How to Become a Licensed Counselor in 4 Steps

There are many different types of counselors, such as mental health counselors and school counselors. Counselors need to have a degree and typically need a state license.

Keep reading to learn more about the different types of counselors and how to become a counselor.

What Is a Counselor?

A counselor is a professional who advises clients on a variety of issues. They may offer support and guidance and help connect clients with other resources. There are many different types of counselors.

Some of the most common include:

• behavioral disorder counselors: These counselors assist clients with behavioral disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• career counselors: Career counselors help people who are trying to find jobs or move ahead in their careers.
• mental health counselors: These counselors assist people with mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression.
• school counselors: School counselors work with students to help them succeed.
• substance abuse counselors: These counselors work with clients who struggle with substance abuse or addiction disorders.

The job duties of a counselor will depend on that counselor's specialty. For example, behavioral disorder, mental health, and substance abuse counselors may do things like:

• assess clients to determine their status and needs
• create treatment plans and modify those plans as needed
• help clients develop skills to manage or modify their behaviors
• maintain client records
• refer clients to outside services, such as support groups

These types of counselors often work in counseling centers, but they can also work in health offices, residential facilities, hospitals, or private practice.

School counselors work in K-12 schools. Their specific job duties depend on what age group they work with.

A counselor working in an elementary school will focus more on identifying and helping students with learning or behavioral disorders. Meanwhile, a high school counselor may help students choose the right courses, apply to college, and find scholarships.

Career counselors may work in colleges or universities or for social programs. They help connect clients with job opportunities, help them write their resumes, and practice interview techniques.

Steps to Become a Counselor

While there are many types of counselors who work with many different populations, they all follow a similar pathway to their careers.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

At a minimum, counselors need to have a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree that usually takes about four years to complete.

Counselors typically have bachelor's degrees in counseling, psychology, or social sciences. These programs are widely available, and often available online.

Depending on the program you choose, your counseling program may cover topics like:

• counseling theories and techniques
• developmental disabilities
• group and individual counseling
• mental health disorders

If you have an idea of the type of counselor you want to be, you can choose an undergraduate major that complements that specialty.

For example, someone wanting to become an elementary school counselor may want to major in child development, while someone wanting to become a mental health counselor may choose a major in counseling psychology.

Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree Program in Counseling

After your bachelor's degree program, you will likely need to pursue a master's degree. This is a graduate degree that usually takes about two years.

Most counselors are required to hold a master's degree, especially mental health counselors and school counselors. Specific requirements vary by state.

Master's degrees in counseling will typically allow you to further study your area of specialization. They also often include some sort of internship or clinical experience as part of the program.

You can find accredited graduate degree programs in all fields of counseling through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Step 3: Obtain a State License

State licensure requirements vary significantly by state and by the type of counselor you want to be.

In all states, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors who work in private practice must be licensed. Licensing requirements for those not in private practice vary.

All mental health counselors must be licensed. Licensing requirements for mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral disorder counselors typically include:

• a master's degree in counseling
• a certain amount of supervised clinical experience
• passing a certification exam

Some states use a national certification exam, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exam, while other states have their own exams.

School counselors who work within public schools need a certification or license from their state. This typically requires a master's degree, a supervised internship, and an exam.

Most school counselors are also required to pass a background check. You can learn more about school counselor requirements from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).

Career counselors must be licensed in some states. More information about state requirements is available from the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Step 4: Consider Counseling Certification

While certification isn't a requirement for all states, earning a national certification can help you land a job or earn a promotion.

The National Board for Certified Counselors is the primary certification body in the United States. It offers a National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification.

To earn this certification, you'll need to pass an exam.

This exam covers eight domains:

• professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
• social and cultural diversity
• human growth and development
• career development
• counseling and helping relationships
• group counseling and group work
• assessment and testing
• research and program evaluation

Once you've obtained the NCC credential, you can pursue other credentials that the NBCC offers.

These include:

• Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor
• National Certified School Counselor
• Master Addictions Counselor

School counselors can also earn national certification through the American School Counselor Association.

Become a Counselor

To become a counselor, you'll typically need to earn a master's degree and obtain a state license. You may also want to become certified.

With the guide above, you can start your journey toward a counseling career today.