Counseling Programs in Kansas
Kansas universities provide several counseling programs that help students become licensed professional counselors. Students can choose from different program structures, specializations, and learning formats to become licensed counselors in the state.
- Emporia State University leads the way in counseling education with the first CACREP-accredited mental health program in Kansas. The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling lets students specialize in Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Addictions Counseling, and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Working professionals can complete their coursework through a mix of online and on-campus classes.
- Wichita State University runs a 60-hour M.Ed. in Counseling with two main tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Students pursuing the Clinical Mental Health track can become LPC licensed and choose from three focus areas: clinical mental health, sports counseling, and addiction counseling. Each focus area includes clinical practicum and internship work.
- The University of Kansas teaches students to become counselors through their Master’s in Counseling Psychology program that uses positive psychology and strengths-based methods. Students work with real clients at the university’s training clinic and external locations. The program meets all academic requirements that Kansas needs for LPC credentials.
- Kansas State University has created a distinctive 60-credit hour Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree as their entry-level school counseling credential. Students can get licensed as both school counselors and Licensed Professional Counselors in Kansas. The university also runs a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision for advanced career paths.
- Fort Hays State University runs a CACREP-accredited 60-hour S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that lines up with state license requirements. Their program follows standards set by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, which helps graduates qualify for LPC licensure.
Internship and Other Requirements
Kansas counselors need hands-on professional experience beyond their academic studies. Their experience begins with supervised clinical practicum during graduate school. This includes psychotherapy and assessment that must total at least 280 hours of direct client contact.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) candidates must complete much more supervised experience. The requirement includes 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised professional experience spread across 24 months minimum. These hours must include 1,500 hours of direct client contact through psychotherapy and assessment.
The supervised experience requires 100 hours of clinical supervision, with one supervision hour per 15 hours of direct client contact. All but one of these supervision hours (at least 50) should be individual sessions. The remaining hours can be either individual or group supervision, with groups limited to six supervisees.
You must complete these steps to start counting supervised hours:
- Submit a Clinical Supervision Training Plan to the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB)
- Get written approval before counting practice hours
- Keep records of all supervision sessions with dates, length, and format
- Let clients know you’re practicing under supervision
Your clinical supervisor should be a Kansas-licensed LCPC with at least two years of clinical practice. Licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, clinical psychotherapists, or clinical marriage and family therapists with two years of clinical practice can supervise if an LCPC isn’t available.
The KSBSRB needs to know about any training plan changes within 45 days. Missing this deadline means losing hours earned after the change.
Kansas offers flexible supervision scheduling, but you need at least two separate sessions monthly. One of these must be individual supervision.
Examinations
Kansas requires counselors to pass standardized national exams before getting their license. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB) sets different exam requirements based on your licensure level.
Getting your Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status requires passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). The test gives you four hours to answer 200 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge in six key areas:
- Professional Practice and Ethics
- Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis
- Areas of Clinical Focus
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling Skills and Interventions
- Core Counseling Attributes
The path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) requires passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). This exam takes a different approach with 10 simulated clinical mental health counseling cases that test your clinical decision-making skills.
The KSBSRB needs your complete licensure application before you can register for either exam. NCE candidates should submit their applications eight weeks before their preferred test date. NCMHCE applicants need to do this at least five weeks ahead.
The KSBSRB will send instructions about registering through the ProCounselor portal, which the Center for Credentialing and Education manages. Both exams run during the first two to three full weeks each month. Test sessions happen Monday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m..
You’ll get your results within eight weeks after taking the exam. The good news is that NCE results never expire for Kansas licensing.
The NBCC provides official study guides and other resources that are a great way to get familiar with the exam format and content. These materials can boost your chances of passing and getting your counseling license in Kansas.
Licensing Fees
Getting your counseling license in Kansas requires careful financial planning. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB) has a clear fee structure that covers each step of your licensing trip.
You’ll need to start with an initial application fee of $50 for both Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) applications. This first payment kicks off your professional licensing process.
The required examinations come with a examination fee of $275 for both licensing levels.
Once you complete your education and pass the exams, you’ll pay an original license fee of $150 for either credential. Your ongoing costs will include license renewals – LPCs pay $100 every two years, while LCPCs pay $125 biennially.
A temporary license costs $50 and lasts 24 months if you need credentials while finishing requirements. Community-based licenses cost the same and have the same duration.
The KSBSRB’s reinstatement fees depend on how long your license has expired. LPC reinstatement costs $200 and LCPC reinstatement costs $250 for licenses expired less than a year. For licenses expired over a year, LPCs pay $100 and LCPCs pay $125.
Other costs include $20 for duplicate wall certificates if you need a replacement. The board also offers special credentials like board-approved clinical supervisor status for a $20 application fee.
The KSBSRB doesn’t refund any fees, so double-check all your application materials before submitting. Planning for these expenses helps you stay financially ready throughout your counseling career in Kansas.
Counseling Salaries in Kansas
Kansas offers rewarding financial benefits for counseling careers beyond the satisfaction of helping others. Your career path decisions can benefit from knowing what different counseling specialties pay.
Salaries for Kansas counseling professionals depend on their specialty, experience, and location. Mental health counselors earn around $54,170 as their median annual wage. Educational, guidance, and career counselors make higher salaries at about $53,320 per year. Rehabilitation counselors’ median earnings stand at $39,660 annually.
Your earning potential grows with experience. New counselors start at $35,000-$40,000 per year. Those with 5-10 years of experience can make $55,000-$65,000. Experienced professionals with over 15 years in the field and specialized certifications can earn more than $75,000.
Location within Kansas affects your salary. Urban areas like Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City pay better than rural regions. Counselors in metropolitan areas earn 10-15% more than those working in smaller communities.
Your workplace setting is a vital factor in determining your pay. These settings often offer higher compensation than non-profit organizations or community mental health centers:
- Private practice settings (after gaining clinical licensure)
- Hospital systems
- Government agencies
- Educational institutions
Kansas counseling professionals have excellent career prospects, with growth rates higher than national averages in several specialties. Substance abuse counselors can expect more opportunities as the state addresses addiction issues.
Moving from LPC to LCPC status helps boost your earning potential. Clinical counselors earn 15-25% more than non-clinical counterparts in any specialty.
Counseling Organizations in Kansas
Professional counseling organizations give you vital support during your Kansas counseling career. These groups connect you with peers, provide continuing education, and offer resources designed for counseling professionals in the Sunflower State.
The Kansas Counseling Association (KCA) leads the state-level professional community for counselors of all specialties. KCA promotes the counseling profession to legislators and holds an annual conference where counselors earn credits needed for license renewal.
Mental health counselors find specialized support through the Kansas Mental Health Counselors Association (KMHCA). This group helps Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors with professional development workshops and legislative support.
The Kansas School Counselor Association (KSCA) serves school counselors with specialized training and educational resources. KSCA works together with the state’s Department of Education to create standards and support school counseling programs.
These professional organizations bring clear benefits:
- Discounted continuing education opportunities
- Job boards with Kansas counseling positions
- Updates on licensure requirement changes
- Mentorship programs linking new and experienced counselors
- Professional liability insurance options
The Kansas Association for Addiction Professionals (KAAP) helps counselors who focus on substance abuse treatment. KAAP runs certification programs specifically for addiction counselors.
Your specialty doesn’t matter – these organizations help you handle license maintenance, grow professionally, and advance your career. Annual membership costs $50-150, with student rates available at lower prices. Many employers value these memberships and often cover dues as part of professional development packages.
Counseling Scholarships in Kansas
Kansas offers many scholarship opportunities that can help you fund your counseling education and reduce the costs of earning your licensed professional counselor (LPC) credentials.
Students pursuing counseling degrees can find excellent funding through university-based scholarships. Most schools with counseling programs set aside special funds for graduate students in mental health fields. To cite an instance:
- Emporia State University offers merit-based scholarships for students in their Clinical Counseling program
- Wichita State University provides graduate assistantships that include tuition waivers and stipends
- University of Kansas features departmental scholarships specifically for counseling psychology students
Professional associations are a great way to get scholarship opportunities. The American Counseling Association Foundation gives out several scholarships between $1,000 and $5,000 to graduate counseling students across the country. The Kansas Counseling Association also offers smaller scholarships to members who want to advance their education.
Government funding is vital for many counseling students. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) gives out big scholarships through their Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program. These target students who want to serve in high-need communities after graduation.
You should start by talking to your program’s financial aid office to find these opportunities. They usually have databases full of scholarships specific to your field. Professional organizations also send scholarship announcements to their members regularly.
Your scholarship applications need good preparation. Strong personal statements that express your dedication to Kansas’s counseling profession can boost your chances. Recommendation letters from professors who know your academic work and professional potential make your applications stronger.
Keep looking for new scholarship opportunities while you work toward your Kansas LPC requirements. Different scholarships have varying application cycles and eligibility criteria. This approach helps you minimize debt while you complete your path to becoming a therapist in Kansas.
Become a Counselor in Kansas Today
The path to becoming a licensed professional counselor in Kansas takes dedication, solid preparation, and patience. This piece outlines everything you need to know about education requirements, professional organizations, and financial aspects that will help guide your counseling career in the Sunflower State.
Your academic foundation starts with a master’s degree. You’ll need at least 60 semester credit hours from an accredited institution. On top of that, you must complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience to get hands-on training for real-life counseling scenarios. The examination process is rigorous but will give all Kansas counselors high professional standards before they can serve clients independently.
The financial investment in education and licensing fees pays off well. Kansas values its mental health professionals, with median annual wages ranging from about $39,000 for rehabilitation counselors to $54,000 for educational counselors. Professional organizations like the Kansas Counseling Association are a great way to get networking opportunities, continuing education, and advocacy support throughout your career.
The path to licensure has multiple steps and requirements, but the growing need for counseling services in Kansas makes this career rewarding. Your services will without doubt make a difference in countless lives, whether you focus on mental health, substance abuse, school counseling, or other areas.
Note that many scholarship opportunities can help with educational costs as you work toward your counseling degree. Your goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor in Kansas is achievable with careful planning, persistence, and a passion to help others.
Getting your counselor license in Kansas is just the beginning. Your career as a licensed professional counselor demands ongoing education and professional growth to keep your credentials current and advance your career path.
Kansas licensed counselors must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to keep their licenses active. The requirements include three hours focused on ethics, while remaining hours can cover specialized areas that match your practice. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board sets strict guidelines about approved continuing education providers and courses.
Your career growth might lead you to specialized certifications that can improve your expertise and market value:
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP): Helps you work better with trauma clients
- National Certified Counselor (NCC): Shows your steadfast dedication to excellence beyond state licensure
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC): Confirms advanced clinical knowledge and experience
New counselors often benefit from clinical supervision even after getting their license. A mentor in your specialty area can be a great way to get guidance while you build your practice.
Many new counselors join supervision groups or create peer consultation relationships. These connections help fulfill professional requirements and curb the isolation that counselors sometimes face in their practice.
Digital resources now play a key role in professional growth. The Kansas Counseling Association’s website provides job boards, continuing education options, and networking events specifically for Kansas counselors.
Successful counselors usually develop their own niches as time goes by. Experience helps you find specialized populations or treatment approaches that spark your passion. The most satisfied counselors never stop learning and growing. They see their license as just the first step in their professional trip through Kansas.