How to Become a Counselor in Minnesota: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed

Want to become a counselor in Minnesota? You’re looking at a profession projected to grow by 19% through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mental health counseling stands as the second-best social service job by U.S. News & World Report, which shows its importance and growing need.

Minnesota offers promising career prospects with counselors earning a median salary of $54,420, and top performers making over $105,030. The state has built a resilient mental health workforce that includes nearly 4,000 psychologists and more than 55,000 social service workers. You’ll just need to get through Minnesota’s counseling licensure process to join this thriving community.

This piece walks you through the steps to become a licensed therapist in Minnesota. We cover everything from education requirements and examination processes to supervision hours and licensing fees. Your path to starting a counseling career in the North Star State begins here.

Education Requirements in Minnesota

Getting a counseling license in Minnesota starts with meeting specific educational requirements. The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy requires candidates to hold a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field.

Your degree must come from a program that meets strict accreditation standards. Programs need accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or regional accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CACREP-accredited programs meet all curriculum and supervised field experience requirements automatically.

The graduate program requires at least 48 semester credits and must cover these key content areas:

• The helping relationship
• Human growth and development
• Lifestyle and career development
• Group dynamics and counseling
• Assessment and appraisal
• Social and cultural foundations
• Treatment planning and prevention principles
• Family counseling and therapy
• Research and evaluation
• Professional counseling orientation and ethics

Students pursuing LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) licensure need additional clinical training. This includes three semester credits each in clinical intervention methods and diagnostic assessment for mental disorders.

The program includes hands-on experience through a supervised field placement of at least 700 hours. This practical training must appear on your academic transcript and gives you real counseling experience.

Students usually complete their master’s degree in about two years of full-time study. Schools like Minnesota State University Moorhead help working professionals by offering evening courses in various formats – online, hybrid, and face-to-face.

The educational path from bachelor’s to master’s typically takes six years. This solid foundation prepares you for licensure exams and the supervised professional experience that follows graduation – your next step toward becoming a licensed counselor in Minnesota.

Premier Counseling Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota has several excellent counseling programs that will help you meet your educational requirements for licensure. You’ll need to think about key factors such as accreditation status, how the curriculum matches state requirements, location, cost, and program format.

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
This Minneapolis-based program has a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology. Students learn theoretical knowledge and practical skills through extensive fieldwork opportunities. The program’s small cohort sizes let students receive customized mentorship from faculty who actively practice in the field.

St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling matches Minnesota’s licensure requirements perfectly. The program excels in teaching multicultural counseling competencies. Their mutually beneficial alliances provide students with diverse internship placements.

Minnesota State University – Mankato
MSU Mankato provides a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with full-time and part-time options. Students receive specialized training in trauma-informed care and substance abuse counseling. These skills make graduates ready to work in these high-demand areas.

Winona State University
Winona’s Master of Science in Counselor Education lets you focus on Community Counseling or School Counseling. Working professionals throughout Minnesota can take advantage of the program’s unique mix of online and weekend courses.

Adler Graduate School
Adler Graduate School in Minnetonka offers a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling based on Adlerian principles. Career-changers will find the evening and weekend classes convenient. The curriculum emphasizes social interest and community involvement as fundamental counseling values.

You should verify each school’s current accreditation status and how their curriculum matches Minnesota’s licensing requirements. Many programs host virtual information sessions where you can learn admission requirements, meet faculty, and see how each program prepares you for Minnesota counseling licensure.

Internship and Other Requirements

The journey to becoming a licensed counselor in Minnesota doesn’t end with your master’s degree. You’ll need to complete supervised practice requirements that connect your academic knowledge with ground clinical skills.

Minnesota law requires aspiring Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) to complete 4,000 hours of supervised post-master’s professional practice in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. This includes a minimum of 1,800 hours of direct clinical client contact.

The supervision requirements follow clear guidelines. You’ll need two hours of supervision for every 40 hours of professional practice. Your supervision must be well-distributed throughout your practice period. The rules specify that 75% of supervision should happen face-to-face or through live interactive video. Half of your supervision must be individual sessions, while the rest can be group-based.

The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy must approve your supervisor. These professionals need at least two years of post-licensure experience in clinical services. You can find qualified supervisors through the BBHT website’s supervisor look-up tool.

Your supervision starts with a formal contract that meets state requirements. After completion, your supervisor will submit a “Verification of Completed Supervised Professional Clinical Practice” form to the board office.

LPC license holders with independent status have a shorter path. If they’ve already logged 2,000 supervised hours, they only need to verify another 2,000 hours when pursuing LPCC licensure through the conversion method.

Many graduate programs help arrange practicum and internship placements at university counseling centers, community mental health agencies, or private practices. These settings are a great way to get multidisciplinary training in a variety of client populations. Students gain experience with different presenting issues, from developmental concerns to more serious conditions.

Training sites across Minnesota align with the academic calendar, running from late August through mid-May. They combine individual and group supervision components. These structured experiences are the foundations for your professional counseling career in Minnesota.

Examinations

Getting your Minnesota counseling license requires you to pass specific national examinations. The requirements vary based on the type of license you want – LPC or LPCC.

The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy accepts these examination options for LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) licensure:

• National Counselor Examination (NCE)
• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRC)
• Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP)

LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) candidates must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). If you plan to get an LPCC license later, it makes sense to take the NCMHCE from the start.

The NCE includes 200 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge and skills needed to counsel effectively. The exam scores 160 questions across six areas: Professional Practice and Ethics (12%), Intake and Assessment (12%), Areas of Clinical Focus (29%), Treatment Planning (9%), Counseling Skills (30%), and Core Counseling Attributes (8%).

The NCMHCE has a different structure with 11 case studies and multiple-choice questions. This exam tests how well you can use clinical counseling theories and interventions in real-life scenarios.

You can take these exams after completing your master’s or doctoral program. Just remember that passing the exam isn’t enough for licensure – you need to meet other requirements and submit your application to the Board.

To register for NCE or NCMHCE, visit Minnesota’s NBCC examinations webpage. You’ll find study materials like practice exams and preparation guides. Focus on mastering core counseling concepts and clinical problem-solving skills to do well on these detailed assessments.

Make sure to have your official exam scores sent directly to the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy after you pass.

Licensing Fees

Your Minnesota counseling career preparation must include a budget for licensure costs. The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy charges several fees during the licensure process.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) status requires a non-refundable application fee of $400.00. The board charges an additional criminal background check fee of $32.00 starting January 2025, which decreased from $33.25.

The combined cost at the time of LPCC licensure application comes to $432.00. The board might exempt you from the background check fee if you’ve already completed one for another license, which brings your cost down to $400.00.

The fee structure is different for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) candidates:

License maintenance requires regular renewals. Both LPC and LPCC holders pay an annual active license renewal fee of $250.00. Professionals with inactive licenses pay a reduced amount of $125.00.

Missing your renewal deadline results in a late fee of $100.00 per month or portion thereof. These fees add up quickly, so you should mark your renewal dates carefully.

The board provides several additional services that you might need during your career:

• Certificate of good standing: $25.00
• Duplicate certificate: $25.00
• Copy of board order: $10.00
• Temporary license for military members: $250.00

It’s worth mentioning that all fees paid to the Board are non-refundable. The board processes applications in order of receipt, so submitting complete documentation with proper payment creates a smooth licensing experience.

Counseling Salaries in Minnesota

A career as a counselor in Minnesota can match your financial goals. The time and money you spend on education and licensing will lead you to a career that pays well and gives personal satisfaction.

Minnesota pays mental health counselors better than most other states. The average annual salary for counselors reaches $72,370 – much higher than the national average. Top performers in the field can make more than $99,130 per year.

Your pay depends on several key factors. Experience makes a big difference – new counselors start around $47,820, while professionals with 5+ years of experience earn much more. Location matters too. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area offers better pay than rural parts of Minnesota.

Your chosen specialty can really shape your income. Here’s what different counseling fields pay on average:

Where you work affects your paycheck too. Private practice often pays more than community centers or government jobs, though income can be less predictable and you’ll need to handle business tasks.

Education level plays a big role in earnings. Counselors with doctoral degrees typically earn 15-20% more than those with master’s degrees. Extra certifications and specialized training usually boost your income as well.

Minnesota’s counseling field offers many ways to increase your earnings. You can grow through continued education, picking a specialty, getting supervision credentials, and building your client base. These financial opportunities make the challenging licensing process worth the effort.

Counseling Organizations in Minnesota

Professional counseling organizations are a smart step in your Minnesota counseling career. These groups are a great way to get resources for new and experienced mental health professionals across the state.

The Minnesota Counseling Association (MCA) is the main professional organization for counselors statewide. It offers mentorship programs, continuing education opportunities, and advocates at the legislative level. Members can attend regional conferences to connect with other professionals who know Minnesota’s counseling licensure requirements.

The Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) helps therapists who focus on systemic approaches to mental health. Their strong job board lists openings in practices and community mental health centers of all sizes.

School counseling professionals will find the Minnesota School Counselors Association (MSCA) helpful with its education-focused resources. Their workshops address specific challenges that counselors face in Minnesota’s schools.

These organizations give members several benefits:

• Professional networking with experienced Minnesota counselors
• Access to Minnesota-specific continuing education events
• Legal and ethical consultation services
• Subscription to professional publications and research
• Advocacy for counseling issues at the state level
• Discounted liability insurance options
• Mentorship opportunities with experienced practitioners

National associations like the American Mental Health Counselors Association and American Counseling Association have active Minnesota chapters. Local counselors who understand state licensing requirements often lead these regional positions.

Student memberships cost less, making these organizations available before you complete your license. These professional connections support you during your education, supervised practice hours, and throughout your career as a Minnesota counselor.

Counseling Scholarships in Minnesota

Money should not stop you from becoming a counselor in Minnesota. The good news is that you’ll find many scholarships to help cover the costs of your counseling education and licensing experience.

Professional organizations across Minnesota have set up special scholarship funds for counseling students. The Minnesota Counseling Association (MCA) gives awards to graduate students who excel in academics and show dedication to counseling. The Minnesota School Counselors Association also helps future school counselors with financial support.

Minnesota universities with counseling programs have their own scholarship funds. St. Cloud State University offers the Counselor Education and Educational Psychology Scholarship. The University of Minnesota’s graduate fellowship programs support counseling students. Adler Graduate School gives merit-based scholarships between $1,000 and $3,000 each semester to students who qualify.

Here are some other funding sources to think about:

• Federal aid programs – Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see if you can get grants, work-study positions, and subsidized loans
• National counseling organizations – The American Counseling Association Foundation and American Mental Health Counselors Association give scholarships from $500 to $5,000 each year
• Minnesota-based foundations – Organizations like the Minnesota Community Foundation help students who want mental health careers

Students focused on specific counseling paths have more options. If you want to become a substance abuse counselor, look into the NAADAC Minority Fellowship Program. Students choosing rehabilitation counseling can find support through the National Council on Rehabilitation Education.

Stay active in your search for scholarships during your academic experience. Build connections with program advisors, keep an eye on university financial aid offices, and check professional organization websites often for new funding chances. Getting scholarships can make your path to Minnesota counseling licensure much more affordable.

Become a Licensed Counselor in Minnesota

A career as a licensed counselor in Minnesota takes hard work and careful planning. This piece has laid out the key steps you need to take – from getting your master’s degree to clearing exams and completing 4,000 supervised practice hours. The path needs commitment, but the rewards make it all worth it.

Minnesota is a great place to build your counseling career. The numbers speak for themselves – median salaries hit $72,370, and top counselors earn more than $99,130 per year. On top of that, an 18% growth rate through 2032 means plenty of jobs for qualified professionals.

You’ll find many resources to support your professional growth. The Minnesota Counseling Association is a great way to get networking opportunities, while scholarship programs help cover education costs. These support systems will guide you through the licensing requirements.

Getting your counseling license comes with its challenges. But each step takes you closer to joining other mental health professionals who make a real difference in Minnesota’s communities. Your time and money spent on education, supervision hours, exam prep, and licensing fees will lead to a career where you help others overcome their struggles and improve their mental health.

Think about how your personal strengths and interests could shape your counseling specialty. Minnesota offers many paths – from substance abuse counseling to marriage and family therapy or school counseling. The knowledge and skills you gain during your licensing journey will become the foundation of a meaningful career that truly matters.