How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado
To become a licensed professional counselor in Colorado, you'll need a 60-credit CACREP-accredited master's degree, 2,000 supervised hours (including 1,500 direct client contact), and passing scores on the NCE and state jurisprudence exams. The process takes 4-6 years in total, with median annual salaries of $59,190 as of May 2024.
Colorado's stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes and thriving communities create an ideal setting for mental health professionals. If you're considering a career helping people heal from trauma and discover their truest sense of self, becoming a licensed professional counselor in Colorado offers both personal fulfillment and strong career prospects.
The path to licensure requires dedication and proper planning. The Colorado State Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners oversees the licensing process and sets the educational and clinical standards you'll need to meet.
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Education Requirements for Becoming a Counselor in Colorado
Colorado requires a strong educational foundation for professional counselor licensure. You must complete a master's degree program of at least 60 semester credit hours, along with a practicum of at least 700 hours. Alternatively, you can qualify with a doctorate in counseling.
Your degree must be in counseling, human services, mental health and wellness, or a similar field. Most importantly, the program must be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or meet CACREP equivalency standards.
Choosing the Right Master's Program
A master's program typically takes around two years to complete. When selecting a school, consider these key factors beyond accreditation:
- Tuition rates and financial aid availability can significantly impact your overall investment
- Program format matters if you need flexibility. Many CACREP-accredited programs offer hybrid or online formats that combine academic rigor with the convenience of remote learning
- Proximity to practicum sites affects your ability to complete the required clinical hours
- Specialization options align with your career interests, whether that's trauma, addiction, family systems, or other areas
Find CACREP-accredited graduate counseling programs that match your needs and location.
Experience and Examination Requirements to Become a Counselor in Colorado
After completing your master's or doctoral degree, you're not yet fully licensed. Colorado uses a two-tier system where you first become a candidate, then progress to full licensure.
Step 1: Become a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC)
Upon graduation, you must apply with the Board to become a Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC). This allows you to begin accruing the supervised experience hours required for full licensure.
Step 2: Complete Supervised Experience
You must complete at least 2,000 hours of post-master's practice in a supervised setting. This isn't just any work experience. At least 1,500 of the 2,000 hours required must include face-to-face direct client contact under clinical supervision. The remaining hours can include case consultation, documentation, and other clinical activities.
Your supervisor must be a licensed mental health professional who meets Colorado's requirements. Supervision typically includes regular meetings to review cases, discuss clinical techniques, and ensure ethical practice.
Step 3: Pass Required Examinations
Colorado requires two exams for LPC licensure:
- The National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). You can take this exam at any point after completing your education. Apply for the NCE here.
- Colorado State Jurisprudence Examination tests your knowledge of state-specific laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing counseling practice in Colorado.
Step 4: Apply for Full LPC License
Once you've completed your supervised hours and passed both exams, you can apply for your initial LPC license in Colorado. You'll need to submit documentation proving completion of your experience hours and your passing scores on both exams.
LPC vs. LAC: Understanding the Difference
Colorado offers two distinct counseling licenses: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). While both involve helping clients with mental health challenges, they follow different pathways and focus areas.
| Requirement | LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) | LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor) |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master's in Counseling or related field | Master's in Clinical Behavioral Health |
| Credits | 60 semester hours minimum | 60 semester hours minimum |
| Accreditation | CACREP or equivalent | Board-approved program |
| Practicum | 700 hours minimum | Varies by program |
| Post-Graduate Experience | 2,000 hours (1,500 direct client contact) | 2,000 hours supervised practice |
| National Exam | NCE (National Counselor Examination) | MAC (Master Addiction Counselor) |
| State Exam | Colorado Jurisprudence Exam | Colorado Jurisprudence Exam |
| Licensing Board | Board of Licensed Professional Counselor Examiners | Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners |
| Primary Focus | General mental health, trauma, relationships | Substance abuse and addiction treatment |
If you're interested in specializing in addiction treatment, you'll pursue LAC licensure through the Colorado State Board of Addiction Counselors Examiners. The LAC pathway requires passing the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam administered by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). Learn more about how to become a Colorado LAC.
Timeline: Your Path to Licensure
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your educational journey and career trajectory. Here's what to expect:
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years 1-2 | 24 months | Complete master's degree (60 credits) and 700-hour practicum | Graduate with master's degree |
| Year 2-3 | Immediately after graduation | Apply for LPCC status, begin supervised employment, take NCE exam | Become LPCC, pass NCE |
| Years 3-4 | 18-24 months | Accumulate 2,000 supervised hours (1,500 direct client contact) | Complete experience requirement |
| Year 4-5 | When eligible | Pass Colorado jurisprudence exam, submit full licensure application | Receive LPC license |
Total Time to Licensure: 4-6 years from starting your master's program to receiving full LPC licensure. This timeline assumes full-time enrollment and continuous progress through supervised hours. Part-time students or those who take breaks may need additional time.
Related Mental Health Careers in Colorado
As you explore career opportunities in the counseling field, you may also be interested in these related professions that offer different scopes of practice and specialization areas:
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists
These professionals apply psychological principles to address student learning, behavioral problems, and developmental disorders. They design performance plans, conduct assessments, and counsel students and families. Unlike LPCs, psychologists must hold a PhD or PsyD.
As of May 2024, clinical and counseling psychologists in Colorado earned a median salary of $96,590, with the top 10% earning $162,150 or more. School psychologists earned a median of $89,050, with top earners bringing home $121,690. Learn more about how to become a psychologist in Colorado.
Marriage and Family Therapists
MFTs help clients process reactions to life-changing events and develop coping strategies for difficult situations. They leverage cognitive-behavioral therapy and systems theory. Most work in private practice or outpatient care centers.
The median annual salary for Colorado's marriage and family therapists was $64,300 as of May 2024, while those at the top of the pay scale earned about $94,680. Learn more about how to become a marriage and family therapist in Colorado.
School Counselors and Career Counselors
Educational and guidance counselors help students develop academic and social skills to succeed in life. They also assist people with vocational skills and career planning. These professionals work in schools, colleges, and vocational support organizations.
As of May 2024, educational and guidance counselors in Colorado earned a median salary of $68,440. Those at the top of the pay scale earned about $95,230.
Social Workers
Social workers connect clients with community resources, advocate for policy changes, and provide direct counseling services. Different specializations include healthcare social work, school social work, and mental health social work.
Colorado offers various social work specializations, with median salaries ranging from $54,300 to $71,980 as of May 2024, depending on the specialty. Learn more about Colorado social work licensing.
| Profession | Education Required | Median Salary (CO, 2025) | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Professional Counselor | Master's (60 credits) | $59,190 | $98,030 |
| Clinical/Counseling Psychologist | PhD or PsyD | $96,590 | $162,150 |
| School Psychologist | PhD, PsyD, or EdS | $89,050 | $121,690 |
| Marriage & Family Therapist | Master's | $64,300 | $94,680 |
| School/Career Counselor | Master's | $68,440 | $95,230 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | Master's | $48,370 | $79,960 |
Counseling Career Outlook and Licensed Counselor Salaries in Colorado
Exceptional Job Growth Projected
The outlook for counselors in Colorado is exceptionally strong. Between 2022 and 2032, jobs among Colorado's substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are expected to increase by 21.2%, translating to approximately 3,000 new positions. This growth rate significantly exceeds the national average and reflects Colorado's commitment to expanding mental health services.
The state expects about 1,260 annual job openings for counselors during this period, driven by new job growth, retirements, and natural turnover.
Current Salary Data for Colorado Counselors
As of May 2024, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Colorado earned competitive salaries that reflect the state's strong economy and high cost of living in many areas.
Mental Health Counselors (May 2024 Data):
- Median annual salary: $59,190
- 25th percentile: $47,750 (typical entry-level with some experience)
- 75th percentile: $78,350 (experienced professionals)
- 90th percentile: $98,030 (top earners with extensive experience or specialized practices)
- Mean salary: $66,280
If you're new to the profession, expect to earn a salary close to the 25th percentile as you build experience and develop your clinical skills. Once you've gained considerable experience and established a solid reputation in the mental health community, you can work toward the 75th or 90th percentile earnings.
Colorado's median salary of $59,190 compares favorably to many other states and reflects the strong demand for mental health services throughout the state, from urban centers like Denver and Colorado Springs to rural mountain communities.
Salary Growth Potential
Your earning potential grows significantly as you progress through your career. Factors that influence salary include:
- Years of experience and documented clinical success
- Specializations in high-demand areas like trauma, addiction, or couples therapy
- Geographic location within Colorado (urban areas typically pay more)
- Practice setting (private practice, hospital, community mental health center)
- Additional certifications like EMDR, DBT, or play therapy credentials
Other Counseling Specializations
As of May 2024, rehabilitation counselors in Colorado working with clients with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities earned a median salary of $48,370, while the top earners in this field earned about $79,960.
All other counseling professionals in Colorado earned a median salary of $65,910 as of May 2024, with top earners bringing home $91,460 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed counselor in Colorado?
The complete process takes 4-6 years, from the start of your master's program to receiving full LPC licensure. This includes two years for your master's degree, time to pass the NCE exam, and 18-24 months to accumulate 2,000 supervised hours. Part-time students may need additional time.
Can I get licensed with an online master's degree?
Yes, as long as the program is CACREP-accredited or meets CACREP equivalency standards. Many reputable universities offer online or hybrid master's programs that meet Colorado's requirements. You'll still need to complete in-person practicum hours and supervised clinical experience.
What's the difference between an LPC and an LPCC in Colorado?
LPCC (Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate) is a temporary status you hold after graduating but before completing your supervised hours and exams. LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) is the full, independent practice license you receive after meeting all requirements. Think of LPCC as your training wheels, period.
How much does it cost to get licensed in Colorado?
Costs include your master's degree tuition (which varies widely by program), the NCE exam fee (approximately $335), the state jurisprudence exam fee, and the initial license application fee (check current rates with the Colorado Board). Total costs can range from $30,000 to $80,000+, depending on your program choice and whether you attend full-time or part-time.
Does Colorado accept out-of-state counseling licenses?
Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for counselors licensed in other states who meet Colorado's education, experience, and examination requirements. You'll need to submit your credentials for review and may need to take Colorado's jurisprudence exam. Requirements vary based on your current state's standards compared to Colorado's.
What's the job market like for counselors in Colorado?
The job market is excellent. Colorado expects 21.2% growth in counseling positions through 2032, creating approximately 3,000 new jobs. This strong growth reflects increased awareness of mental health needs, expanded insurance coverage for counseling services, and Colorado's growing population.
Can I work as a counselor while completing my supervised hours?
Yes. Once you become an LPCC, you can work as a counselor under supervision while accumulating your required hours. Many graduates work in community mental health centers, hospitals, or group practices that provide the necessary supervision structure.
Key Takeaways
- Education requirement: 60-credit CACREP-accredited master's degree with 700-hour practicum
- Experience requirement: 2,000 supervised hours post-graduation (1,500 must be direct client contact)
- Exams required: NCE (National Counselor Examination) and Colorado state jurisprudence exam
- Total timeline: 4-6 years from starting your master's program to full licensure
- Career outlook: Excellent, with 21.2% job growth projected through 2032 (3,000 new positions)
- Salary range: Median $59,190, with top earners making $98,030+ annually (May 2024)
- Alternative pathways: LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor) for addiction specialization uses different exams and a board
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career in Colorado?
Explore CACREP-accredited counseling programs that fit your schedule, location, and career goals. Compare options from respected universities and take the first step toward making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
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Schools with Degree Programs Accepting Students from Colorado
Additional Resources for Colorado Applicants
- Colorado Psychologist Licensing
- Colorado Social Work Licensing
- Colorado Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Counseling Careers
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
