How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania

A licensed professional counselor is a mental-health professional who is trained in therapy and counseling techniques for individuals experiencing emotional stress. Professional counselors work with clients on marriage and family issues, eating disorders, depression and other issues. The path to becoming a licensed professional counselor is different in each state. Those who wish to become a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania must follow certain guidelines as set forth by the state.

Instructions

1. Earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university, preferably in a social science field.

2. Complete a 60 semester-hour or 90 quarter-hour program culminating in the minimum of a master's degree in counseling or a similar field. The degree program must include a 100-hour supervised practicum and a 600-hour supervised internship.

3. Complete 3,600 hours of supervised clinical experience with a certified clinical supervisor. Supervisors must be employed as licensed professional counselors in Pennsylvania and have at least five years of experience.

4. Pay the licensing fee and pass the National Counseling Exam or similar qualifying exam.

5. Submit two recommendation forms from professional counselors familiar with your work and a signed affirmation verifying all licensing requirements have been met to the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

Tips & Warnings

• Attend a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) to ensure all educational requirements have been met for licensing.

• A licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to remain active. Those with felony convictions will not qualify for licensing.

Resources

• Pennsylvania Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
• CACREP