How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Kansas
To become a licensed counselor in Kansas, you'll need a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program, pass the NCE exam for LPC licensure, then complete 4,000 supervised hours (including 1,500 in direct client care) and pass the NCMHCE exam for LCPC licensure. The entire process takes 6-8 years, and mental health counselors in Kansas earn a median salary of $57,760 annually (May 2024 BLS data).
Kansas offers rewarding career opportunities for licensed professional counselors who want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Whether you're interested in mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, or clinical practice, understanding the state's licensing requirements is your first step toward a fulfilling counseling career.
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) oversees all professional counseling licenses in the state, ensuring counselors meet rigorous education, training, and examination standards to protect consumer welfare and deliver quality mental health care.
Table of Contents
- Kansas Counselor License Types: LPC vs LCPC
- Step 1: Earn Your Master's Degree in Counseling
- Step 2: Obtain Your LPC License
- Step 3: Complete 4,000 Hours of Supervised Experience
- Step 4: Advance to LCPC Licensure
- LPC vs LCPC Requirements Comparison
- Kansas Licensed Counselor Salary and Job Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Kansas Counselor License Types: LPC vs LCPC
Kansas issues two distinct professional counseling licenses, each representing different practice levels and clinical capabilities:
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is the entry-level license that allows you to practice counseling under supervision. With an LPC, you can begin accumulating the clinical hours needed for independent practice while working in counseling settings under the oversight of a fully licensed supervisor.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is the advanced, independent practice license. LCPC holders can practice without supervision, open private practices, supervise LPCs, and have greater autonomy in clinical decision-making. This is the ultimate goal for most counseling professionals in Kansas.
The pathway is sequential: you must first earn your LPC before you can work toward LCPC licensure. This two-tier system ensures counselors gain appropriate experience before practicing independently.
Step 1: Earn Your Master's Degree in Counseling
Your journey to becoming a licensed counselor in Kansas begins with earning a master's degree from an accredited counseling program. The Kansas BSRB requires that your degree come from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or meet equivalent standards.
Your master's program must include at least 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) of graduate coursework in counseling. The curriculum typically covers:
- Counseling theories and techniques - Foundation of therapeutic approaches
- Human growth and development - Understanding psychological development across the lifespan
- Social and cultural foundations - Multicultural counseling competencies
- Group dynamics and counseling - Facilitating therapeutic groups
- Career development - Vocational counseling and assessment
- Assessment and testing - Psychological evaluation tools and interpretation
- Research and program evaluation - Evidence-based practice foundations
- Professional orientation and ethics - Legal and ethical counseling practice
You'll also complete a supervised practicum (typically 100 hours) and internship (600 hours) as part of your degree program, giving you hands-on clinical experience before graduation.
If you're currently working or have other commitments, consider online master's degrees in counseling, which offer flexible formats while maintaining the same rigorous standards as campus-based programs.
Step 2: Obtain Your LPC License
After completing your master's degree, you're eligible to apply for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status. This entry-level license requires passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCE).
The National Counselor Examination (NCE)
The National Counselor Examination is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and serves as the primary assessment for LPC licensure in Kansas.
The NCE consists of 200 multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate your knowledge, skills, and abilities across eight content areas:
- Professional Practice and Ethics (16% of exam)
- Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis (16%)
- Areas of Clinical Focus (14%)
- Treatment Planning (14%)
- Counseling Skills and Interventions (14%)
- Core Counseling Attributes (13%)
- Human Growth and Development (10%)
- Career Development (3%)
You'll receive your NCE results within eight weeks of taking the exam. The NBCC provides study guides and preparation materials to help you prepare for the examination.
LPC Application Process
Once you pass the NCE, you'll submit your application for LPC licensure to the Kansas BSRB, including:
- Official transcripts showing your completed master's degree
- NCE passing score verification
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Application fee (check BSRB website for current fees)
- Professional references
Step 3: Complete 4,000 Hours of Supervised Experience
The most substantial requirement in your journey from LPC to LCPC is completing 4,000 hours of post-master's supervised professional experience. This equates to approximately two years of full-time clinical work.
Supervision Requirements
Your supervised experience must meet specific Kansas BSRB requirements:
- Total hours required: 4,000 hours of supervised professional experience
- Direct client contact: At least 1,500 hours must involve direct client care (individual, group, or family counseling)
- Supervision hours: Minimum of 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision (individual or group format)
- Supervisor qualifications: Your supervisor must be an LCPC or equivalent licensed mental health professional approved by the BSRB
- Supervision plan: You must submit a detailed supervisory plan to the BSRB for approval before beginning your supervised experience
Documenting Your Hours
Careful documentation is essential throughout your supervised experience period. You'll need to maintain detailed records of:
- Clinical hours worked (with dates, settings, and types of services provided)
- Direct client contact hours
- Supervision sessions (dates, duration, topics covered)
- Supervisor evaluations and feedback
Your supervisor will regularly review and verify your hours, ensuring they meet BSRB standards. This documentation becomes part of your LCPC application, so maintain accurate records from day one.
Step 4: Advance to LCPC Licensure
After completing your 4,000 supervised hours, you're eligible to pursue full clinical licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). This advanced credential allows you to practice independently without supervision.
The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
To earn LCPC status, you must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), also administered by the NBCC.
Unlike the multiple-choice NCE, the NCMHCE uses a simulation format with 10 clinical case scenarios. Each scenario presents a realistic counseling situation where you'll demonstrate your ability to:
- Conduct comprehensive client assessments
- Develop appropriate treatment plans
- Select evidence-based interventions
- Make clinical decisions in complex situations
- Apply ethical principles to practice dilemmas
You'll receive your NCMHCE results within eight weeks. The NBCC offers study materials and practice simulations to help you prepare for this clinical examination.
LCPC Application
Your LCPC application to the Kansas BSRB will include:
- Verification of completed 4,000 supervised hours
- Supervisor attestation and evaluation forms
- NCMHCE passing score verification
- Detailed documentation of your supervised experience
- Application fee
- Updated background check (if required)
LPC vs LCPC Requirements Comparison
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the requirements for each license level in Kansas:
| Requirement | LPC (Entry Level) | LCPC (Independent Practice) |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master's degree (60+ semester hours) from a CACREP-accredited program | Same as LPC (already completed) |
| Examination | Pass NCE (200 multiple-choice questions) | Pass NCMHCE (10 clinical simulations) |
| Supervised Experience | Practicum and internship during the degree program | 4,000 post-master's hours (1,500 direct client care) |
| Supervision Hours | Included in the degree program | 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision |
| Practice Authority | Must practice under LCPC supervision | Independent practice, can supervise LPCs |
| Timeline | 2-3 years (master's degree) | Additional 2+ years (supervised experience) |
| Total Career Timeline | 2-3 years from bachelor's | 6-8 years from bachelor's |
Kansas Licensed Counselor Salary and Job Outlook
Pursuing a counseling license in Kansas leads to a stable, rewarding career with competitive compensation. According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Kansas earn solid salaries with room for growth.
Kansas Counselor Salary Data (May 2024)
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,710 | Entry-level positions or part-time work |
| 25th Percentile | $45,050 | Early-career LPCs |
| Median (50th) | $57,760 | Typical mid-career counselor salary |
| 75th Percentile | $67,540 | Experienced LCPCs or specialty roles |
| 90th Percentile | $80,720 | Senior positions, private practice, or specialized expertise |
| Mean (Average) | $59,530 | Average across all experience levels |
Employment in Kansas: The state employs approximately 2,410 licensed mental health counselors, providing numerous opportunities across urban and rural communities.
Factors Affecting Your Salary
Your specific earnings as a licensed counselor in Kansas will depend on several factors:
- License level: LCPCs typically earn more than supervised LPCs
- Experience: Salary generally increases with years in practice
- Practice setting: Private practice, state agencies, hospitals, and community centers offer different compensation structures
- Geographic location: Urban areas like Kansas City and Wichita may offer higher salaries than rural communities
- Specialization: Substance abuse, trauma, or couples counseling specialties may command premium rates
- Employment type: Full-time, part-time, contract, or independent practice arrangements vary
National Comparison
Kansas counselor salaries are competitive with national averages. The national median wage for mental health counselors is $59,190 (May 2024), meaning Kansas counselors earn approximately 97% of the national median.
Job Outlook
The mental health counseling field continues to grow as awareness of mental health needs increases and more insurance plans cover counseling services. The demand for qualified counselors remains strong across Kansas, particularly in underserved rural areas and specialized treatment programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed counselor in Kansas?
The complete path to independent practice (LCPC) takes 6-8 years from your bachelor's degree. This includes 2-3 years for your master's degree, time to pass the NCE, then 2+ years to complete 4,000 supervised hours and pass the NCMHCE. You can work as a supervised LPC after about 3-4 years total.
What's the difference between LPC and LCPC in Kansas?
An LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the entry-level license requiring a master's degree and passing the NCE exam, but you must work under supervision. An LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) is an advanced license that allows independent practice after completing 4,000 supervised hours and passing the NCMHCE exam. Only LCPCs can practice independently and open private practices.
Can I practice counseling in Kansas with just a master's degree?
No, you cannot practice professional counseling in Kansas with only a master's degree. You must obtain at least the LPC license by passing the NCE exam. During your master's program, you'll complete practicum and internship hours as a student, but post-graduation counseling requires licensure.
Do I need to pass exams to become a counselor in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas requires two exams for full licensure. You must pass the NCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination) to become an LPC, then later pass the NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination) to become an LCPC. Both exams are administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
How much do licensed counselors make in Kansas?
Mental health counselors in Kansas earn a median salary of $57,760 annually (May 2024 BLS data). Entry-level counselors earn around $36,710-$45,050, while experienced LCPCs can earn $67,540-$80,720 or more. Your salary depends on experience, license level, setting, and location within Kansas.
Can I get my counseling license in Kansas with an online degree?
Yes, Kansas accepts master's degrees from CACREP-accredited online programs as long as they meet the 60-semester-hour requirement and include appropriate clinical training (practicum and internship). Many reputable universities offer hybrid or fully online counseling programs that fulfill Kansas licensing requirements.
What supervision do I need for LCPC licensure in Kansas?
You need 4,000 hours of post-master's supervised experience, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision from an LCPC or approved mental health professional. You must submit a supervision plan to the BSRB for approval before starting, and your supervisor will document and verify all hours.
Key Takeaways
- Two-tier licensing system: Kansas uses a progressive pathway where you earn your LPC first, then advance to LCPC after completing supervised hours.
- Education foundation: You need a 60-semester-hour master's degree from a CACREP-accredited counseling program, including practicum and internship experience.
- Two required exams: Pass the NCE for LPC licensure, then the NCMHCE for LCPC independent practice authority.
- Substantial supervised experience: Complete 4,000 post-master's hours (with 1,500 in direct client care) under LCPC supervision before independent practice.
- Competitive Kansas salaries: Mental health counselors earn a median of $57,760 annually, with experienced LCPCs earning $67,540-$80,720 or more.
- Timeline commitment: Expect 6-8 years from bachelor's degree to full LCPC licensure, but you can begin working as a supervised LPC after 3-4 years.
- Regulatory oversight: The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) governs all counseling licenses and sets standards for education, experience, and examination.
Ready to Start Your Kansas Counseling Career?
Find accredited master's programs in counseling with flexible formats and specializations designed to meet Kansas licensing requirements. Compare programs, costs, and formats to find your perfect fit.
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, 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.
