Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Licensed Mental Health Counselors are mental health professionals that help clients with a variety of issues from self-esteem and career issues to family relationships. Most states use the term Licensed Professional Counselor to describe a nearly identical professional license. Other commonly used terms are Licensed Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors are typically required to hold a Master's degree in professional counseling or a related field. In addition, Licensed Mental Health counselors complete 1000 to 3000 hours of professional work supervision (depending on state requirements) and must pass a licensure exam. Some states require between 20 and 40 hours of continuing education credits to qualify for license renewal.