How to become a Counselor in Louisiana
Sponsored School(s)
How Do I Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners offer two different levels of Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Initially, those interested in pursuing full licensure will be licensed as a Counselor Intern. An entire FAQ is dedicated just to the Counselor Internship. Upon completing the requirements for education, examination, and supervised experience, future counselors will receive their Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license. After completing additional coursework, those holding a LPC license can apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor with Appraisal Privileges. This next level of licensure permits assessments by the counselor.
What are the Requirements to Become a Counselor in Louisiana?
Recent criticism of the state of mental health care in Louisiana has encouraged a lively dialogue among lawmakers, practitioners, and the community on how best to provide for the mental health needs of Louisiana's citizens. The Louisiana Counseling Association has taken an active role in raising awareness for just how serious a need mental health care is fin the state. From the classrooms to the steps of the capitol in Baton Rouge the continuing evolution of just what sort of place mental health care has in 21st Century Louisiana is still underway. Future counselors in Louisiana will be entering into a field that is situated squarely in the center of a statewide conversation.
Similar to the requirements in many other states, Louisiana’s future counselors are required to complete graduate coursework, supervised experience, and receive a passing score on the National Board for Certified Counselors(NBCC) National Counselor Examination(NCE). A future counselor’s degree must be from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited counseling program. For Appraisal Privileges a future counselor must have completed additional coursework and practicum which includes appraisal instruments in addition to supervised practice with appraisal instruments. More information on appraisal activities is available at the Louisiana’s board’s website.
What are the Supervised Experience Requirements for Becoming a Counselor in Louisiana?
The supervised experience requirements to be licensed as an LPC amount to a total of 3,000 hours. No less than 1,900 hours must be in direct client contact. Face-to-face supervision must account for 100 of the total hours. 50 hours must be accumulated in individual supervision. Case notes, staffing, or assessment can count for up to 1,000 of the hours. Some coursework completed at a post-master’s level may lessen the total supervised practice requirement. Regardless of the level of education, a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised experience is required for licensure. Hours may be accumulated between two and seven years of time. Once all the required hours have been accrued, the supervisor provide a final evaluation and make a recommendation to the board.
The application for a full license is contingent on a verification of all hours by the supervisor. Therefore, a concerted effort on the part of the supervisor and the licensee to keep good records throughout the supervised experience is required.
What are the Examination Requirements for Becoming a Counselor in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners only accepts a passing score on the National Board for Certified Counselors(NBCC) National Counselor Exam(NCE).
The NCE consists of 200 multiple choice questions designed to assess knowledge, skills and abilities of licensure candidates. You will receive your score within 8 weeks of the examination. Study guides are available via the NBCC.
Note: For more information on how to become a counselor in the state of Louisiana, please visit the Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners.
Salary Information for Counselors in Louisiana
Seeking Appraisal Privileges in addition to the LPC license is advantageous for anyone determined to become a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana. Specific salaries will depend on level of education, specialization, location, licensing, and the type of counseling provided. The most recent information from The Bureau of Labor Statistics for Louisiana reveals an average yearly income for professional counselors between $41,090-$58,740. Regardless of where and in what capacity a licensed professional counselor decides to serve, it will be their “dedication and commitment to helping others” that sees them through the uncertain times facing everyone in Louisiana.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for educational, guidance, and career counselors, marriage and family therapists, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, and counselors (all other) are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2023.