How to Become an Oklahoma LPC: State Requirements & Certification Guide

Ready to become a counselor in Oklahoma? The career outlook is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows counseling careers will grow 19% nationally from 2023 to 2033. This is a big deal as it means that the growth rate surpasses most other occupations.

Oklahoma rewards mental health professionals well. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn $61,760 on average each year in the state. The figure tops the national average of $59,190. Oklahoma’s LPC requirements include completing a 60-credit master’s degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution. You’ll also need 3,000 hours of supervised experience and must pass the National Counselor Examination.

This piece guides you through each step of getting licensed, whether you want to work as a drug and alcohol counselor or pursue a broader therapy practice in Oklahoma. We cover everything from picking the right educational program to meeting exam requirements and joining professional organizations.

Education Requirements in Oklahoma

A graduate degree starts your path to become a licensed professional counselor in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure sets specific requirements to ensure counselors receive proper training.

You need a 60 semester credit hour (or 90 quarter credit hour) graduate degree in counseling or a related mental health field to qualify for LPC licensure in Oklahoma. Your degree should come from a regionally accredited college or university that the U.S. Department of Education recognizes. The program must follow a planned, sequential mental health curriculum listed in the university catalog and approved by the institution’s governing authority.

Your coursework must include at least one course (minimum 3 semester credit hours) in each of these core areas:

• Human growth and development
• Abnormal human behavior
• Professional orientation/ethics
• Research

Two courses are needed in:

• Appraisal/assessment techniques
• Counseling theories/methods

You also need five elective courses (3 semester credits each) from knowledge areas like group dynamics, career development, social and cultural foundations, addiction counseling, marriage/family counseling, and crisis intervention.

Hands-on experience is a vital part of your education. You must complete at least 300 clock hours of supervised counseling experience. Some Oklahoma universities set higher standards. To name just one example, Oklahoma State University requires 100 clock hours of practicum plus 600 hours of internship.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited programs need no additional academic review. Several Oklahoma universities, including Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma, offer CACREP-accredited programs.

Oklahoma welcomes counselors licensed in other states through a streamlined licensure by endorsement process that typically accepts credentials from other jurisdictions without extra academic review. Board approval can help international degree holders qualify by providing a detailed evaluation from an acceptable foreign credential evaluation service.

Counseling Programs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has excellent counseling programs that meet educational requirements for licensure. Here are some standout options to complete your graduate education:

Oklahoma State University runs a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with specializations in mental health counseling and school counseling. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills through extensive fieldwork. Students appreciate OSU’s strong focus on multicultural counseling competencies and evidence-based practices.

University of Oklahoma has a CACREP-accredited Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with a rigorous curriculum and expert faculty. Students learn advanced research methods alongside hands-on clinical training. The university’s counseling clinic gives students great experience as they work with different populations under supervision.

Northeastern State University delivers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology that prepares students for LPC licensure. The program stands out because it offers both online and in-person courses, making it available for working professionals. NSU focuses on rural mental health to help underserved Oklahoma communities.

Southern Nazarene University has designed its Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology specifically for Oklahoma LPC licensure. The cohort-based program promotes strong professional bonds among students. SNU attracts students by combining spiritual viewpoints with evidence-based counseling techniques.

University of Central Oklahoma runs a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with strong clinical emphasis. Small class sizes allow personal mentorship from faculty. UCO’s focus on addiction counseling makes it a great choice for future drug and alcohol counselors in Oklahoma.

Look beyond accreditation status as you choose a program. Check graduation rates, licensure exam results, faculty expertise, and clinical placement options. You should also talk to current students or recent graduates to learn about their program experiences.

Internship and Other Requirements

The path to becoming a licensed therapist in Oklahoma extends beyond graduate coursework. You need practical experience through supervised internship and post-graduate supervision. This experience will shape your journey to becoming a licensed therapist in Oklahoma.

Your graduate program includes a practicum or internship component with at least 300 clock hours of supervised counseling experience with clients. College or university-approved counseling professionals must supervise this clinical experience. The Board’s Internship/Practicum Verification Form helps document this experience during your licensure application.

You must complete three years or 3,000 clock hours of supervised experience after graduation. Each 1,000-hour segment requires at least 350 hours of direct client contact. Your supervisor should be either an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) through the National Board for Certified Counselors or a Licensed Professional Counselor with at least two years of relevant practice experience.

Face-to-face supervision happens weekly at a ratio of 45 minutes for every 20 hours of on-the-job experience. Group supervision with 2-6 supervisees is allowed but cannot exceed half of your required supervision hours.

You need to complete these steps before starting supervised experience:

• Submit a completed application
• Pass the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Exam
• Submit a supervision agreement with a W-4 confirming employment status
• Provide a Statement of Professional Disclosure
• Submit an On-Site Supervisor Verification Form

The Board only counts supervised hours from the approved date on your Supervision Agreement. Any technology-assisted supervision through video teleconferencing needs prior Board approval. This approval depends on factors like distance, financial hardship, or physical limitations.

Note that supervision must continue until you pass the licensure examination and receive your official LPC license, even after completing the required hours. The whole supervised experience requirement must be completed within 60 months from the date of your first supervision agreement approval.

Examinations

Getting your Oklahoma LPC license requires passing two key exams. You’ll need to pass the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination (OLERE) first, then tackle the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).

The OLERE is a one-hour multiple-choice jurisprudence exam that tests your knowledge of LPC Act and Regulations. You must complete this ethics exam before you can apply for candidacy. The best way to prepare is to study the State Board’s Behavioral Health Enabling Statute and Licensed Professional Counselor Acts and Rules. You can register by calling a testing site and paying $45 for onsite testing or $50 for online proctoring.

The National Board for Certified Counselors administers the NCE, which has 200 multiple-choice questions. This four-hour test gives a full picture of your knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide effective counseling services. The Board of Behavioral Health must pre-approve you before you can sign up for the exam through the NBCC website and pay the $275 fee.

The NCE content covers six domains:

• Professional Practice and Ethics
• Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis
• Areas of Clinical Focus
• Treatment Planning
• Counseling Skills and Interventions
• Core Counseling Attributes

These domains line up with CACREP Common Core Areas such as human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, and counseling relationships.

You can take the test at three locations in Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. The exam is also available at more than 446 Pearson professional centers worldwide. Schedule your appointment through Pearson VUE’s website or customer service line at least one business day ahead.

The State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure must approve any special accommodations before you register. If you don’t pass the exam, you’ll need to wait three months before trying again and submit a new registration form with the exam fee.

Licensing Fees

A career as a licensed professional counselor in Oklahoma requires several financial investments during your licensing experience. You need to plan these costs before starting the Oklahoma LPC requirements.

The licensing process starts with a $145 application fee that accompanies your original paperwork. The state requires a $100 examination fee after your application receives approval.

Your license becomes valid for two years after you pass the examination and pay the $90 license fee. The state requires an $80 renewal fee each year to keep your license active.

Testing fees differ based on your chosen method. The Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination costs $45 at testing centers and $50 with online proctoring. This jurisprudence exam plays a vital role in becoming a therapist in Oklahoma.

Your license faces suspension if you miss the renewal deadline. The reinstatement process needs the standard renewal fee plus a $25 late fee and completion of pending continuing education requirements. The state considers licenses expired permanently if not renewed within a year.

The state charges extra fees for counselors seeking specialization:

• $100 for specialty applications
• $50 for specialty designation
• $20 yearly for specialty renewal

The state charges a $25 fee to replace licenses that are lost, damaged, or outdated. You can put your license on inactive status by paying a one-time $25 fee. This inactive status exempts you from continuing education and additional fees until reactivation.

The state calculates a prorated fee based on timing at the time of reactivating an inactive license. This option works well, especially when you have extended career breaks while becoming a counselor in Oklahoma.

Counseling Salaries in Oklahoma

You need to understand what you can earn as a counselor in Oklahoma before choosing your career path. Counselors throughout the state receive competitive pay that changes based on their specialty, location, and experience.

Licensed Professional Counselors in Oklahoma earn around $61,760 per year as a median salary. This number can change substantially depending on your specialization and where you work. Mental health counselors in bigger cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa usually earn more than those working in rural areas.

Here’s what different counseling specialties typically earn in Oklahoma:

• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: $42,310 – $68,950
• Marriage and Family Therapists: $44,580 – $71,230
• School and Career Counselors: $45,690 – $73,410
• Rehabilitation Counselors: $38,760 – $65,220

Your experience plays a big role in what you can earn. New counselors with less than five years of experience usually earn 15-20% below the median wage. Professionals with more than ten years under their belt often make 25-30% above the median.

Getting your Oklahoma LPC opens up opportunities in many different settings. Private practice therapists often earn more than those hired by community mental health centers or government agencies. They do need to handle their own overhead costs and insurance billing though.

Drug and alcohol counseling in Oklahoma shows promising growth potential. The state just needs more addiction specialists, and those with special certifications can command better pay.

Oklahoma’s cost of living sits about 15% below the national average, which makes counseling salaries even more attractive. Think about work-life balance, growth opportunities, and personal satisfaction along with the pay when planning your career as a therapist in Oklahoma.

The counseling field in Oklahoma offers solid career paths. Mental health awareness keeps growing throughout the state, creating more opportunities for professional growth.

Counseling Organizations in Oklahoma

Professional counseling organizations can boost your experience as you work to become a therapist in Oklahoma. These groups are a great way to get resources, networking opportunities, and professional development that complement your formal education and licensure process.

The Oklahoma Counseling Association (OCA) leads the way for counseling professionals in the state. This branch of the American Counseling Association gives members access to continuing education, advocacy resources, and an annual conference to connect with peers. Members also receive professional journals and newsletters with updates on the latest research and field developments.

Mental health professionals will find the Oklahoma Mental Health Counselors Association (OKMHCA) particularly useful. They support clinicians through specialized workshops and training programs. Their resources help you prepare for licensure exams and understand Oklahoma LPC requirements.

The Oklahoma Substance Abuse Counselors Association supports professionals learning to become drug and alcohol counselors in Oklahoma. Members can develop expertise in this growing specialty through certification workshops and addiction-specific continuing education programs.

Counselors interested in couples and family work can benefit from the Oklahoma Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OKAMFT). While they focus on MFT professionals, their events and training programs benefit LPCs who work with families and relationships.

National associations complement these state-level organizations through Oklahoma chapters or regional representatives. The American Mental Health Counselors Association and National Board for Certified Counselors offer additional resources to boost your professional development.

Student memberships are available at reduced rates, making these organizations accessible during graduate training. Getting involved early helps you build a professional network, find mentors, and access scholarship opportunities as you learn to become a counselor in Oklahoma.

Counseling Scholarships in Oklahoma

Getting financial help for your counseling education in Oklahoma is easier with scholarships created for future mental health professionals. Your path to meeting Oklahoma LPC requirements becomes smoother when you learn about funding options that can cut down your educational costs by a lot.

Oklahoma universities with counseling programs have their own scholarship programs. Oklahoma State University gives graduate assistantships with tuition waivers and monthly stipends. The University of Oklahoma provides departmental scholarships based on grades and financial needs. Students at Northeastern State University can get merit scholarships and graduate assistantships.

Beyond university funding, professional groups are a great way to get financial support. The Oklahoma Counseling Association gives scholarships to graduate students in counseling programs. These scholarships help fund your trip to becoming a therapist in Oklahoma and let you build valuable connections.

Targeted scholarships exist for specific practice areas. Students who want to become drug and alcohol counselors might qualify for the NAADAC Minority Fellowship Program. This program funds addiction counseling students. The National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation gives rural and military scholarships to students who will serve these communities after getting licensed.

Federal programs add more financial options:

• TEACH Grants give up to $4,000 yearly to students who will teach high-need subjects at low-income schools
• The Federal HRSA Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program helps counselors working in underserved areas

Timing plays a key role in getting these opportunities. University scholarships usually have spring deadlines for fall enrollment. Professional organization scholarships often let you apply throughout the year. Competition for funding is tough, so your applications should showcase your dedication to counseling and serving Oklahoma communities.

Students with limited scholarship options should look into employer tuition help, especially from community mental health centers and hospitals across Oklahoma.

Start Your LPC Career Today

A career as a licensed professional counselor in Oklahoma opens doors to a rewarding path with great growth potential. This piece outlines the detailed requirements to get your LPC license. You’ll need a 60-credit master’s degree and 3,000 hours of supervised experience. The OLERE and NCE examinations are key milestones in your professional trip.

Oklahoma’s counseling professionals earn more than the national average. The state’s lower cost of living makes it an ideal place for mental health professionals to work. You can choose from several specialization paths that line up with your interests – mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, or family therapy.

Your growth doesn’t stop with your original license. The Oklahoma Counseling Association and Oklahoma Mental Health Counselors Association are great ways to access resources, build networks, and continue learning. These connections help you grow and stay updated with the latest practices.

Universities, professional organizations, and federal programs offer scholarships that can help cut down your education costs. Start looking into these funding options early to boost your chances of getting financial support.

Becoming an Oklahoma LPC takes hard work and commitment. The state’s growing need for mental health services means your skills will make a real difference. Your work will help change Oklahoma residents’ lives while giving you a stable, rewarding career.