How to Become a Licensed Counselor in South Carolina
To become a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina, you need a 48-credit master's degree in counseling, 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice (including 120 face-to-face supervision hours), and you must pass either the NCE or NCMHCE exam. The complete process from starting graduate school to full LPC licensure typically takes 3-4 years.
South Carolina's licensed professional counselors play a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the state. From substance abuse counseling and crisis intervention to marriage counseling and career guidance, LPCs work in diverse settings including private practices, hospitals, schools, and community mental health centers. If you're passionate about helping others navigate life's challenges, becoming a licensed counselor in South Carolina offers both personal fulfillment and strong career prospects.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every requirement, from education and supervised experience to examinations and licensure, giving you a clear roadmap to starting your counseling career in the Palmetto State.
Table of Contents
- Education Requirements for South Carolina LPCs
- Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements
- Examination Requirements
- Application Process and Fees
- How Long Does It Take and What Does It Cost?
- Related Mental Health Career Options in South Carolina
- Counseling Salaries and Career Outlook in South Carolina
- Career Specialization Pathways
- Frequently Asked Questions
Education Requirements for South Carolina LPCs
The foundation of becoming a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina is earning an accredited graduate degree specifically in counseling or a closely related discipline. The South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Addiction Counselors and Psycho-Educational Specialists (SC LLR Board) requires a minimum of 48 graduate semester hours that meet specific curriculum standards.
Master's or Doctoral Degree Requirements
Your graduate program must include comprehensive coursework covering nine core content areas:
- Human Growth and Development: Understanding psychological development across the lifespan
- Social and Cultural Foundations: Multicultural counseling and diversity issues
- The Helping Relationship: Counseling theories, techniques, and therapeutic skills
- Group Dynamics, Processing, and Counseling: Facilitating therapeutic groups
- Lifestyle and Career Development: Career counseling and life planning
- Appraisal of Individuals: Assessment methods and psychological testing
- Research and Evaluation: Understanding research methods and outcome measurement
- Professional Orientation: Ethics, legal issues, and professional identity
- Psychopathology or Diagnostics of Psychopathology: Mental health diagnosis using the DSM
Practicum and Internship Requirements
Beyond classroom learning, your graduate program must include substantial hands-on clinical training:
- Practicum: Minimum 100 hours of supervised counseling practice
- Internship: Minimum 600 hours of supervised counseling experience in real clinical settings
CACREP Accreditation Matters
While not always required, choosing a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) offers significant advantages. CACREP-accredited programs meet rigorous national standards and may streamline your path to licensure in South Carolina and other states if you relocate. Many employers also prefer or require CACREP credentials.
Online and Hybrid Counseling Programs
Many online master's degrees in counseling now offer the same quality curriculum as traditional on-campus programs, with added flexibility for working professionals or those with geographic limitations. These programs must still meet all SC Board requirements, including supervised practicum and internship hours completed in approved clinical settings.
Explore accredited graduate counseling programs accepting South Carolina students.
Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements
After completing your master's degree, you must apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A) before beginning your post-graduate supervised experience. This associate license allows you to practice counseling under supervision while accumulating the hours required for full licensure.
LPC-A Registration
You must register as an LPC-A with the South Carolina Board before you begin accruing supervised hours. Working without this registration means your hours won't count toward licensure. The LPC-A status clearly identifies you as a provisionally licensed counselor working toward full credentials.
Supervision Hour Requirements
As an LPC-A, you must complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice in professional counseling. This experience must include:
- Direct Client Contact: Face-to-face counseling sessions with individuals, couples, families, or groups
- Immediate Supervision: At least 120 hours must be individual, face-to-face supervision with your qualified supervisor
- Approved Settings: Hours completed in mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, private practices, or other approved clinical environments
Qualified Supervisors
Your clinical supervisor must hold one of these licenses in South Carolina:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed Physician (such as a psychiatrist)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice (LISW-CP)
Finding and Paying for Supervision
Finding qualified supervision is one of the most important steps in your licensure journey. Many LPC-As find supervision through their employment (if working in a mental health setting), while others contract with private supervisors. Supervision costs vary widely across South Carolina, typically ranging from $50-$150 per supervision hour. Some employers cover supervision costs, while others require you to pay independently or split costs.
When selecting a supervisor, consider their specialization area, supervision style, availability, and whether their guidance aligns with your career goals. A good supervisory relationship provides not just required hours, but valuable mentorship and professional development.
Examination Requirements
Before receiving full LPC licensure, you must pass a national counseling examination demonstrating your clinical knowledge and competence. South Carolina accepts two examination options, both administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Examination Options
| Exam | Format | Questions | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Counselor Examination (NCE) | Multiple Choice | 200 questions | General counseling knowledge, theory, and practice |
| National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) | Simulation-Based | 10 clinical simulations | Clinical decision-making and case conceptualization |
Exam Registration and Preparation
You can register for the NCE or NCMHCE through the NBCC website. Both exams are computer-based and offered year-round at testing centers throughout South Carolina. Many counselors find the NCE slightly more straightforward if they have strong foundational knowledge, while others prefer the NCMHCE's case-based format if they excel at clinical reasoning.
Preparation resources include study guides, practice exams, review courses, and study groups. Most LPC-As spend 2-4 months preparing for their chosen examination. The NBCC provides detailed content outlines to guide your study efforts.
Application Process and Fees
Once you've completed your supervised experience hours and passed your examination, you're ready to apply for full Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status in South Carolina.
Application Steps
- Complete the LPC Application: Download and fill out the application from the SC Board website
- Submit Official Transcripts: Request transcripts directly from your graduate institution
- Provide Supervision Documentation: Your supervisor must complete verification forms confirming your 1,500 hours
- Submit Exam Scores: Request official score reports from NBCC
- Background Check: Complete any required background checks or fingerprinting
- Pay Application Fee: Current fee is $170 for LPC licensure
Processing Time
The South Carolina Board typically processes complete applications within 4-8 weeks. Incomplete applications or missing documentation will delay your licensure, so carefully review all requirements before submitting.
How Long Does It Take and What Does It Cost?
Understanding the time commitment and financial investment helps you plan realistically for your counseling career.
Timeline Overview
| Phase | Duration | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Degree Program | 2-3 years | 48+ credits, practicum, internship |
| LPC-A Registration & Supervised Experience | 1-2 years | 1,500 clinical hours, 120 supervision hours |
| Exam Preparation & Testing | 2-4 months | Pass NCE or NCMHCE |
| Application Processing | 1-2 months | Complete application, background check |
| Total Time to Full Licensure | 3-4 years | All requirements completed |
Cost Considerations
While costs vary significantly based on your choices, typical expenses include:
- Graduate Tuition: $20,000-$60,000+ for a master's program (varies widely by institution and residency status)
- Supervision Costs: $6,000-$18,000 (120 hours × $50-$150/hour if self-paying)
- Examination Fees: $335-$450 (NCE or NCMHCE registration)
- Application Fees: $170 (LPC-A and LPC applications)
- Background Checks: $50-$100
- Study Materials: $200-$500 (exam prep resources)
Many counselors offset costs through graduate assistantships, employer-sponsored supervision, or by working in settings that provide free supervision. South Carolina also offers loan forgiveness programs for mental health professionals working in underserved areas.
Related Mental Health Career Options in South Carolina
As you explore your path to becoming a counselor, you might wonder about related mental health professions in South Carolina. Understanding these career options helps you choose the right educational and licensure path.
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and provide psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for complex mental health conditions. They work in schools, hospitals, private practices, and research settings. Clinical and counseling psychologists in South Carolina earned a median salary of $94,780 as of May 2024, while school psychologists earned a median of $71,450. The profession requires 4-6 years of doctoral education beyond a bachelor's degree, plus extensive supervised experience. Learn more about becoming a psychologist in South Carolina.
Marriage and Family Therapists
LMFTs specialize in relationship dynamics and systemic therapy, working with couples and families to address issues like communication problems, parenting conflicts, divorce adjustment, and family mental health concerns. This rewarding specialization involves a master's degree specifically in marriage and family therapy, along with supervised clinical hours and passing the national MFT examination. Marriage and family therapists in South Carolina earned a median salary of $57,740 as of May 2024. Discover how to become a marriage and family therapist in South Carolina.
Clinical Social Workers
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) provide mental health services while also addressing social, economic, and environmental factors affecting clients' well-being. They often work with underserved populations and in medical settings. Clinical social workers in South Carolina earned a median salary of $57,090 as of May 2024. The path includes a master's in social work (MSW), supervised clinical experience, and licensure examinations. Explore becoming a social worker in South Carolina.
School and Career Counselors
School counselors help students develop academic skills, career awareness, and social-emotional competencies in K-12 educational settings. Career counselors work with adults on vocational planning, job search strategies, and career transitions. Educational, guidance, and career counselors in South Carolina earned a median salary of $56,300 as of May 2024. This path typically requires a master's degree in school counseling or career counseling, though licensure requirements differ from clinical counselor credentials.
Psychiatric Technicians and Aides
These professionals provide direct care and support to individuals with mental illness or developmental disabilities under the supervision of licensed practitioners. Psychiatric technicians in South Carolina earned a median salary of $39,520 as of May 2024. This career requires less education (often an associate degree or certificate) and can be an entry point before pursuing advanced credentials.
Counseling Salaries and Career Outlook in South Carolina
South Carolina offers competitive salaries for licensed professional counselors, with strong job growth projected through the next decade.
South Carolina Mental Health Counselor Salaries (2024)
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $34,730 | Entry-level or part-time positions |
| 25th Percentile | $40,480 | Early career counselors (1-3 years of experience) |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $50,720 | Typical salary for licensed counselors |
| 75th Percentile | $65,770 | Experienced counselors (5-10 years) |
| 90th Percentile | $84,190 | Senior counselors, supervisors, and private practice owners |
Factors Affecting Counselor Salaries
Your earning potential as a counselor depends on several key factors:
- Experience Level: Salaries increase significantly with years in practice and specialized expertise
- Geographic Location: Urban areas like Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia typically offer higher salaries than rural regions
- Work Setting: Private practice, hospitals, and substance abuse treatment centers often pay more than school-based or nonprofit positions
- Specialization: Counselors with expertise in high-demand areas like trauma, addiction, or couples therapy command higher rates
- Additional Certifications: Credentials like National Certified Counselor (NCC) or specialty certifications boost marketability
Job Growth and Employment Outlook
The demand for mental health counselors in South Carolina is growing rapidly. Between 2020 and 2030, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor jobs are projected to increase by 23% in South Carolina, significantly faster than average for all occupations. This growth translates to approximately 210 annual job openings throughout the decade.
Several factors drive this strong demand:
- Increased public awareness of mental health issues
- Growing acceptance of counseling and therapy
- Expansion of insurance coverage for mental health services
- Rising rates of substance abuse requiring treatment
- School-based mental health service expansion
- Retirement of experienced counselors creates openings
Related Career Salaries in South Carolina (2024)
| Career | Median Salary | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Counseling Psychologists | $94,780 | $127,310 |
| School Psychologists | $71,450 | $102,850 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $57,740 | $86,660 |
| Clinical Social Workers | $57,090 | $78,920 |
| School/Career Counselors | $56,300 | $86,570 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $37,010 | $53,990 |
Career Specialization Pathways
Once you're licensed as an LPC in South Carolina, you can pursue specialized areas of practice that align with your interests and the populations you're most passionate about serving.
Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
South Carolina faces significant challenges with opioid addiction, alcohol abuse, and substance use disorders. Addiction counselors work in residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and recovery support programs. This specialization often involves additional certification as a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).
Trauma and PTSD Counseling
Counselors specializing in trauma work with survivors of abuse, violence, accidents, military combat, and natural disasters. Training in evidence-based approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy enhances your effectiveness in this area.
Child and Adolescent Counseling
Working with young people requires specialized training in developmental psychology, play therapy, and family systems. Many child counselors work in schools, pediatric hospitals, or private practice settings serving families.
Couples and Relationship Counseling
Helping couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships is a rewarding specialization. While LMFTs focus primarily on this area, many LPCs also develop expertise in couples counseling through additional training and certification.
Geriatric and End-of-Life Counseling
As South Carolina's population ages, counselors specializing in older adult mental health, dementia care, grief counseling, and end-of-life issues are increasingly needed in nursing homes, hospice programs, and senior centers.
Career and Vocational Counseling
Career counselors help clients with job transitions, career exploration, resume development, and work-life balance. This specialization often involves working with career assessment tools and labor market information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed counselor in South Carolina?
The complete process typically takes 3-4 years from starting your master's program to receiving full LPC licensure. This includes 2-3 years for your graduate degree and 1-2 years completing your supervised clinical hours as an LPC-A.
Can I work as a counselor while completing my supervision hours?
Yes, you can work as a counselor once you're registered as an LPC-A (Licensed Professional Counselor Associate). You must practice under supervision from a qualified licensed professional and clearly identify yourself as a counselor associate, not a fully licensed LPC.
What's the difference between LPC-A and LPC in South Carolina?
An LPC-A is a provisionally licensed counselor who has completed graduate education but is still accumulating the required 1,500 supervised hours. An LPC is fully licensed after completing all supervision hours, passing the national examination, and receiving Board approval. LPCs can practice independently and supervise others, while LPC-As must work under supervision.
Do online counseling degrees qualify for South Carolina licensure?
Yes, online master's degrees in counseling qualify for South Carolina licensure as long as the program meets all Board requirements, including the required curriculum content areas, practicum hours, and internship hours. The program should be regionally accredited, and CACREP accreditation is highly recommended, though not always required.
How much does supervision cost in South Carolina?
Supervision costs vary widely, typically ranging from $50-$150 per hour. With 120 required supervision hours, you might pay $6,000-$18,000 if self-paying. Many employers provide free supervision or share costs. Some supervisors offer sliding scale fees for new counselors.
Can I transfer my counseling license from another state to South Carolina?
South Carolina may recognize counseling licenses from other states through a reciprocity or endorsement process. You'll need to apply with the SC Board, provide proof of your current license in good standing, demonstrate equivalent education and experience, and may need to pass the NCE or NCMHCE if you haven't already. Requirements vary based on your previous state's standards.
What is the passing score for the NCE exam?
The NCE uses a scaled scoring system, and the passing score is determined by NBCC using statistical methods. The raw passing score (number of correct answers needed) varies slightly with each exam version to maintain consistent difficulty. Typically, you need to answer approximately 91-99 questions correctly out of 160 scored questions (40 questions are unscored pilot questions).
How do I find a qualified supervisor in South Carolina?
Start by contacting your graduate program's alumni network, asking at your place of employment, reaching out to the South Carolina Counseling Association, or searching the SC Board website for licensed LPCs. Many experienced counselors offer supervision services. Interview potential supervisors to ensure their approach, availability, and expertise match your professional development goals.
Do I need liability insurance as an LPC-A?
Yes, professional liability insurance is essential even as an LPC-A. Your employer may provide coverage, but many counselors purchase their own policy to ensure adequate protection. The American Counseling Association and other professional organizations offer affordable liability insurance for counselors and counselor associates.
Can I open a private practice immediately after getting my LPC?
Technically yes, but it's not always advisable. While you can legally practice independently once fully licensed, most counselors gain additional experience in established settings before opening private practices. Starting a practice requires business skills, liability insurance, office space, billing systems, and a client base—significant considerations beyond clinical competence alone.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina requires a 48-credit master's degree in counseling with nine specific content areas, plus a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship experience before you can begin working toward licensure.
- You must register as an LPC-A before starting your 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practice, which includes at least 120 hours of face-to-face supervision with a qualified licensed professional.
- Passing either the NCE or NCMHCE national examination is required for full licensure, and both exams are available year-round through computer-based testing centers.
- The complete journey from starting graduate school to full LPC licensure typically takes 3-4 years, with median salaries of $50,720 annually in South Carolina as of 2024.
- Job growth for mental health counselors in South Carolina is projected at 23% through 2030, creating approximately 210 annual job openings driven by increased mental health awareness and expanded insurance coverage.
- Counselors can specialize in areas like substance abuse treatment, trauma counseling, child and adolescent therapy, couples counseling, or geriatric mental health to align their careers with their passions.
Ready to Begin Your Counseling Career in South Carolina?
Explore accredited master's programs in counseling that meet South Carolina licensure requirements and fit your schedule, location, and career goals.
Find South Carolina Counseling Programs
Additional Resources for South Carolina Counselors
- South Carolina Psychologist Licensing Guide
- South Carolina Social Work Licensing Information
- South Carolina Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Complete Guide to Starting a Career in Counseling
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors; Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, School Psychologists; Marriage & Family Therapists; Social Workers; and School and Career Counselors are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
