How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Missouri (2025 Guide)
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri, you'll need a master's degree in counseling (48-60 semester hours depending on enrollment date), pass both the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and Missouri Jurisprudence Exam, complete 2 hours of suicide prevention training, and fulfill 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice over at least 24 months. The entire process takes 6-8 years, with median salaries of $56,640 annually for mental health counselors in Missouri.
Missouri's growing need for qualified mental health professionals creates excellent opportunities for licensed counselors throughout the state. Whether you're considering working in urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis or serving rural communities across Missouri, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requires careful planning and commitment.
The Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors oversees all professional counseling licensure in the state, offering two progressive credential levels: Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This comprehensive guide walks you through every requirement, timeline, and career consideration for pursuing your counseling license in Missouri.
Contents
- Missouri LPC Licensing Overview
- Educational Requirements for Missouri LPCs
- Missouri LPC Licensing Pathway: 5 Essential Steps
- Supervised Experience Requirements in Detail
- Examination Requirements: NCE and Missouri Jurisprudence
- Missouri Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
- Career Specializations for Licensed Counselors
- Continuing Education and License Renewal
- Professional Organizations in Missouri
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Missouri LPC Licensing Overview
The Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors, a division of the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, manages all professional counseling credentials in the state. Understanding the two-tiered licensing system is essential for planning your career path.
Two Levels of Missouri Counseling Licensure
Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC): This is your entry-level license, obtained immediately after completing your master's degree and passing required exams. As a PLPC, you'll work under supervision while accumulating the clinical hours needed for full licensure. This provisional status allows you to practice counseling and gain the experience required for your LPC credential.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): Full LPC licensure represents the culmination of your educational journey and supervised practice. With an LPC license, you can practice independently, open a private practice, diagnose mental health conditions, and supervise other provisional counselors. This credential demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the counseling profession.
Timeline to Full Licensure
Becoming a fully licensed counselor in Missouri typically takes 6-8 years total. This breaks down into four years for your bachelor's degree, two years for your master's degree (including practicum), and 2-5 additional years to complete your 3,000 supervised hours while working as a PLPC.
Educational Requirements for Missouri LPCs
Your educational foundation determines your eligibility for counseling licensure in Missouri. The Committee for Professional Counselors maintains specific requirements for acceptable degree programs.
Master's Degree Requirements
Important: Missouri updated its education requirements effective August 28, 2023. Your required semester hours depend on when you enrolled in your master's program.
For students who enrolled BEFORE August 28, 2023:
You must earn a minimum of 48 semester hours (or 72 quarter hours) master's degree in one of these approved fields:
- Counseling (most direct pathway to LPC)
- Counseling and Guidance
- School Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
For students who enrolled ON OR AFTER August 28, 2023:
You must earn a minimum of 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) master's degree in the same approved fields listed above. This updated requirement aligns Missouri with national standards and ensures more comprehensive training for future counselors.
Required Core Coursework
Regardless of your enrollment date, your master's program must include at least three semester hours in each of these 10 core content areas:
| Core Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Counseling Theory | Major counseling theories and therapeutic approaches |
| Human Growth and Development | Life span development from birth through aging |
| Social and Cultural Diversity | Multicultural counseling competencies |
| Helping Relationships | Counseling techniques and therapeutic relationships |
| Group Work | Group counseling theories and facilitation |
| Career Development | Career counseling theories and interventions |
| Appraisal of Individuals | Assessment instruments and testing |
| Research and Program Evaluation | Research methods and evidence-based practice |
| Professional Orientation | Professional ethics, identity, and practice standards |
| Diagnosis | Mental health diagnosis and treatment planning |
Practicum Requirement
Your master's program must include a supervised practicum of at least six credit hours, totaling a minimum of 600 supervised graduate-level hours. This practicum is separate from your post-graduate supervised experience and must be completed as part of your degree requirements.
CACREP Accreditation Benefits
While Missouri doesn't require CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accreditation, graduating from a CACREP-accredited program offers significant advantages. CACREP graduates may be eligible to take the National Counselor Exam before completing their degree, accelerating their path to licensure. These programs also ensure your coursework meets all Missouri requirements and are highly regarded by employers.
Missouri LPC Licensing Pathway: 5 Essential Steps
Follow this step-by-step roadmap to navigate Missouri's counseling licensure process efficiently.
Step 1: Earn Your Master's Degree
Complete your master's degree from an accredited institution with all required core content areas and practicum hours. Remember that you need 48 semester hours if you enrolled before August 28, 2023, or 60 semester hours if you enrolled on or after that date. Choose your program carefully, considering CACREP accreditation, program focus, and whether the curriculum aligns with your career goals. Explore counseling career paths to help guide your specialization decision.
Step 2: Pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE)
Register for and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). You can take this exam once your graduate coursework is complete and your transcript has been sent to the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors. A passing score is required before you can apply for your provisional license.
Step 3: Apply for Your Provisional License (PLPC)
Submit your application for Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor status to the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors. Your application must include:
- Official transcripts showing your completed master's degree
- Proof of passing the NCE score
- Completed background check through the Missouri Automated Criminal History System (MACHS)
- Completion of 2 hours of suicide prevention training
- Application fee ($75)
- Approved supervision plan
Step 4: Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Experience
Work as a PLPC while accumulating your required supervised clinical hours. This phase typically takes 2-5 years, depending on whether you work full-time in a counseling position. You must maintain regular supervision throughout this period and keep detailed documentation of all clinical hours.
Step 5: Pass the Missouri Jurisprudence Exam and Apply for Full LPC
Once you've completed your 3,000 supervised hours, you'll take the Missouri Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination. This open-book, online exam covers Missouri-specific laws and regulations governing professional counseling practice. After passing, submit your application for full LPC licensure, including documentation of all supervised hours and supervisor attestation.
Supervised Experience Requirements in Detail
Your supervised experience as a PLPC represents the most substantial time commitment in your licensure journey. Understanding these requirements helps you plan effectively and avoid delays.
Hour Requirements Breakdown
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Supervised Hours | 3,000 hours post-master's degree |
| Minimum Duration | 24 months (no exceptions) |
| Maximum Duration | 60 months (5 years) |
| Minimum Hours Per Week | 15 hours per week of counseling-related activities |
| Direct Client Care | Minimum 1,200 hours of face-to-face counseling |
| Indirect Clinical Hours | Up to 1,800 hours (seminars, case documentation, treatment planning, staff meetings) |
| Supervision Frequency | Minimum one hour per week of direct supervision |
| Individual Supervision | At least 50% of supervision must be individual (not group) |
| Group Supervision Limit | No more than 50% of supervision hours in group format |
Acceptable Supervisors
Your supervisor must hold one of these active Missouri licenses with at least two years of post-licensure experience:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with at least two years post-licensure experience AND completion of approved supervisor training
- Licensed Psychologist with at least two years of licensure
- Licensed Psychiatrist with at least two years of licensure
Supervisors must maintain active, unrestricted licenses in Missouri throughout their supervision period. LPC supervisors must also complete approved supervisor training before providing supervision. Contact the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors or professional organizations like the Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association for information about supervisor training programs.
Supervision Plan Requirements
Before beginning your supervised experience, you must submit a detailed supervision plan to the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors. This plan outlines your work setting, duties, supervision schedule, and learning objectives. Any changes to your supervision arrangement require submitting an updated plan to the Committee.
Documentation and Record Keeping
Maintain meticulous records of all supervised hours, including dates, hours worked, types of activities, and supervision received. Your supervisor must verify these hours on official supervision logs. Poor documentation is a common cause of delays when applying for full LPC licensure, so establish good record-keeping practices from day one.
Doctoral Degree Holders
If you hold a doctoral degree with a clinical internship completed as part of your studies, you may qualify for reduced supervision requirements. Doctoral candidates may convert some hours or complete supervision in as little as one year (1,500 hours with 600 direct client contact). Contact the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors to discuss your specific situation and hour conversion options.
Examination Requirements: NCE and Missouri Jurisprudence
Missouri requires two separate examinations at different stages of your licensure journey. Understanding what each exam covers helps you prepare effectively.
National Counselor Examination (NCE)
The National Counselor Examination is a 200-question, multiple-choice exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This comprehensive exam assesses your knowledge, skills, and abilities across all counseling competency areas.
Exam Content Areas:
- Professional Practice and Ethics
- Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis
- Areas of Clinical Focus (mental health, career development, group work)
- Treatment Planning and Interventions
- Core Counseling Attributes and Skills
Test Format: Computer-based, 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a brief tutorial beforehand
Passing Score: The passing score is determined through statistical analysis and varies slightly by exam form
Results Timeline: Official scores typically arrive within 4-5 weeks of your exam date and are automatically sent to the Missouri Committee
Retake Policy: If you don't pass, you must wait three months before retesting. There's no limit on the number of attempts, but each retake requires the $195 exam fee.
Preparation Resources: The NBCC offers study guides, practice exams, and preparation materials through its website. Many counseling programs also offer NCE preparation courses.
Missouri Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination
After completing your supervised hours, you'll take Missouri's jurisprudence exam covering state-specific counseling laws and regulations. This open-book, untimed online exam consists of 20 two-part questions (true/false plus identification of the relevant statute or regulation).
Exam Content:
- Missouri counseling statutes (Chapter 337, RSMo)
- Committee rules and regulations
- Professional ethics specific to Missouri practice
- Scope of practice limitations
- Confidentiality requirements under Missouri law
Exam Fee: $45-$75 (check current fee with the Committee)
Format: This exam is open-book and untimed, so you can reference Missouri statutes and regulations while testing. However, familiarize yourself with the material beforehand to complete the exam efficiently. Upon successful completion, you'll receive a certificate to submit with your LPC application.
Retake Policy: No additional fee for retakes if needed.
Licensing Application Fees
Budget for these costs throughout your licensure journey:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| PLPC Application | $75 |
| Full LPC Application | $100 |
| Biennial License Renewal | $75 |
| NCE Examination | $195 |
| NCE Retake Fee | $195 |
| Missouri Jurisprudence Exam | $45-$75 |
| Background Check (MACHS) | $43.05 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees with the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors before submitting applications.
Missouri Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
Mental health counselors in Missouri earn competitive salaries with strong employment growth projected over the next decade. Understanding salary expectations helps you make informed career and educational investment decisions.
Missouri LPC Salary Data (2025)
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, Missouri employs 7,500 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $56,640, with significant variation based on experience, setting, and specialization.
| Percentile | Missouri Annual Salary | National Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,630 | $37,220 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,930 | $44,610 |
| Median (50th) | $56,640 | $53,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,810 | $62,820 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,160 | $79,050 |
| Mean (Average) | $58,230 | $55,350 |
Salary by Experience Level
Your earning potential increases significantly with experience and specialization:
- Entry-Level PLPCs (0-2 years): Counselors beginning their supervised experience typically earn between $35,630 and $42,930 annually. These positions are often found in community mental health centers, group practices, and social service agencies.
- Mid-Career LPCs (3-7 years): Licensed counselors with several years of experience typically earn near the state median of $56,640. At this stage, you've likely developed specializations and may work in hospitals, schools, or established private practices.
- Experienced LPCs (8+ years): Senior counselors, private practice owners, and those with specialized certifications can reach the 75th-90th percentile range of $66,810 to $80,160. Private practice owners and clinical supervisors often earn at the higher end of this range.
Top-Paying Settings in Missouri
Your practice setting significantly impacts earning potential. Hospitals and psychiatric facilities typically offer the highest salaries, while community mental health centers and schools pay closer to median wages. Private practice income varies widely depending on client base, insurance panels, and business management skills.
Employment Growth Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for mental health counselors nationwide, driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs and improved insurance coverage for mental health services. Missouri's diverse population, from urban centers to rural communities, creates varied opportunities for licensed counselors throughout the state.
Areas like Kansas City and St. Louis offer numerous positions in hospitals, mental health centers, and group practices. Rural Missouri communities face significant counselor shortages, creating opportunities for those willing to serve underserved populations. Telehealth expansion has also opened new practice possibilities for Missouri counselors.
Career Specializations for Licensed Counselors
Once licensed, you can pursue various specializations that align with your interests and community needs. Missouri LPCs work across diverse settings and populations.
Mental Health Counseling
Focus on treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions in private practice, community mental health centers, or hospital settings. This represents the most common specialization for Missouri LPCs.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Address addiction and substance use disorders through individual and group counseling. Missouri faces significant substance abuse challenges, particularly in both urban and rural areas, creating a strong demand for qualified addiction counselors.
School Counseling
Work with students, families, and educators to support academic, social, and emotional development. School counselors need additional Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification beyond LPC licensure.
Career Counseling
Help individuals navigate career transitions, job searches, and professional development. Career counselors work in workforce development centers, universities, private practice, and corporate settings.
Couples and Family Counseling
While LPCs can provide couples and family counseling, those specializing in this area often pursue additional credentials. Learn more about becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Missouri if this specialization interests you.
Crisis Counseling and Trauma
Provide immediate intervention and ongoing support for individuals experiencing crisis or recovering from traumatic events. These counselors often work in emergency departments, crisis hotlines, and disaster response teams.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Maintaining your Missouri LPC license requires ongoing professional development and regular renewal.
Biennial Renewal Requirements
Missouri LPC licenses expire every two years on June 30 of odd-numbered years. The Committee mails renewal notices before your expiration date, but it's your responsibility to track your renewal deadline.
Renewal Requirements:
- Complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years
- At least 20 hours must be formal education (workshops, seminars, courses)
- Up to 20 hours can be informal education (self-study, reading, webinars)
- Complete 2 hours of suicide prevention training every renewal period
- Pay the biennial renewal fee ($75 as of 2025)
- Maintain professional liability insurance (recommended)
Suicide Prevention Training Requirement
Missouri requires all counselors to complete two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training for initial licensure and every subsequent renewal period. This requirement is in addition to your 40 hours of continuing education and reflects Missouri's commitment to addressing mental health crises effectively.
Acceptable suicide prevention training must cover evidence-based practices in suicide risk assessment, safety planning, treatment interventions, and appropriate referral procedures. Many professional organizations, including the Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association, offer approved training programs that fulfill this requirement.
Acceptable Continuing Education
Continuing education must be relevant to professional counseling practice and provided by approved sponsors. The Missouri Committee accepts CE from various sources, including professional organizations, universities, and approved online providers. Always verify that your CE provider is accepted before completing courses.
Late Renewal and Reinstatement
If you let your license lapse, you can reinstate within two years by paying both renewal and late fees ($75 renewal + $100 reinstatement = $175 total), completingthe required continuing education, and passing a new background check. Licenses lapsed beyond two years require reapplying as a new applicant.
Professional Organizations in Missouri
Joining professional organizations provides networking opportunities, continuing education, advocacy, and professional support throughout your counseling career.
Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA)
The state's premier organization for professional counselors, MMHCA offers an annual conference fulfilling CE requirements, networking events, supervisor training courses, and advocacy for counselor interests at the state legislature. Membership connects you with counseling professionals statewide and provides access to professional development resources.
American Counseling Association of Missouri (ACAM)
The Missouri division of the national American Counseling Association provides legislative updates, professional development opportunities, and an annual conference. ACAM membership includes access to national ACA resources and publications.
Missouri School Counselor Association (MSCA)
For counselors working in educational settings, MSCA offers specialized resources, advocacy for school counseling programs, and professional development tailored to school-based practice. The organization boasts over 1,600 members committed to student success.
Missouri Addiction Counselors Association (MACA)
Founded in 1971, MACA serves counselors specializing in substance abuse and addiction treatment. The organization provides specialized training, certification support, and connections to addiction treatment professionals across Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a counselor in Missouri without a master's degree?
No. Missouri requires all Licensed Professional Counselors to hold a graduate degree in counseling or a related field with a minimum of 48 semester hours (for those who enrolled before August 28, 2023) or 60 semester hours (for those who enrolled on or after that date). There are no exceptions to this requirement. Bachelor's-level professionals can work in related fields like case management or peer support, but cannot practice as licensed counselors without a graduate degree.
How long does it take to become a fully licensed LPC in Missouri?
The complete journey typically takes 6-8 years. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree, two years for your master's degree (including practicum), and 2-5 additional years to complete your 3,000 supervised hours as a PLPC. Full-time counseling work accelerates the supervision phase, while part-time positions extend the timeline.
What's the difference between a PLPC and an LPC in Missouri?
A Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) is an entry-level license obtained after completing your master's degree and passing the NCE. PLPCs work under supervision while accumulating the required clinical hours. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) has completed all supervision requirements and can practice independently, supervise other counselors, and operate a private practice without oversight.
Do I need to attend a CACREP-accredited program in Missouri?
CACREP accreditation isn't required in Missouri, but it offers significant advantages. CACREP graduates may take the NCE before degree completion, accelerating licensure timelines. These programs also guarantee that coursework meets all Missouri requirements, and many employers prefer CACREP graduates. If possible, choose a CACREP-accredited program for your master's degree.
How much do LPCs make in Missouri?
Mental health counselors in Missouri earn a median salary of $56,640 annually, according to May 2024 BLS data. Entry-level PLPCs typically start between $35,630 and $42,930, while experienced LPCs and private practice owners can earn $66,810 to $80,160 or more. Salaries vary significantly based on experience, setting, location, and specialization.
What is the suicide prevention training requirement?
Missouri requires all counselors to complete 2 hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment, and management training for initial licensure and every subsequent two-year renewal period. This training is in addition to your 40 hours of continuing education and must cover evidence-based practices in suicide prevention and intervention.
Can I provide telehealth counseling in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri LPCs can provide telehealth counseling services to clients physically located in Missouri. You must follow the same confidentiality, documentation, and practice standards as in-person counseling. To provide services to clients in other states, you need licensure in those states as well, unless interstate compacts apply.
Does Missouri offer reciprocity for out-of-state counseling licenses?
Missouri evaluates out-of-state applications on a case-by-case basis but doesn't have automatic reciprocity. If you hold an LPC license in another state for at least one year, you'll still need to apply through the Missouri Committee, submit verification of your out-of-state license, provide transcripts, complete a background check, and pass the Missouri Jurisprudence Exam. You may not need to retake the NCE if your previous license was based on that exam.
Did Missouri's education requirements change recently?
Yes. Effective August 28, 2023, Missouri increased the required semester hours from 48 to 60 for students enrolling on or after that date. Students who enrolled before August 28, 2023, can still complete the 48-semester-hour requirement. This change aligns Missouri with national counseling education standards.
Key Takeaways
- Updated Education Requirements: You need 48 semester hours if you enrolled before August 28, 2023, or 60 semester hours if you enrolled on or after that date in counseling or a related field
- Two-Tier System: Missouri counseling licensure follows a PLPC-to-LPC progression, requiring supervised experience before independent practice
- Substantial Time Investment: The complete process takes 6-8 years, including 3,000 supervised hours over at least 24 months (maximum 60 months) as a PLPC
- Two Required Exams: Pass both the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and the Missouri Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Examination at different stages of licensure
- Suicide Prevention Training: Complete 2 hours of suicide prevention training for initial licensure and every two-year renewal period
- Competitive Salaries: Missouri mental health counselors earn a median of $56,640 annually, with experienced professionals reaching $66,810-$80,160
- Strong Career Outlook: Growing demand for mental health services creates excellent opportunities throughout Missouri's urban and rural communities
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career in Missouri?
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Additional Missouri Mental Health Licensing Resources
Explore related mental health credentials in Missouri:
- How to Become a Psychologist in Missouri - Doctoral-level psychology licensure requirements
- Missouri Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing - LMFT credential pathway
- Licensed Professional Counseling Careers - Comprehensive career overview for LPCs
- Starting a Career in Counseling - General counseling career guidance
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.
