The Path to Becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Founded in 1912, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private university rooted in Lasallian Catholic heritage. With three campuses in Minnesota, as well as online learning, we offer accelerated master’s program options and traditional master’s degrees. For those who wish to work as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling and Psychological Services is the best fit.
Here, we explain the role of a licensed professional counselor and the training required to become one.
What Is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)?
An LPCC is a health professional specializing in mental health services. LPCCs typically work one-on-one with patients, helping them navigate emotional, social, and psychological challenges. Some LPCCs work with entire families or groups of patients. They develop customized treatment plans according to the health needs of each patient they serve. They work with patients with mental, emotional, and social conditions, substance abuse disorders, and personal trauma.
LPCCs hold master’s degrees. LPCCs in Minnesota are licensed through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health & Therapy.
LPC vs. LPCC: What’s the Difference?
LPCCs are different from Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). The main distinction is that LPCCs focus more on clinical mental health and have extended training in educational content and post graduate experience.
In Minnesota, LPCCs are designated as mental health professionals. LPCCs must complete more clinical coursework than LPCs, and they take different licensing examinations. The master’s degree program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota meets all educational requirements for both licenses in the state.
Educational Requirements
To be eligible for licensure as an LPC, you will typically need a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited program. You also will need supervised field experience in a professional setting. The minimum number of practicum hours may vary by state, so students should check with the relevant licensing board for the state in which they wish to practice. Licensure typically is granted after a student completes their educational and practicum requirements and successfully passes a professional examination. This may be:
- The National Counselor Examination (NCE)
- The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE)
Some states may accept equivalent alternatives.
Career Outlook for Counselors
If you become an LPC, you can look forward to job opportunities in a growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a solid occupational outlook for counseling professions. Employment of marriage and family therapists, for example, is expected to grow by 15% over the next ten years. Mental health and substance abuse counselors are even more in demand, with the profession growing by 18% in the same period.
Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services
The School of Health and Human Services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services that can be completed in two and a half years. Students planning to pursue this program can get a head start by taking up to 6 graduate credits (2 courses) while still in the bachelor program. This program is offered online as well as at the university’s campuses in Minneapolis and Rochester, MN. The comprehensive curriculum includes coursework in:
- Developmental psychology
- Counseling techniques
- Research methods
- Psychological assessments
- Multicultural counseling
- Professional ethics
Additionally, students complete a minimum of 700 hours of supervised practicum experience in a real-world setting. Those who graduate from this program are equipped to pursue work as an LPC or LPCC.
Students can expand their postgraduate options by pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies alongside the M.A. degree. This dual-track option gives students the preparation they need to apply for an additional certification as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). Alternatively, M.A. students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree in the field of counseling can apply for direct admit or early entry into the Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. This is a five-year, on-campus doctoral degree program.
Request Information About Professional Counselor Education
If you’re passionate about helping others and ready to pursue a career in counseling, choose the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers comprehensive training with classes taught by experienced faculty. Whether you apply to study in-person or online, you’ll have access to the same rigorous Catholic education in the Lasallian tradition. Plus, with multiple program start dates throughout the year, you can complete your education on a timeline that works for you. To get started, request information about the program or apply for admission today.
