How to Become a Counselor in Mississippi
To become a licensed counselor in Mississippi, you need a CACREP-accredited master's degree (60+ semester hours), pass the NCE exam, complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 18 months, and pass the NCMHCE exam. Mental health counselors in Mississippi earn a median salary of $46,810 annually (2024 BLS data).
Since 1985, when the Mississippi Legislature passed the Act licensing professional counselors, Mississippi residents have had access to high-quality counseling services, including geriatric, pediatric, couples, substance abuse, and grief counseling. Today, about 2,220 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor jobs in Mississippi ensure that the state's citizens continue to benefit from outstanding counseling care delivered by highly qualified, licensed professionals.
Learning how to become a counselor in Mississippi begins with familiarizing yourself with the licensing requirements set forth by the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors.
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Education Requirements to Become a Counselor in Mississippi
The first step to becoming a counselor in Mississippi is completing a master's or doctoral degree that's accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or that has the word "counseling" in its title and follows CACREP's structure.
Master's Degree Requirements
Your graduate degree must include at least 60 semester hours and cover the following core curriculum areas:
- Human growth and development
- Social and cultural foundations
- Counseling and psychotherapy skills
- Group counseling
- Lifestyle and career development
- Testing and appraisal
- Research and evaluation
- Professional orientation to counseling or ethics
- Theories of counseling, psychotherapy, and personality
- Marriage and/or family counseling/therapy
- Abnormal psychology and psychopathology
Online and Hybrid Program Options
A growing number of colleges and universities now offer graduate programs in counseling in hybrid or online formats to accommodate busy working professionals and those with geographical limitations. If on-campus study is inconvenient or even impossible, an online master's degree in counseling may be right for you.
Examination Requirements to Become a Counselor in Mississippi
National Counselor Examination (NCE)
Once you've completed an approved graduate degree in counseling, you must take and pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE), which is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (P-LPC)
After you achieve a passing score on the NCE, you'll apply to become a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (P-LPC) in Mississippi. You must be licensed as a P-LPC before you can begin accruing the supervised experience hours necessary to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Supervised Experience Requirements to Become a Counselor in Mississippi
3,000 Hour Requirement
You'll be required to complete at least 3,000 experience hours in no less than 18 months under the guidance of a Board-approved qualified supervisor. At least 1,200 of the required hours must be in direct client services or psychotherapy services, and 100 hours must include individual, face-to-face supervision.
Final Licensure Steps
Once the experience requirements are met, you can apply for licensure as an LPC. Once the Board approves your application, you'll qualify to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. The Board will then issue you a license as a Mississippi professional counselor.
Counseling Career Outlook in Mississippi
Job Growth and Employment
Between 2022 and 2032, the number of jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Mississippi is projected to increase significantly. The state currently employs 2,220 mental health counselors, reflecting strong demand for qualified professionals in this field.
Salary Information for Mississippi Counselors
As of May 2024, mental health counselors in Mississippi earned competitive salaries across various experience levels. The table below shows current salary data for counseling professionals in the state:
| Counselor Type | Employment | Median Salary | 90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counselors | 2,220 | $46,810 | $78,480 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | Data varies | $34,820 | $58,680 |
Mental health counselors in Mississippi earn a median salary of $46,810, while those at the upper end of the pay scale (90th percentile) earn about $78,480. Seasoned professionals with significant experience can expect salaries that reflect these higher percentiles.
Rehabilitation counselors, who work with clients with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities to help them overcome challenges and live independently, earned a median salary of $34,820 in Mississippi as of May 2024. Experienced professionals in this specialty earn salaries that closely reflect the 90th percentile, which was $58,680.
Schools with Degree Programs Accepting Students from Mississippi
Additional Resources for Mississippi Counselors
As you explore counseling careers and the many subspecialties often practiced by licensed counselors, you may also benefit from taking a look at similar professions and their earning power in Mississippi:
- Mississippi's clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned a median salary of $60,910 as of May 2020, while those at the top of the pay scale (90th percentile) earned about $144,080. Learn how to become a psychologist in Mississippi.
- Marriage and family therapists in Mississippi earned a median salary of $40,450 as of May 2020, while the top professionals (90th percentile) in the field earned about $67,550 during this time. Learn how to become a marriage and family therapist in Mississippi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed counselor in Mississippi?
The complete process typically takes 7-8 years. This includes 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for a master's degree (60 credits), and 18-24 months to complete the 3,000 supervised experience hours required after graduation.
Can I practice counseling in Mississippi with an out-of-state license?
Mississippi has specific reciprocity requirements. If you hold an active LPC license from another state, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement. Still, you must meet Mississippi's specific requirements and apply through the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors.
What's the difference between LPC and P-LPC in Mississippi?
A Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (P-LPC) has completed their master's degree and passed the NCE exam, but is still completing their 3,000 supervised hours. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) has completed all requirements, including supervised experience and the NCMHCE exam, and can practice independently.
Do I need continuing education to maintain my Mississippi counseling license?
Yes, Mississippi requires licensed professional counselors to complete continuing education hours for license renewal. Contact the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for current CE requirements and approved providers.
Can I become licensed with a non-CACREP-accredited degree?
Yes, but the degree must have "counseling" in its title and meet CACREP's structural requirements, including at least 60 semester hours and coverage of all required core curriculum areas listed by the Mississippi Board.
What's the pass rate for the NCE and NCMHCE exams?
Pass rates vary by testing period and preparation level. The National Board for Certified Counselors provides current pass rate statistics on its website. Most candidates benefit from using study guides and preparation courses to improve their chances of passing on the first attempt.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi requires a CACREP-accredited master's degree with at least 60 semester hours covering 11 core curriculum areas for counselor licensure.
- You must pass the NCE exam before obtaining your Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (P-LPC) status and beginning supervised experience.
- Complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 18 months, including 1,200 hours of direct client services and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
- Mental health counselors in Mississippi earn a median salary of $46,810, with experienced professionals earning up to $78,480 at the 90th percentile (2024 data).
- The complete education and licensure process from a bachelor's degree to full LPC licensure typically takes 7-8 years.
- Mississippi employs 2,220 mental health counselors, with strong projected job growth in the counseling field through 2032.
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career in Mississippi?
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health, and Mental Health Counselors and Rehabilitation Counselors are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
