Licensed Professional Counselor

Professional Counselors are state-licensed mental health professionals authorized to assist clients in achieving personal health or mental health goals, or in the treatment of various issues such as depression and anxiety. In general, Professional Counselors work with clients on more daily life issues, rather than mental disorders requiring more extensive treatment or medication. Professional Counselors interact with clients in a variety of settings from one-on-one discussion to group settings. Therapy sessions can include a variety of techniques, or combinations of techniques, from psychotherapy, art therapy and hypnotherapy, for example.

Most states require applicants for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor to have at least a Master's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in professional counseling or a related field. Additionally, applicants must have accumulated between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience in the field, and pass a licensure exam. Some states require between 20 and 40 hours of continuing education in order to renew a license.

While Licensed Professional Counselor is the most commonly used title among state licensing board, other titles include Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.