How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Maryland 2025
To become a licensed counselor in Maryland, you'll need a master's degree (60 credits minimum), complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least two years, and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Maryland counselors earn a median salary of $57,820, with experienced professionals making up to $97,050 annually.
Becoming a licensed counselor in Maryland opens doors to a rewarding career helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges, substance abuse issues, and life transitions. Maryland has licensed professional counselors since 1998, and the state maintains clear requirements through the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.
Whether you're interested in clinical professional counseling or specializing in substance abuse treatment, Maryland offers well-defined pathways to licensure. This comprehensive guide walks you through degree requirements, supervised experience, examination processes, and career outlook for counselors in the Old Line State.
Table of Contents
Understanding Maryland Counselor Licenses
Maryland offers two primary counselor licenses, each with specific requirements and practice scopes. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right path for your career goals.
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)
The LGPC serves as your entry-level license in Maryland. This credential allows you to practice under supervision while completing requirements for full licensure. You can work in clinical settings, provide counseling services, and gain the supervised hours needed for your LCPC.
With an LGPC, you'll work under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health professional. This supervised period typically lasts at least two years as you complete your required clinical hours.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
The LCPC represents full independent practice licensure. Once you earn this credential, you can practice without supervision, open your own practice, and supervise LGPC candidates yourself. This is the terminal license most counselors work toward in Maryland.
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
If you're specifically interested in substance abuse counseling, Maryland offers the LCADC credential. This license requires specialized coursework in addiction treatment and supervised experience working with clients dealing with substance use disorders. The LCADC is also issued by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists, which regulates all counseling and therapy licenses in the state.
| License Type | Supervision Required | Independent Practice | Can Supervise Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| LGPC | Yes | No | No |
| LCPC | No | Yes | Yes |
| LCADC | No | Yes | Yes |
Education Requirements for Maryland Counselors
Maryland doesn't require a specific undergraduate major, but you'll need a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field. Your graduate program must meet specific credit hour and coursework requirements.
Can You Become a Counselor with a Bachelor's Degree?
A bachelor's degree alone won't qualify you for licensure in Maryland. While undergraduate psychology or counseling programs provide valuable foundation knowledge, all Maryland counseling licenses require graduate-level education. You'll need at least a master's degree in counseling or a related field to practice as a licensed counselor.
Master's Degree Requirements
Your master's degree in counseling or a closely related field must include at least 60 semester credit hours (or 90 quarter credit hours). The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists strongly prefers graduates from programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Required coursework for LCPC licensure includes:
- Counseling techniques: Core methods for therapeutic intervention
- Human growth and development: Lifespan development and maladaptive behaviors
- Group dynamics and counseling: Facilitation and processing skills
- Social and cultural foundations: Multicultural counseling competencies
- Lifestyle and career development: Vocational psychology and career counseling
- Appraisal of individuals: Assessment and testing methods
- Research and evaluation: Program evaluation and outcomes research
- Supervised practicum: Minimum 100 hours of supervised clinical practice
- Marriage and family therapy: Systems theory and couples counseling
- Alcohol and drug counseling: Substance abuse treatment fundamentals
Doctoral Degree Option
If you hold a doctoral degree in counseling or a related field, you'll need 90 semester credit hours (or 135 quarter credit hours). PhD and PsyD graduates often pursue counselor licensure alongside or instead of psychologist licensure, depending on their career goals.
Additional Requirements for Substance Abuse Counseling
The LCADC path requires 26 additional credit hours specifically in alcohol and drug counseling, covering:
- Medical aspects of chemical dependency
- Assessment and treatment planning for addiction
- Group, individual, and family counseling for substance use
- Ethics in addiction treatment
- Core counselor functions, including screening, intake, case management, and crisis intervention
Supervised Experience Requirements
Maryland requires extensive supervised clinical experience before granting independent practice licensure. The specific requirements differ between license types.
LGPC Supervised Hours
To obtain your LGPC, you'll complete supervised clinical experience as part of your graduate program. Most CACREP programs include practicum and internship experiences that fulfill initial requirements.
LCPC Supervised Experience: 3,000 Hours
For full LCPC licensure, you need 3,000 hours of supervised professional counseling experience. These hours must be completed over at least two years, with at least two of those years occurring after you've earned your master's or doctoral degree in counseling.
Your supervision must follow these guidelines:
- Work under a licensed mental health professional approved by the Maryland Board
- Receive at least one hour of face-to-face supervision for every 40 hours of client contact
- Document all supervised hours with detailed logs
- Focus supervision on clinical skill development, ethical decision-making, and professional growth
| Requirement | LCPC | LCADC |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours Required | 3,000 hours | 2,000 hours |
| Minimum Duration | 2 years minimum | 3 years total experience |
| Post-Master's Requirement | At least 2 years post-degree | At least 2 years of the 3 total must be post-degree |
| Supervision Ratio | 1:40 (1 hour supervision per 40 hours client contact) | 1:40 (1 hour supervision per 40 hours client contact) |
LCADC Supervised Experience: 2,000 Hours
The alcohol and drug counseling license requires 2,000 hours of supervised experience specifically in substance abuse treatment settings. You'll need at least three years of total professional experience in the field, with at least two of those years completed after earning your master's degree in a health and human services counseling field. This means you can count one year of pre-master's experience toward the three-year requirement.
Can You Work While Accumulating Hours?
Yes. Most Maryland counselors work in clinical settings while accumulating their supervised hours. Common employment settings include community mental health centers, hospital behavioral health units, private practices, substance abuse treatment facilities, and school counseling offices.
You'll typically work as a counselor-in-training or associate counselor under your supervisor's license during this period.
Examination Requirements
Maryland requires all counselor license applicants to pass standardized examinations demonstrating clinical competence and knowledge of state regulations.
National Counselor Examination (NCE)
The NCE, administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors, serves as Maryland's primary licensing exam. This 200-question multiple-choice test covers eight content areas:
- Professional practice and ethics
- Intake, assessment, and diagnosis
- Areas of clinical focus (specific populations and issues)
- Treatment planning
- Counseling skills and interventions
- Core counseling attributes
- Group work
- Career and lifestyle development
You'll need a passing score, which the NBCC adjusts periodically to maintain consistent standards. The exam costs approximately $335 and is offered at testing centers throughout Maryland.
Maryland Jurisprudence Examination
In addition to the NCE, you'll take Maryland's jurisprudence exam covering state-specific laws, regulations, and ethical standards. This ensures you understand Maryland's legal requirements for counselor practice.
The jurisprudence exam covers the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Title 10, Subtitle 58, governing professional counselors and therapists. You can take this online exam at any time through the Maryland Board's portal.
Additional Exams for LCADC
Substance abuse counselor applicants must pass examinations specific to addiction treatment. The Maryland Board maintains a list of approved exams, which may include the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Once you've completed your education, supervised hours, and examinations, you're ready to apply for Maryland counselor licensure. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm you meet all requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Good moral character (clean criminal background)
- Master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution
- Required credit hours completed
- Supervised experience hours documented
- Passing examination scores
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Compile these materials before starting your application:
- Official transcripts from all graduate programs
- Verification of supervised experience with detailed hour logs
- Supervisor credentials and approval forms
- NCE score reports
- Jurisprudence exam results
- Three professional references
- Criminal background check authorization
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Complete the application through the Maryland Department of Health, Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. Applications are submitted online or by mail, depending on the license type.
Expect total costs of $400-550 for the complete licensing process, including:
- LGPC application fee: $200
- LGPC license fee (upon approval): $150
- NCE examination: $335
- Criminal background check: $50-75
- LCPC application fee (when upgrading): $200
Step 4: Background Check
Maryland requires a criminal background check for all counselor applicants. You'll submit fingerprints and authorize both state and federal criminal history checks. Any criminal history will be reviewed individually, though certain convictions may disqualify you from licensure.
Step 5: Board Review
The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists reviews applications during regularly scheduled meetings. Processing time typically ranges from 8-12 weeks for LGPC applications and 3-6 months for LCPC applications, though complex cases may take longer.
The Board may request additional documentation or clarification during review. Respond promptly to any requests to avoid delays.
Step 6: Receive Your License
Once approved, you'll receive your Maryland counselor license. Licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years), and you'll need to complete continuing education requirements to maintain active status.
Career Outlook and Salary in Maryland
Maryland offers strong career prospects for licensed counselors, with competitive salaries and growing demand for mental health services across the state.
Maryland Counselor Salaries
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Maryland earn:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Career Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $41,160 | Entry-level |
| 25th Percentile | $48,980 | Early career |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $57,820 | Mid-career |
| 75th Percentile | $70,990 | Experienced |
| 90th Percentile | $97,050 | Senior/specialized |
| Mean (Average) | $68,830 | Overall average |
Maryland counselors earn competitive salaries compared to the national median of $59,190. The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro region offer particularly strong compensation for mental health professionals.
Employment Outlook
Maryland currently employs approximately 8,180 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. The state's proximity to federal agencies, strong healthcare infrastructure, and well-funded public mental health system create steady demand for licensed counselors.
Job growth projections remain positive as mental health awareness increases and insurance coverage for counseling services expands. Counselors with specialized training in trauma, substance abuse, or child and adolescent therapy often find the strongest job markets.
Work Settings for Maryland Counselors
Licensed counselors in Maryland work in diverse settings:
- Community mental health centers: Nonprofit agencies providing outpatient therapy
- Private practice: Solo or group practices offering specialized services
- Hospitals and medical centers: Integrated behavioral health teams
- Substance abuse treatment facilities: Residential and outpatient addiction programs
- Schools and universities: Student counseling and support services
- Government agencies: Veterans Affairs, correctional facilities, social services
- Employee assistance programs: Workplace mental health services
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed counselor in Maryland?
The complete timeline typically spans 6-8 years. You'll need four years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for a master's degree in counseling (including practicum/internship), and an additional 2-3 years to complete supervised hours for LCPC licensure. Many counselors work as LGPCs while accumulating their post-master's supervised experience.
Can I get licensed in Maryland with an online counseling degree?
Yes, Maryland accepts degrees from regionally accredited online programs, provided they meet all credit hour and coursework requirements. However, your program must include in-person supervised clinical experiences (practicum and internship). Fully online programs without clinical components won't qualify you for licensure. CACREP-accredited programs, including hybrid formats, provide the strongest path to licensure.
Do I need malpractice insurance as a counselor in Maryland?
While Maryland doesn't legally require professional liability insurance, carrying malpractice coverage is strongly recommended. Most employers require insurance, and independent practitioners need coverage to protect against potential lawsuits. Professional associations often offer group insurance rates for members.
Can I transfer my counseling license to Maryland from another state?
Maryland doesn't have full reciprocity agreements, but the Board considers licensure by endorsement for counselors licensed in other states. You'll need to meet Maryland's education and examination requirements, though some supervised hours from your previous state may count. Contact the Maryland Board directly to evaluate your credentials for endorsement.
What's the difference between a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland?
Both LCPCs and LCSWs provide mental health counseling, but they come from different educational backgrounds. LCPCs complete master's degree programs specifically in counseling, while LCSWs earn Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees. The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists licenses LCPCs, while the Board of Social Work Examiners licenses LCSWs. If you're considering different mental health career paths, explore Maryland social work licensing to understand the distinctions.
How much do continuing education credits cost for Maryland counselors?
Maryland requires 40 continuing education hours every two years for license renewal. CE course costs vary widely, from free webinars to $500+ workshops. Budget $300-600 per renewal cycle for quality continuing education. Many professional associations offer discounted or free CE for members.
Can Maryland counselors prescribe medication?
No. Licensed counselors in Maryland cannot prescribe medication. Only physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can prescribe psychotropic medications. If you're interested in providing medication management alongside therapy, consider becoming a psychologist in Maryland with additional prescribing privileges or working collaboratively with prescribers.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field (60+ credits) from an accredited institution, preferably CACREP-accredited.
- You'll complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours over at least two years for LCPC licensure, with supervision from an approved mental health professional.
- Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and Maryland jurisprudence exam to demonstrate clinical competence and knowledge of state regulations.
- Maryland counselors earn a median salary of $57,820, with experienced professionals making up to $97,050 annually in the state's strong job market.
- The complete journey from bachelor's degree to independent licensure typically takes 6-8 years, but you can begin working as an LGPC after completing your master's degree in counseling.
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career in Maryland?
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Additional Maryland Mental Health Licensing Resources
If you're exploring different mental health career paths in Maryland, these related guides provide comprehensive licensing information:
- Maryland Psychologist Licensing - Requirements for doctoral-level psychology practice
- Maryland Social Work Licensing - LCSW and LMSW pathways
- Maryland Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing - LMFT requirements and career information
- Explore Counseling Career Specializations - Different counseling career paths and specializations
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health Counselors are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
