How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia
To become a licensed professional counselor in Georgia, you'll need a CACREP-accredited master's degree in counseling, pass the NCE or NCMHCE exam, complete two years of supervised experience as an Associate Professional Counselor, and apply for full licensure. The median salary for mental health counselors in Georgia is $55,320 as of May 2024.
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal plains, Georgia offers diverse opportunities for mental health professionals. If you're passionate about helping others navigate life's challenges, becoming a licensed professional counselor in Georgia could be your path to a rewarding career. With growing demand and competitive salaries, now is an excellent time to pursue licensure in this field.
Understanding how to become a licensed professional counselor in Georgia starts with knowing the education and licensing requirements set by the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists.
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Education Requirements for Georgia Counselors
Licensed professional counselors in Georgia must complete a master's degree or higher in counseling or applied psychology. The program must be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
CACREP-Accredited Programs
CACREP accreditation is the gold standard for counseling education. These programs ensure you receive comprehensive training aligned with national standards. Georgia has several CACREP-accredited counseling graduate programs at institutions throughout the state.
Non-CACREP Program Requirements
If your program isn't CACREP-accredited, it must include specific coursework to qualify for Georgia licensure. Your program must consist of:
- Counseling/psychotherapy theory – Understanding therapeutic approaches and theoretical frameworks
- Practicum or internship – At least 600 hours of supervised clinical experience
- At least six of the following nine content areas:
- Human growth and development
- Multicultural counseling or diversity training
- Counseling techniques/skills or advanced psychotherapy/intervention theory
- Group dynamics and group counseling/psychotherapy
- Lifestyle and career development
- Appraisal/assessment of individuals
- Research methods and evaluation, or research statistics
- Professional orientation and ethics
- Psychopathology
Online and Hybrid Program Options
Many accredited schools now offer online counseling degrees with hybrid formats that combine online coursework with in-person practicum experiences. These programs provide flexibility for working professionals while maintaining the rigorous standards required for licensure.
Step-by-Step Licensing Pathway in Georgia
Becoming a licensed professional counselor in Georgia follows a straightforward four-step process. Understanding each stage helps you plan your educational and professional journey.
| Step | Requirement | Timeline | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Education | Master's degree in counseling | 2-3 years | CACREP-accredited preferred, 60+ credit hours typical |
| 2. National Exam | Pass NCE or NCMHCE | Before or during supervision | Administered by NBCC, multiple testing windows are available annually |
| 3. Associate License | Apply as an Associate Professional Counselor | After passing the exam | Allows supervised practice, renewable |
| 4. Supervised Experience | 2 years (3,000 hours minimum) | 2+ years | Under a licensed supervisor, 100 hours of supervision are required |
| 5. Full Licensure | LPC application and $100 fee | After completing supervision | Renewal is biennial, and continuing education is required |
National Examination Requirements
Georgia accepts two national examinations administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC):
- National Counselor Examination (NCE) – A 200-question exam covering counseling theory, practice, and ethics
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) – A simulation-based exam focusing on clinical decision-making
You only need to pass one of these examinations to meet Georgia's licensing requirements.
Associate Professional Counselor Stage
Once you pass your national examination, you'll apply to become a Georgia Associate Professional Counselor. This associate license allows you to practice counseling under supervision while completing your required clinical hours. During this phase, you'll work with clients, develop your therapeutic skills, and receive regular oversight from a licensed professional counselor.
Applying for Full Licensure
After completing at least two years of supervised experience, you can apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. The application fee is $100, and you'll need to document your supervised hours and demonstrate completion of all requirements.
Counseling Specialties and Career Paths
As you learn how to become a licensed professional counselor in Georgia, you'll discover numerous specialization options. Counseling careers span diverse settings and populations, allowing you to focus on areas that align with your interests and strengths.
Popular Counseling Specializations
- Mental health counseling – Work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health concerns
- Substance abuse counseling – Help clients overcome addiction and maintain recovery.
- School counseling – Support students' academic, social, and emotional development
- Career counseling – Guide individuals through career decisions and transitions
- Couples and family counseling – Address relationship dynamics and family systems (may require additional MFT licensure)
- Grief counseling – Support individuals processing loss and bereavement
- Rehabilitation counseling – Assist people with disabilities in achieving independence
- Geriatric counseling – Address the unique mental health needs of older adults
Georgia Counselor Salaries and Job Outlook
Georgia offers competitive compensation for licensed counselors, with salaries varying by experience, specialization, and geographic location within the state.
Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Georgia
As of May 2024, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Georgia earned the following salaries:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $39,020 | Entry-level positions, first 1-2 years |
| 25th Percentile | $46,150 | Early career counselors with 2-3 years of experience |
| Median (50th) | $55,320 | Typical salary for established counselors |
| 75th Percentile | $71,980 | Experienced counselors in supervisory roles |
| 90th Percentile | $93,200 | Top earners, private practice, specialized roles |
Job Growth Projections
The outlook for counselors in Georgia is robust. Between 2020 and 2030, the number of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor jobs in Georgia is projected to increase by 32%. This growth rate significantly exceeds the national average of 22% for the same period.
During this timeframe, Georgia expects approximately 870 annual job openings due to new job growth, retirements, and natural workforce turnover. This robust demand reflects increased recognition of mental health needs and expanded access to counseling services.
Factors Influencing Counselor Salaries
Several factors affect earning potential for Georgia counselors:
- Geographic location – The Atlanta metro area typically offers higher salaries than rural regions
- Practice setting – Private practice, hospitals, and government agencies often pay differently
- Specialization – Certain specialties command premium compensation
- Experience level – Years of practice and advanced certifications increase earning potential
- Client population – Some populations and treatment modalities offer higher reimbursement rates
Related Mental Health Careers in Georgia
If you're interested in counseling, you might also want to explore related mental health professions in Georgia. Each career path requires different education and licensing but shares the common goal of helping people improve their mental health and well-being.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Clinical and counseling psychologists apply psychological principles to assess and treat mental health conditions. They work in schools, hospitals, private practices, and research settings.
- Education required: Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD)
- Georgia median salary: Data varies by setting, typically $80,000-$120,000+
- Learn more: How to become a psychologist in Georgia
Marriage and Family Therapists
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) use family systems approaches to help couples and families improve relationships and resolve conflicts. As of May 2024, MFTs in Georgia earned a median salary of $58,830, with experienced professionals in the 90th percentile earning approximately $98,100.
- Education required: Master's degree in marriage and family therapy
- Georgia median salary: $58,830 (May 2024)
- Top earners (90th percentile): $98,100
- Learn more: How to become a marriage and family therapist in Georgia
Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors work with clients who have physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities. They help individuals live independently and achieve their personal and vocational goals.
- Education required: Master's degree in rehabilitation counseling
- Typical work settings: Rehabilitation centers, hospitals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations
- Focus areas: Vocational training, independent living skills, assistive technology, job placement
School Counselors
School counselors support students' academic achievement, career development, and social-emotional well-being. They work in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Georgia.
- Education required: Master's degree in school counseling
- Additional requirement: Georgia teaching certificate or school counseling certification
- Work environment: Public and private schools, college counseling centers
Social Workers
Social workers provide support services to individuals, families, and communities facing challenges such as poverty, mental illness, addiction, and trauma. Learn more about social work licensing in Georgia.
- Education required: Bachelor's degree for entry-level; master's degree (MSW) for clinical practice
- Settings: Healthcare facilities, schools, child welfare agencies, mental health centers
- Specializations: Clinical social work, healthcare social work, child and family social work
Schools with Counseling Degree Programs Accepting Georgia Students
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Counselor in Georgia
How long does it take to become a licensed counselor in Georgia?
The complete process typically takes 5-7 years. This includes 2-3 years for your master's degree, time to pass the national exam, and at least 2 years of supervised experience as an Associate Professional Counselor. Some students complete their education more quickly with full-time enrollment, while others study part-time and take longer.
Can I practice counseling while completing my supervised hours?
Yes. Once you obtain your Associate Professional Counselor license, you can provide counseling services under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor. This associate status allows you to gain practical experience and earn income while working toward full licensure.
Do I need a doctoral degree to be a counselor in Georgia?
No. Georgia requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field for LPC licensure. Doctoral degrees are necessary only for psychologists. However, some counselors choose to pursue postgraduate degrees to expand their career options, teach at universities, or conduct research.
What's the difference between an LPC and an LMFT in Georgia?
Both are master's-level licenses, but they have different focuses. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) provide mental health counseling to individuals, couples, and groups for a range of issues. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) specifically focus on relationship dynamics and family systems. Some professionals hold both licenses to expand their scope of practice.
Is the NCE or NCMHCE exam harder?
The difficulty varies by individual. The NCE is a traditional multiple-choice exam covering broad counseling knowledge, while the NCMHCE uses clinical simulations requiring decision-making skills. Most students find the format they're more comfortable with based on their learning style and clinical experience. Your graduate program can help you decide which exam aligns better with your strengths.
Can I get licensed in Georgia if I completed my degree in another state?
Yes, as long as your degree meets Georgia's requirements. Your program must be from a CACREP-accredited school or meet the specific coursework requirements outlined by the Georgia licensing board. The board reviews out-of-state transcripts to verify you've completed all necessary content areas.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia requires a master's degree in counseling (CACREP-accredited preferred), passing the NCE or NCMHCE exam, and two years of supervised experience for LPC licensure
- Mental health counselors in Georgia earn a median salary of $55,320, with top earners making $93,200+ annually (May 2024 BLS data)
- Job growth for counselors in Georgia is projected at 32% through 2030, creating approximately 870 annual job openings
- Many specialization options exist, including mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, school counseling, and rehabilitation counseling
- Online and hybrid counseling programs offer flexibility for working professionals pursuing licensure
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career in Georgia?
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Additional Resources for Georgia Counselor Applicants
- Georgia Psychologist Licensing
- Georgia Social Work Licensing
- Georgia Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Counseling Careers
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
