Key Takeaways
- Licensure as a mental health counselor typically requires a master’s degree and supervised clinical hours, though requirements vary by state.
- CACREP accreditation is required for licensure in some states and may help graduates meet educational requirements in others, depending on state regulations.
- A counseling master’s degree can help prepare graduates to pursue roles in mental health, substance use, or marriage and family counseling.
- Licensure exams such as the NCE and NCMHCE are administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
- Employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow much faster than average through 2035.3
- Walden’s CACREP-accredited MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a General Program and eight specializations.
Becoming a licensed mental health counselor typically requires earning a bachelor’s degree, completing a counseling master's degree, gaining supervised clinical experience, and passing required licensing examinations. Because some states require or favor graduation from a CACREP-accredited program, many students choose a CACREP-accredited degree to support their licensure goals. Licensure requirements vary by state. Here's a step-by-step look at the process.
What Does a Mental Health Therapist or Counselor Do?
Depending on their license and state requirements, mental health therapists and counselors assess, diagnose, and treat emotional and behavioral challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma using evidence-based techniques. They work in settings that include mental health centers, substance use treatment facilities, hospitals, community health centers, and private practice.1
At its core, the role centers on helping people. Counselors guide clients as they build on their strengths, develop coping skills, and work through challenges that interfere with daily life. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, though the specific license required varies by state.
Day-to-day responsibilities typically include:2
- Conducting clinical assessments and diagnosing mental health conditions
- Developing and adjusting individualized treatment plans
- Leading individual, group, or family counseling sessions
- Teaching coping strategies and evidence-based techniques
- Coordinating care with physicians, schools, and other providers
- Maintaining accurate clinical records
Why Consider a Mental Health Counselor Career?
The human value of the work draws many people to counseling, and that sense of purpose is matched by strong demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects much faster-than-average job growth for the field.
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035—faster than the average for all occupations—with about 50,500 openings projected each year, on average, over the decade.3
How Do You Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor?
Becoming a licensed mental health counselor typically requires a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on a state-recognized licensure exam. Some states require or prefer graduation from a CACREP-accredited program. Exact licensure requirements vary by state.
Here’s a closer look at each of those steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. Common majors include psychology, social work, and human services, though a specific major isn’t always required. A bachelor’s degree is generally a prerequisite for admission to a graduate program.
- Consider a CACREP-accredited master’s program and earn a master’s degree. CACREP—the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs—is an independent body that reviews counseling programs against professional standards. CACREP accreditation is a requirement for licensure in some states and referenced in licensing regulations in many others.4 When evaluating a CACREP-accredited program, look for:
- Curriculum covering core competencies such as diagnosis and assessment, ethics and legal issues, evidence-based counseling techniques, group processes, human development, cultural diversity, and career counseling
- Supervised field placements built into the program
- Flexible or online learning formats that accommodate working adults
- Complete supervised field experience. Practicum and internship hours, completed under a licensed supervisor, are standard components of an accredited program.
- Accumulate postgraduate supervised clinical hours. Many states require 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work after graduation before a counselor can practice independently.5
- Pass a national licensure exam. States typically require the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), both administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).6 The NCMHCE also fulfills the exam requirement for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) specialty certification.7
- Apply for state licensure. Each state board sets its own requirements and issues its own credential (LPC, LMHC, etc.). No program can guarantee licensure, so prospective counselors should verify requirements with their state board. The NBCC State Board Directory and the American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB) are useful resources for state-specific information.
- Maintain licensure through continuing education. Most states require ongoing continuing education credits to keep a license active.8
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling?
A master’s program in clinical mental health counseling builds knowledge and skills that graduates may choose to apply to roles such as these:
- Clinical mental health counselor: Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders in clinics, private practice, or hospitals
- Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor: Support individuals experiencing substance abuse and co-occurring disorders
- Career counselor: Help clients navigate career decisions and transitions
- Counseling roles serving couples and families: Support couples and families as they address relationship and communication challenges, subject to applicable education and licensure requirements
What Specializations Are Available in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program?
Clinical mental health counseling master’s programs often offer specializations that allow students to tailor their education to their career interests.
Walden University’s CACREP-accredited online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, for example, features a General Program and eight specializations:
- Addiction Counseling
- Forensic Counseling
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
- Military Families and Culture
- Play Therapy
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Telehealth Counseling, Private Practice, and Supervision
- Trauma and Crisis Counseling
How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor?
After earning a bachelor’s degree, becoming a licensed mental health counselor can take approximately 3–5 years. The major milestones break down as follows:5
- Master’s degree: Approximately 2–3 years, depending on full- or part-time enrollment
- Postgraduate supervised clinical hours: Often 2,000 to 3,000 hours (about 1–2 years)
- Licensure exam and application: Additional time varies by state
Because each state sets its own requirements, the timeline can shift based on where you plan to practice. Prospective counselors should check with their state board, the NBCC, and the AASCB early on to map out the exact hours, exams, and steps that apply to them.
What Does Walden’s Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Offer?
Walden’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program is designed to give students opportunities to build clinical competencies, help prepare for licensure, and pursue a specialization. The online format gives working professionals greater choice in how and where they pursue their studies.
Through a mix of research, practical applications, and coursework, the curriculum explores counseling theories, evidence-based research, and tools to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders.
The curriculum gives students the opportunity to develop competencies in:
- Diagnosis and assessment
- Human development
- Cultural diversity
- Evidence-based counseling techniques
- Group processes
- Career counseling
Coursework is taught by faculty with clinical practice experience. The program incorporates interactive simulations and case studies for practical application. Supervised fieldwork is built into the program, with guidance from experienced professionals. Students also have access to support services that include a Student Success Advisor, digital library, and career center.
Is a Career in Mental Health Counseling Worth It?
The path takes commitment, often including completion of a counseling master's degree, supervised clinical experience, and licensure requirements. Graduates may pursue a range of counseling roles focused on helping people navigate life's challenges. Anyone drawn to this work can learn more by exploring accredited programs and learning what their state requires for licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree is required to become a mental health counselor?
A master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling is generally required, along with state licensure. Some states also accept closely related counseling degrees, such as those in marriage and family therapy, though accepted fields vary by state board.
How many supervised hours are required for licensure?
Many states require 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work after graduation before a counselor can practice independently.
What is the difference between a mental health counselor and a therapist?
The terms are often used interchangeably; the specific license title a person holds (LPC, LMHC, LCPC, etc.) depends on their state’s requirements.
What is the difference between the NCE and the NCMHCE?
Both are national exams used for counselor licensure; the NCMHCE focuses on clinical mental health counseling and also fulfills the exam requirement for the CCMHC specialty certification.
Does a master’s program guarantee licensure?
No graduate program can guarantee licensure; graduates must meet their state board’s specific requirements, including exams and supervised hours.
1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-3
2Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-2
3Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
4Source: www.cacrep.org/for-students/
5Source: https://community.nbcc.org/certification/ncc
6Source: https://nbcc.org/licensure
7Source: https://nbcc.org/exams/ncmhce
8Source: https://cectrack.com/profession/licensed-professional-counselor
Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering an online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. Earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
Note on Licensure
Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which is a requirement for licensure in many states. The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for licensing exams and to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state counseling boards. Because no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements. For more information about licensure, students should visit the National Board for Certified Counselors at www.nbcc.org/stateboarddirectory or the American Association of State Counseling Boards at www.aascb.org, and contact the appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body. Learn more about professional licensure.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
